I glance in the direction she’s pointing, towards the line of trees near her side of the car. I squint, trying to make out what she can see, since there’s no fucking moonlight to help tonight, and it takes me amoment to spot two figures, rushing from tree to tree, coming towards us.
“Gun,” I bark, taking mine out, and Abbey finds hers a second later before scurrying over the middle console and into the back seat.
“Should you reverse the car up?” Abbey whispers into the dark, and I grunt in response, watching the shadows move closer.
“I don’t think they are a threat,” I say a moment later, taking in the feminine and male silhouettes. As far as I can make out, they keep darting glances over their shoulders back towards the barn, so to me, it looks like they are running from something. Not runningtoattack.
“Ringo… I’m scared. Bobbi…”
“I know, Angel. Trust me, I won’t let them hurt heroryou.”
With one hand on the gun and the other ready to shift the car into reverse, I wait, watching them dash closer.
“Oh, wait,” Abbey gasps. “I think it’s Nessy.”
Holding my breath, I hope like hell she’s right because they are getting too fucking close for comfort, but a moment later, they spring from the treeline, darting over to us, Nessy and Brody coming into view.
“Fuck,” I sigh, relieved it’s them, and I put the window down. “The fuck’s going on?”
“You gotta go!” Brody pants, desperation in his voice. “Get Abbey and Bobbi outta here.”
“Why?” Abbey cries. “What’s happening?”
“Abbey,” Nessy pants, “it’s your mum and grandfather. They are here!”
28
Itry to remain strong as Brody and Nessy speed back down the driveway in the Landy, my heart in the back seat, still sound asleep, unaware that her mum is about to face off with her biggest threat.
“Say it again,” I whisper.
“She’ll be fine. Brody will call Devon as soon as he gets service, and Bobbi will be with your sister in no time.”
I nod, trying to let his reassuring tone ease my mind, but all I feel is gut churning sickness as I watch the car pull onto the road and drive away.
They’ll be okay. The threat is here with me, not chasing after her.
I think of the Rebels then, remembering how nearly every time we left to go somewhere, they would appear. I’m thankful most of them were dealt with. We haven’t seen any since the airfield, but I know some remain.
Either they are regrouping, or doing what’s smart, and keeping their distance to stay alive.
As the headlights fade in the distance, I turn and look towards the barn where light is flowing out from the main doors. It’s quiet. There are none of the typical sounds of biker celebrations or Doxy orgies.
It’s just quiet.
“Angel, you don’t have to go in there. We can jump on my hog and ride the fuck away.”
I nod at Ringo’s words, but he knows I will. I have to, for me. For Bobbi. I have to face the real monsters once and for all.
“I don’t understand why they are here.” I glance up at my husband. “And why they are still alive. Wouldn’t Smitty try to kill them?”
Ringo shrugs. “He might be waiting for you to come and do it yourself.”
“I get the feeling that they aren’t exactly prisoners,” I mutter, glancing back towards the barn, and Ringo’s fingers slip against mine, linking our hands.
“I get the same feeling. But you know Smitty. The crazy fucker always has a surprise up his sleeve. Maybe he’s luring them with kindness and getting ready to strike.”
“Maybe,” I grumble, and we start walking quietly up the driveway towards the barn.
