He yanked himself back on track. He had to focus. If he didn’t, he was dead. It was that simple.
As Sarge slowly approached, Elias considered the man’s name. Was he ex-military? If so, he might make a connection through their military service.
Sarge stopped a short distance away, tugged on thin leather gloves, and flexed his hands.
“Why are you called Sarge?”
The enforcer stopped flexing his hands. “I served in the military when I was young and stupid.”
“What branch?”
“Army. What about you? I heard you were in the military.”
“Ten years in the Army. My buddies and I left together and joined law enforcement for the next decade.”
The other man snorted. “So we were both young and stupid.”
“Not me, man. Serving was the best decision I ever made.”
“That’s a sorry endorsement for a man who is supposed to lead the Reckoners.”
“That’s my father’s dream, not mine.”
“You know how our world works. Once you’re in, you don’t get out unless you’re in a body bag.”
“I don’t belong in an MC. I hate this life. Why do you think I left the day I turned eighteen years old?”
Sarge shrugged. “Ain’t none of my business. I just do what I’m told by the prez. He’s my leader, and I’m smart enough not to argue with him. You should have learned that lesson a long time ago.” He flexed his hands again. “Remember when you take over that I was only following your father’s orders.”
Pain exploded in Elias’ gut.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
IONA STRAPPED ONthe last of her gear and slid her weapons into place, her movements fast and efficient. She refused to let herself think or feel. If she gave in to the temptation, the fear and fury swamping her would paralyze her.
This was no time for self-pitying indulgence. Elias was depending on her. She wouldn’t let him down again.
Iona tapped her earpiece. “I’m ready.”
“So are we,” Seth said. “We’ve got your back, Iona.”
“Z?”
“Right here. What do you need?”
“Anything from Elias?”
He remained silent.
Iona’s gut knotted. “Tell me.”
“One of Eddie’s enforcers is working over Elias.”
Bile rose in her throat. No, no, no. She couldn’t lose it right now. She’d have time later. “How bad is it?”
“Bad enough that you need to move right now.”
That was not what she wanted to hear. If she slipped into the compound unseen and freed Elias, would he be mobile enough to escape with her help? Based on what Zane said and didn’t say, the answer to that question was a big no. That meant improvising instead of using one of the five plans they’d cobbled together while the jet followed the same path as the plane carrying Elias from her. “Copy that.” No matter. She would rescue Elias.
