Total pages in book: 26
Estimated words: 24538 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 123(@200wpm)___ 98(@250wpm)___ 82(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24538 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 123(@200wpm)___ 98(@250wpm)___ 82(@300wpm)
Silas answered on the first ring. “Arrow, I’ve been expecting your call.”
When he called me by my first name, I knew he’d already spoken to Kade or Huntley about my situation, and they’d made it clear this was not a military operation.
“At your service,” he added.
“I need you to go fix the tire on a car, then hide it somewhere. Make sure no one will accidentally stumble on it.” I didn’t know how far the dealer’s network reached, and the last thing we needed was for some junkie to spot her license plate and let the guy know she was on the run from him. I gave him the location and description of Sage’s vehicle, as well as the spot where I’d hidden the keys.
“Consider it done.”
“Hooyah,” I murmured. He echoed the sentiment, and I ended the call.
It took just under three hours to get to the forests near Tahquitz Peak, where I drove up to an A-frame redwood cabin. The house was nestled in deep, thick woods, making it difficult to see if you didn’t know it was there. From the truck and SUV parked under the balcony that jutted out over the front door, I surmised a couple of guys were already there.
When Huntley texted the address, he’d mentioned that the cabin belonged to Merrick Ashford. I didn’t know him personally, but not many sailors around when he took the fall for his teammates didn’t know of him. From the little I’d gleaned over time from Huntley, Deacon, and Cash, Merrick had become a hitman, but when he met his wife, he “retired.” He was still paranoid about his past, though, so he’d taken plenty of precautions, such as this cabin. The front room that walked out to the balcony was almost all glass, but I was willing to bet it was bulletproof. The main floor only had two small windows and the front door, which looked like it would keep out Attila the Hun and his warriors.
As instructed, I pulled around to the left side of the house and hopped out to punch a code into the electronic keypad outside the garage. Then I drove in and got out again to shut it. Since it was so quiet, the loud whirring of the door coming down stirred Sage. She was yawning and stretching when I ambled up to the passenger door and opened it.
Her blue eyes bounced around, and her brow descended as confusion filled her expression. “Where am I?”
I opened my mouth, but the explanation got stuck in my throat. Oh shit. I had to say something.
“Somewhere safe,” I told her, hoping—but not expecting—her to leave it at that. I held out my hand, palm up, and she immediately put hers on top. That was something, at least. If I was lucky, her trust would extend enough not to flip her shit when she realized that I’d practically stolen her away.
“But this isn’t an urgent care.”
“No, baby. It’s not,” I chuckled and slipped an arm around her waist to lift her to the ground. “Let’s get inside, and then I’ll explain everything.” She nodded, and I held tight to her hand as I led her toward the door that likely opened to the house.
We walked into a mudroom with white walls, a bright, colorful rug on the floor, and cherry wood-paneled wallpaper with a matching shelf on top with various outdoor activities for kids, like a bucket of chalk and a basketball. Shaker pegs under the shelf were for hanging coats and whatever else, and a white bench seat spanned the whole thing. I had a feeling Merrick’s wife had handled the decor while he dealt with the safety aspects.
The small room opened up into a much larger space that had a pool table, ping pong table, and other games for kids in a range of ages. The big room was also white with bright rugs and colored art on the walls. The front door had state-of-the-art locks and a security monitor mounted beside it.
We headed over to the staircase across the room, and I let go of Sage’s hand to let her walk up ahead of me. “Some of my friends are here,” I informed her quietly. “So don't be frightened if you get up there and see someone.”
“Okay.” She glanced back at me, and her gaze had become wary. I didn’t like seeing it, but I understood where the sentiment was coming from.
“Upstairs, baby. Then I’ll explain.”
Her eyes narrowed in warning, as if to say, “You better.” I almost smiled at how cute she was when trying to be fierce.
She turned back around and climbed the last few steps. At the top, we entered an open-concept great room with the kitchen, great room, and dining room all flowing from one space to another. Huntley and Kade sat at the table, deep in discussion with a man who I assumed was Merrick. He was muscular, with dark hair and eyes—and the dangerous air of someone you didn’t want as an enemy. They went quiet and looked up when we walked in.