Chapter Nine

***C.Rash***

"Calm down, Mags," I tell her and I know that's not the smartest thing to say, but there's more information and she needs to see it. "Look," I tell her and smack the file in front of her.

"Motherfucker," Casey growls underneath his breath. "She doesn't need to see that shit."

"Yes, she does," I growl back. "It's the only way to let her know this fucker isn't getting away with anything. She needs to see the truth. To know it's real and the visible evidence is right here. You need to tell her everything you know because she will want to hear every single detail."

I place a hand on her shoulder and she covers it with her own as she glances over the information and the pictures along with it.

"Those pictures were taken by the cops early this morning. Peter probably didn't realize his father would report him missing if he walked out of rehab. Daddy dearest demanded everyone jump into action which led to them searching the house. There was a K9 unit in the neighborhood who dropped by to talk to his brother who was a cop at the scene. He had a cadaver dog with him who alerted his handler, it's how they found the first body," Casey says and sits down across from me. "So, as C.Rash mentioned, the birds aren't exactly something we can tie him to your case with. Though we have someone on it to see if all the birds came from the same breeder. But for now, we're focusing on nailing this fucker for what he did to you six years ago and those other girls he killed over the years. They've found four buried underneath his house and one girl they found alive. She has been missing for four days and was locked up in a dog kennel in a hidden room in the basement."

I can tell everything Casey just said to her is hitting hard. I can only imagine how it is for her to hear that fucker killed all those girls while she lived to tell about it.

I squat down next to her chair to be close to her as I glance up at Casey. "I'm sure you're here to tell her the police would like to question her, right? I mean with all of this she's the one who got away together with the girl they found alive."

"Yes," Calix says as he sits down next to Casey. "But the girl they found alive isn't talking. They are keeping her sedated at the hospital. Seems like the fucker became more aggressive over the years."

"What's the plan, Pres?" I ask and grab a chair and slide it right next to Mags. She might look strong, but I know this is hitting her hard.

Calix's eyes turn hard and this is a look he always gives when he doesn't allow any disagreement. "The plan is to get you guys out of here and into the clubhouse until this fucker is found. I'm not trusting this Peter one damn bit; he's got nothing to lose and it makes him more dangerous. And let's not forget he's been coming back to Magnolia each year."

"It's almost Christmas, we have gifts, it's our first Christmas as a fucking family," I hiss.

"VP," Calix snaps as he throws a set of keys over the table in my direction. "Can you get my bag from the car, please? It's in the backseat. I should have known you didn't want to leave so we're staying the night, but I have to discuss something with Magnolia and it's not meant for your ears, understood?"

I grind my teeth. I know very well he's not asking; he's giving me an order as my president.

Mags places her hand on my thigh and gives it a squeeze. "I'm okay, go get his stuff. I'll be right here."

I reluctantly stand and stalk out of the kitchen. Throwing a quick glance in the direction of the living room, I see Joshua sitting on his knees in front of the TV, enjoying a Christmas cartoon. Not bothering with a coat, I open the door and head for Calix's car.

I notice his bag and have to smile because even if I hate the man for sending me out here to talk to Mags in private, I also know he only thinks about her safety. And the bag I'm holding only amplifies it because it's not filled with a change of clothes, it's filled with extra guns and ammo.

Locking up the car, I head back to the house but the shatter of glass makes me aware something is very fucking wrong. Horrified, I watch as someone is now standing in the living room, pulling up Joshua and holding a knife in one hand while he has Joshua by the throat and plastered against his body.

Calix, Casey, and Mags rush into the living room but freeze at the sight before them. I let Calix's bag hit the dirt and snatch my phone from my jeans. I know for damn sure my brother Ransom knows everything about this case because he always works closely with Casey.

He picks up on the first ring and I get straight to the point. "Perp broke into my old lady's house; he's holding my son hostage."

"On it, brother," Ransom grunts and the line disconnects.

Everything seems frozen before me, though the fucker is waving the knife in Calix's direction, who is holding his hands palms up in an effort to calm Peter down.

I glance at Calix's bag and squat down to open it. There are four guns in there but I take the Beretta I've used countless times. Inching closer to the house, Casey locks eyes with me for a second and I can tell he understands what I'm about to do. Not thinking twice, I take aim and wait for the perfect moment.

Joshua sees me and my heart skips a damn beat. I realize in this damn moment everything I hold dear can shatter beyond repair. I hope to fuck he keeps quiet and stays still. Peter holds the knife away from Joshua again and waves it at Calix with an outstretched arm.

I gently squeeze the trigger and the bullet smashes through the glass before it impacts Peter's head. His arms swing away from Joshua as Calix rushes forward and grabs my son before Peter's body hits the ground.

I burst inside and almost bump into Calix who is running into the kitchen with Joshua, Mags is right on his heels. I want to follow so damn bad, but I can't. I head into the living room and see Casey standing over Peter's body while his phone is glued to his ear, barking out orders. Stepping closer I see my aim was a perfect hit.

"Gimme that," Casey snaps and takes the Beretta from me. "Good job, man. He's not breathing anymore. Now get your ass to your old lady and kid, they need you. And I need for you to get our Pres in here, understood?"

"Yeah," I croak and swallow hard.

I head for the kitchen and see Mags sitting on the floor holding Joshua on her lap. Calix is leaning against the counter with his arms crossed in front of his chest as if he's standing watch to make sure they're okay.

"Casey needs you," I grunt and squat down next to Mags.

Joshua's head flashes up. "Daddy," he says and holds out his hands.

Without thinking I lift him into my arms and hold tight as I stand up. "I got you, little man. I got you."

Emotions are burning through me and I tighten my arms. Tears are stinging my eyes and I'm not holding back. I won't ever hold back because I'm holding my son, alive and well.

"You saved me, Daddy," Joshua says. "I wasn't scared. I saw you."

"My brave little man," I croak.

Mags steps closer and wraps her arms around the two of us. I don't even know how long we stand there but it doesn't matter. Nothing fucking matters except us. Right here, right now. Together without anything threatening to rip us apart.