the biker community were running wild. Now I knew where some of those “rumors” were rooted.
“Yes, you could say I was involved,” Taxi said. “After the success of that mission, I was given the opportunity to assemble a new team of undercover agents, but rather than train agents to become bikers, I’m training bikers to become agents.”
I looked at Tackle in disbelief. “So, you’re…”
“Deputy Agent in training Archer King,” he said, hooking his thumbs on his belt loops.
“I know this isn’t a joke, but…this is a joke, right?”
“I’ve already recruited trainees from the Killing Jokers and the Burning Saints, as well as a few other clubs, but I need you and your sister to complete the team.”
“Why Jette?”
“Three reasons. She’s one of the best hackers in the country and she has full access to the Howlers MC in Colorado.”
Jesus, this guy did know all about Jette. So much for hiding in plain sight.
“What’s the third reason?” I asked.
“Leverage,” Taxi replied. “My bosses need to know that I have both carrots and sticks to motivate my team members. Despite you and your sister’s squeaky-clean paper trail, we both know the FBI has all we need to label both of you cyber terrorists and lock you up for life.”
“And the carrot?”
“As long as you’re working for me, and no conflict of interest should arise, your club is protected.”
“Do you expect me to believe the FBI is going to turn a blind eye to all the clubs you work with?”
“That’s not what I said. In fact, your club can’t know anything about your involvement. That’s part of the reason for all of this.” Taxi motioned to our surroundings. “Only your President will be informed of your involvement and Uncle Sam will cut individual deals with each club as he sees fit.”
“We’re goin’ to Disneyworld,” Tackle said.
I smirked, focusing on Taxi. “But the Dogs are clean,” I said.
“Clean enough to withstand a federal investigation? Or to turn down the government’s protection?”
Shit. He had me by the balls.
“Good for you and good for your club,” Tackle said.
“If the Feds and the Dogs worked well together last time, why not just approach us directly. Why kidnap me?”
“The only way this team will be effective is to work in secrecy. I’ve chosen each team member based, not only on their individual skills, but also on their street smarts. I know the least about you, but a lot about your club. I’m willing to go out on a limb for you and Anjanette, but I need to know tonight if you’re in or out, and I’m going to need to meet with your sister. Face to face, as soon as possible.”
“Then I’ll need one more carrot,” I said.
“What?” Taxi asked.
“I need you to help me catch a beast.”
Parker
I PACED THE great room, my stomach roiling as bikers rushed in and out of the barn. Rabbit had been gone for hours and since his phone was off, there was no way to track him.
Mouse and Shadow had retraced our route without luck, so until they could determine what the threat was, we wouldn’t know how we could help Rabbit. Alamo walked out of the mouth of the hallway and made his way to me.
“Did you find him?” I rasped.
“Not yet.” He pulled me into a protective hug. “But we will.”
“What if he’s dead in a ditch somewhere? Or hurt and we aren’t getting to him fast enough?” I gripped Alamo’s cut. “What if he’s dying and—”
“Babe, knock it off,” he said, albeit gently. “He’s not gonna fuckin’ die. And if he were hurt, he’d get a message to you. Or at the very least, Doom.”
Before I could respond, Rabbit walked into the great room and made a beeline for me.
“Where the hell have you been?” I demanded, bursting into tears.
“Come with me,” he said, holding his hand out as he nodded to Alamo. “Doc in his office?”
“Yeah, brother.” Alamo raised an eyebrow. “Where were you?”
“Can’t disclose until I speak with Doc.”
Alamo frowned, but gave him a chin lift. Rabbit squeezed my hand and started down the hall. I yanked him back. “Stop!”
“Baby, I can’t. I’ll explain everything, but we need to talk in private.”
I let him pull me down the hall and into Doc’s office.
“Where the fuck have you been?” he demanded.
Rabbit closed the door. “We got a problem.”
* * *
I couldn’t stop crying. Rabbit and I were in our room at the barn, it was about an hour after we left Doc’s office, and I had completely lost