When You Were Mine (Stone Lake 2)

No one seems to object so we silently make our way toward the ramshackle structure. When we get to the main part of the collapse, Kingston gives the signal for his men to stay with their weapons drawn—ready for battle.

Kingston and I look at one another and then I glance over at Dern. He looks at me and I’m pretty sure I see regret on his face, but I can’t deal with that right now. I have to rescue my family.

They’re all that matters.

“On your mark,” Kingston whispers. I nod, and then, slowly make my way to the gym entrance. Remarkably enough, the double doors to the place are still hanging. I use the heel of my boot, kicking it open, my weapon aimed and ready as I walk through into the unknown.

Gavin

The three of us fan out as we barge through the doors. I prepared for gunfire, but in the end, there was no need. There stands Larry, with a shit-eating grin on his face. This at least clicks into play. Larry hated me all through school and he’s the type that would never get over that shit, despite getting older. I’m not sure how he hooked up with Oakes, but this I can handle. This isn’t an unknown factor any longer. I know my target and I’m going to fucking enjoy sending him to hell.

“Gavin Lodge. We’ve all been waiting for you to arrive. I hope you enjoy having a captive audience,” he jokes. “I think I’ve managed to get all of your favorites.”

I do a very quick scan of the room. Juniper is the closest to me and she looks fucking bad. I see the mess that I’m pretty sure used to be Oakes, proving there is no honor among thieves. I don’t see Oakes’ nephew, which means he’s still out there, in the unknown somewhere. My eyes keep looking in the room. There’s not a sign of Luna and Joshua. My eyes narrow, and I level my gun so it’s aimed at Larry’s head.

“Where’s my family?”

“Oh, they’re around.” He shrugs. “Visiting old friends and what not.”

“You are seriously a twisted fuck.”

“Coming from you, I’m going to take that as a compliment.”

“You would. How do you see this ending up, Richards? Cause I got to tell you, I’ve been trained to imagine every possible scenario in this situation. I’ve gone through them and in every single one you end up just like your partner Oakes over there.”

Larry laughs, it’s a maniacal, bitter sound that definitely sounds like whatever marbles he had have been tossed out the window. I don’t move a muscle, just patiently wait. Eventually, this fucker is going to give me an opening and when he does, I’m definitely going to take it.

“Why do you guys insist I’m partnering with Oakes? I hate to speak ill of the dead, but he truly was dumb as a bucket of rocks.”

“So you what? Used him until he couldn’t help you anymore?”

“I suppose you could look at it like that. I mean, if you had narrowed tunnel vision, which you obviously have. You see, Gavin? That’s always been your problem. You don’t look at the grand design, see the broader picture.”

“And you do.”

“Oh, definitely. I mean I’m standing here with your entire family at my mercy—even your little sister. That was an added treat to be honest. We hadn’t planned on her at all. It was so nice of you to deliver her. She’s a sweet little piece. She put up a good fight, but don’t worry I had her purring before I finished with her,” he says with a smile.

I hear scrambling in the direction Juniper is, and I know she’s struggling against her ropes. I can’t spare her a glance, but my gut burns at what she’s been through. It’s selfish as fuck, but I pray the bastard hasn’t touched Luna. I’ll love her regardless, but I know something like that will be hard for her to overcome. Jesus, I just hope that her and Joshua are alive. We’ll tackle the rest as we need to.

“Where’s Oakes’ nephew? You do him just like Oakes?” I ask him, needing to find all possible targets.

“His nephew? Nah, he had squinty eyes. They were no fun to play with. He’s dead though. I was nice to him before he died. I let him kiss my dick. If you talk to me real nice, Gavin, I’ll give you the same treatment.”

“You could try it, but I’d end up shooting your shit off. I figure it’s too small to make a good target, but I have sniper training, I think I can manage it,” I tell him, egging him on and needing him to lose control.

“You fucking asshole. I’ve got your life in my hands and you want to act like you’re the one in control? My dick is just right. If you don’t believe me, you can ask your sister. She sure as fuck enjoyed gagging on it.”