“Pull me off before I kill him,” was the last thing Halligan said before he let loose with the punches. He opened up that well he’d been shoving the anger down into since Loni had first told her story and the hatred he felt when he’d seen her back. He let it all fly, knowing he’d be stopped before Franco died.
He came back to himself as Torrent and Quinton lifted him off Franco.
“Let’s get you cleaned up for Loni,” Quinton said.
Halligan paused, looking at Bruno. “You’ve got this?” he asked.
Bruno gave Halligan his nod. Bruno put a wealth of emotions in that nod. Halligan wouldn’t be ending Franco, but Halligan knew he and Loni would never need to worry about Franco again.
“Did you want to stay?” Halligan asked. His hands were soaked with Franco’s blood.
“I think we’ll leave tonight and get some things taken care of. His crimes against Loni will be returned to him tenfold. We’ll be letting him and his friends feel the kiss of the whip before he’s relocated to his final place. If it’s okay with you, I would like to visit when things have calmed down, as I’m guessing Icilio will,” Bruno said.
“We would love that,” Halligan said.
Bruno nodded again and snapped his fingers. His men picked up Franco and took him out. Torrent and Maverick walked over.
“We’ll head out too but be back through. Thanks for letting us help,” Torrent said.
“Thank you for calling in reinforcements,” Halligan said.
Maverick placed his hand on Halligan’s shoulder. “Hey, it’s what we do for friends.”
Chapter Sixteen
Halligan had his arm along the back of the booth around Loni. Shield and Stinger were hanging out today, then heading back to Kansas City tomorrow. Brew and Renae were leaving tomorrow as well, though Renae mentioned she’d be back for the Bluff Creek Brothers MC D-Day commemoration ceremony.
Ellie and the kids were returning today. Stone and Brody had offered to help bring them back, so Hennessy didn’t have to make the trip. Because of Bruno’s help, his cousins were a little irritated that they didn’t get to help make Franco pay. They all mentioned they were glad no one was hurt, but he could hear the irritation in their voices for the ones that were outside thebar and missed getting to be involved. Quinton was enjoying everyone congratulating him on shooting Franco in both ankles.
“We’re back,” yelled Freya, Wyatt, Sutton, and Ezra.
Halligan chuckled because Freya took a little bow and had Sutton mimic her.
“Yes, we’re back and very spoiled because we visited Broken Hearts Brewing before coming back. Everyone has a basket of new books,” Ellie said, handing Crewe and Ry their infant twins back. Whiskey snatched Bailey from Stone’s arms before Stone could say anything.
Everyone made room for the kids at the tables. The waitresses brought out plates, utensils, and trays of appetizers for everyone.
“Here, Brody, you can have some first,” Ezra said, handing Brody the tray of bacon-wrapped little smokies.
“Yes, here, Brody. These little cream puffs have chicken salad in them,” Freya said, handing Brody the tray near her.
“Do you want a beer to drown your sorrows? I can’t get it, but I bet my dad would,” Wyatt offered.
Brody looked toward the ceiling, then glared at Stone. “I really appreciate you all taking care of me. It’s very sweet but I’m fine.”
“No, you’re not. Stone said she dumped your ass,” Ezra said.
“Ezra, no cussing,” Vivi said, glaring at him.
“I’m just repeating exactly what Stone said,” Ezra replied.
Halligan fought a smile. He couldn’t wait until their little one was big enough to give him attitude. Loni snuggled closer. This—with his family and friends—was perfect.
He’d gone to Las Vegas to let off some steam, but instead, he’d met the one woman he couldn’t imagine his life without. He still wished Loni wouldn’t have had to go through the pain her brother inflicted, but his woman was strong, fierce, and was going to be a fantastic mother.
“Well, she said she didn’t want to date, so I guess she did dump me, but I have my job at the shelter and canine training center, and great friends like you guys to cheer me up,” Brody said.
Halligan appreciated Brody saying that. The kids were beaming.
