be carried out immediately.”
“What the fuck’s so important?” T-Bone demanded with a cross of his arms.
Josh glanced at us with a nervous clench of his jaw before answering the question. “His daughter’s been kidnapped.”
Twelve
MARIPOSA
The whole second floor of the cabin was essentially an open loft, I realized, as Josh led our party from the foyer up the stairs. A collection of antlers and taxidermy animals like coyotes and elk decorated the sloping walls. I even spotted a jackalope perched on a shelf.
Our group was tense after hearing Josh’s news regarding the governor’s daughter. “I really hope we don’t get roped into this shit,” Reaper grumbled into my ear.
I pinched his side, urging him to be quiet, as we walked over a Navajo-style rug toward the far end of the second floor. A bay of windows looked out over more construction sites and people going about their work. In front of the windows, a disheveled middle-aged man sat at a heavy wooden desk, looking distraught.
Josh cleared his throat politely. “Governor, the Sons of Odin have returned. And they’ve brought guests with them who…may be able to assist with this matter.”
Reaper made a noise of disagreement and I jabbed him with my elbow.
The man at the desk lifted his face from his hands, his eyes bloodshot and features looking haggard and exhausted. He clearly hadn’t slept or eaten well in the past few days.
“T-Bone, Dyno,” the governor rasped, a weary smile lighting up his face. “And even you, Grudge. It’s great to see you all. Thank God you’re here.”
“We’re sorry to hear about Kyrie, Governor,” T-Bone said in response. “You’ve been good to us over the past few years and we’re happy to help in any way we can.”
Reaper thankfully bit his tongue that time, but I didn’t miss the hiss of breath and his jaw clenching.
Governor Vance’s watery eyes fell to us. “Who are your friends?”
“Governor, it’s my pleasure to introduce the Steel Demons MC.” T-Bone pointed us out and gave our names, just as he did with Josh. “They’re looking for a new place to settle and have a club of around 25 at the bottom of the hill.”
Reaper cleared his throat. “If you would allow it, governor, we’d like to stay temporarily to see if Four Corners is a good fit for us. My club has excellent mechanics, cooks, carpenters.” He nodded at me. “My wife here is a skilled medic. I’m sure we can contribute to the development of your territory in exchange for a temporary stay.”
I took a moment to bask in his praise and him calling me his wife before stepping forward.
“We are very sorry to hear about your daughter, governor. All of us will pray that she’s found soon, safe and unharmed. We’re extremely grateful for your generous hospitality in the meantime. Please let us know if there’s anything we can do.” Returning to Reaper’s side, I felt him fuming and caught Gunner trying to hide a grin.
“I know you.” Vance tilted his head as he peered at Reaper. “You’re the one who rides with a hellhound at your side.”
“You mean this one?” Reaper leaned down to pat Hades’ head, the dark four-legged guardian never making a sound. “He’s no hellhound, just a hell of a runner.”
“And you.” Vance’s gaze fell upon Horus perched on Gunner’s shoulder. “You’re some kind of shaman with that bird. I’ve heard stories that you turn into a bird yourself.”
My golden demon huffed out a chuckle, his smile wide and relaxed. “Just tall tales, governor. I’m a trained falconer, nothing more to it.”
“People have said the same things about our ravens,” T-Bone added with a shrug. “Now regarding the matter at hand, the Sons of Odin are yours, governor, but—”
“I need them.”
Vance lifted a weary hand from the desk, finger pointing shakily at us. I only then noticed the empty liquor bottle on the corner.
“They…they use some kind of witchcraft. Some Indian Great Spirit magic. They can find my daughter, bring her back to me safely.”
“Um, sir?” Josh cut in nervously. “I understand your worry, but you’ve been up for several days. Perhaps you should rest.”
“I can’t! Not until she’s home! Oh God, to think of what they’re doing to her…”
“Sir, if I may remind you.” Josh rounded the desk, placing a comforting hand on the governor’s shoulder. “We know who she’s with, and that she hasn’t been harmed.”
“Well, fuck,” Reaper muttered under his breath. “What the hell do you need us for?”
“They sent a picture, but how do we