“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 fuck 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.
I grab our bags and Saylor’s hand, pulling her behind me as I run to the back door of the old house. The door is made of wood and I easily pry it open with my pocketknife. I walk inside, breathing in the scent of mold and staleness. Locking the door behind us, I pull Saylor into my arms. Her heart beats heavy and hard against my chest.
“You okay?” That’s a stupid question. Of course she isn’t. She nods into my chest, and I know she’s lying. “Look at me.” She looks up, and I see the fear in her eyes. She isn’t afraid of me, only the situation.
“What did those men want, Dirk?” I look away, knowing the time has finally come for me to make a decision. I have to be honest with her. There is no half in or half out in this life. Either she knows everything or nothing at all. I would prefer nothing, but knowing Saylor, she wants everything. And I’m afraid it still won’t be enough to make her leave.
“They wanted me. Revenge.” I see the question in her eyes. Just as I expected, she wants more.
“Are we safe?”
“I won’t let anything happen to you.” My words are determined. I speak the truth and she believes it.
“What about you?”
“I can take care of myself.” My phone rings and I’ve never been more thankful for Shady’s interruption.
“Shady,” I say, never letting my eyes leave Saylor’s as I hold her in my arms.
“He’s alive!” he says, in a very dramatic voice. It’s loud enough for Saylor to hear and she smiles.
“What do you want?”