“Yes, ma’am,” he murmured, looking as reluctant as the rest of his teammates. However, he grabbed his fork and stabbed some of his scrambled eggs. He took a bite and chewed. His eyes widened. After Elias swallowed, he said, “It’s good.” He motioned for his teammates to dig in.
One by one, they each sampled what he’d prepared under Iona’s supervision and expressed their amazement at how good the eggs had turned out. If she had her way, Elias would turn into a decent chef himself.
Reassured of the safety of the breakfast food, the operatives loaded their plates and wolfed their meal. After they cleaned up their trash and washed the few pans used, they gathered at the table again, this time for a quick meeting.
“Anyone object to talking to Farmer Merriweather today and getting out of Red Rock?” Seth asked. “We’re targets for two motorcycle clubs, and I’d rather not be caught in the crossfire.”
“Maybe we’ll get lucky, and the MCs will shoot each other.” Elias rubbed his shoulder.
Violet looked at Noah, who left the room and returned a minute later with her mike bag. “Shirt off, Elias.”
Seeing his discomfort, Iona said, “Who is going on the field trip to the farm?”
“Unless anyone objects, I am plus you, Elias, and Teagan.”
She frowned. “We’ll have to backtrack to pick up the rest of the team. I have a feeling we need to get out of Red Rock as fast as possible.”
Seth watched her for a beat, then said, “Agreed. Change of plans, folks. We all go on the field trip.”
“The four of you should be the ones to talk to Merriweather. The rest of us will keep watch outside so we don’t overwhelm him with our team.”
“Noah?”
“It’s a good plan, Seth. I think Iona’s right. Too much is at stake to take chances. We’ve already seen both factions overnight. This isn’t the time to tempt fate. I think we must assume we’re the enemy of both MCs and get out of here as soon as we leave Merriweather’s place.”
Grant helped Elias remove his shirt and stayed close by in case Violet needed anything. “Do you think the MCs will give up after their defeat last night?”
Elias shook his head. “No way. If anything, they’ll ramp up their plans. Their pride took a hit, and they can’t allow that to stand.”
His friend sighed. “I hoped they would hold off.”
“Fat chance.”
“Seth? What about you?”
“He’s right. The impression I got from Dutch last night is he won’t stand for a hint of disrespect for himself or his MC. Grab your gear and prepare to load the truck.”
Except for Seth, Elias, Grant, Violet, and Iona, the operatives scattered to collect their belongings. When the room was empty, Seth said, “I’m concerned about Merriweather. If we found out he was the victim of Blackthorn, they may decide he’s a threat to them.”
“I’m worried about the same thing,” Iona said. “We shouldn’t delay leaving this morning. I have a feeling we’re on borrowed time.”
“Same.” Elias flinched at something Violet did to his shoulder. “I think we should load the truck from the back door. No need to announce we’re leaving without the courtesy of telling Dutch our plans.”
“I’ll move the truck,” Grant said. “Violet, will you need me to help with Elias?”
He scowled. “She doesn’t need help. It’s not like I’m going to throw a punch at her.”
“Not if you want to keep your pretty face,” Noah said as he walked into the kitchen.
“See?” Elias motioned for Grant to go on. “Noah will monitor me.”
After Grant left the cabin, Violet changed Elias’ bandage. “Your shoulder looks good, Elias. I think you can use your arm a little. Be careful not to overdo it, though.” Violet finished with Elias’ shoulder and stepped back. “Do you want to help him put on his shirt, Iona?”
“No problem.” She copied the movements she’d seen Grant use to help Elias pull on his shirt with a minimum of pain.
The operatives returned to the kitchen with their bags in hand. Before they could load the back of the truck, Seth’s phone rang. He glanced at the screen. “Dutch.” Echo’s leader placed the call on speaker. “Dutch, you’re up and moving early.”
“No choice when someone dumped six bodies and two injured men on my front porch. Do you know anything about that?”
