Broken by His Hand - Piper Stone Page 0,85

see the driver slumped over the wheel, Sophia’s body buckled in the back seat. As I smashed my weapon against the window, I could just hear sirens in the distance.

Christopher rushed to the other side, smashing the butt of his gun against the driver’s side passenger window. “It’s sinking.”

The crack of the glass was like sweet music, but the water continued to rush inside. With one additional brutal smack, the glass fractured enough that I was able to yank the remnants into the water. “Save the fucker. He’s going to pay for what he’s done.” Just as I unlocked the door, water rushed inside. The door refusing to budge, I crawled inside, gathering Sophia into my arms.

Within seconds, the car was engulfed and sinking fast. I fought to get us out of the window, struggling to hold my breath. We were totally under water. As soon as I burst to the surface, gasping for air, I yanked her toward the shore, able to see Christopher as he breached the water, the asshole in his arms.

A crowd surrounded the river, blue lights flashing in the distance. When I pulled her onto shore, I cupped her face, struggling to find a heartbeat.

Nothing. Oh, God. Nothing.

The world seemed to slam shut. There were no sounds, no knowledge of anything or anyone else but the woman lying in my arms. Her skin was cold, her body limp. As the muffled sounds of several officers racing in our direction pounded into my ears, I tried once again, pressing my fingers across her pulse of life.

Then I tipped my head back and roared.

Chapter Fifteen

Michael

Life.

It was funny how precious it had become, the concept of enjoying the simpler things consuming a portion of my mind over the last two weeks. I’d never been one to enjoy the outdoors or even the fruits of my labor other than fast cars. Nothing had mattered but my work ethic, long, draining hours spent building an empire. What the hell did money mean if it wasn’t shared with someone?

“Are we finished here, Detective Sutherland?” I asked, the tone of my voice far too accusatory. Autumn had gone above her call of duty for the family, soon to become her family. I was proud of Gregory for setting a wedding date and looked forward to the holiday event. My brother deserved happiness. She’d even threatened her career in keeping things from her captain, but she’d been extremely helpful after I’d been arrested for running Dr. Drake Samuels off the road. He’d almost been killed in the process, the fact Christopher had performed CPR the reason the asshole was still alive today.

Autumn inched closer, staring at the two-way mirror before speaking softly so that only I could hear. “You took a significant chance, Michael.”

I smiled, seeing the concern in her eyes. “So you’ve said more than once.”

“Yeah? Well, I think it’s good to remind you one more time that you’re not a member of law enforcement. You can’t go off halfcocked with regard to your enemies.”

While I was aware Gregory had told her all about the ledger as well as the inner circle, she’d been helpful in in keeping the information out of her report. That didn’t mean she didn’t take every opportunity to chastise my behavior. In truth, I didn’t blame her. She was the tenacious woman my brother needed in his life.

“I thoroughly understand, Detective. I have no intentions of lining the DC streets with blood. However, no one is going to fuck with my family, and that protection includes you.”

She lifted a single eyebrow as she shook her head, reaching out to grip my arm. “Dr. Samuels is going away for a long time. You won’t have to worry about him any longer.”

While that may be true, there were no doubt others waiting in the wings to destroy us. However, the next time we’d be more prepared. The list Christopher had culled had provided a group of eight men who were likely members of the inner circle. Two of them had died, one moving out of the country and another in assisted living; that still left four with the possibility of exacting revenge. I didn’t like the odds. “While that may be true, there will always be others like him.”

“Then you need to ask yourself why you and your brothers continue to operate the club.”

I gave her a smile. “You may be too wise to marry my brother.”

“Just keeping it real. You will be called to testify at the doctor’s