Page 306 of Redeemed

“You can’t just throw him out,” Lane sputters. “He’s the founder, for fuck’s sake!”

“And from this point forward, he’ll have nothing to do with the organization,” I say firmly. “Traitors get kicked out, and that includes him. He’s not above the rulesheset.”

Murmurs of agreement ripple through the room. It strengthens the hope inside me. Our plan is working. Not only are we saving the Rooks, but this gives us a much greater chance of successfully rescuing Haven.

“Take Lane, too,” I tell Gerard.

He grins. “Oh, with pleasure. That fucker is annoying as hell.”

Gerard and Brandon take them out of the hotel the back way so they don’t cause a scene in the lobby. They’ll throw Mark and Lane in a cell—not at the station, but at an abandoned asylum about a half hour out of town.

“So we’re just gonna let some kid take over and lead for us?” a loud voice asks from the back of the room. “He just graduated college, for fuck’s sake.”

“Thatkidhas been preparing to take on this role for years,” Charlotte says. Her tone is commanding and confident without a single ounce of the anger I know she’s feeling. “Colton will have me as an advisor, as well.”

“I think he’s the perfect fit,” Greg says. “I’ve heard some of his plans. His decisions will be informed by our needs and requests, and he wants to establish more transparency between him and the board and the rest of you.”

“And let’s not forget the bylaws,” Dave adds. “The position is Colton’s by the same rules we all agreed to apply to remove Mark from leadership.”

“Does anyone object?” Charlotte asks as she scans the room.

No one speaks up. Even if a few want to, I have an overwhelming majority.

Greg stands and walks over to me. “Then let me be the first to congratulate you as the new head of the Glass Rooks.”

When Greg holds out his hand, I shake it, doing everything I can to dim the grin on my face. Now isn’t the time to look like an overexcited kid.

“Thank you,” I say, my voice thick with emotion. It doesn’t feel real that I’ve achieved what I’ve been fighting for since I was a teenager. But I’m here. I’m here, and finally, Mark isn’t.

I’m flooded with a round of congratulations, handshakes, and hugs. It feels right, but without Haven by my side, also horribly wrong. When I catch glimpses of Lucas and Xander, I know they feel the same way.

All of this is pointless without her. I’d rather die than live without my wife.

People slowly file out of the room until only a few are left. Charlotte kisses me on the cheek and pats my chest, reminding me she’s only ever a text away. Rachel Porter says she has faith in me as she leaves, and the people behind her agree.

There are a handful of people who’re unwilling to believe that I can do this. I don’t hold it against them. I know I’m young, but I’ll prove myself with time.

Alex Perrison is the last to leave. He shakes my hand and slaps me on the back at the same time. “I’ve been waiting for this for years. I’m proud of you, Colton.”

“Thank you. And… actually, there’s something I could really use your help with.”

He smiles. “Anything for you, boss.”

. . .

“We found her.”

Me, Xander, and Lucas all breathe a collective sigh of relief at Wes’s words. He stayed nearby Cornerstone with Kellan all night to give us an idea of what their security is like, and they’re still out there.

“Kellan went into town this morning and bought a drone,” Wes explains. “We were able to get a decent look at the compound, and we found Haven right outside the church. It was only for a few seconds before they shot the drone down, though. Looks like their security is pretty strict.”

“Is she all right?” Lucas asks.

“Pretty sure, yeah. She seemed upset, but I think she realized the drone was us. She looked hopeful for a second.”

“Good. That’s…” I trail off as it sets in that she’s still alive. I couldn’t sleep last night because I was so worried about her. “That’s good.”

“Have you found another way in?” Xander asks.

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