of the two wounds. “They nicked his liver, but not enough to cause him any major trouble. Looks like one of ‘em might’ve been using a set of brass knuckles. He’s got a few pretty bad contusions, a concussion, and several bruised ribs.”
“Well, damn. They did a real number on him.”
“Sure did. I figure they’re trying to make a point with all this. Either a threat or a retaliation.” Doc shook his head. “Either way, I’ll get him patched up and back on his feet.”
Viper stepped closer, and anguish marked his face as he looked down at Country. Viper wasn’t one to let his emotions get the best of him. He was hard, tough as nails, and never let anyone or anything get him down. So it was tough to see him look so distraught as he leaned down and whispered, “I need you to hang in there, brother. Stay strong. We’ll get the motherfuckers who did this shit. I promise ya that.”
Country didn’t respond. Instead, he just lay there, passed out cold, and it was all I could do to keep myself from going over there to shake him and yell. I wanted to do something to bring him around, but Country was young, strong, and determined. He would come around eventually, but for now, I and everyone in that room would just have to wait. Viper looked to Doc as he said, “I want to know the second he wakes up.”
“You got it, Prez.”
Viper nodded, then started towards the door. Before walking out, he turned to us and said, “Time to clear out and give Doc some space.”
We followed him out into the hall and listened intently as he said, “I wanna know who did this, and I wanna know now.”
“It’d help if Country could tell us something,” Menace replied.
“That’s not happening any time soon, so you’re gonna be on your own with this one.”
“I’ll start going through the security feed at the club. Maybe I can come up with something there.”
“Check through street cams, too. We need to know if that fucking van has any connection to all this.”
“I’m on it.”
Hawk stepped forward as he said, “I’ll come help you out.”
“Thanks, brother.”
“Let me know if you find anything.” Viper turned to the rest of us as he announced, “Stay close. I’ll let you boys know as soon as I hear anything.”
“You got it,” Shotgun answered.
When the brothers started to disperse, I went back to the family room to find Corry. When I walked in, he was standing over by one of the pool tables rolling the balls into the corner pocket. He was so enthralled in his personal match he didn’t even notice when I walked up. “We need to call your mother.”
“Oh, man.” A look of disappointment washed over him as he asked, “Do we have to?”
“Afraid so. It’s getting late, and I’m sure she’s wondering where the hell you are.”
“Yeah, I should’ve already called her, but my phone died when I was at the park.”
“I’ll make the call.”
I took my phone out of my back pocket and dialed her number. As I stood there waiting for her to answer, Corry mumbled, “She’s gonna be sooo pissed.”
“Don’t I know it.”
Chapter 10
Frankie
Even when I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to be a mother. It was engrained in me. While other kids my age talked about being a lawyer or a cop, I was thinking of my future kids—their names, how I’d dress them and care for them, and how I’d love them with every ounce of my soul. For the most part, those dreams had come true. I loved being a mother. My boys were my life, and they always would be. But there were many aspects of being a mom that were tough—really tough. When I was young, I didn’t think about the sleepless nights, the endless to-do lists, and the constant worrying that was often overwhelming. Sometimes it was downright crippling—just like it was tonight.
I had no idea what to think when Roman called and said he had Corry with him at his clubhouse. Even after he assured me several times Corry was okay, I was still absolutely frantic. I couldn’t imagine how Corry had ended up with Widow when he was supposed to be at Sean’s basketball practice. There were so many questions rushing through my mind, and it didn’t help matters that my son was at a strange place where I’d never been before. I had no idea if it