Page 71 of Johnny Gun

The tense exchange stopped as Barron, Blade, and Trent joined the father-daughter reunion. Only Cel remained waiting on the porch. Deacon glanced from face to face. “What the hell, a snitch? How did you know?”

Blade nodded. “We had reports.”

“Who?”

“Can’t tell you yet,” Barron said. “Only Gomez knows, and he’s unconscious.”

“It’s frustrating,” Blade said. “It happened right outside on the porch, which is pretty fucking alarming and pisses the fuck out of me.”

“If it wasn’t for Trent…” Deacon didn’t finish his sentence.

“So you discovered Gomez?” Johnny went straight for Trent. “And you didn’t get a glimpse of the attacker?”

“Unfortunately, no.” Trent gave a heavy sigh. “I couldn’t sleep. So I came out to the common room to watch TV. Before I turned it on, I heard the thud of a body falling and someone whimpering in pain. I ran out and found Gomez face down,semiconscious and hurt. He was alone. I yelled for help. Blade awoke first.”

“And?” Johnny turned to Blade.

“Deacon rushed out with me,” Blade continued. “He called 911. It was a chaotic situation. Gomez was still out and bleeding profusely from two knife wounds in his back. The attacker was smart not to use a gun because we would have heard the shots. Trent was covered in blood from trying to help his friend. Honestly, I thought Gomez was a goner, but he rallied and told us, ‘Get them out. Hurry. Rover knows their hideout.’ I texted Barron. He called you immediately.”

“Gomez saved us,” Isolde murmured. “I can’t believe it. What’s his condition?”

“Dude’s strong and very lucky,” Deacon said. “The EMTs got here quickly. He’s in a level-one trauma center. The last I heard, he was stabilized but critical. They still have him in ICU. I’m going back later to handle financial matters for Gomez. The general concern is that he’ll probably lose the injured lung.”

“Poor Gomez.” Sobbing softly, Isolde leaned against Johnny. Without a thought, he put his arm around her shoulder. Deacon glared. Johnny ignored him. At some point, he’d have to come to terms with the reality of their situation. Johnny and Isolde were in love and a couple. Going forward, they were living together. That wasn’t changing anytime soon.

Still, a question lingered in Johnny’s mind. “Did you find the knife?”

Blade shook his head. “Sorry to say, no. However, Captain Weaver of the Garden City police is sending K9s to search the yard later this morning.”

“Great idea,” Barron said. “If there’s anything, the dogs will find it.”

Cel stepped to the forefront of the conversation. “All right, gentlemen. Enough. I’m taking Isolde inside. She’s spent hours onthe road in her jammies and still has a sheet wrapped around herself. She needs a shower, clean clothes, food, and a short nap.” She frowned at Johnny. “You could use a break too. Barron, take care of your friend, will you? I’ll tell Blade when Isolde’s ready to come out.”

Blade smiled at Cel. “Sounds like a plan, baby girl. You’re in charge. Guys, you heard my wife. We’ll reconvene after Isolde’s had some rest. We still have really serious matters to talk about.”

Isolde moved to Johnny and got on her tiptoes, offering up her lips. “See you later?”

“You bet.” He kissed her quickly, and she walked into the clubhouse holding Cel’s hand.

As soon as Blade got word from Cel that Isolde had sufficiently rested, he called the affected visitors and members of the Garden City MC for an informal gathering at the conference room. Couldn’t be an official church meeting because outsiders would be present.

With the exception of one brother, currently out of town on a clandestine mission, everyone else showed up. The conference room was packed.

Cel and Isolde came into the room. His baby girl was dressed in borrowed clothes and wore a bright smile on her face, warming Johnny’s heart. Cel took her spot at Blade’s side, and Isolde sat next to Johnny. Johnny kissed her hand, held it within his, and prepared to listen.

Blade gave a report on the K9s. The inspection hadn’t yielded anything new or suspicious. The scents found belonged to everyone in the clubhouse. Gomez’s attacker had cleverly left no traces of himself or his weapons.

“You know, Blade,” Axel broke in, “I worked with the guy inDalton. If anyone told me Gomez would be so unselfish and heroic, I would’ve laughed. What’s the latest on his condition?”

“Unchanged,” Blade said.

“Gomez is difficult and can be an ass,” Deacon said from his chair.

And a lecherous jerk.Johnny thought, but kept his mouth shut.

Deacon continued to stare at everyone. “He’s always been loyal to the MC. And he’s proven me right.”

Axel sat, then Little Billy stood to speak. “That’s all well and good. We all wish him well. I, for one, hope he recovers soon and without complications. However…” Little Billy paused to study every face. “I’m pretty sure Blade didn’t call this meeting just to talk about Gomez. The club has a problem. We have a traitor among us, and the fucker is still running around loose. This guy betrayed Deacon’s daughter and Johnny Gun, who was trying to protect her, then got into our clubhouse and nearly killed a Dalton brother. How the fuck did he manage? My guess is Gomez surprised this motherfucker in the act and got stabbed.”

---