“At least we know Jeremy didn’t cause any trouble last night. He sat on his front porch all evening. Ben returned, and the old man stayed on his ass the moment he pulled into the driveway,” Leo said, frowning. “We searched the hospital last night. They didn’t find any weapons, but we confiscated alcohol from a few teens and a knife. Kassie called them all to the cafeteria this morning to give them a lecture on alcoholmixing with medications, and how she’ll boot their asses right out if she discovers it again.”
“I wonder how they took it,” Ty said, imagining Kassie with her hands on her hips and a motherly scowl.
“I don’t know. Considering she called Ivan and Victoria to borrow a few of their men and requested their presence at the meeting, she means business. A little scare tactic mixed with a threat most likely got her point across. A few veterans had some things confiscated, too. I’m hoping to make it back in time to watch the show,” Leo said, grinning.
Ty joined him, imagining Kassie on a war path, staring down people twice her size.
A car sped down the street, its tires squealing as it made the turn and came to a stop in front of the former restaurant. Recognizing the car, Ty dropped the cup and ran as Maria rushed around the car.
“Help, help, Ty. It’s Scarlett and your mom. A man broke into the house. They’re in trouble,” she cried.
“Get in my truck,” Leo shouted, taking off running.
Ty climbed inside as Leo floored the gas pedal, heading toward his house. With his mic still in his ear from the night shift, Leo shouted orders to his men, sending them scrambling.
“When did Jeremy leave?” Leo shouted.
“His truck’s in the driveway,” Shadow reported. “I’m heading to the house.”
Leo listened as Shadow pounded on the door. “Leo. It’s not Jeremy. He’s lying in the living room dead.”
Leo glanced at Ty, repeating Shadow’s announcement. They sped closer to the house with Taco, Knight’s, and Ragu’s trucks racing up behind them.
Ty’s body buzzed, and his heart pounded in his chest. Cold sweat covered his neck as they roundedhis driveway.
They veered off into the field where Ty harvested hay and corn to reach the back of the house.
“Stay close to me,” Leo commanded as they jumped from the truck. Weapons emerged from the cabs as the men split into pairs. Ty followed Leo as they breached his house.
Calling the all clear, Shadow motioned for Ty to enter the kitchen. Blood spotted the floor along with the rope. A heavy knife lay on the kitchen table, sending Ty’s head spinning.
Taco spoke into his mic. “The barn has a damaged door and it’s open. Clearing.”
Leo signaled for the others, and they rushed toward the barn, spreading out.
“Call a bus,” Taco called. “Rocker’s injured. Hang on, man. We got you,” he encouraged.
Patch dropped his pack on the floor, kneeling over Scarlett’s friend. Rocker’s eyes drifted to Ty. His hand pointed to the stall before Patch ordered, “Help me turn him, slowly. I have to find the wound.”
Leo called for the hospital’s helo, requesting assistance and giving their location.
Ty ran to the stall, seeing the blood splattered on the wall. “Hank’s missing. Scarlett has only ordered him to the lake.”
“Taco, Shadow. Go down the back roads and come back toward the front. Saint, Knight, take the east and west side, check in,” Leo said, running towards his truck with Ty at his heels.
Leo drove like a madman down the dirt road. As they neared, they spotted Jeremy’s feed truck. Ty opened his door before Leo even stopped. He ran toward the other vehicle.
“Damn it, Ty, take cover,” Leo shouted as a gun fired. Ty dove to the ground, yelling Scarlett’s name. More shots sounded, and Leo ran towards the trees on his left.
Ty pushed up from the ground, seeing a body lying in thegrass. Leo rolled the man over, and he saw the shocked expression on Leo’s face as he handcuffed the person.
“Scarlett,” Ty called.
“Stop,” Leo ordered. “My men haven’t cleared the woods. We don’t know if we have multiple shooters.”
Ty slowed as he got closer to Leo and the bound man. It was Ben. The kid glared at him as he approached.
“What the hell? Ben?” he said, confused.
