Page 103 of Declan's Dove

“You need to listen to me, Violet,” he whispers. “Whatever happens, you stick to the plan. We will drive up, you and I will get out to make the exchange, and then I will leave with Carter. You do not try to run. I promise nothing will happen to you, but you must obey my every word. Can you do that? Can you have faith that we will keep you safe?”

“As long as you keep my son away from James, I’ll do whatever you ask.” Matteo eyes me warily. But I don’t say any more. While they are busy plotting a way to save my son, I’m planning my revenge.

This time, I will not go down without a fight.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

Declan

Back at the clubhouse, Tate pulled up an aerial map of the foster home and the surrounding area. The house is on five acres, most of it covered in trees. We make a plan, and park down the road, hiking through the forest surrounding the home the rest of the way to give us better coverage and the element of surprise.

“We’re going to have company,” Kayce says over comms. “Parisi and Matteo are coming in with Violet in tow. Apparently, James has cut a deal with the devil.”

“Why is he bringing Violet? Why didn’t he fucking lie?” I’m so pissed my body is vibrating with it.

“Hey,” Jameson’s voice comes over the link. “I’ve got the special announcement ready. On your mark Pres.”

“Hold,” Pres replies. “Ghost, Hawk, are you ready on the high ground?”

“Ready,” they both answer.

“Swanson’s car has been pulled around the back. I can see him pacing through the front window, but no other movement has been detected,” Hawk says. “Ghost, do you have eyes on the kid?”

“Negative.”

“We’ve got movement up the road,” Ethan warns. “Three black SUVs. Looks like Parisi is joining the party.”

“Fuck.” I drop my head, taking in a few deep breaths.

You need to focus. You need to calm your shit and save your family.

A couple more breaths and I’m ready. We advance through the trees quietly. Dallas and Caleb are on the back side of the property coming in from the backyard. Jake and Mack are on the right. Their point of entry will be the side door of the garage. Gabe and Jameson are on the left, and Kayce is with me. We’re going to break through the front door.

The three SUVs pull into the driveway, partially blocking the view of the garage. Gabe gives the signal for everyone to halt. We watch as Matteo exits the SUV first, signaling for someone to stay in the car. Vincenzo exits the second vehicle, coming up to meet Matteo.

“That’s not their usual formation,” Hawk observes. “There’s someone else in the last car.”

Swanson stands out on the front porch, armed with a high-power rifle. There’s still no sign of Carter.

“Does anyone have eyes on the kid?” I ask.

“Dallas, you and Caleb enter through the back. Find the kid. Quietly,” Kayce orders. I’m sure Gabe will bitch at him for that later. It’s tough when you have two leaders who are always in control of their own men, and they have to work together. If it wasn’t for the situation, I might find it funny to watch them fight over control.

“That’s far enough, Parisi,” James calls from the porch. We’re close enough to hear and see, but not close enough James would be able to see us. I’m almost certain Matteo has clocked a couple of our guys. He’s an observant bastard.

“What are we here to do, James? I have a busy evening planned so if you would be so kind, can we get on with it?” Parisi says, appearing put out by the situation, which only serves to anger James.

“I hold all the cards here, Parisi. Your plans will just have to wait,” Swanson exclaims. “Where’s Violet? Bring her out here.”

“Where’s the boy?” Vincenzo volleys back.

Shit.

“The boy is safe inside where I left him.”

“And the foster parents. The Connelly’s. Where are they?” Vincenzo keeps him talking, and I can’t help but feel grateful for the time he’s buying us to get the kid out.

“They’re not going to be a problem anymore,” Swanson smiles evilly.

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