Page 113 of Marcus: Sins of the Father

Cole steps to him and grabs his shoulder, squeezing. “We’ll do it together. And then we’re bringing your daughter home.”

I’m still leaning against the wall, and feel like I should leave. This moment is personal, and I probably shouldn’t be witnessing it, but I think it would draw more attention if I move now.

Red Dog’s yell carries from the main room, drawing all of our attention, and we hustle down the hall.

He stands in front of the television, watching a news report. We all approach, staring at the screen. A newscaster stands at a gas station, crime scene tape and flashing lights in the background.

Red Dog looks over his shoulder. “Looks like this might be the reason they targeted Marcus. Isn’t that the gas station where the Death Heads met the Senator?”

I nod, moving closer to hear the reporter.

“Police say the clerk was already dead from an apparent gunshot wound to the head when they arrived. No money appears to be missing, but the tapes from the security cameras were taken. Police do not yet have a suspect, though there were reports of multiple motorcycles leaving the gas station moments before the body was found. They’re searching area businesses for any other possible security footage that may provide more information. This is Cynthia Davis reporting. KLNC News.”

“They’re out for revenge,” Cole snarls. “Son-of-a-bitch.”

“Got to be the Death Heads,” Red Dog murmurs his agreement.

“Better go get Mary,” Cole reminds him.

It’s not long before the entire clubhouse is full of children, mostly teenagers and ol’ ladies. I hear them whispering amongst themselves, but no one seems to know what’s going on. None of the brothers want to let the cat out of the bag before Crash has a chance to talk to Shannon.

“Shannon, babe, come with us,” Cole calls to her, where she stands at the other side of the room.

Before she makes it all the way to him, he leans down and whispers in my ear. “Go and tell Angel what’s going on. Shannon is going to need her girl pack around her when she comes out.”

I nod, moving past Shannon. I refuse to make eye contact with her because I know the sympathy in my eyes will be a dead giveaway. They lead her down the hall to Cole's office.

“Angel?” I call tentatively.

She turns to me and frowns. I wonder if she hears in my voice the torment I feel.

“Can I talk to you?” I notice the other wives sticking close. “In private.”

“Absolutely.” She doesn’t hesitate for a second, and I’m reminded again she makes a good ol' lady to our president.

I lead her to a back room where the cage for our monthly fights sits in the shadows.

“What’s going on?” she asks with the seriousness of a mother.

“My place was ransacked.” I pause, not sure I can get the next words out.

“Oh my God. Are you okay?”

“No, you don’t understand. I wasn’t there.” I emphasize the word, and she doesn’t miss it.

“Marcus, who was there?” The look on her face tells me she’s already stringing it together. Shannon being called away and only a handful of people are still missing from our lockdown. Her shaking hand covers her mouth.

“Harley and Brandy. They were taken.” My voice cracks on the last word, and my jaw locks tight, my eyes welling. Pain, fear, sorrow, despair all wash over me as my back hits the wall, and I slide down it to crumple on the floor. I wasn’t expecting to fall apart, but Angel is the closest thing I’ve had to a decent mother figure, and I need someone to talk to about it.

“Oh, sweetie.” She drops to her knees, pulls me into her arms, and rocks me just as a mother would. I cling to her like a drowning man. “You boys will get them back. Nobody’s going to stop until they’re found.”

“I know.” I drag the palm of my hand across my cheeks, dashing the wetness away, embarrassed to have her see my tears. “It’s just… her father warned me, and he was right. I can’t keep her safe.”

“Oh, Marcus…”

Before she can finish, I stand and move to the door, pausing with my hand on the knob. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to break down like that. I was just telling you so you girls could be there for Shannon when she comes out.” I shift uncomfortably. “Uh, thanks for this.” Then I push through the door before she can say anything else.

Shortly after, Shannon emerges, her eyes puffy with the redness from crying. She looks shell-shocked as she walks to Angel, who pulls her into a hug. The room falls silent, and I hear Shannon’s anguished voice.

---