Page 65 of Ride Forever
Chapter 23
Sloane
We didn’t waste any time after we got confirmation from Watts.
Dressing, we gathered our bags and triple-checked our guns and ammo before making our way down to the garage. Everyone was assembled, waiting for the word to move out. For better or worse, today was going to be a big day in the history of Fortitude MC.
“Holy hell, your hair!”
I gave Spike a bitchy look and flipped him the bird.
Someone let out a wolf whistle, and a few guys laughed, lifting the serious tone that filled the grease-scented space. For their benefit, I did a little twirl, flicked my platinum locks, and blew a kiss.
“This is how it’s going down,” Gasket said, nodding to acknowledge our arrival. “We ride for Las Vegas in half an hour. Mayhem crew—you’ll hold tight until seven p.m. after which, you’ll enter the casino from separate entrances. Head inside, gamble, drink, be complete assholes. Make that security team work for it. My crew—we’ll stake out Monroe’s and watch their comings and goings. We’ll need to play it by ear. If they leave, we’ll need to follow. At seven p.m., we’ll strike, no matter where they are. Got it?”
The bikers nodded and confirmed their agreement.
“Whatever happens tonight, the Hollow Riders will be in the ground,” he added. “No excuses.”
“Sloane and I will enter the Halcyon just after seven,” Chaser said, eyeing the mayhem crew of Bones, Hopper, Stewie, Ringer, and Davis. “We’re counting on you to be our smoke screen.”
“Things might get rough without warning,” I said. “You’ll need to be ready to make shit up on the fly.”
“We’ve got your back,” Hopper said with a nod. “Don’t worry about us. You worry about getting the big man.”
“Then saddle up,” Gasket said. “You know the plan. Stick to it.”
The bikers began to move, gathering up their stuff, and the garage filled with the noise of mobilization.
“Take care of yourself, kid,” Gasket said.
“Don’t get yourself killed,” I replied, throwing my arms around him. “I expect to see you tomorrow, okay?”
“Same here.” He sniffed, his voice wavering.
“Are you crying?” I pulled back and made a face.
“No way.”
I saw his eyes sparkling, and I laughed. “Liar.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow. Free and clear, okay?”
I nodded and smoothed down his vest. “Courage in pain and adversity.”
“And you, kid.” He stepped back, raising a fist. “Fortitude! Let’s ride!”
The assembled bikers sprang into action and filed out the roller door. We followed, wishing them luck as we went. Spike, Butcher, Ratchet, Bones, Stewie, Hopper…all of them.
We lingered on the pavement as the entire club powered up their motorcycles and formed a convoy on the street. One by one, they moved off, their engines roaring as they departed. It was a hell of a sight.
“That’s not exactly inconspicuous,” I said, plugging my ears.
“They know what they’re doing,” Chaser replied, pulling the car keys from his pocket. “This isn’t their first rumble.”
I knew these were seasoned men, but it didn’t help knowing they were en route to a bloodbath. When Gasket said they would deal with the Hollow Riders, he meant to kill them. But who was I to fret over it? We were going to kill King and anyone else who got in our way. Our forever depended on it.
“So many things could go wrong with this,” I said, starting to feel nauseous.
