One by one, the MC members dropped to the ground and remained there until the only ones still keeping the pace were the operatives and Dutch. From his position against the wall, Elias had a good view of Dutch and his men. Most of themtapped out before the end of the session. Dutch, however, was one stubborn man. He pushed himself to keep going, and out of all the Blackthorn Riders, Dutch was the last man standing. Elias had to give him credit for sheer grit.
Wet with sweat, Seth held out his hand to Dutch. “You’re in great shape, sir. Congratulations.”
Sweaty and exhausted, Dutch found the energy to smile.
Seth moved a step closer and dropped his voice. “Turn around and see who’s still standing from your group.”
When he did, the MC leader’s mouth gaped, then his brows lowered as he glowered at his men. “Roll over,” he roared. “Finish the exercises. Now.”
His men reluctantly did as ordered and resumed the push-ups. When they finished, Dutch pointed at the Fortress operatives. “This will be your fitness level soon. The workout we just survived will be our normal routine from now on. Is that understood?”
The clearing filled with reluctant acknowledgments of his order.
Elias joined his teammates. “We just lost our welcome,” he murmured.
“No doubt.” Iona glanced at him. “How’s the shoulder?”
His lips curved. “Better since I stopped running. I’ll be glad when it heals.”
“Won’t be long based on your run time.”
“Ha. That’s what you think. I barely made it. Only the prospect of Blackthorn taunting me over wussing out made me keep going.”
She laughed.
Over the next few minutes, the Blackthorn Riders scattered to their homes to shower and go to work, leaving Echo and Artemis in the yard with Dutch.
Seth turned to Dutch. “Do you still want us to provide security for your project?”
He nodded.
“What about The Committee. You said you had to discuss our participation with them. How did it go?”
“They turned you down.” He smiled. “I’m not, and you answer to me, anyway. You’re still willing to help us out?”
“Of course. It’s the least we can do since you’re providing sanctuary for Elias.”
The MC leader glanced at Elias, speculation in his eyes. “Yes, there is that. Loyalty is everything in our world. Anyone who breaks that trust deserves whatever happens.”
Elias stilled. “You think I’ve been disloyal?”
“You tell me.”
His blood heated. Was Dutch fishing, or did he know more than he’d said? “If you’ve got something to say, just spit it out.”
Blackthorn’s leader held up his hands and took a step back. “No offense, man. When a brother is shot by a cop, there’s a reason behind the assassination attempt. Just making an observation. That’s all.”
“You want to know the truth?” Seth folded his arms across his chest. “Iron Wolves is the most loyal group of people I’ve ever known. I would trust any of them at my back. If you don’t believe me, I’ll have Z call you to confirm my assessment of Elias’ character.”
“No, no. That won’t be necessary. I believe you.”
Which meant he didn’t believe Elias. Nice. “I’m sorry about your friend, sir.”
Dutch’s expression sobered. “So am I. I’ll miss him.”
“How big is his farm?” Noah asked.
“About four hundred acres.”
