Gunner asked.
“Total of twenty-four. Mostly boys between eight and fourteen. There are a few girls between twelve and fifteen,” Wrath answered. “There are three of the newer Brethren with the children, plus Boomer. Ethan took custody of those in the ER and transported them to the safe house.” He looked around the table. “For those who haven’t seen it. There are four bedrooms, each with twin or two bunk beds. A basement and loft have more beds. Twenty-four is a large number.”
“And we’re not babysitters, Wrath.”
“You got that right, Iggy,” Fargo said. Besides Gunner, he was the last remaining single member of the Posse. Unlike his good friend, Fargo had no plans to ever marry or have children.
Wrath held up a hand. “It’s almost midnight. Child Services can’t do anything until morning. The children have no one except us until this plays out. That means all of us will be involved in keeping them safe until they’re in county hands.”
He handed out a schedule. “You’re all on six hour shifts with the children until they’re all transferred. Training in Coronado continues as planned. Onto the most recent threat. Gunner was nearly run off the road on his way here tonight. These weren’t teenagers out for a joyride. Whoever rammed him had a serious intent to hurt or kill him.”
Those around the table turned to stare at Gunner. “I’m fine. The truck needs major work.”
“The attack could be related to us disrupting the Disciples’ cargo run,” Raider said.
“A little quick for that,” Wrath countered. “Although it could’ve been planned outside of the run.”
“I went to Katrina Snowden’s this evening.” Gunner went on to explain the man in the car, and his appearance at Hawthorn’s. “Could be a coincidence.”
Ghost tapped his pen on the table. “Doubtful. We need to find out if he’s connected to the Disciples or a P.I. working for a private citizen.”
“I sent images to Raider last night. They may not help much, but it’s a start.”
“Got them, Gunner. I’ll take time in the morning to find out what I can.”
Wrath rubbed the back of his neck. “I want you or Penny to monitor the chatter at the Disciples clubhouse. If they don’t know about their cargo disappearing, they will soon.”
“Penny’s on it, Prez,” Raider said.
“I want to hear anything about the cargo and the strike on Gunner.”
“Yes, sir.”
“That’s all for now, gentlemen. You’re dismissed.” His gaze moved around the table. “Good work tonight.”
Gunner stayed behind, waiting for the others to shuffle out. “Do you have a minute, Wrath? It won’t take long.”
“Sure do. Sit down.” Doing the same, he nodded at Gunner. “What do you have?”
“Teri Snowden, Katrina’s mother, has accepted an offer to work as Brodie Jurgensen’s office manager for the ranch. She starts in two weeks.”
Wrath sat back, lifting a brow while rubbing the stubble on his jaw. “That’s interesting.”
“Isn’t he the one who owns the lake where we train?”
“The same. I doubt it will be an issue for us. Brodie is tight-lipped about his dealings outside his various businesses. The use of the lake is a private agreement between him and Grayson. It’s doubtful Mrs. Snowden will ever learn about it. Even if she does, Brodie will spin it as an agreement for a group to use the lake.”
“The property is also pretty remote. He doesn’t run cattle or have any other businesses out that direction.”
Wrath nodded. “It’s good information, Gunner. Better for us to be prepared. Did you speak with Katrina about the nursery?”
“I did. It went well. She’s still grappling with Janie selling the nursery, and me becoming her boss, but I believe she’s excited about the opportunity. Becoming the manager is a big carrot.”
Wrath stayed silent for several moments. “I had Raider do a background check on all three of the Snowdens.”
Gunner’s brows lifted, but he remained silent.
“Before moving to Liberty Lake, they lived in Omaha with relatives for about five years. There’s no record of any of them before that.”
“None?”
“Nothing. Raider is certain their past has been erased. Their social security numbers are all those of people who’ve been deceased for years.”
“Shit.” Gunner pressed the heels of his palms into his eyes. “Did Raider find anything that could tell us why?”
“Nothing…yet. I’ve got him and Penny on it. It might be wise for you to keep your distance from them until we learn more.”
Scowling, Gunner leaned forward. “Not easy if I’m going to be her boss.”
“Emotional, not physical distance.” Wrath stifled a chuckle at the look on Gunner’s face. “Nothing’s changed