Page 51 of Ryder's War

Holding up a key fob, Ryder looked it over. “They normally have the brand name of an automobile inscribed on them.” Pulling out his pocket knife, he punctured the seal, separating it into two parts. Son of a… “Yep, it’s a tracking device.”

Darkness nodded as if he’d expected nothing less. “I’ve seen them advertised before. Destroy it, along with his other personal effects.”

That wasn’t going to be enough for Ryder. “I’m thinking of giving him a special spot far from our normal site.”

“That’s a smart idea,” Darkness agreed. “You’re a cautious man, Ryder.”

Ryder considered how much shit they’d dealt with recently and suddenly grew tired. “I just want to slam the damn door shut on this mess once and for all.”

Darkness nodded, understanding in his eyes. Some victories came clean, others left blood under your fingernails for weeks. This one would do both, giving his president his daughter while reminding their enemies why the Blind Jacks weren't to be crossed.

And if Devil thought a tracking device in his father's pocket was clever, he was about to learn an old club lesson: sometimes the smartest play was knowing when to cut your losses and stay gone.

~ Tiffany ~

Looking down into the bottom of her empty glass, Tiffany thought seriously about ordering another Cosmo. Some nights called for liquid courage, but this wasn't one of them. Tonight needed clarity—the kind that came from keeping your head while everyone else was losing theirs.

Nope, one was her absolute limit for the evening. She could drink more if she wanted to, and most of the women hanging around the clubhouse this evening were three sheets to the wind. That’s what made it all the more important keep herself together, she reminded herself. Stay sober and be ready for whatever happens when Ryder and the rest of the men get back. That little voice in the back of herhead was right on the money, and this time she was taking her own good advice.

Turning around on the bar stool, she leaned back on her elbows and scanned the room. Rose had dressed little Sammy like a bumble bee. They were both wearing a yellow and black onesie and matching wings. The little girl giggled as Rose pretended to fly her through the air, making a buzzing noise. It left Tiffany wondering if the baby even knew what a bee was. Tiffany seriously doubted it.

Several of the old ladies were sitting around, and there were some children playing video games and horsing around. Lily was handing out fresh-baked cookies on a plate. Sure, there were whores, but they were all dressed nicely and behaving themselves. Needless to say, Precious and her out-of-control friend had not made the cut.

Alyssa was sitting at the end of the bar, drawing on a large piece of paper. She appeared totally oblivious to her surroundings. Shifting down a barstool, Tiffany sat beside the pretty blonde and craned her neck to look at the drawing. It was another fanciful creation for the children to color. It had a fairy, butterflies, and delicate, intricate flowers.

“Wow, this one’s really nice. You’ve got talent.”

Lifting the pen from the paper, Alyssa peered up at her. “Useless talent that only makes me popular with kids under ten years old.”

Tiffany frowned and shook her head. “I think your drawings are amazing. Kids aren’t the only ones coloring these days you know,” she pointed out. “I used to buy adult coloring books. The images are more elaborate and complex, kind of like the ones you draw. Grown-ups color for relaxation, too, but using artist-grade pastels and pens.”

A surprised grin spread across her face, and Alyssa perked up. “I’ve never heard of such a thing before. Maybe I’m not as childish as I thought.”

“Not at all,” Tiffany said emphatically. “I’ll bet you could sell your creations. They’re more interesting than most I’ve seen.”

“You’re joking, right?”

“No, not at all. I’ve been meaning to shop for a new one. Want to come with?”

“I’d love to,” Alyssa said eagerly.

Lily dropped onto the empty stool beside Tiffany and leaned over to have a look at the drawing. “Where do you get paper that large?”

“It’s from a sketch pad. I just tear off a page whenever I’m in the mood to draw.”

Lily smiled at her. “That’s a cute drawing. The kids are gonna be fighting over that one.”

Tiffany shifted anxiously in her seat. “Do you think the guys are okay?”

Shoving a clump of hair back over her shoulder, Lily sat up a little straighter. “I worry every single time Ven is out on a job. It’s difficult not to worry about his safety. Early on, I just convinced myself that the best way to get through was to imagine him walking through the door, safe and sound. It almost always goes down like that, so I’m rarely disappointed.”

Alyssa laid down her pen and swiveled around to face them. “They’re going to face off with another club for Darkness and his little one. No matter what happens, I have to believe little Sammy is worth fighting for.”

“Jesus, she’s definitely worth it,” Tiffany said. “I have to say that when they all go out together like today, I fell they are a bit safer because of the numbers.” She looked from one woman to the other. “They’re safer when they go out in force, right?”

Lily sighed and motioned to the prospect behind the bar to bring her special drink. “Not really. They only ever go out in force when thedanger is extremely high. That’s how we lost our last club president.”

Curiosity got the better of Tiffany. “Are you allowed to tell us about it?”

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