Undaunted - Shirleen Davies Page 0,37
screens. “Looks like the boys have arrived.”
The four of them stared at the video images showing Moses on one side of Banner, Mitch on the other. Wrath, Wrangler, Tracker, and Rock stood with them, the latter punching numbers into his phone.
“Fuse. You copy?” His voice came through the speaker in the safe room.
He punched the key on a secure phone. “Copy, Rock. I’m in the safe room with Brittany, Gunner, and Fargo. Iggy, Bas, and Boomer are in the house with four dead tangos.”
“Outside is clear and secure. We’re bringing Banner inside. Hold your fire.”
“Roger. I’ll let the other boys know.” Fuse turned toward the others. “Let’s get out of here.”
They emerged into the hall, Fuse relaying the news more Brethren had arrived. Minutes later, Wrath and the others brought Banner into the house. Fuse stalked toward them, looking at his fallen brother.
“Put him on my bed.” He shoved open the door to his room, rushing to draw back the spread and covers. “What do you need, Moses?”
“Warm water to clean the wound, and some good light. I’ve got everything else in my bag.” He patted the medic kit in his hand. “Fargo is going to stay and help. The rest of you can leave. It shouldn’t be long before we can transport Banner to the clubhouse.”
“Home,” Banner ground out. “Just get me home.”
“You have someone there who can keep watch on you for a few days?” Moses asked.
“I can take care of myself.” Banner grimaced. “Damn, that thing hurts.”
“You can deal with it alone after I’m certain it won’t become infected. Until then, we’ll get you into one of the extra upstairs rooms at the clubhouse.”
Bas brought in a bowl of warm water and floor lamp, plugging it in next to the bed. “Anything else?"
“We’re good, man. Thanks.”
Bas took one more look at Banner’s leg, mouth contorting before leaving the room.
“You ready, Banner?”
“Yeah. Get it over with.”
Wrath studied the faces of the four dead tangos laid out on Fuse’s patio. He’d expected to find Night Devils cuts under their black clothing. Instead, there’d been tattoos more common to gangs than an outlaw MC.
“Anyone recognize them?”
“Nope,” Rock said, the others shaking their heads. “From the tats, they aren’t Devils. Grizzly may have brought them up from the valley.”
“Or the people behind the threats hired them,” Mitch said. “We’ll run their prints and do a complete background workup on each of them.”
Rock bent down, holding up one of the dead men’s hands. As he suspected, they’d been burned off or removed with acid. He glanced up at Wrath, shaking his head. Checking the other three, he pointed down at the last body.
“This is the only one with prints.” Straightening, Rock took another look at the bodies. “If we turn them over, we may find specific gang tats on their backs.”
“Probably the fucking MS-13s.” Wrangler stood with a couple newer Brethren who’d accompanied them. “I thought we discouraged those assholes the last time they tried to run human traffic through Liberty Lake.”
“They’re a cancer you can’t destroy,” Tracker sneered. “Cut out one part and another springs up.”
“Don’t jump to conclusions.” Wrath pulled his phone. “Ethan and his team need to get out here.”
Fuse’s gaze snagged on Brittany, who stood just inside the house, arms wrapped around her middle. A closer inspection showed pale skin, lines around her eyes and mouth.
“I need to take care of Brit, Wrath.” His prez’s nod had him moving. “Let’s get you into the kitchen. I’ll make tea.”
He settled an arm over her shoulders, feeling the vibrations from her trembling body. When she didn’t respond, Fuse guided her away from the window and to a stool at the island in the kitchen.
He thought getting her away from the bodies would bring color back to her face. Instead, the pallor remained, her hands clutching her stomach.
Boiling water, he pulled a box of saltine crackers from the cupboard, taking out a handful. “Here. Eat these while I get the tea ready.”
Brittany took them from his hand, nibbling at one. Her stomach had imploded at the sight of the four bodies covered in blood. The lifeless forms had made her want to retch. Feeling her forehead grow damp, she swiped a shaky hand across her brows.
“Here, babe. Drink this.” Fuse handed her a cup of chamomile tea. “Do you want sugar?”
Taking the cup, she raised her head, eyes devoid of all emotion. “No…thank you.”
Fuse knew the look, seen the same dazed expression on the faces of those new to battle. He