He gives me a chin lift. I dial East to update him on the situation. “How is she? Grudge called and asked to meet.” I relay the details of the phone call. Wylla Mae is shaken but trying to stay strong. East wants to meet to ride with us, but there’s not enough time, and I’m not waiting. “I want this done. Let’s roll.”
We put our knees to the breeze. Each mile of pavement bringing me closer to Alexa. Closer to finishing this business with Ruthie once and for all. Letting her go was a mistake. Trusting Grudge to do his God damn job was an error that I’ll never repeat. He’s going to ground, but I’ll give the honor to East. I got a score to settle with my cunt of an ex-wife.
I signal for Hound to go up the other side. Not taking any damn chances. I go through the creek and up the dirt path Grudge’s old man called a driveway. At the top of the path I pull up next to Wylla Mae’s jeep. Stole her kid and her car. Scummy son of a bitch. I get one foot off my bike when a gunshot fires.
“That’s far enough,” Grudge yells from the porch. “You alone?”
“Just me and the fucking turd I got in my pocket. The fuck you think. You see anyone else?” Stupid fuck.
“Toss your weapon out.”
“Look, man, I did as you asked. I’m here. Alone. No weapon. Where’s my Old Lady and grandkid?”
“You can have Alexa if you do what I want.”
“What’s that?”
“Ruthie and me need money for our fresh start.”
“You’ve got to be shitting me.”
“Paid my dues to the club. I think I’ve earned a little kickback.”
“Only thing you’ve earned is a bullet in your skull.”
“No money. No bitch.”
“How much?”
“Three hundred.”
“Thousand?” I have to bite back my laughter. He knows the club doesn’t have that kind of cash laying around. All our shit is tied up in property and the guns we run.
“That’s right. For her, me, and the kid.”
Now he’s really starting to piss me off. “You and I both know you won’t leave this mountain alive.”
“I’m ready to go to hell if that’s what it takes for Ruthie to get what’s hers, but are you ready to send Alexa there with me?”
Fucking hell. Where’s Hound? I need to keep this fool talking. “Let me see her then we can talk money.”
“Bring out the bitch,” he hollers over his shoulder, right at the time I see Hound crouched at the left corner of the cabin. He gives me a nod then points to the cabin before disappearing again. He’s going for the baby. Alexa’s rescue is on me.
The front door opens, and Ruthie drags Alexa out by her hair, they have my pretty girl bound at the wrists and gagged. I flex my fists. I’ve never wanted to hit a woman, but Ruthie makes me want to pop her right in the damn mouth to knock her fuckin’ teeth out.
The baby cries and Ruthie turns her back on us. Alexa shoves up off the porch using only her legs and throws her shoulder into Grudge sending him toppling down the stairs, travelling with him. He loses the shotgun as Ruthie cries, “They’re taking the baby.” I rush forward, planting my foot on Grudge’s neck while taking possession of the shotgun. I don’t give him any chances. I aim at his head and blow the motherfucker to chunks. His brain matter splatters all over Alexa’s face and my pant leg.
Ruthie tries to run but trips over a rock, going down face first in the dirt. I grab her up by her hair just like she did Alexa, but I’m a lot rougher about it.
She looks up at me with dirt and tears streaking her cheeks once I get her facing me. “Please, James. I didn’t want to hurt anyone. All I wanted was a baby. I’ll go away. You’ll never see me again.” She hiccups, looking bewildered. “I’ll do anything. I miss Rochelle. I want a baby. I don’t have anything or anyone. Please I’ll leave you and Alexa alone.”
“No you won’t. You’ll just keep on with more of your lies and bullshit. You’re done for. Turn around and get on your knees.” I shove her down. I press the barrel of the shotgun against the back of her head.
“Please, James. Don’t. You don’t want to hurt me. I gave you Rochelle. You promised me for better or worse.”
“Stop your sniveling. It’s pathetic.”
“At least look me in the eyes. Don’t be a coward.”
I look back to see Hound putting the baby in the jeep. I need to see to Alexa and blowing this bitch’s head off would be too easy. “Come on.” I jerk her back to her feet.
“Thank you,” she whispers.
I snort. “Don’t thank me, cunt. I’m still gonna fucking watch you take your last breaths. Only thing that will make me happier is finally marrying the woman I really love and starting our life together. Keep an eye on her.” I shove Ruthie into Hound and tend to my woman. “Let’s get you cleaned up.” I remove the bandanna that’s tied around her mouth, use it to wipe some of the shit off her face, then work on releasing her wrists from the rope they bound them with. I carry her inside the cabin and put her in the shower clothes and all.
Alexa says nothing and I dial East. “Got’em. Tell my girl she’ll be holding Mila soon. Yeah far as I can tell. Right. See you soon.” I end the call and shift my focus back on Alexa.
“Can you find me something to wear?”
“On it.” I leave her to finish washing off and pilfer through the cabin. There’s a suitcase of Ruthie’s shit next to the bed. Bitch has been hiding here. I know Alexa don’t want to wear a damn thing of Ruthie’s, but she can’t afford to be choosy right now. Back in
