cut. Vela said one kid of about thirteen told her he saw an emblem on the back of the cuts. All he could make out was one word. Dark.”
“Fuckin’ Disciples.” Setting his cup down, Wrath stood, pacing a few feet away. “I knew it was them.”
“What do you mean?”
Sitting back down, Wrath lowered his voice. “Gunner was almost run off the road on his way to the clubhouse about a week ago. The images Raider captured weren’t decisive. We believe at least two Disciples were ordered to go after him in retaliation.”
Ethan’s brows drew together, eyes narrowing on his brother. “For the op where you rescued the children?” He’d been brought in by Wrath to facilitate the transition to child protective services.
“Yeah. I knew Big T would come after us. What I don’t understand is why Gunner? He wasn’t even on the op.”
Ethan sat back in the seat, his mind going over various possibilities. “Anything out of the ordinary going on with Gunner?”
“I mentioned the Brethren buying Maas Nursery.”
“You did.”
“Gunner’s going to lead operations. He’s been studying the business with Janie, and spending time with Katrina Snowden. She’s going to be the new manager.”
“Are they close?”
“Close? Hell, I don’t know. Why?”
“Could someone be targeting Katrina through Gunner?”
Wrath thought a moment before shaking his head. “I don’t know much about Katrina and her family. She lives with her mother and younger brother. He’s still in high school, and all three work.”
“Sounds as if you know a great deal about the Snowdens.”
“All that came from Janie. She didn’t mention anything about something going on between Katrina and Gunner. Hell…” Wrath looked away.
“Is there anyone here for Lucas Henson?”
Both stood, heading toward the doctor still wearing scrubs. “I’m Dr. Dorothea Bray. I know you, Sheriff McCord.”
“I’m Ethan’s brother. Most people call me Wrath. How is Luke?”
“He’s still serious, but stable. We’ll know more in twenty-four hours.”
“What are his injuries?”
The doctor met Wrath’s unwavering gaze. “Mr. Henson has a grade three concussion. He’ll be monitored closely for at least the next seventy-two hours. We wrapped his sprained left wrist. There are numerous contusions and abrasions from landing on the asphalt. They’ve been cleaned and wrapped. He’ll experience a good deal of discomfort for several days. I expect he’ll be in the hospital for several days.”
“Nothing else?” Wrath asked, hoping there was nothing which would impact his career or position in the Brethren.
“Mr. Henson is very lucky. It would’ve been much worse if he’d been thrown into oncoming traffic. Several days with us keeping watch on him should be sufficient.”
“Fair warning. He’s not going to be happy with that, Doctor.”
“Can you be more specific, Mr. McCord?”
Wrath thought of the times Gunner had fought with cracked ribs, a broken ankle, and joints swollen as large as melons. “It’s best if you and your staff handle him the way you would anyone else. May I see him?”
“Not until he’s conscious, which I expect will be several hours. I’d suggest you go home and I’ll have a nurse call you when he wakes.”
Wrath turned, pointing several feet away. “See that chair? That’s where you can find me. I’d like to be notified the instant he’s awake.”
One side of her mouth lifted in a grin. “Then that’s what I’ll instruct the nurse to do. If you’ll excuse me.”
He turned toward his brother. “How soon can you confirm a bullet blew the tire?”
Ethan checked the time. Almost three in the morning. “I’ll put a rush on it, but don’t expect anything until the first of the week. In the meantime, I’ll look at it myself. I’ve seen how bullets tear open a bike tire. At least you’ll have an unofficial opinion.”
“And the caliber?”
“Hell, I’m not a miracle worker, but I’ll do what I can. Do you want company while you wait?”
“Thanks, Ethan. But this watch is mine.”
“Don’t do anything about the Disciples until you talk to me. Do you understand?”
Wrath glanced away, refusing to lie. “Big T’s men almost killed Gunner. I’ll do my best, Ethan, but there’ll be no promises. Once we figure this out, we’ll be eliminating the threat.”
Ethan gave a slow shake of his head as he walked away. It was sometimes hard having a brother as the county sheriff. Wrath’s mouth quirked into a slight grin, certain he’d heard his brother mutter, Same stubborn SOB, as he left the hospital.
Chapter Fifteen
“If you have any questions about planting the catmint, give us a call, Mrs. Johnson.” Katrina handed the woman a special discount coupon for her next