It takes us five long minutes to drive over the three fixed bridges, and it takes us five long minutes to get all the way down the long drive to the front gates.
As I finally hit the brakes, the 4WD slides in the mud. We are at the main gates with the lion statues on either side.
My three ex-SEALs do not move. They are all dressed in black, and they are focused on a figure next to a V8. They are lined up, blocking his entry.
Normally, the ex-SEALs are peppered around the estate and hidden in perfect positions, monitoring unseen electronic alarms.
I nod on seeing them, and they watch me for my lead as I walkup. Her dipshit ex looks tough, but he also looks agitated. As he sees me, he lifts his chin defiantly.
Samantha has trouble catching up with me, but she finally overtakes me and rounds to block me. “Give me a minute!” Sam demands, trying to get my attention.
“I don’t want you talking to him,” I say, focused on them both.
“I can see that, just back me up.”
Sam spins and walks towards him. She is only ten feet away from him, and I yank her belt. She stops next to me. It’s close enough.
She is at a distance I can still protect her, and that is the limit. I’ve been through a lot, and I don’t need more chaos or death.
I’ve learnt the hard way to protect what is mine.
The hood is leaning against his dirty black V8, swilling some stupid energy drink. He looks wired.
Standing next to a big ex-SEAL, I inhale, ready for action. I feel metal pressed against the back of my right hand, and I pause.
I rotate my hand, unseen, and I know it’s not a gun. They have guns, they are trained. I am not.
It is a slim steel baton that can move with incredible speed and power. It is designed to break bones and to encourage peace.
Fast!
I keep the bar hidden behind my leg, and the three ex-SEALs fan out. If the hood tries anything, he will not get far. And if he does, he will get well fed. Fed to Tusk.
“Lucas, you shouldn’t be here,” Sam says, her voice unsteady.
The hood raises his chin and spits, “We got unfinished business.”
I want to break every bone in his skinny-arsed body, and I click my neck.
If he does attack, I know it will be three fast steps to reach him, and on the third, I will deliver the steel and shatter both his arms, fast.
I also know I first need Sam low and spinning behind me. I then need to protect her body with mine at all costs.
That means, for a long second, maybe two, my body would shield her, but it may also take a blade, a bullet, or a broken bottle.
“Lucas, we’re finished. You need to move on,” Sam pleads.
“And New York is not that safe,” one of my ex-SEALs says flatly.
“Bad things happen,” one of the others tosses in.
“Very bad things,” ex-SEAL three says, deep, and menacing.
“You think you can just heavy me out?” the hood says, standing up.
I inhale, slow and long, ready for action. I then step forwards, getting ready to protect my girl.
She is half a foot ahead of me, and I have a hand down the back of her jeans. I can yank her back behind me like lightning.
