Chapter 17

Chapter 17

‘When are you flying in?’

‘Tomorrow. With Tiny Tim, Cole, Kamila and Kris.’

Ash squinted at Saint onscreen on his phone. ‘We’ll have Reg and the crew on this end to assist.’

For weeks now, both men had worked day and night to lay the groundwork for a takedown of Joseph Mirren.

They’d ID’d all the gear they needed to take out on the mission, gathered the command team, and reviewed their mission prep numerous times.

All the while waiting for Liam to recover so he could be as sharp as possible to deal.

Now that he was back on his feet and working part-time at the distillery, the operation could come into its own.

‘Has the cheese been dangled?’

‘Yup, and there was a bite.’

This had involved Cece taking a call from her mother and her stepfather. During which she’d let ‘slip’ that Liam was staying with her in Byron Bay.

She further added she was now living at Falcon Farm. This was partly true, given how much time she and Mason spent with Ash and Jake at their place.

Not an hour later, the general called Cece, inviting himself for a weekend stay. Stating he missed his family.

He’d insisted, so Cece made a show of shifting diary commitments to accommodate him until they agreed on a time and address.

Joseph confirmed he’d be flying in on a private charter.

‘We’ll be ready for him,’ Ash told Saint. ‘You think he’s coming in solo?’

‘I’ve put a tail on the man. He’s gathering a small team of shady-looking men to accompany him on his trip.’

‘Who are they?’

‘Three or four Czech low-life crims. All known to the cops. One of them could be the general’s minder.’

‘Is that right?’

‘He came in on a flight from Amsterdam two weeks ago. I think he’s been assigned to ensure the Ks get back into their hands.’

‘Fun and games.’

‘See you soon, brother.’

Ash disconnected the call. He glanced out of his Falcon House office window. His eyes caught sight of a group of unwitting guests in high spirits heading to the pool for cocktails and sundowners.

If only they had an inkling of what intrigue lay hidden behind the boho coastal vibe of Byron Bay.

He headed to his car, keen to see his woman and spend another night with his family.

He arrived just in time to catch Kit and Cece heading off the boys at a game of table tennis in his games room.

He joined the fun, subbing the boys to beat his dad and woman.

Later, after dinner and when everyone was in bed, Ash and Cece stood on the verandah of his home. He wrapped her in his arms and sighed.

He bent in for a kiss and then laid his forehead against hers.

‘You OK, baby?’ Cece asked, sensing his sombre mood.

‘Always better when I’m with you.’

‘You’re worried about Joseph.’

‘Of course. You ready?’

‘I can handle it. Liam, too, is super focused on seeing the old man pay for his crimes.’

‘It might get dicey, babe, but know I’ll do everything possible to keep us safe.’

‘I know you will.’ Cece lifted her lips to his. Her sweetness was enough for him to let go of the shadows in his mind.

He felt the world around them fade away, leaving only their undeniable connection and the promise of a future together.

At that moment, Ash was precisely where he belonged – by Cece’s side, sharing her life and love with him and their boys.

The next day, Saint landed with Sovereign’s Sydney crew.

Ash met and drove them to the Farm.

There, they mapped out scenarios, rehearsed walk-throughs, and rigged up the place, ready for their unsuspecting visitors.

Meanwhile, Saint and Ash ran Liam and Cece on what to expect.

Ash hadn’t been keen on involving them. Cece changed his mind, reminding him there was no way to keep the operation believable without their inclusion.

So he went over what would happen several times.

‘ We’ll try to have you out of the way when the fun ends and the hard yards begin.’

They were also to be kitted out in bulletproof vests under their clothes. Saint also gave Cece a few pointers with a gun. Although she’d not be armed during the operation, she’d need to know what to do if she had to use one.

It helped that Cece had retained some rusty knowledge from a shooting course she’d taken years ago when Joseph floated the idea of her joining the army.

They practised til they couldn’t do anymore, but wait.

The morning of the operation was blessed with clear blue skies and sunshine.

The scene was set with Mason and Jake safe with Kit and Rose back in Falcon House, closer to town.

Joseph Mirren was due in at 10 a.m.

Gil, who’d since recovered from his OD scare, was back on board as one of Reg’s right-hand men.

He’d been tasked with keeping an eye out for the general at the airport, and he called in, advising the man landed on time.

According to Gil’s report, the general hopped alone into a white suburban van waiting for him outside the arrivals terminal. An SUV with his Sydney cronies followed at a reasonable distance.

They headed toward Falcon Farm, with Gil tailing both vehicles.

A drone cam tracked their advance as they turned into a private driveway in Bangalow.

When it registered their arrival, the Sovereign crew melted away from view.

Ash kept an eye on Cece sitting beside Liam in the living room of his grandparent’s grand old house.

She glanced towards his direction, her crossed left leg jiggling with nerves.

Calm baby.

He stood behind a tall cupboard at the back of the room, in the shadows of the faded mansion’s vast living room.

The manor itself was nowhere near Falcon Farm. Instead, ground zero was the old Falconer family home, a ridge away from the main property.

It was far enough from the highway. Hidden amongst a stand of gum trees in the middle of the vast macadamia orchard.

No one lived in it on a permanent basis. Rather, it housed seasonal workers during the harvest months.

Yet it was still a proud mansion, having withstood the ravages of time. Its weathered boards and stalwart roof were still handsome. Empty at present, it was perfect for the operation.

Moments passed in silence.

The only sound came from the dark wood floors and doors creaking in the wind, and curtains fluttered at every window.

The large windows let soft light shine through the glass, bathing the rooms in a warm glow.

The crunch of gravel echoed through the room as a car parked in the driveway.

Ash watched as Cece jumped as the engine cut off. She and Liam exchanged a look.

Her brother cast his eyes at the door, and she smoothed her hands over her body and stood to her feet, feeling the edges of the bulletproof vest under her sweater.

Ash saw his woman push back her shoulders as she went to the door and yanked it open.

Liam joined her, crowding her in the entrance.

The siblings stared as ex-Major General Joseph Mirren walked up the stairs towards them.

From his hidden position, Ash’s lips curled as he spotted the white-haired man in a dress shirt and slacks, all impeccably ironed.

His face was a canvas of tight exhaustion.

His hard eyes narrowed at Liam, and Ash caught a shiver running through his woman’s body.

He hoped her mind wasn’t racing with worry. Trust the process, babe.

First, the siblings had to act like all hell.

Cece plastered a smile on her face and reached a hand out to their guest.

‘Dad, you got here.’

The man gave her a thin slash of his teeth. ‘In one piece.’

‘You’re alone?’

‘Your mother couldn’t make it. Busy with her sewing bee.’

Ash shook his head, astounded at how easy a lie came to the older man.

He had it on good authority that Cece’s mother had slipped away from her Double Bay home just that morning.

It was where Joseph had locked her up, threatening her not to leave until his return.

After a call from Samantha, Cece pleaded with Ash to get her to safety.

At his request, Sovereign’s Sydney-based operative, Gunny, arrived at Samantha’s Double Bay address and unpicked the locks.

An appreciative Samantha escaped her prison to spend a few nights at her sister’s house, where Gunny was parked outside for added security and peace of mind.

‘If it isn’t the prodigal son.’

The general reached out and clapped his hands around his stepson.

Liam, stiff and silent, pulled out of the embrace and turned, walking into the house.

Cece tried the same, but Joseph’s fingers bit into her arms, stopping her short, his voice dropping to a low whisper. ‘Why didn’t you tell me earlier Liam was with you these past few weeks?’

‘I didn’t know you were looking for him.’

From his hidden position, Ash saw Cece’s jaw tic as she gave the man a tight smile. ‘Won’t you come inside? I baked.’

The older man followed her into the house as he stared in disgust at the old two-story mansion. ‘This is your new place?’

His eyes flicked over the ageing curtains, moving back and forth in the breeze. The faded pastel walls were adorned with family portraits, ornaments, carvings, and masks lined the mantelpiece.

Cece shook her head. ‘It’s the old Falconer residence. A temporary option for now.’

A wooden antique fan rotated above, pushing the musty air about.

Joseph’s mouth twisted. ‘Have the Falconers fallen in their fortune?’

Cece shrugged. She pointed her stepfather to the worn couch, where the colours of the fabric were as muted as the rug underneath their feet.

Liam was slumped into a single-seater close by.

Joseph wheeled around to face him. ‘I’ve been wanting to see you for some time, son. Where have you been?’

Liam shifted in his chair, uncomfortable. ‘Needed some R&R.’

‘From what?’

‘It all became too much.’

Joseph’s eyes narrowed in derision. ‘Typical.’

‘Tea?’ Cece walked in from the adjacent dining room with a tray overflowing with cups, plates and cake.

Joseph waved her away. ‘Not now. I need to find out more about Liam’s absence.’

He sat on the edge of the dusty couch. ‘You left Sydney without giving something of mine back, son. Do you still have it?’

Liam glared at the man, shaking from the energy required to hide his rage. ‘I might. Some of it anyway.’

The general’s nose flared. ‘I want it, now.’

Liam held his tongue for an extended moment until Joseph shifted, rearing forward in aggression.

Liam sat back with a slow grin before serving the older man with a lazy shrug. ‘Sure thing. I’ve no need for it.’

He got to his feet, heading towards one of the ground-floor bedrooms.

His stepfather, eyes blazing with fury, half rose to follow him, then seemed to think twice.

He sat back on the couch. ‘I’ll have that tea now.’

Cece poured out a cup and attempted small talk. ‘How is business going?’

‘As well as can be expected,’ came the terse response.

By his deepened frown lines and pale, sweaty skin, Ash could see Joseph was under considerable stress.

‘You seem tired. You should retire soon. No need to work so hard.’ Cece kept her expression flat.

The general gave a short bark of mirthless laughter. ‘If only I could.’

Damn right,Ash thought as Cece offered her stepfather a slice of cake.

Joseph declined the offer with a shake of his head, his eyes darting towards the corridor where Liam had disappeared.

The relief on his face was almost comical as his stepson sauntered back out again, a canvas bag in his hand.

Cece feigned innocence. ‘What’s in it?’

‘None of your business,’ Joseph clipped, rising to his feet and nabbing the prize from Liam’s hands.

He yanked the receptacle open and stared at the bounty within.

He barked at his stepson. ‘It’s all in there?’

Liam nodded. ‘Like I said, most of it.’

The general leaned in and whispered something to his stepson, who plastered on a terrified reaction.

An Academy Award for you,Liam, Ash thought, studying the trio, imagining Joseph’s threat.

A knock at the door sounded through the cavernous ground floor.

Ash jolted. This was unexpected.

He saw Cece’s quick eye flick to his hidden position.

‘Won’t you answer it?’ Joseph uttered the words with such fake nonchalance it sent a shiver of worry through Ash.

Cece’s expression was reluctant as she walked to the door and opened it.

A young man stood on the porch. He was dark, swarthy, and thin. His body shook like he’d fall over if the wind blew harder.

Ash recognised him. Gil?

The unexpected walk-in was not part of the plan.

‘Hey, he grinned. ‘I’m Gil, one of Ash Falconer’s employees.’

Given she’d never met the man before, Cece hesitated. ‘How can I help you?’

‘I came by to see -’

With a sudden twist, the man pushed into the room.

From his hidden position behind the antique cupboard, Ash jolted as sudden chaos erupted.

Gil withdrew a handgun from his jacket.

Liam rushed him, but Gil used a strong kick that impacted his solar plexus and crumpled Cece’s brother.

Whirling around, Gil grabbed Cece and wrapped one hand around her neck. The other pointed at her temple. ‘Nobody fucking move!’

Liam froze, mid-gasp, bent over from the air knocked out of his lungs.

Mirren crowed. ‘Good work, Gil.’

He clapped his dry hands together, nodding to the now smug ex-soldier.

Ash exchanged glances with Reg, who was holed up with him behind the tall cupboard.

What the fuck?

Ash trained his Glock on Gil.

He cursed under his breath. He didn’t have a clean shot, with Joseph standing between him and the young traitor.

Gil, fucking Gil, who’d grabbed his woman.That alone had Ash’s blood boiling.

Ash’s mind raced.

If Gil fired, would shooting back be justified? Hell yeah. Lives were at stake.

Joseph whirled around, his face triumphant. ‘I know Liam and Cece are not alone, so whoever else is in this house with them, please show yourselves.’

Reg and Ash exchanged looks. Ash jerked his chin at Reg. He was the sniper, so he’d stay back while Akimoto acted as the decoy.

The burly Japanese American emerged from the shadows, arms akimbo, his gun raised in surrender.

The general wheeled around. ‘Ah, here comes the Calvary. Where’s everyone else?’

Reg’s face was stony. ‘Outside.’

Joseph turned to Gil. ‘Can you confirm that?’

The young man turned to the man who’d been his mentor, shame in his drug-addled eyes.

Ash cursed. Gil was back on the snow, that was clear - and the likely reason he’d betrayed Sovereign.

Reg nodded, regret crowding his expression.

Gil affirmed Reg’s words. ‘Like he said, I think the rest are outdoors.’

‘Your weapon, man?’

Joseph nodded to Reg, who placed his gun on the floor and kicked it across towards the older man. Joseph picked it up with a satisfied smile.

Cece was shaking like a leaf, and Gil tightened his grip across her shoulders. She moaned, and Liam half rose from his seat.

‘Dad, let her go. She’s your daughter, for goodness sake. I’m your son. Don’t do this.’

The general simpered. ‘You’re not my son, neither is she my daughter. You’re damaged goods. Collateral. The scion of the man I hated the most.’

Liam fell back into his chair in shock. ‘Our father?’

‘Give the man a gold star. Your father, Malcolm, was my impetus, my motivation, the reason I drove myself so hard.’

‘Why?’

Joseph threw his hands into the air. ‘First, he took my position in the forces. He outshone, out-talked, and made me look like dirt to the senior officers, and then he stole my girl.’

Liam snarled. ‘Mum?’

‘Yes, keep up, boy. We both met her for the first time on the same night. She walked in, and I spotted her first. I pointed her out to Mal. I told him I would try for a date with her.’

Cece let out a cry of disbelief.

Her stepfather gave her a cold look. ‘Believe it. He offered to be my sidekick. I accepted, thinking the support was required because she was such a beautiful woman. However, when we approached her, he again took all the glory. He charmed her so much she forgot me, and voila, he got the girl. I hated him for it.’

He paced the room as he waxed on. ‘So my chance came when he told me he was dealing drugs in the barracks. I had him snuffed by his own product. Fed him too much of the stuff one night, and he OD’d. Once he was out of the way, I took over his position, wife, and life. You kids were the unfortunate side effect. Now you’re going to be my freedom.’

Joseph reached for the canvas bag containing the drugs and money. He moved towards the door, ready to exit. ‘Let the games begin.’

He used his phone to make a call.

Moments later, a burst of gunfire roared in the fields beyond. The general’s mini-army was firing on the Sovereign team in the orchard.

Damn Gil. He’d given away their play.

Some of it.

Ash was confident the young fool hadn’t received the entire operational plan, so he was somewhat on the back foot.

He was also sure Saint and the Sovereign team would have pegged the intruders way before they fired. The fight would be lethal, short and sweet.

Or so he hoped.

Joseph whipped round his head to Gil. ‘Once I’m clear, ice them.’

Reg moved to interject. ‘Hey. Let’s talk, figure this thing out.’

Joseph shook his head. ‘There’s nothing to discuss. I have my gear and money back. There’s no need for this hopeless pair. What more should we discuss?’

With the general now easing to the front door, Ash had a clear shot at Gil.

It would have to be a double tap. To make it hit. He’d need to calculate it with care. Otherwise, this would be a shit show.

Reg tried one more delaying tactic. ‘You’re making a mistake.’

Joseph paused mid-step. ‘Am I now? I don’t think so.’

While they spoke, Ash eased his phone as quietly as possible from his pocket. Without making a sound, he set the alarm on the device and placed it on the floor.

Ash shuffled to the left so that he was on an angle that put Gil between his aim and the general. Liam and Reg were in the clear.

Ash was counting on Reg’s ingrained SAS training in knowing when the shot would come.

He maintained a tight, two-handed grip and waited for the alarm to go off.

In seconds, it rang out loud and clear in a haptic that shrilled and punctured the air.

The diversion worked. Gil’s attention was jolted, and his arm around Cece loosened.

Ash aimed at centre mass—Gil’s chest—but his attention focused on his woman.

‘Baby drop!’

At his loud shout, Cece collapsed into a limp stance as they’d practised.

Gil was caught off guard as she slipped through his hold and fell to the floor.

Reg dived for Cece, pulling her away from the blow-back.

In fear and shock, the young man fired in a wild arc.

Time slowed for Ash as he went into sniper mode.

Calculations run through his mind. His perspective sharpened, breaking down into size, colour, and shape to almost a molecular level.

Gil fired again, which made the decision for Ash. It was either his people dying or Ash taking Gil out.

He took care with his aim, maintaining a horizontal plane. He wanted no shots to angle toward the floor, where he hoped Cece, Liam, and Reg were.

He pulled the trigger.

With a thump, Gil fell to the floor.

The general reacted. He turned his head and pointed Reg’s weapon, squeezing off a shot in Ash’s direction.

Ash responded. He spat out four bullets in seconds. The sound reverberated off the walls and the roof, creating a wave of energy.

Surfaces rattled, and ornaments crashed to the floor as the bullets went through flesh and crashed into the walls.

A thud followed as the crumpling body as the general collapsed.

A clatter of footsteps sounded on the stairs outside as Saint and Cole crashed into the house.

Reg lifted a hand as they stormed through, their weapons cocked. ‘Hold fire! They’re down, we got ‘em!’

The walls were a mass of holes from the shoot-out, and the front door hung in tatters.

Smoke and gunpowder residue hung in the air.

Ash tucked his Glock away and charged into the aftermath, sliding to his knees before his woman.

Cece’s wild eyes met his, and she folded into his arms.

‘You’re safe, baby,’ he murmured. ‘You’re safe. I’ve got you.’

She was shaking hard, and he rose to his feet with her in his arms as he looked around at the carnage.

To where Gil lay face down on the ground, a bullet wound in his upper back.

Guilt ran roughshod through Ash. Such a waste. This could have been all prevented.

Liam sat on the floor, staring at the scene in shock. His eyes came up to Ash’s as she shook his head, unbelieving.

Ash sliced his eyes to the general.

Splayed out on the ground, face turned to one side.

He wasn’t moving, but his eyes were open, his mouth gasping like a fish.

Ash spotted two exit points—one in the middle of his back on the left-hand side and one on his thigh.

He beckoned to Reg, who shakily got to his feet.

Ash pointed to his woman and her brother. ‘Brother, take them both away from this mess.’

Reg reached for Cece to lift her to her feet, but she raised a hand to stay him. ‘I’ll be OK.’

She rose, meeting Ash’s gaze for a long moment.

He brushed her cheek with the back of his hand. ‘I’ll sort this out and be with you, babe. Soon.’

She nodded. Her face was steely as she nabbed her brother’s hand and led him to the verandah.

Ash watched them leave. Before turning to Reg, now crouched next to his fallen ward, placing a finger on the neck of the sprawled man.

‘Gil?’

‘Gone.’ Reg’s voice cracked with emotion. ‘Son of a bitch. He was in with Mirren all along.’

Ash’s jaw clenched, wracked with rage at yet another victim falling to Joseph’s diabolical greed.

He walked over to the man in question and knelt next to him.

Saint joined him, standing shoulder to shoulder in support. ‘Good shooting.’

‘What happened outside?’ Ash growled.

‘We had them pegged from a mile away. They shot off but we had pinned them down before they saw us coming. We pushed Cole out as bait - made him the only visible target. They went for him, and our guys emerged from the undergrowth and gave them a good beating. We’ve captured one. Two are done and dusted.’

‘Who’s alive?’

Saint sucked his teeth as he sheathed his weapon. ‘The Czech handler. He’s screaming blue murder in Slovak.’

Cole, who stood beside Saint, jerked a chin to his older brother, eyes clouded with concern. ‘You OK?’

‘I’ll be fine,’ Ash clipped.

He’d unfinished business to attend to, with the man bleeding out onto the wooden floor.

Turning, he touched a knee to the floor and loomed over the prone body. ‘Joseph, can you hear me?’

The wounded man’s eyes fluttered open, and his mouth worked as he tried to speak. ‘I need help.’

Ash nodded grim-faced. ‘In time. You’ll first answer my questions. Starting with Gil. How did you get to him?’

A gurgle of air seeped from a wounded lung as Joseph gasped. ‘Help me.’

Ash glared down at him dispassionately. ‘You’re nowhere near death’s door. So tell me what I need to know, and you’ll receive the aid you need.’

Joseph’s hands fumbled at his chest, but he gathered some strength from within. ‘He was weak. Hungry for it, desperate for the Red Adder mix of fentanyl and coke.’

Ash hissed.

The general ignored his irate reaction. ‘He begged for it. So I had him come out here and feed me intel in exchange for product.’

‘Why?’

‘I suspected you were looking into me. Do you think I cared that Cece needed a job? She was just leverage. I already had an in with Gil but was keen for another angle.’

‘How did you know it was me?’

Joseph grimaced. ‘I guessed. You were always the straight one on the squad, the one I couldn’t bend to my will. Then you went and made a name for yourself on tour. Earned your decorations and started a security firm that Defence and government trip over to lock in. Of course, they would turn to you to look into me. It was mere deduction.’

Ash’s nostrils flared. ‘Why the song and dance? Pretending not to know I was looking into you?’

Joseph laughed. ‘Why not? I love playing cat and mouse games. I went into the army for the adrenaline rush of the hunt. It infected me. I missed it after I retired from the military. It’s a bug that never lost its hold on me.’

Ash gave the general a long, cold look. ‘Chasing a high at the expense of so many.’

The general’s wandering eyes met his and fixed on him. ‘Well said.’

‘Who was your contact in the Red Adder gang? We know that while on tour, you linked up with their leader, who was fronting a Czech military unit. Together, you set up a drug ring that used Defence Force resources to get drugs into Australia.’

Joseph’s eyes glittered. ‘You’re a treasure trove of information.’

‘No, you were. You shared most of it with us.’

Joseph growled. ‘I did no such thing.’

Ash gave a grim laugh. ‘Ah, but you did. We’ve got you on secretly recorded videos and wiretaps. You’re toast on that front. So who’s the warlord?’

Joseph shook his head. ‘I’m no rat.’

‘You’re worse. You’re a bug, one I’ll enjoy squashing under my feet. No matter, we have his name already. Dmitri Kirov.’

Joseph squirmed, his face falling in fright.

Ash grinned. ‘The truth compels you, I see. I hear the man is ruthless against anyone who snitches. He’s also got a network of ready-made assassins throughout the prisons. I‘m sure you’ll be thrilled to meet them.’

He leaned in closer and knelt by the fallen man. ‘One thing though, I haven’t been able to work out,’ he paused for a moment, ‘is the location of Slade North. Where is he?’

Cole and Saint exclaimed behind him, reacting to what he’d just revealed.

Ash had never discussed his suspicions about their lost squad brother with them until now.

‘How would I know?’ The general tried to deflect, yet his eyes told a different story. They’d narrowed and turned sly.

Ash grinned without mirth and took his weapon, jamming the barrel into the seeping chest wound of the man below him.

Joseph squirmed and gasped.

Ash was sure he wasn’t hurting him that much—just enough for candour to emerge. He barged on, unmoved. ‘Confirm the following for me. Slade North is alive, and his location is secret. Your Red Adder associates kidnapped him during a Sabre squad ambush. So he wouldn’t share what he’d found about your acts of treason? Am I right?’

Mirren stared at Ash wide-eyed.

Ash pushed the barrel in further, and Joseph screamed.

‘Are my suspicions correct?’

Now weeping in pain, the general nodded, gasping, shuddering.

Ash was hit with such a lurch of feeling he almost fell back as Cole and Saint rushed in, their faces incandescent with fury.

Cole growled. ‘What the fuck? Where is he?’

The general coughed, his body shaking harder. ‘Somewhere along the Gulf of Aden. Send me to the hospital, and I’ll give you coordinates.’

Ash cocked his gun, aimed at the general’s head, and fired.

To a spot just above it. The bullet scorched past the ear of the older man, who screamed in fright as the lead projectile sunk into the floorboards.

‘OK! OK! He’s with the Salebaan clan, part of the Harardheere-Hobyo Network. In their Upili compound, seaward, south of Mogadishu.’

‘Why?’ Ash’s voice was cold, cutting.

The general’s lip curled with scorn. ‘He saw something he shouldn’t have. He was also useful as collateral.’

The four Sovereign men in the room stared at the grinning man, madness glinting in his wild eyes.

Ash cursed under his breath and clenched his fist to stop him from slamming it into the older man’s face. He straightened to his feet and jerked his chin to his friends.

Moving as one, they walked out of the room.

Leaving the writhing, bleeding man behind.

‘Hey.’ Joseph called out, his voice hoarse and cracked in fear and desperation. ‘Hey!’

Still, the Sovereign men powered on.

On the verandah, Ash handed his bloodied weapon to Cole and turned left, lifting his woman into his arms. He charged towards a pair of SUVs parked at the foot of the stairs. He helped Cece inside, then followed suit. Saint hopped into the driver’s seat. Cole took the passenger side.

Liam and Reg followed, sliding into a second SUV.

The cars peeled off, roaring away from the old homestead, leaving a cloud of dust and the weak cries of a condemned man in their wake.

Much, much later came the sound of sirens and ambulances to the rescue.