Page 21 of Blade

"'She’s next,'" Rampage quoted. "Pretty clear they mean her."

Blade's hands clenched into fists. "Do they know where she is?"

"That's the million-dollar question," Rampage agreed. "Savage is working on it. In the meantime, he said to tell you to be ready to move. Safe house is being prepared. Rewriting the plan, Valhalla is too obvious. We’re concerned they’ll set up a trap and you won’t make it there."

"I’m not moving her until we know who the leak is," Blade insisted. "For all we know, they could be waiting for us at the safe house, too. The only way to get to me here is through Valhalla, which isn’t happening or down the road out front which is heavily monitored. Going to take the ATV out and set up more motion sensors around the property and a few more trail cams."

Rampage nodded. "Figured you'd say that. That's why I brought a little insurance." He reached into the duffel bag and pulled out a small black case. "Latest gen tracking devices. Plant one on any visitor, and Savage can track them back to whoever's pulling the strings."

"Smart," Blade acknowledged. "What about the club officers? Any suspicions?"

""Nothing concrete," Rampage said, lowering his voice though Lily was still out of earshot. "But Hammer's been acting... off. Taking calls in private. Making excuses to leave club meetings early."

Blade frowned. Hammer was a transfer from another chapter. One they were close to and trusted. "I hope it’s not him," Blade said. "But we can’t rule out anything. Keep an eye on him."

"Understood," Rampage agreed. "What about her?" He nodded toward the hallway where Lily had disappeared. "Is she holding up okay?"

Blade considered the question. "Better than expected, all things considered. She's stronger than she looks."

"She'd have to be, to survive what she has," Rampage observed. "Just... be careful, brother."

"Meaning what?" Blade asked sharply.

Rampage held up his hands in a placating gesture. "Meaning she's been through hell. And you... well, you're you. Not exactly known for your gentle bedside manner."

"I can be gentle when the situation calls for it," Blade defended.

"I'm sure you can," Rampage said, though he didn't sound entirely convinced. "Just saying, she's likely to get attached. Trauma bonding and all that. Don't make it worse by playing Daddy if you're not planning to follow through."

Blade bristled at the implication. "I know what I'm doing."

"Do you?" Rampage challenged. "Because from where I'm standing, it looks like you're getting attached too. And that could cloud your judgment when it matters most."

Before Blade could respond, Lily reappeared in the hallway, and both men immediately straightened, ending their conversation.

"Everything okay?" she asked, looking between them.

"Fine," Blade assured her. "Just discussing security measures."

She didn't look entirely convinced but didn't press the issue.

Rampage checked his watch. "I should head out. Need to report back to Savage." He turned to Lily. "You take care, little one. And don't let this grumpy bastard boss you around too much." He winked.

A small smile tugged at her lips. "I'll try."

Rampage clapped Blade on the shoulder. "Watch your six, brother. And call if you need backup. I can be here in twenty."

Blade nodded. "Appreciate it."

After a few more instructions about the equipment, Rampage left.

Blade locked the door behind him, double-checking the deadbolt. When he turned around, Lily was watching him, her expression unreadable.

"There's more, isn't there?" she asked quietly. "More than you told me earlier."

He considered lying, but what was the point? She deserved to know the full extent of the danger. "Yeah," he admitted. "There's more."

"Tell me," she said, her voice steady despite the fear in her eyes.

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