Sinner's Creed (Sinner's Creed #1)(24)
—
We’re at a gas station, two days from Jackpot, when I get a call from Shady. I can tell by the gravity in his tone that his news is bad.
“We got a problem. Remember Chester?” Chester, a member of some riding club who I’d beat to death a few months back. The guy had it coming for disrespecting one of our Nationals repeatedly, but I knew there would eventually be blowback from it.
“What about him?”
“We discussed his brothers wanting revenge, so I’ve been keeping an eye out. One of them spotted you. He sent a message out on an unsecure line. They’re planning an ambush.”
I replace the nozzle on the pump, wondering why Shady was so worked up about this. It wasn’t the first time someone had threatened me.
“I’ll deal with it,” I say, doubting anything would happen anyway.
“Um, Dirk?”
“What?”
“What about Saylor?” Shit. Of course Shady knew she was with me. The little f*cker knew everything. But his reminder has the hair on the back of my neck standing up. I had put Saylor’s life on the line. There was always a target on my back, and as long as she was with me, there was a target on hers too.
“Let me know as soon as you find something out. I’ll keep my phone in my helmet.” I hang up, watching Saylor as her smile fades when she notices the look on my face. We’d been talking more. I’d even explained my patches to her, and she had read me a poem from her diary. Two steps forward, three steps back.
“Something wrong?” I don’t want to lie to her, but I know she needs reassuring. I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, leaning down to kiss the crease between her eyes. It’s the most intimate gesture I’ve given to her when we weren’t in bed. I feel her body melt and hear her sigh. She likes it and I know that my touch was all the reassurance she needed. And her smile was mine.
—
We’re on the interstate, rolling at a leisurely pace of ninety-five when I hear them. Seconds before I see them, my phone rings loudly in my ear. I flip up my visor, reaching in to open the phone. Shady’s voice can be heard loud and clear, even before I shut the visor to block out the sound of the wind.
“I just got confirmation, but I think some are already on you.”
“Some? How many are there?”
“More are coming, but I don’t know how many.” I pull the throttle back on my back, hitting a hundred on the speedometer within seconds. I grab Saylor’s arm, pulling it tighter around my waist, hoping she gets the message. When her fingers lock and I feel her press up against me, I know she does.
“I see three in my rearview. I’m gonna try to lose them, but I’m on the interstate. Got an exit coming up—fifty-six off of I-40 west.”
“I’m pulling it up now.” I ride faster, hoping Saylor doesn’t freak out as I split two eighteen-wheelers. She tightens her hold and despite the situation, I want to smile. I wonder if she is getting the same adrenaline high I am right now. “Take the exit, then go left.” I wait until the last minute before taking the exit, cutting off a car in my path. Before I’m at the intersection, I can see the three bikes exiting the interstate right behind me.
“We got anybody around here?” Sinner’s Creed had support clubs in every state, but having one in this area would be sheer luck.
“Nope.” I guess it isn’t my lucky day. I stay straight, running red lights and passing cars through the small town.
“Got another problem, Dirk.” Of course he does. “You’re probably about to lose reception.” How the f*ck Shady knows that I don’t have a clue. I guess that’s part of the “mad skills” he always claims to have.
“If I lose you, keep trying me. I’m passing Lott Drive on highway 564.” The three bikes in my mirror are now only two. If I can find somewhere secluded and put enough distance between us, I can stop and shoot them. I don’t want to, but it isn’t only my life that’s at risk . . .
“There’s a house for sale ten miles from you. It should be vacant. Try to make it there. Follow the signs. It will be on the le—” Shit.
I see the sign up ahead and start to slow. Pulling my gun from my cut, I check my mirror for any other cars and thankfully there are none. As I’m turning, I extend my arm beside Saylor, shooting aimlessly beside me. The bikes slow and I speed up, using the distraction to put as much distance between us and them as possible. Saylor’s screams can be heard over the sound of the gun, and the feeling is sickening.
I replace my gun then rub my hand over hers, trying to calm her. Noticing the sign, I speed up, waiting until the last minute to turn, and I have to put my foot down to keep from dropping us. Saylor rides it out, not panicking and leaning away, but leaning with me. Her trust fuels me and I pull back on the throttle again, determined to not let her down.
The road leads us deeper into the country until the houses become further apart. The bikes are far enough behind me that I should be able to turn into the driveway and pull around back before they see us. The small sign ahead sits next to a driveway that is thankfully paved. I pull onto it, flying over the small hill with no knowledge of what’s on the other side, but I have no choice. The hill leads into a curve that I know I won’t make.
My bike leaves the driveway, bouncing through the yard. I manage to come to a stop at an old shed without killing us both. I climb off, breaking the lock with the butt of my gun before opening the door and pulling inside. Saylor is off the bike and standing in shock beside it. Once it’s hidden, I listen for the sound of pipes, but they are long gone. I’m pretty sure they didn’t see us, but I won’t take any chances.