Diablo Chapter 17

I still wasn't thrilled with Jauhnna's idea to use herself as bait, but she wasn't wrong and the Patriots had already gently brought it up, and then I shot it down. However, I now had to broach the topic again. My gut clenched at the thought. I hadn't lied to her when I told her it would release a monster if anything were to happen to her.

It was Friday, not our usual day to hold church, but we couldn't wait until Monday to do it. Everyone wanted to get this over with, although none as much as she and I did. We had Undertaker, Sean, Griffin, and Gabe on the speakerphone in the middle of the conference table in church. My guys were gathered around it. Tension was rising as we listened to the Patriots go through their plans. I didn't have any real issues with them, except for the last piece they shared.

"Mind saying that again?" I asked.

"Yeah. It seems that Vierra and Radigan have gotten on the wrong side of the O'Sheeran family. You know them. They're right there in St. Augustine with you guys. Have you had any interactions or problems with them?" Undertaker asked.

"Yes, they're here. No, we have not. What do you mean they're on the wrong side of them?" I asked.

"Apparently, those two families have been trying to run their illegal businesses in the O'Sheeran's territories. Florida is one of them, and they've gotten wind of the human trafficking they've been involved in. The head of the O'Sheeran family, Patrick, and his brothers, Sean and Cormac, don't hold to that shit. Not even back in the day when they were less respectable. They have some morals, and not hurting innocent people is one of them. Hell, they never dealt in prostitution back in the day.

"They had their suspicion it's been happening, but after Maverick's Rylan said something to Donal O'Sheeran, a lawyer friend of hers, about finding a woman that we think was to be sold, they put all their focus on discovering their whole operation. Radigan and Vierra haven't only been dealing with human trafficking, either. The O'Sheerans helped us find it all," Sean added cheerfully.

"Are you sure getting in bed with the Irish Mafia is the thing to do? I know the rumor is they're legal these days, but are they? What will they expect from you and my club for accepting their help?" I asked. I'd worked hard not to get on their radar.

"Nothing. Bull verified that when they helped with Rylan's problem, they asked nothing in return. They've had no issues with them. It's been two years since that all went down. Everything we have found and we've dug up, believe me, indicates they're a Mafia family with a conscience. Smoke and Everly got involved with the research into them, too. Patrick offered to help, and we're confident they won't ask for anything we wouldn't be willing to give if they ask for anything at all," Griffin added.

"But is there really such a thing as good Mafia?" Scorpion asked.

A throat was cleared on the other end. "They're not all bad. Everything I heard growing up and since I've been an adult indicates the O'Sheerans stick to their word. As long as you don't fuck with them, they won't fuck with you," Gabe added.

Hearing this come from him did add weight to it. We'd known the Patriots for three years. A little over a year ago, while undercover on an assignment, those of us who were friends with Gabe discovered he grew up under a different name. Imagine our shock to find out his family was a hardcore Italian Mafia family. He hadn't wanted that life, although he had been thoroughly trained in it, so he was given a way out. His assurance settled more of my anxiety.

"If you're all confident in their word, then we'll take a vote. How many of you believe we should allow the O'Sheerans to assist in eliminating Radigan and Vierra along with their key people and businesses?" I asked those around the table.

This would be a club vote. The majority would determine our course. Gabe and the other Dark Patriots remained quiet as I went around the table. In the end, to my surprise, all of my guys voted to work with the Mafia.

"Alright, you heard them. Were you clear with them that the actual torture and killing of the eight names I gave you rests with me and my men? There's no negotiating on that. They will die by our hands and no one else's," I reiterated.

"We were, and Patrick, Cormac, and Sean had no objections. We explained you had a personal score to settle. As long as these two families are removed as annoyances in their territories, they don't care. They offered the use of one of their ships. They suggested it might be better to carry out the actual hands-on lessons and the subsequent disposal at sea in International Waters," Sean chimed in.

It would help make sure nothing came back on us, hopefully. The ocean was vast. The odds of them being found would be damn slim to none. My brothers were all nodding and murmuring in agreement.

"Okay, that sounds good to us. If that's all, then there's another item I want to discuss. We know everything is on hold due to trying to figure out how to get all the main ones in one fell swoop so they don't run and hide. You suggested we use Jauhnna to bring them out in the open together." I paused.

"We did, and we know why that's not something you're willing to do, Diablo. We get it. Believe us, we understand. We think we're close to finding a different way," Griffin assured me.

"Well, there's been some reconsideration of your suggestion," I told them around the lump in my throat. Astonishment spread over every single one of my brothers' faces. They muttered under their breaths. I held up a hand to quiet them.

"Diablo, are you sure?" Undertaker asked cautiously.

"Hell no, I'm not, but it seems my woman thinks it's the way to go. She's tired of living caged. And since she decided to apply for jobs without telling anyone, there's a slim chance they might find her if they're smart and have a Micro. Jauhnna suggested he could find a way to leak her location on the internet in a way that wouldn't make them suspicious. They would believe they had the upper hand and the element of surprise. In reality, we'd be waiting for them. She thinks the eight of them will want to be present for her capture and return."

"Wow, I wasn't expecting that. Okay. Umm, question, why would all of them want to be there? I mean, I understand her husband and brother, but those other six are merely bodyguards and their enforcers, from what we understand," Sean asked.

I hadn't shared the exact details of what happened to her with any of the Patriots. They knew what Radigan had done to her, but not the rest. She'd given me permission to share it if it was needed to end this whole affair. My brothers were watching me closely.

"Radigan wasn't the only one to abuse her during those nine years. Later, after he discovered the reason she never conceived was due to her not being able to have children, he continued to try to get her pregnant. When she didn't, he came up with a new way to punish her when he was feeling especially ugly and hateful. He not only beat and raped her, but he allowed those men to do it as well. They're all gonna die, and I'll be the one to end every single one of those motherfuckers," I snarled.

I heard swearing from the other end of the line. There was what sounded like a loud crash. There were muttered conversations and more swearing. It went on for a good couple of minutes before anyone actually said anything intelligible. It came from Gabe.

"Sorry for that. Undertaker had to take a break. Fuck, we're sorry, Diablo. We had no idea. We don't blame you for wanting to be the one to take those motherfuckers out. We'll do everything we can to make sure it happens. Have you had her talk to someone? You know, another woman who has experienced it or a counselor?"

"I haven't, but it's not a bad idea. I'll suggest it to her. She's a strong-ass woman. Most would've buckled long before she escaped," I said.

"I don't know if you know anyone, but I've heard the woman, Jade, who helped Aria in Hunters Creek, is great. And you know Aria, Rylan, and a few others in the clubs have histories similar to hers. I bet they wouldn't mind talking to her," Sean added.

"I think so too. She hasn't gotten to meet any of them yet, but once this is over, I plan to take her to visit Brooklyn and the others. I'll see what I can arrange."

They dropped the subject after that. The remainder of the call was spent determining when to set the trap. It was decided we'd wait and do it the following weekend. It would give everyone involved time to be ready. With it being a weekend, no one would notice if we weren't at our various businesses since we tended not to work on Saturday and Sunday if at all possible. We could put out this coming week that we planned to go on a ride over the weekend and would be gone both days. Finishing up and saying our goodbyes took a matter of a couple of minutes, and then we were done. Now it was time to tell my woman that by the end of next week, she would be free.

As soon as we hung up, I dismissed my brothers. I was standing up when Wolverine came over to me. Since I staked a claim to Jauhnna, he'd avoided me. I didn't really blame him, so it surprised me that he approached me.

"Can I help you?" I asked. I wasn't in the mood to spar with him if that was what he wanted to do. She was mine. It wasn't up for debate. For God's sake, she had my name on her fucking back, and she lived with me.

"I want to apologize for how I acted after Jauhnna came. I was a jerk. I won't lie. I did kinda hope there was a chance she'd be the one for me. She's a beautiful woman, and her strength and vulnerability attract me. I guess I now know I have a type if you want to call it that. Anyway, I wanted you to know I won't be acting like an asshole anymore, nor do you have to worry I'm lusting after your woman. She's moved into the hot sister category," he said the last part with a slight grin.

I hauled off and punched him in the arm. I didn't do it as hard as I could've, but it would hurt. I accepted his apology, but it would be a reminder that I wouldn't hold back if he didn't keep his word.

"Fucker, you'd better put her in the ugly sister category and forget she's a woman, period," I growled.

"Hey, I'm not blind or totally brain dead." he paused and then got serious. "I'm so damn sorry she suffered all that. If she wants to talk to someone local–a professional, I have contacts I can ask to get her the best. Just let me know."

This time, I gave his shoulder a friendly squeeze. We were moving toward the door and the common room. Everyone else had already left. "Thanks. I'll let you know. Right now, we have to get this over with so she can truly live."

"Sure thing. I think someone is anxious to speak to you," he said as he gestured to the right of us.

Glancing over, I saw she was standing there, twisting her hands and looking anxious. Giving him a nod, I left him and went to her. I knew what she needed. I enveloped her in a hug as I gave her a tender kiss. Tension lessened in her body. I felt it. When I let go of that luscious mouth of hers, she started questioning me.

"What did they say? Is everything in place? Will they do it? Am I helping?"

"Whoa, slow down. Let's have a seat, and then I'll tell you. I could use a drink. How about you?" I guided her toward the bar.

Liam was behind it dispensing drinks to the brothers. It was standard for one of the prospects to man it after church. We didn't have enough of them to have someone there all the time. They had too many other duties to perform for it to be feasible. Besides, it didn't hurt anyone to get their own drinks. Making the prospects wait on us was more of our initiation ritual than anything. We gave them the dirty and boring, sometimes disgusting jobs to see what they were made of. If they complained, balked, or outright refused, they weren't worth spending time on to determine if they had the more important characteristics we wanted in brothers.

"What can I get you, Pres, Jauhnna?" Liam asked with a smile.

"I'll have a shot of my whiskey. Baby, what do you want?" I asked.

"I'll take the same and a Coke, please."

I was taken aback by her order. I hadn't seen her drink alcohol since I met her. As he got them, I softly whispered to her, "Are you alright? You don't usually drink."

"I like wine and drink it sometimes. As for the whiskey, it seemed like one of those occasions to me. Don't worry, I'm not a secret lush," she teased.

"I'm not afraid you are. I hate to think this is driving you to drink."

"It won't. Believe me, if it could, I would've been an alcoholic years ago to escape my hell."

The truth of her claim had me dropping a kiss on her temple. I was interrupted from saying more by Liam bringing us our drinks. I gave him a chin lift. Jauhnna gave him a blinding smile and a sweet, "Thank you, Liam."

He turned pink and stuttered, "Y-you're welcome. Let me know if you need anything else."

I made sure to give him a warning glare just for the hell of it before steering her to an empty table. After seating her, I sat next to her. I picked up my whiskey and held it up in the air. She copied me. "Here's to getting your life back, Serenity. It's almost done." I toasted before I shot it in one swallow. I was stunned when she did the same and didn't even sputter. Most women didn't like whiskey or shoot it.

"I see this isn't your first shot. You said you like wine. Tell me what to get. I'll have the prospects make sure there's some at the bar and at home. I'm not much of a wine drinker, but you and guests, especially other ladies, might want it."

"I'd like that. I'll write the names and types down at home. Okay, hit me with it. What did they say? What's the plan?" she asked in a nervous tone.

"They agreed with your idea. I still hate it, but we voted, and it's a go. We're having Micro leak the information you're here, but we've decided to move the fight away from the compound. When he leaks it, he'll also let it be known you are going on a ride with the club next weekend. It'll be too tempting for them to pass up, to catch you outside the fence. Plus, don't you think they want to get their hands on the men who've been helping hide you? They'll underestimate us. We'll lead them to where we want them. When they strike, the Dark Patriots and others will be there to help us end this."

"End it how? What others? God, please tell me you can do this without getting caught. Away from here, the chance someone will see or hear something they shouldn't increase."

She wasn't wrong, but Undertaker and the others assured us they'd have it covered.

"Darlin', we've got this."

"I need something," she said firmly.

"Anything."

"I know you. You plan to tuck me away somewhere safe once they make a move. I love you for it, but I have to be there when you end them. I have to watch them pay for everything they did to me. I want to watch them suffer," she said fiercely.

I wasn't expecting that. The protective man in me said fuck no. The man who wanted to give her anything and everything she wanted and needed said to give it to her. She needed it to heal. I groaned.

"Jauhnna, baby, you don't know what you're asking. I don't want you anywhere near them or to have those images seared into your brain. They won't die easy. And I don't want you to see me as Diablo. If you ended up fearing me, it would kill me. Ask me for something else."

The plan was to let her be seen so she could be identified, then make a switch out and have an operative of the Patriots take her place. I wasn't thrilled to have another woman on the back of my bike, but it was extenuating circumstances. When the switch occurred, Jauhnna would be whisked away to safety and kept there until I came for her. I quickly explained it to her, hoping it would change her mind. When I was done, she was shaking her head.

"I can't. Please. You have no idea how I've dreamed of this day and thought it would never come. I have to face them, or they'll haunt me for the rest of my life, I'm afraid."

I let out a growl. After hearing her say that, I knew I had no choice. "Alright, we'll change the plan, but you will stick to me or the brothers like glue. You will do what we say, no matter what it is. No arguing or hesitating. This is dangerous. We're used to working together, but you're not. Don't make me regret this. If it looks like it's going south, I will pull you out, and the hell with them. I'll find a way to get them later," I warned her.

"I'll do exactly what you say when you say it."

Not wasting time, I yelled out, "Huddle," as loud as I could to be heard over the chatter. My brothers immediately came to attention and converged on our table. They were staring intently at me.

"There's been an adjustment to the plans for next weekend."

"What?" Scorpion asked.

"Instead of an operative taking Jauhnna's place once we hook them, she'll remain with me."

"Is that wise?" Butcher asked. He cast her a concerned look. He, more than anyone, knew what I was like when I let my inner beast loose. He'd been with me over most of those bloody years.

"She needs this in order to heal. She's aware," I told him.

He was quiet along with the others for several tense moments, and then he nodded. "Okay. We'll adjust. We'll have to notify the Patriots tonight. Jauhnna, I know he told you this already, but you must do everything we say exactly and immediately. We all want to come out of this alive," he warned.

"He did, and I will. Thank you. I hate to do this to all of you, but I can't stay behind. You said you were going to do it somewhere else, and you had others, besides the Patriots, helping. Who?"

Typically, this wouldn't be shared with an old lady or family members since it was considered club business, but she was fully in the middle of it. She knew we were going to kill them. What could it hurt? I addressed Butcher's remark about telling the Patriots first.

"I'll call Sean tonight and explain. As for your questions, there has been a development. Someone who isn't happy with your brother and Radigan running their illegal shit through their territories has offered to assist. They especially hate human trafficking, which we now know was your fate after he got you back." I stopped. I hadn't shared this with her. She caught onto my slip.

"How do you know they were going to sell me?"

Micro was the one to answer. "I found it when I was doing my research. If you know how to find them on the dark web, there are sites where you can buy or sell anything, including people. I got the wild idea to set up a program to continually scan for mentions of women being sought who matched your description. You know, height, hair, eyes, body type, that sort of thing. Anyway, it paid off. I got an alert one day. When I backtraced it through what they thought was an encrypted, secure IP, it led me to Radigan. He had every intention to sell you, Jauhnna. I'm sorry."

She sighed. "I'm not surprised. There's nothing that bastard won't do if it serves him. Why didn't you tell me?" She directed this question at me.

"Because you had enough worries without knowing for sure what his intention was. It was need-to-know."

"You and I need to talk about need-to-know, honey. Alright, so he wants to sell me. Who are the ones who are opposed to it?"

"You lived in Vegas, so I know you're familiar with the Mafia in some form or another." She nodded. I continued. "There are Mafia families all over the US. We have one here in Florida. In fact, they're home-based here in St. Augustine, of all places. It's them who want nothing to do with this happening. They're Irish, and though they're still seen as Mafia, they're supposedly legitimate these days. They offered to help us clean up both men and their businesses."

Her face was screwed up in what appeared to be concentration. "You said they're Irish. Are you talking about the O'Sheerans?"

"How do you know that? Do you know them?" I asked. I saw the rest of the club, and they were just as surprised as I was.

"I know of them, but I never met any of them. Galway talked about them a few times. He was disgusted that they had everything they could ever want, yet they threw it away to become law-abiding citizens. He envied their power, wealth, and businesses. He said they were ideally located to do so many things. He and Janus would rant about them from time to time. I tried to ignore them when they did, but the name stuck."

"Yes, it's the O'Sheerans. Everything the Patriots and others have found indicates they're out of the life. They helped out someone in one of our allied clubs. They're offering us the use of a ship. Everything will be carried out in International Waters."

"And that means no one has jurisdiction. Plus, the likelihood of finding them is almost nil. Can we trust them? Will they want something in return? If they do, is it something you're willing to do?"

Her questions made me realize she knew more about the seedy side of business than she let on. It made me wonder what else she knew about Radigan and Vierra's businesses. "Babe, I should've asked this from the beginning, but what do you know about what Radigan and your brother are involved in?"

"I know enough that if you give me the details you have, I can tell you if you missed anything. I've heard names and can possibly help you find connections you need to be sure to take out. Dismantling their little kingdoms won't be done in a day. It'll take time, even after you cut off the heads of the snakes. I can help you make sure you get all the little snakes."

There was satisfaction written all over her face. Micro groaned and smacked his forehead with his palm. "Christ, we're idiots. Why the hell didn't we think to ask her? We have a fountain of knowledge right here, and we totally overlooked her. I'm so stupid," he muttered.

"If you are, then you're in good company because the rest of us didn't think of it either. Goddamn, wait until we tell the Patriots. They'll laugh their asses off telling the others about it," Scorpion grumbled.

"I'm sorry. I didn't think to tell you," she apologized.

"Honey, you had other shit on your mind. Recovering, staying hidden, falling for this big, ugly bastard. We forgive you," Cowboy assured her with a grin.

"I'd watch who you're calling ugly, fuckhead," I shot back.

Just like that, tension eased, and we were laughing. Rather than continuing the discussion about our plans, I decided to let it be for tonight and just be immersed in our family. We had time to adjust the plan and share what we knew. It was looking like a busy week ahead, but I was looking forward to the conclusion. I could almost feel their throats in my hands and me squeezing the life out of them.