“We’re more likely to learn something by planting a few listening devices of our own.”
His teammates stared. “Are you suggesting we break-and-enter the clubhouse with road warriors all over the building?” Noah asked.
“Something a lot more civilized. We’re going to bribe them with food.”
Violet looked surprised. “What kind of food, and who’s cooking it?”
“The deli in Red Rock. We’ll place a large order and bring it back to the clubhouse. It’s a sign of respect for the club and the club president.”
“I like it,” Riley said. “The plan is sneaky. We’re being nice and showing respect while giving ourselves a chance to learn what we need to from the source.”
“Do you think it will work?” Iona asked.
“How can it fail?” Grant smiled. “Who doesn’t love food?”
Laughter filled the living room.
Rayne patted her husband’s flat stomach. “Of course you would think about food. You’re just a growing boy.”
More laughter.
Seth held up his hand for silence. “I agree with Elias. We need intel fast, and these yahoos won’t be open to answeringquestions after we eliminated one fellow biker and got another one kicked out of their MC. The listening devices are the best option we have. I’d rather not break-and-enter the Blackthorn clubhouse if I don’t have to. Anybody see something I don’t?”
When no one spoke up, Seth said, “Night watch detail will work in pairs. No exceptions.” He glanced at Elias. “You and Iona are off the rotation for tonight.”
He could pull his own weight. Elias didn’t want to be a burden to his teammates. “But, sir….”
Seth held up a hand. “No arguments. It’s my decision, and I stand by it. Besides, I know you, Elias. You work until you drop, especially when you’re injured. I’m not letting you get away with it this time. Too much is at stake.”
“Yes, sir.” Seth wasn’t wrong. Elias worked himself into the ground when he was sick. He didn’t want to be a burden to his teammates. Didn’t take a genius to realize that powerful drive was rooted in a childhood where Eddie told him growing up that he was a burden to the MC and especially to him. Yep, his childhood would never be held up as a shining example of how to raise your kid. Eddie Knight was a lousy excuse for a father.
Noah motioned for Iona and Elias to go upstairs. “Gather around, boys and girls. Time to play the night watch game.”
At the top of the stairs, Elias nudged Iona toward the room. “Get ready for bed and climb in. Just give me a pillow and a blanket, and I’ll be fine on the floor.”
She looked troubled. “What about your shoulder, Elias?”
“It will hurt no matter where I sleep. Go on. The sooner you get ready, the faster I’ll be able to lie flat.”
Iona held up her hands. “Fine. I’ll fix something up for you. Give me ten minutes.”
“You’ve got it.”
She went into the room and closed the door. Elias listened to his teammates decide on four hours shifts and Seth’s reminder to remain alert and sleep dressed to roll out.
Smart move, he admitted to himself. Blackthorn was unlikely to ignore the dishonor of one fellow member and the death of a brother from another club. Elias didn’t think Blackthorn would retaliate tonight, but being prepared for the worst was always a wise move.
Ten minutes later, Iona opened the door dressed in the standard Fortress uniform of a black t-shirt, fatigue pants, and socks.
Although she hadn’t heard Seth’s speech downstairs, she was still ready for anything that might happen during the night hours. He should have known. The military and the Delta team at Personal Security International had trained Iona well.
“I’m ready, and so is your sleeping pallet.”
When Elias walked into the room, his gaze tracked to the right. Iona had taken the comforter off the bed and doubled it up on the floor, dropped a pillow on one end, and set a folded blanket on the other end. “You didn’t have to go to all this trouble, Iona.”
“I wanted to. Besides, it only took me a couple of minutes to put this together.”
“I appreciate it. Thank you.” He grabbed his bag and went into the bathroom. Minutes later, Elias set the bag near the door and went to his pallet.
