in the station.”
Wrath placed a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “Thanks. I’ll be there with them. Let’s get out of here.”
Katrina slipped into her car, stomach roiling at the bullet holes in the back. Driving out of the lot, she wondered what to say to the insurance agent. Lying would be silly since the agent lived in Liberty Lake and would no doubt learn of the shooting. She’d heard some policies didn’t cover acts during criminal activities. Could tonight fall into that clause?
Watching her rearview mirror, she stifled an almost hysterical laugh. She’d almost been killed, and hours before, Gunner had been the target of another MC. Life and death issues, and what was she thinking about?
A stupid insurance claim.
Chapter Eighteen
“What the fuck is going on, Peter? Someone shot at the girl, and it has the signature of your people.” Tony Carparelli ran a hand over his short hair before popping three antacids into his mouth. Peter Vena was his boss, reporting to the Mob’s underboss. Not known as a morning person, Tony had been surprised when Vena answered the phone at seven in the morning.
“I got orders from Salvatore and sent men to take care of it.”
“You should’ve contacted me.”
“Salvatore wanted fresh faces, Tony. You know how it is.”
“Well, those fresh faces sprayed bullets in a hospital parking lot, missed their target, and barely got out of there before the police showed up. A complete fuck-up. If this is how you and Salvatore want to handle this, I’m heading home.”
The quiet lasted a few seconds before Peter responded. “You’ll stay where you are until I tell you to leave.”
“If that’s what you want, then I need to know about these guys.”
“What’s there to know? Your job is to keep an eye on the family. I don’t need to explain their job.” Peter sounded bored, his unconcern palatable, even over almost two thousand miles.
Tony knew arguing would improve nothing. He had two choices, and neither appealed to him. Disappear with the stash of money and fake IDs, or continue taking orders.
His life, and those of his family, would be worthless if he tried to leave the Mob behind. If they couldn’t find him, they’d threaten his mother, father, and siblings. No one ever escaped the South Side Gang.
Seeing no way out, Tony shoved aside any thought of escape. “The daughter’s leaving. I’ve got to go.”
Hanging up, he hunkered down in his most recent rental car. The nondescript, gray SUV wouldn’t draw anyone’s attention. It helped knowing Katrina’s meddling boyfriend lay in the hospital.
Following, he tightened his hold on the steering wheel when she turned into the police station parking lot. Slowing, Tony pulled to the curb, checking the time. Nine o’clock on a Sunday morning.
Minutes later, he watched two motorcycles enter the lot. He didn’t recognize either one, but he also didn’t believe in coincidences. They were Eternal Brethren.
Thirty minutes after entering the station, Wrath, Chaos, and Katrina continued to study the footage. Geoff took notes while their resident computer expert navigated the images as directed. Of the two cameras, only one had been positioned to capture the action.
“They removed the license plates, and the car is the same as about five thousand others in the area. Two men, almost identical from the camera’s perspective, are inside, wearing similar wide-brimmed hats, odd for late at night.” As he spoke, Geoff pointed to various images as the technician moved through the footage. “Any idea who they are?”
“I’ve never seen them,” Katrina said with conviction. Neither were the man who’d been watching the comings and goings of those on her street. They were too slight of build.
“They aren’t members of Dark Disciples,” Chaos said.
Wrath’s brows drew together. “How can you tell?”
“They never go on a run without their cuts. And those hats?” Chaos shook his head. “They would’ve worn ball caps, something to hide their identity but not interfere with their shots. Plus, it’s doubtful they would’ve driven a sedan. A van or truck, maybe, but not something that screams rental.”
“How do you know so much about them?” Geoff asked, leaning forward for a better view of the screen.
“I’ve run into them in my past. When Wrath announced the Disciples were planning to take over for the Night Devils, I did my own research. They’ve got chapters all over the country, and are considered one of the most ruthless MCs. The shooting in the parking lot doesn’t match what I’ve learned about them.”
“Any thoughts on who else could be after either one