“You’ll need me to navigate that hellhole,” I explain. “And don’t even think about arguing with me. I know my way around, and I’m local. I’ll help you get out of there alive.”
Two car doors open beside us, and Kalvin presses his nose to the window. “Where is everyone else?” he asks, his brows scrunching.
“Sinead and Colin are doing me a favor,” Keven says. “I’m trying to keep this on the down low to protect Kent.”
“Fuck that shit, Keven!” Kyler explodes, and I jump a little. “His life is in danger! We need every available person looking for him before The fucking Vipers get to him.”
For the first time ever, Keven looks ruffled. “Don’t fucking tell me how to do my job, Ky!” he shouts. “If I make this official, Kent will be arrested. He almost beat a man to death.”
“He’s a fucking scumbag criminal!” Kyler shouts, and I flinch.
“If he gets a record, his law career is over before it has begun,” Keven argues. “I’m trying to protect himandhis future.”
“We need to take that fucking scumbag down!” Kyler rants. “Send someone to the hospital to give him a lethal injection.”
All three of his brothers stare at Kyler like he’s lost his mind.
I can relate because I’m so confused.
It’s not like I don’t know who Clay is, but I’ve deliberately never pried into his gangland activities. I’m feeling pretty stupid and naïve right now.
Why didn’t I ever question it?
Because I looked the other way, not wanting to lose Clay from my life. I still don’t know what he’s done, what he’s involved in, whether he was personally involved in whatever has happened to Kent, or whether he really is a risk to my life, and I’m so conflicted.
Am I right to turn my back on him fully without knowing the facts?
I know Kent wouldn’t attack him for no reason, and I’m giving my boyfriend the benefit of the doubt.
Perhaps the fact I didn’t hesitate to take his side tells me everything I need to know.
I’m ashamed to admit that deep down I’ve known Clay isn’t a good man. I’ve chosen to deny that truth to keep him in my life, and I’m disgusted with myself. Everything I thought I knew has been turned upside down, and I still don’t have the facts. I have a feeling once I do I’m going to feel even more sickened and ashamed.
The guys are still arguing, and I’m done. If Kent is in there, we need to get him the hell out now.
“Stop it!” I scream, and they instantly mute. “If your brother is in there, we need to get him out now, and we’re going to need all the help we can get. I’m guessing you all have guns?” Kent thinks I didn’t spot the gun he shoved in his back pocket the last time we were here, but there isn’t much I miss. Truth is, I was glad he had a weapon. Only an idiot steps inside this shithole without a means to defend themselves. It’s why I have my small handgun in my purse.
One by one, they remove their firearms, and I extract mine from my purse, curling my fingers around the weapon and dumping my purse on the floor. “Don’t worry,” I tell Keven as he opens his mouth to speak. “I have a license.” I nudge Kalvin. “Let’s go. There is no time to waste.”
We all hop out, and Keven makes quick introductions. I nod at Sinead and Colin before I lead the way, stopping just outside the door. “Do not make eye contact with anyone, and keep your guns close, but out of sight. It doesn’t take much to spook these people. I will lead with Keven. We are heading toward the second floor. One of The Vipers’ dealers sells from one of the individual rooms upstairs, and if it’s hardcore shit you’re after, you end up in the room where Chris overdosed. If Kent is in here, he’s in that room.”
Knots twist and turn in my stomach, and acid crawls up my throat as I make my way inside. The big room is fully occupied tonight, and our entrance doesn’t go unnoticed. All the tiny hairs lift on the back of my neck as we stride through the space, keeping our heads down and our wits about us. I feel eyeballs glued to my back as we cross the room, but I can’t get distracted. I need to find Kent.
There is a collective sigh of relief when we step out into the dank hallway. “Kev,” Sinead whispers. “I really think we should call this in.”
“I agree,” Colin whispers. “I don’t like our chances of getting out of here alive. We need backup.”
We come to a halt. “Okay.” Keven exhales heavily. “I think you’re right. I don’t have a good feeling about this.”
“I’ll call it in,” Sinead says, “but keep moving.”
I caution them about the broken stairs, taking my time as we ascend to the next level, pointing out the places to avoid stepping. I’m panting by the time we reach the second-floor landing, but it’s not because I’m out of breath. I’m fucking terrified of what we might find.
For the first time in years, I pray. I beg whoever is up there to let Kent not be in here or if he is to let him be alive because I will not survive if I lose him too.
Adrenaline courses through my veins as I advance along the hallway, avoiding looking too closely at the occupants in the single rooms as we pass by. My heart is careening around my chest, and blood rushes to my head, making me feel light-headed. I sway a little on my feet, and Keven holds onto my elbow, steadying me.
“You don’t have to do this,” he says in a low tone as we walk side by side. “You can stay outside.”
