on my sofa in an attempt to catch a few hours of sleep, but it was utterly useless. Every time I closed my eyes, they were there – my grandfather’s cold, glaring eyes. The kid with the red tennis shoes, arms all bruised up and his mother’s pretty but worried face. And that damn leather strap. The memories all ran together. I couldn’t get away from it, so after a restless few hours of tossing and turning, I gave up and checked the clock. Seeing that it was just before dawn, I pulled myself out of bed and headed to the clubhouse. When I drove through the gate, just like Cotton had ordered, Maverick and Guardrail were waiting for me with two prospects. Guardrail had chosen to take Two Bit and Q’ with us. He’d chosen well. Not only were they were loyal to the club, they were close to being patched in. They could be trusted, and it didn’t hurt that they both could make a clean shot. We’d need them if things got heated, and it would be a good opportunity to see if they really had what it took to become a brother.
Without turning off my bike, I told them, “Let’s get this thing done.”
With a quick nod, they all loaded up, following me one-by-one, out to the docks. After a thirty mile drive to Angeles, we pulled up to a secluded warehouse, located just a few yards off of the main road. The lot was overgrown with weeds and cluttered with litter. The building looked deserted; it was dark and uncomfortably quiet. We dismounted from our bikes and headed towards the rear entrance. As we approached, I couldn’t help but notice that the side door was bolted shut. After using my bolt cutters to remove the lock, I lifted the rolling, overhead door. I was the first one into the building, the others following right on my heels. I quickly searched the area as my brothers got into position. Two Bit stumbled across an old anchor line and slammed his shoulder into the wall, causing a loud crash to echo throughout the warehouse.
“Fuck,” Maverick growled. “Get the hell back, dumbass.” Embarrassment flashed over Two Bit’s face as he stepped behind Guardrail.
“Gotta move,” Guardrail grumbled, aiming the tip of his gun towards the back of the warehouse.
Steering the prospects into the shadows, Guardrail headed towards the rear of the building. Maverick followed as I searched for the stairs Victor had described that led up to the main office. Knowing what was on that laptop, I was determined to find it – I didn’t care how long it took, what I had to do or how many motherfuckers I had to kill to get it. I wasn’t leaving that fucking warehouse without it. Silence encased us as we made our way through the darkness, making my heart beat excitedly. It is what I lived for—the thrill of the hunt. Anticipation coursed through me as we headed towards the small metal staircase, causing all of my senses to sharpen and snap into high alert. We’d only taken a few steps when the hairs on the back of my neck stood tall, letting me know we weren’t alone. I had no doubt that someone was watching our every move. I could feel their eyes on me, and it was only a matter of time before all hell would break loose. I looked forward to it, burned for it. Being in the heat of the battle gave me a release unlike anything I’d ever experienced before.
The old steel steps moaned with our movements, making it impossible to hide our location. We’d almost made it to the top when the office door flew open, and we were greeted with the end of a double-barreled shotgun. I didn’t stop, I didn’t think. Adrenaline was now pumping through my veins as my instincts took over. I reached out, grabbing the end of the gun with my hand ramming it into the guy’s chest. The force of the hit threw him off balance causing him to fall back against the door, giving me the opportunity to take my shot. Seconds later, his body dropped to the ground, blood rushing from his wound. With one hard shove, I kicked him out of my way, watching the