The operatives grabbed their bags and headed for the back door, one at a time. Once they’d slipped the earpieces into their ears, Seth said, “Z, join the loop.”
“Copy that.” A moment later, his voice came through their comm devices. “Loop connected.”
“I hope this is overkill.” Seth glanced at the distant Blackthorn clubhouse. “Something tells me it isn’t. Noah, take the wheel of the truck with Violet, Iona, and Elias. Head for Merriweather’s place. We’ll join you one couple at a time. If Dutch or one of his men stop you, we’re meeting for a club ride on the main road.”
Grant tossed Noah the key fob and caught the motorcycle keys Noah tossed his way. “Let’s get out of here. My skin is crawling.”
Seth looked grim. “So is mine. Grant, you and Rayne follow the truck. Andre and Riley will be next. Teagan and I will bring up the rear.”
A moment later, Noah drove across the field to the dirt road and hung a right. “Be alert and keep your weapons handy.”
“Way to ratchet up the tension, babe,” Violet said.
“I want you safely out of here. That means we watch and stay ready to act if necessary.” He tapped his earpiece. “We’re on the move, Z.”
“Copy that. So far, you’re clear although the clubhouse has a lot of activity around it.”
Noah chuckled. “I bet. Dutch is cleaning up his own mess before a passing police officer notices the bodies on the front porch.”
Ten minutes later, he parked at a scenic overlook to wait for the rest of their teammates. One by one, they parked near the truck.
Over the earpiece, Seth said, “So far, so good. Head for Merriweather’s place, Noah.”
“Copy.” He put the truck in gear and drove toward the other side of Red Rock, taking the back roads to avoid attracting law enforcement attention.
Iona and the others maintained their vigilance during the journey. Other than the occasional sighting of a motorcycle in the distance, no one stopped them.
At the forty-minute mark, Noah turned into the long, rock-covered driveway leading to a large white farmhouse. He parked in front of the two-story house. “It looks deserted. Is he back in the hospital, Z?”
“Not according to the hospital’s records. He was released after treatment of his cuts the night he went to the emergency room.”
“I’ll check it out.” Elias opened his door and exited the vehicle with Iona on his heels. Seconds later, he stepped onto the porch and rang the doorbell.
Nothing.
Elias rang the bell a second time. After a pause, he twisted the knob. It gave way easily under his hand.
“That’s not good.” Iona palmed her weapon.
“No, it’s not. I can’t imagine that he would leave his door unlocked.”
Elias withdrew his Sig and held it down by his side. He pushed the door open. “Mr. Merriweather? We’re doing a wellness check.”
Amusement slid through Iona. A wellness check? She supposed that was as good an excuse as any to enter a man’s home without his permission.
Elias signaled Iona to clear the first floor while he searched the second floor. He entered the farmhouse and stopped. “Iona.”
She eased into the dwelling. Her breath caught. “Holy smoke. Would you look at this?”
The living room looked as though someone had become angry and pitched a royal fit. The overturned furniture and smashed coffee table looked as though someone had fallen on top of them.
Elias headed for the stairs. “Clear the first floor, Iona.”
One room after another, Iona checked for signs of Christopher Merriweather and more signs of an intruder. The last room she entered was the kitchen, where she found the body of a man dressed in overalls on the floor.
“Elias,” she called. “The kitchen.” Iona hurried to the farmer, crouched beside him, and checked for a pulse. Nothing.
Elias strode in, expression grim. He tapped his earpiece. “We found Mr. Merriweather in the kitchen. He’s dead. One shot to the forehead.”
