Page 39 of Johnny Gun

His earlier maneuver had paid off. He’d loosened the USB head just enough that it still appeared plugged into the laptop, but was actually disconnected. Hard to believe Deacon or Axel hadn’t noticed. They must’ve been so frustrated thatthey’d searched for big glitches and missed the tiny “power on” symbol. A total newbie error.

Whatever. It worked for him and Isolde.

Staying low, he hurried past Deacon’s dark window and reached Isolde’s. A pale light illuminated her room. He tapped the glass and held his breath as her shadow approached the window. She pulled the sheers aside a bit, enough to see who’d knocked while keeping her face obscured. Good girl. Isolde deserved a big reward for remembering his admonition.

A gorgeous smile illuminated her face when she recognized him.

“Is it time?” she whispered as she opened the window.

“Yes, baby. Hand me your bag, and I’ll help you out.”

“Should I turn off the lights?”

“Hold on. Where’s your phone?”

“In my bag.”

“Did you write the note like I told you?”

She nodded.

“Good. Leave the phone with the note.”

“But…” Isolde frowned. “Sydney’s worried about us. She asked me to call her.”

“You’re not calling her from your phone. Anyone can trace you that way. You’ll use mine. Write down her number and turn off the light. Hurry.”

“Okay.” Isolde didn’t seem too happy about leaving herphone, but she followed his instructions without further argument. Back at the window, she passed him her bag.

He turned sideways. “Use my shoulder for support and lean out. I’ll help you down.” As she stretched her torso, he grasped her small waist and easily lifted her out and down to her feet. “Keep your head low and come with me.”

Holding her hand, he led her toward the front of the house. He paused at the corner, then keeping her behind him, he peeked around toward the main entrance. The porch light was on, but the fixture was ancient, the cracked yellow globe had bug skeletons plastered all over it, and barely illuminated the area. By now, Johnny’s eyesight had adapted to the darkness, and he didn’t need much light to see.

He counted the bikes and breathed out with relief. Only half were parked. That meantGomez, Jax, and the Garden City brothers bunking up with them had gone home.

“There’s no one around,” he whispered. “It’s safe to come out.” Keeping his footsteps slow and light, he moved toward his bike. Isolde followed right behind. He took out the extra helmet he always carried from the bike’s rear compartment and put their bags in its place.

“Put your helmet on and stay close. I’m pushing the bike to the bottom of the path.”

As she tightened the strap, her pretty eyes opened wide. “Why?”

“Because the noise from the engine could wake up someone inside.”

“Isn’t it heavy?”

“It can be. The slope will help me, and it’s not a long way down.”

He put the bike in neutral and kicked the stand up. Straddling the bike, he gripped both handlebars and waddled it slowly forwardas he tapped the brakes. Turning the front tire, he traversed the path from side to side instead of pointing straight down. He hoped to prevent a free roll. Next to him, Isolde kept up. The only sounds came from their soft footsteps and the tires crunching on the gravel road.

When they reached the path’s lowest point, Johnny was breathing hard and his legs ached from the effort to control the bike. He’d done everything in his power to make Isolde’s escape work. Now he needed a bit of help from fate. He sent a silent prayer thatno one would wake up in the clubhouse and sound the alarm.

“Climb on, baby girl. Put your arms around me.” As Isolde clambered on, he sent a text to Barron.

It’s three fifty. We’re heading out.

Barron’s immediate response was a huge relief. Good to his word, he’d waited by the phone.

I-75 exit 277 to Acworth. First gas station to your right. I’ll be there. Careful riding south.

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