Defending Raven (Mountain Mercenaries #7)(69)

Dave heard one of his friends chuckle, but couldn’t take his eyes off the precious bundle. It was hard to believe he was standing there holding Raven’s child. There were no thoughts of the plan, just utter awe. Raven had given birth to a baby who was currently in his arms. Nothing could’ve prepared him for the level of emotion he felt at this moment.

Then, they heard Ro say urgently through their radios, “Bloody hell. There are three SUVs approaching the front of the barrio, fast.”

“Fuck,” Gray muttered.

Dave turned his head and saw the local team of men talking with the older woman who’d been in the hut when they’d entered. She was gesturing with her hands, her eyes wide with terror.

“Fuck me,” Arrow said through the radio. “It’s del Rio,” he informed everyone. “Someone must’ve tipped him off that we’re here. He’s wearing a fucking suit when it’s a million degrees and walking around like he’s a goddamn king or something.”

Everyone in the hut knew their time had run out.

“How many men are with him?” Gray asked Ro and Arrow.

“At least a dozen. And they’re spreading out. You guys aren’t going to be able to come out the way you went in. Move to Plan B,” Ro ordered.

Without another word to the woman who’d most likely had no choice but to harbor his son, Dave turned and left the hut with David in his arms. He knew the Peruvian team would make sure the woman was safe in case del Rio wanted to take revenge on her for allowing David to be taken away.

He was well aware of the progress of del Rio and his men as they made their way toward the hut, because of the blow-by-blow he was receiving through the radio in his ear. The men weren’t moving in any huge hurry. It was clear they thought Dave had no chance of escaping the barrio with David. Cocky bastards. Most of the residents had disappeared into their shacks, not wanting the attention of del Rio or his men.

“Here’s what’s going to happen next,” Dave told little David. “I need you to hold on to me as tightly as you can. No matter what happens, do not let go. Understand?”

“Yes, Papá. Are we going to see Mamá?”

“Yes,” Dave told him. “But del Rio is here, and we need to stay away from him.”

At the mention of del Rio, David’s face paled, and his arms tightened almost painfully around the back of Dave’s neck. He said almost desperately, “Is he gonna take me?”

“No,” Dave immediately reassured him as he wound his way through the nearby shacks. He was headed for the wall on the back side, where he and David could hopefully disappear into the night.

“But he said if I run away, he would kill Mamá.”

“He’s not going to touch one hair on your mom’s head. I promise,” Dave told him. It was a bullshit threat, since David had been chained to the floor. Del Rio was just asserting his control over the little boy and continuing to scare him.

“But he said I belonged to him. That I have to do everything he tells me to, otherwise I’ll never see her again.” His little voice quivered. “Maybe I should just stay.”

Dave’s heart nearly broke, but at the same time he was so incredibly proud. David was selfless and willing to do whatever it took to keep his mom safe. “We aren’t staying here, and your mom is safe,” he reassured the boy, picking up his pace. “I give you my word. Remember, all you have to do is hold on to me. Okay? Intertwine your fingers together behind my neck. Good, just like that. Can you hold on if I don’t have my arms around you?” Dave asked.

When David nodded, Dave tested him, holding his arms out to his sides in airplane fashion. David tightened his legs around his waist, and his arms locked, keeping him right where he was against his side.

“Good job,” Dave praised, wrapping his arm around the little boy once more. “You’re really strong.”

David gave him a small smile, and a flush appeared on his little cheeks. God, had no one other than Raven ever complimented him?

But Dave knew the answer to that, and he vowed right then and there to make sure David knew how amazing he was.

“If you guys aren’t on the move, you need to get gone,” Arrow warned through the radio.

“We’re moving, closing in on the back wall,” Dave said into the radio. Then he addressed his son once more. “David, the men who were in the shack with me are my friends. Your friends. If something happens, and we get separated, you trust them and no one else. Understand?”

David nodded.

“Their names are Ball, Gray, and Black. I know, they’re funny names, but they’ll help you if necessary.”

“Do they know my mamá?”

“Yes. And our other friend, Meat, is with her now, making sure she’s safe. Arrow and Ro, two more friends, are also waiting nearby. You aren’t alone anymore, champ. Got it?”

“Champ?”

Dave couldn’t help but grin. “Yeah, it’s a nickname. Is it okay?”

David nodded enthusiastically. “Mamá said you call her Raven, even though her name is Margaret. And Grandpapá and Grandmamá call her Magpie. I’ve never had a nickname!”

“You do now, champ,” Dave told him as his gaze swept the unnaturally dark and silent barrio around them. “It’s time to keep quiet and hang on now. No matter what.”