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11. ‘Lachi’

ELEVEN

‘LACHI'

MALACHI

Vito, Freddy, and I walk cautiously to the Yoakum building. My eyes are constantly scanning the area because I don't know what to expect. Especially with Jude, he's a ticking bomb in my opinion. When we reach our destination after a bit of a walk, didn't realize how far it actually was, I motion for them to let me in first. Freddy shakes his head, but I insist. If something is going to happen then let it be to me. Been down this road before.

I scan my key and fling the door open, my hand resting on my handgun in its holster along my back. Vito and Freddy push in behind me just as I hear Jude screaming, "What the fuck? Why can't I get in?"

We make our way past the kitchen to see Jude at the dining room table, my laptop and documents from my computer bag all over the table. His hair is all over, as if he's been running his fingers through it. When he looks up and sees us, his eyes start to jerk back and forth in a panic.

"Fuck, what are you guys doing back so soon? Hey, this isn't what it looks like."

When Vito pushes to get past me, I put my arm up, giving him a look.

"What exactly is this then, Jude? And why are you trying to get into my laptop? My alarms have informed my security that someone is trying to breach the computer. Looking for something maybe? Feel like sharing ‘friend'?"

He plops down back into the chair, head down, shoulders up to his ears. His legs are both jumping up and down like he's either on coke or nervous as fuck. Not sure which one, or both. I wait as Freddy walks to the kitchen and comes back with four waters. The three of us walk around the table, taking seats on the opposite side Jude is on. I reach over and grab my laptop, seeing he couldn't get past my sign-in, which is not only a password but numbers and also my fingerprint.

"So are you going to explain, or do I need to bring in the police, ‘friend'?"

Jude's head jerks back as if I punched him. His face is pale but sweaty. Shit, not sure what's going on with him. Then to all our shock, he leans back and starts to talk.

"Malachi, you said that girl you're interested in is part of the Devil's Handmaidens Motorcycle Club, right? Well, somehow, don't ask me how, my asshole dad got into some trouble with a bunch of men a few months ago. Before you ask, yeah, gambling again. It started out a few grand then went to ten and now it's well over a couple hundred grand. He's put the business up and these guys are now coming into our business giving orders and shit. You know we are a company that hires anyone qualified. Well, these assholes came in last week firing five of our guys. Guys who've been with us for many years. Two are African American, one Hispanic and one Muslim. When my dad told them they couldn't do that, they beat him. He ended up in the hospital so when I went in to confront them, they gave me an out. Not sure how they knew, but I was told if I get them what they want, they'll leave our family business alone and never touch my dad again."

Looking at Jude, he looks like he's going to piss himself. This ain't good and I've not even heard what it is these men want exactly. So I ask, "What did they want from you, Jude?"

"I didn't know, Malachi, swear I didn't. You never said you had feelings for that girl from Texas. Thought it was just a piece of ass."

I jump up, intending to beat the shit out of him, but as I move so does he, around the table. I stop for a second and glare at him.

"You motherfucker, told you it wasn't a piece of ass. First, we didn't—as you so ignorantly call it—we didn't ‘fuck' and, secondly, since when do I treat women the way you do? Have you ever seen me hook up with a female just to get laid? The answer is NO, never. I like Ruby, she's a wonderful woman. So what does she have to do with this gambling debt and bunch of assholes your dad tied his star to?"

"Turns out this group of guys are part of some brotherhood, don't know their name, but they know about the Devil's Handmaidens club in Timber-Ghost, Montana. They were really interested in what I knew about them. When I explained I didn't know much, they gave me the out. If I took the trip with you and while I was at their main ranch—or if I was able to get into their clubhouse, I think they called it—if I could get a couple of recording devices set up, that would pay my dad's debt. Well, I didn't think, dude, it's my dad. Fuck, my family, Malachi. You know my great-granddad started our construction business and it's been handed down throughout the years. What changed is the call I got last night. They want me to kidnap your girl, though they called her Kitty, along with someone named Addie and another woman, Momma Diane, who supposedly is the prez of the club's mom. Once I had them, they would tell me where to drop them off."

The rage almost blows the top of my head off. Fuck, here I am trying to get a second chance with Ruby, while all along one of my boys is setting her up for only God knows what. I sit down, trying to calm myself when someone knocks on the door. Both Vito and Freddy pull their guns, while Jude hits the floor crawling under the table. Chickenshit bastard , I think to myself.

"Malachi, hey, it's me, Nova, open the goddamn door, will you? I'm a sitting duck out here. Open it before I bust this bitch down."

I rush to the door, flinging it open to let in Nova and Mayhem, who are waiting outside. Mayhem slams the door shut then locks it before looking around. His eyes narrow on Jude under the table, as he smirks at the asshole. I mean, I'd be afraid too. Mayhem is well over six and a half foot tall and huge in every aspect.

"Damn, Nova, didn't expect to see you so soon. Not sure what's up, but you need to hear what we just did from him." I point my finger at Jude.

"Malachi, got no time, pack your shit, we're outta here. One of my guys heard some shit on the dark web that mentioned this place and four soon to be DOAs. So unless you want to be cold and stiff real soon, we need to move the fuck out. I'll fly you guys to Montana, then we'll talk to Tank and his daughter, Tink, since you're bringing this shit to their home."

Those words make me feel like a piece of shit. I had no bad intentions. All I wanted to do was to see what's up with Ruby and then figure out if there was some way to fix what's going on between us. How it's turned into this, I have no clue. Vito and Freddy are already in their rooms getting their shit together. I glare at Jude, who jumps up and runs to his room.

"He the fuckup, Malachi? Got the look of one dumb-ass prick, that's for sure."

"Yeah, seems to be, Mayhem, though not sure he's telling the whole story."

"Well, once up in Montana, we can turn him over to Shadow or Wrench and see what they can find out."

As I go to grab my computer and stuff to put back in its case, I realize I've not reached out to Ruby. Damn, I totally suck at this. So I send a brief text, trying to be honest and open.

"Hey, Ruby, something's come up and we are coming in hot. Tell your president that I've got her dad's friend, Nova, with me that should be able to explain we might be bringing in a ton of trouble. See you soon. Be safe. Keep your eyes open, and don't go anywhere by yourself. Please do that for me."

Then I turn to Nova to see what his plan is, since I've worked with these types of men before when I've had issues with different corporate companies implementing my software, or worse, when some of my patents were almost stolen from me. The intention that time was to steal my work and leave me for dead.

After packing my computer, shit, I go into my bedroom to see my stuff thrown all over the place. That motherfucker will be lucky to get out of this shit alive. I'm so pissed. Gathering everything, I throw it in my duffel bag then walk out to see everyone's ready. Nova turns to me with a grimace on his face.

"Malachi, according to that one, these men were sending a few guys here to entice your cooperation. Mayhem is already back at the helicopter. Once I give him the signal, he's going to do a quick takeoff and land right behind this building in that low field behind this place. If we go out the patio doors, it'll be a mad dash of maybe a couple of hundred feet, if that. Then we're gone. You all ready? If you get shot, drop your shit and keep heading to the chopper. We ain't getting a second try at this. I'll bring up the rear. Malachi, I assume that computer bag has to make it, no matter what, correct?"

I nod as I put the strap across my chest so it's like a bandolier. The rest of my shit I'm not too worried about. I mean, clothes, tablet to read on and play games, as long as I have my phone and laptop, I'm good.

Looking around, I can tell my three friends are freaking the fuck out. Well shit, so am I ,but we gotta do what we gotta do.

"All right. We've been playing games all our lives about death and dismemberment. The only difference is this time it's for real. Get your heads on straight and, no matter what you do, you listen to that man over there. Nova will do his very best to get us out of this shit unharmed, if at all possible. No, Jude, shut your trap, don't want to hear it right now."

He lowers his head but not before I see him wipe wetness off his cheek. Goddamn it, I kind of get where he's coming from. I'd do just about anything for my family, though I know for a fact my parents would never put me in this situation. When I look at Jude, his eyes are on mine and he mouths "I'm sorry" right before Nova tells us it's time to go now. I pray this situation doesn't get out of control and no other folks on vacation are injured, or worse, killed. That's my last thought as the door is opened and Nova is screaming for us to move our asses. I follow Freddy, who's running like his ass is on fire. Once we all hit the helicopter, Mayhem lifts up and just as he makes a quick left, we see a bunch of SUVs driving down the path like maniacs. I look to Nova and he nods, letting me know we just made it out by the skin of our teeth.

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