Ruthless Hold (Back Down Devil MC #9)(2)

“Got it,” Nate said.

They shook hands and hugged.

Things had settled for about ten minutes after the war with Eight Under MC. Their efforts to rebuild were shattered by Back Down Devil and they were all but in hiding, trying to salvage the pieces that were left. As for Coast Road MC, they were pushed down the coast after a few botched missions. It would seem as though things were meant to be quiet, but it wasn’t. Chief Ethan had taken it upon himself to find every possible thing about the MC and go after it. Right now, Chief Ethan was shaking down some thugs who owed the MC money for some old gambling debts from a few years ago.

The MC knew there was no getting blood from a stone, but that didn’t mean shit could be let go. Regular visits, threats, beat downs, and destruction was needed not so much to collect on the debts but as a warning to prevent new debts from happening.

Trev drove out of the lot and followed Miller, Gaige, and Blaine.

He had a notion of what was going to happen.

There was no real point of watching it other than the satisfaction of seeing Chief Ethan get beat at his own goddamn game.

They ended up five miles north near what was going to be a new development for houses and retail, all of which posed its own threat to the MC. Trev knew Miller wouldn’t stand for it. That would create a political war with businessmen and outlaws. The club had gone through that once before.

Trev pulled the car over. As soon as he stopped he heard the thumping of the guy in the trunk. He pounded and screamed a muffled scream.

Trev got out and whistled to Blaine. “Is this guy secure in there?”

“Tighter than a virgin’s sweet *,” Blaine called back.

Trev walked to Miller. “What’s next?”

“We wait,” Miller said. He pointed. “See that car up ahead?”

Sure enough, just before the bend, there was a long car. An old car heavily invested in to look pimped out.

“I see it,” Trev said.

“That’s where our money ended up.”

“I wanted to blow it up,” Gaige said.

“I agreed,” Blaine said.

“We can’t blow up the new chief,” Miller said. “I appreciate the fire inside you guys, but we have to think with our heads.”

“I always do,” Blaine said and grabbed between his legs.

“Wrong head, *,” Trev said.

Sometimes it was a little much to be with guys who were on the same page. Trev had been somewhat of the unspoken President for The Lost Men. Not that the guys up north had to listen to a word Trev said, but they respected him. That respect was earned through action. And Trev learned respect through the action of a fallen member. In fact… Trev had taken that member’s seat…

“Here we go,” Miller said. “Blaine, give me the cell.”

Blaine took out a phone and gave it to Miller.

An unmarked SUV approached the car. It stopped and Trev watched as Ethan got out. He was dressed down and had a folder in his hand. That folder contained some kind of legal deal for the guy in the trunk to testify against Back Down Devil MC. Of course, Ethan didn’t know the guy was in the trunk of the car Trev had driven up here.

Ethan went to the driver’s side of the car. He then lifted his hands in the air, realizing he was alone.

“Send,” Miller said.

“What’d you send him, Miller?” Trev asked.

“A little hint on where to look,” Miller said.

Ethan put the folder on the hood of the car and then took out his gun. He went to the trunk and pointed the gun.

“The trunk?” Trev asked. “It’s empty.”

“Exactly,” Miller said. “It’s a f*cking warning.”

“Just watch, brother,” Blaine said.

He got a big smile on his face and his eyes went wide. Trev only ever saw Blaine get that happy when he held his baby, was with Jessa, or when he killed someone.

Ethan hit the trunk with his hand.

“Everyone load up,” Miller said. “Get ready to ride right by him. Trev, you know what to do when he follows us.”

“Yup,” Trev said.

Miller, Blaine, and Gaige got on their motorcycles.

Ethan grabbed the trunk and it popped open.

It was supposed to empty.

Balloons started to float from the trunk; all kinds of shapes and colors, rising up, floating into the air.

That’s when Miller started his motorcycle.

Gaige and Blaine followed.

“Fucking balloons!” Blaine yelled and laughed.

They got back onto the road and let their engines roar as they sped up to drive by Ethan.

Trev had no idea how the hell Blaine got so many balloons and got them jammed into the trunk like he did.

Trev laughed as Ethan grabbed the folder and got into his SUV. He flew out into the road to pursue Miller, Gaige, and Blaine. Not that he had anything on them. They were just three outlaws on the road, enjoying their freedom.

Once they were out of sight, Trev went to the trunk of the car.

He opened it and looked down at the man they captured. The man that owed the MC some serious cash. He had a gag in his mouth and shook his head, pleading, tears pouring from his eyes.

Some guys were nice enough to get last words or get a chance to shut their eyes and prepare. Trev didn’t give a f*ck about any of that. Freedom wasn’t free and the outlaw life wasn’t about booze and *.