Dealing with the Devil (15 page)

* * *

The thick concrete walls of the Black Jacks’ compound appeared in the distance, looming before Archie and the MC. The fortress stood alone, removed from the local town. Even from this distance, Archie could see that there were guards out front and snipers on the roof. Before he had a chance to warn them, Cecelia was radioing the leaders behind them. “Stay frosty guys, they know we’re here!”

There was no doubt Sofía had the advantage. The first shots started flying when the Devils were still a quarter mile out. Archie swore bitterly and changed directions. The riot gear might stop a bullet but the impact of the shot would cause a wreck. Losing just one of their riders could cause a chain reaction that would take out a much larger group very quickly. The snipers standing at the top of the roof were trying to pick off riders in the middle of the pack. Parking his Harley off to the side, Archie grabbed his handgun and took off on foot.

Danny was at Archie’s side in a heartbeat and Cecelia was only a step behind. They were bonded in rescuing Lucy from the Black Jacks. Cece dragged a hand over the blue strands of her hair and grasped Archie’s arm tightly. “Send the SWAT vans ahead and let the Black Jacks run their ammo out. When they retreat to refuel, we overwhelm them. If we break the group up and each take a side, we can take them.”

“That’s actually a really good idea. How the fuck do you know all this shit?” Danny stared incredulously at Cecelia.

“Not the time,
pendejo
,” Cece chastised but she flashed him half a smile. There was no malice in her body language. She wasn’t angry with Danny, they just had shit to do. Everything else would have to wait. Cece faced Archie again. “I know what I’m doing, trust me.”

Archie nodded swiftly. “Danny, get it done,” He ordered. “Cece, you’re with me. You know the way in.”

“Wait, that wasn’t part of the plan,” Danny balked, crossing his arms over his chest. “You’re putting her in danger!” And for some reason, that made his chest tighten painfully.

Cecelia glanced between the two men. This was about to turn into a measuring contest and they didn’t have time for that. “Danny, I’ll be fine.” She rested a hand on his shoulder. “We’ll be in and out in no time.”

“Then I’m coming with you!” Danny snarled, the protectiveness surging within him. “Lucy is
my
sister. I should be there!” He took a step forward.

Archie barked a sharp “
no
” in response. “I need someone manning the front lines, Danny. You’re my second in command! If something happens to me, I need you to make sure that our guys get out. I need you to make sure
Lucy
gets out. Can I trust you to do that?”

Danny’s face was molded into a mask of anger. “Why even make a plan if you were going to go cowboy all along?” He grumbled. Still, he grabbed Archie’s hand and pulled him in for a tight hug. “You better get out of this alive. I’m not losing my favorite brother in law…you hear me?”

“I’m your
only
brother in law.” A smile slid over Archie’s features and he pulled back, clicking the safety off his gun. Danny needed a moment with Cece and Archie turned away to give them some privacy. In the meantime, he searched for a weakness in the compound’s walls. The vans were already moving forward and bullets ricocheting off the metal seemed to be coming mostly from the front lines and the snipers on the roof. In the Southeast corner, Archie noticed a door they could get through with minimal exposure. It wasn’t guarded on the outside, but he had no idea what was waiting for them inside.

Right now, Archie had to focus on Lucy or he risked being swept away by his rage. Cecelia broke into a dead run, keeping her head low as she made it to the side entrance. Archie was hot at her heels. The door was locked tight but she grabbed a slim pick out of her pocket. “Give me three minutes.” Before she had a chance to touch the lock, Archie tugged her away and kicked the door open. “Or we could do it that way…” She grinned and allowed him to precede her into the building.

“Stop!” A shaky voice echoed down the hall. Priscilla’s hands were wrapped tightly around a gun, her entire body shook as she aimed straight for them. “Put your weapons on the ground and back away from them!”

Archie growled low in his throat. On the one hand, he needed to get to Lucy sooner rather than later but he did not want to take out the women Sofía had locked up here to do it. Archie knew how brainwashed some of the women in Sofía’s cohort were; he’d seen them at Aces High, blindly following her every command. Before he had a chance to react, he felt Cecelia’s hand against his shoulder, urging him onward. “Go,” Cece commanded. “I’ve got this.”

“I’ll shoot!” Priscilla’s high, breathy voice stabbed through the earsplitting haze of gunfire and shouting from outside.

Vaguely, Archie heard Cecelia laugh as he rounded the corner. There was no doubt in his mind Cece could handle herself…he just hoped it wouldn’t end in bloodshed. Keeping his gun at the ready, Archie weaved his way down the long hallways, searching frantically for any sign of his wife. “Lucy!” He hollered, gazing down the twisting corridors. It took several minutes before he happened upon a massive room filled with bunk beds. He could hear muffled voices, women and children crying, but he couldn’t see anyone. They must have been hiding in the rooms down the hall. “Lucy!” Archie hollered again, his fear rising as he glanced around. The area looked deserted but he could hear a whisper of movement rippling within the room. He wasn’t alone…

“I know you’re here,” He snarled through gritted teeth. Silence was his only response. Creeping closer to the edge of the room, he felt a rush of movement at his back. A cold, derisive chuckle emanated from behind him. He turned to find Sofía with a gun trained on him.

“Drop your weapon,” Sofía commanded. Her face contorted into a violent grin that made her entire body seem twisted. When he didn’t immediately comply, she took a step forward and pressed the barrel of the gun against his chest. “I’m looking for any excuse to shoot you,
mijo
. Don’t tempt me.”

“Why don’t you then?” Archie stared her down. The grayness of her eyes mirrored the blackness of her soul. “You orchestrated all of this. The violence at our borders, getting Lucy and I to come here, and making her gamble her life away to save mine. It’s always been about Lucy.” He gritted his teeth. “You don’t give a shit about me. It’d be easier if I were dead so come on, finish the job!”

“Brave boy,” Sofía chuckled darkly. “You remind me so much of my Hector. Strong-willed, determined…and willing to risk the lives of your wife and child for the good of your club.” Her expression darkened. “Lucy is safe here. She has friends and family.”

Archie’s hands were clenched in fists of rage. It took every ounce of strength in his body not to tighten his finger on the trigger of his gun. “
We
are her family, Sofía! I’m her husband, Danny is her brother, and the Devils—”

“Treat her like garbage!” Sofía interrupted, her anger spilling over like lava erupting from a volcano. “Do you think I do not know what she has suffered? I have watched you. I see the way you treat her like she is nothing. You push her out of club business as if she does not belong!”

Guilt speared through Archie’s chest. “I just wanted to protect her, Sofía!”

“Then we want the same thing,” Sofía countered. “The only difference is that I can accomplish it and you cannot.” Silence hung between them for a moment as Sofía circled him like a hunter stalking its prey, “I have everything here she could ever need: a medical facility, housing, food, an art gallery, commissary…what more could anyone ask for?”

“The people she loves!” He roared.

“Daniel is welcome here at any time!” Sofía countered. “But you,” She pointed an accusing finger at him, “I saw Erik Archer only once. It was the day he gloated over killing my precious daughters!” Spiraling into despair, she suddenly sagged. “You will do the same to her. You will ruin her and you will ruin your child!”

Archie’s shock was twofold. He knew his father had spent time in this part of the country, but he’d eventually settled in the South. It made sense now as to why his father never came back…killing kids was not something the club ever condoned. Erik had likely been banished and forced to seek asylum with another charter. Then, there was the way Sofía talked about a child. When she first mentioned it, Archie thought she was speaking abstractly but now it seemed too personal… “What are you talking about?” A new terror spread through him at the realization. “Is Lucy…” Sofia’s expression was all the confirmation he needed. That’s what he had been missing…and it only strengthened Archie’s need to protect his wife.

Amusement had replaced Sofía’s rage. She was totally unhinged. “It is not too late. Walk out of here, take your people, and go…there will be no retaliation.” She leaned against one of the bunk beds, her expression unreadable now. “Or you will die today. I will not stop until every last one of your men is dead.” There was a beat of silence as she stared him down. “No one else has to get hurt…walk away and you’re free. Or I will crush you. Make your choice.”

“I am not leaving here without Lucy.” Archie steeled his spine.

“Suit yourself.” Sofía raised her gun again and cocked it.

A single shot rang out, the blast echoing through the cavernous room.

Time seemed to grind to a halt as the soft thump of a body hitting the floor reached Archie’s ears. Drawing in a labored breath, his body flooded with emotion. Life flashed before his eyes before he teetered, staggering under the weight of crushing relief.

Lucy stood on the opposite side of the room with her weapon drawn, silvery smoke rising from the white-hot barrel of the .45. Sofía crumpled, wide-eyed and shocked. The bullet had gone clean through her shoulder and blood polled onto the carpet, the circle of blood expanding with each passing moment. Archie turned to stare at the drawn, pale version of Lucy standing before him and he rushed to her side.

“Luce—” Suddenly and without warning, she pitched forward. Archie managed to catch her. “Lucy!” He cried as she lay limply in his arms. Her onyx eyes fluttering shut as he lowered her gently to the ground. Glancing up at the barren room around him, he yelled at the top of his lungs. “Help! Someone help!”

Once it had been discovered that Sofía Salma had fallen, all the fighting stopped outside. Those from whom she collected debts and held ransoms were free—she could no longer hurt their loved ones. Although the wound to Sofía’s shoulder was not life threatening, she was being taken to the hospital to be patched up before they brought her to court. Steve was on his way to read the charges against her and start the process of her indictment. Slowly, the frightened women that Sofía had forced to stay in this prison began to trickle out to reunite with lost loved ones or start their journeys home. It should have been a happy occasion…unfortunately, for the Devils, they couldn’t relax until they knew Lucy would be okay.

Lucy was vaguely aware of a murmuring voice pushing through the depths of her subconscious mind. She tried to move toward it, the sensation reminded her of trudging through mud. As she clawed her way toward lucidity, Lucy realized it wasn’t just one voice surrounding her…there were far too many to count. Onyx eyes squeezed tighter but the harder she fought, the more exhausted she became. It wasn’t long before she felt herself slipping away again. It was no use; she was powerless.

Danny shoved people aside as he collapsed next to the stretcher on which Lucy was strapped. “Lucy!” He cried, grasping her face. Archie sat on the other side, just as pale as Lucy. Danny wasn’t sure who was worse off at the moment. He grimaced at the small moan of pain that emanated from Lucy’s throat when the paramedic put an IV into her arm. Seeing his baby sister in this state was worse than any pain he’d ever experienced. Storming over to Archie, Dannie grabbed him by his cut and shook him. “What the hell happened to her?”

“I don’t know…one minute I was arguing with Sofía and the next, Lucy shot her and collapsed.” Archie’s grief was palpable as he stared down at his wife’s frail form. Lucy hadn’t been hit by a wayward bullet, which was his first concern. The second, gut-wrenching fear was for the baby she was carrying. He’d only just learned of her pregnancy and it was already in jeopardy. Archie was trying not to think the worst. The only way they were going to know what was wrong was to get Lucy to the hospital. Nothing else mattered now except getting his wife the care she needed.

Cecelia tugged Danny away from Archie. He was working himself up and it was only a matter of time before somebody snapped. “Hey, he had nothing to do with this. Back off,” She commanded. Danny was teetering on the edge of losing control. When he didn’t immediately respond, she grasped his face between her hands and forcibly held his gaze. “Listen to me, Lucy is strong. She’s much tougher than you give her credit for. She’s going to pull through this, Danny.”

After their parents died, Lucy had been the anchor holding Danny in place. If anything were to happen to her, he’d never recover. He looked ready to blast Cece…but then, he pulled her into his arms. Danny buried his face in the crook of her neck and inhaled the soft almond scent of her shampoo. In turn, she slid her arms around him, comforting him as best she could.

Archie breathed a small sigh of relief that Cecelia seemed to be keeping Danny balanced for now…but if Lucy didn’t come around soon, there was no telling how bad the fallout would be.

“We’ve got to move,” The paramedic urged. They’d already made it very clear that only one person could ride with Lucy to the hospital, but there were many who were willing to go.

“I’m her husband,” Archie waded through a sea of people, barking orders as he went. “Danny, I need you to send our boys home. Tell the prospects to get everything the FBI loaned us back into the vans. Steve will catalogue them…” He paused a moment, facing Cece. “Help him, please?”

“I ain’t a Devil,
jefe,
” Cecelia fired back but her posture changed when she glanced back at Danny’s haunted face. “But…you said please. So, I’ll make sure it’s done.”

Archie nodded a silent thank you and jogged to where the ambulance was parked. Lucy was loaded into the back and strapped in for the ride. The minute the sirens began to wail, the sea of bikers parted to let them pass. Vaguely, he was aware of the two paramedics staring in awe of the mass in front of them. “Have you ever seen anything like it?” One whispered to the other. The answer was unequivocally ‘no’. Every motorcycle club within a thousand miles fighting for a singular cause was still baffling to Archie and he was the one who arranged it all.

As they drove past, Archie noticed Rogelio cross himself in a silent prayer for Lucy, Narayan bow his head, and Tim clench his fist in a display of solidarity. Everyone was pulling for Lucy, no matter what colors they wore. Archie hoped he hadn’t used up all his miracles already…he just needed one more.

Exhaling sharply, Archie rested his head against Lucy’s hand. She was warm despite the pallor of her complexion; it gave him the smallest ray of hope. “Come on, Luce,” He murmured softly. Closing his eyes, Archie begged God to save the woman he loved so very much. When he opened his eyes again, they’d arrived at the hospital and several nurses were waiting to bring Lucy into the trauma room. He was forced to stay in a crowded waiting room filled with crying babies, sniffling wives, and sad, stoic men. It was hell on earth.

Minutes ticked into hours and Archie’s anxiety rose steadily. He paced the floor, muttering curses under his breath. One of the hospital volunteers offered him coffee and he accepted, if only to keep his mind sharp, but the toxic sludge made him jittery. He nearly flipped his chair over when he heard his name called over the loudspeaker. Rushing to the check in desk, Archie’s heart was beating wildly in his chest. “I’m Gabriel Archer! Is my wife okay?”

Bea smiled gently as she opened the door to admit Archie into the patient care area. Steve had to pull a thousand strings to make this happen but it was well worth it in her eyes. It felt so good to be back at work and caring for Lucy was vitally important to her. “Follow me, Lucy’s right through here.” There was no personal offense taken when Archie blew past her and jogged to the room Bea motioned to. He closed the door gently behind her, holding Lucy’s file close to her chest. “Your wife is doing just fine.”

“Then why isn’t she waking up?” Archie stroked Lucy’s cheek gently. Some of her color was starting to return now and a rosy bloom spread over her cheeks. All around him, machines were beeping and buzzing and whirring. He let out a shaky breath, “And if she’s so
fine
, what are all these things for?”

“This one is monitoring Lucy’s heart rate and oxygen level, this one is the IV pump, and that one—” Bea rested a hand on the monitor that was spitting out paper reports every few minutes, “Is for the baby. Lucy is wearing a band around her abdomen that’s monitoring the child’s heartbeat.” Walking around to glance at one of the printouts, she grinned. “The baby is doing very well too, considering all the stress Lucy’s been under. The OBGYN has already been in to perform the ultrasound for confirmation. I’m sure that Dr. Arbor will be happy to share the pictures, if you’d like to see…”

Archie felt his heart shatter as he inched closer, watching the rapid movement. “I…” His terror returned tenfold as he watched the baby’s heart rate speeding on the monitor. “It seems really fast.”

“It’s normal, I promise.” Bea rested a comforting hand on Archie’s shoulder. “Lucy is suffering from dehydration and sleep deprivation. She was experiencing some morning sickness, coupled with stress and not feeling up to eating. The combination taxing on Lucy’s body.” Leaning over the bed, Bea smoothed Lucy’s dark hair. “After she shot Sofía, I believe Lucy finally felt like she was safe. The adrenaline that had been keeping her going started to wane and she shut down. It’s going to take a little while to heal. With some rest, fluids, and a few good meals, she will be fine.”

“Thank God.” Archie breathed and collapsed in the chair at Lucy’s bedside.

A smile tugged at Bea’s lips. “They’re going to keep her overnight. The OBGYN will check her out again tomorrow. If everything’s okay, they’ll plan to let her go tomorrow morning.” Stepping back to give Archie some alone time with his wife, she paused. “There’s a restaurant and gift shop on the second level. They’ll have one of the volunteers deliver, if you want. I’m sure Lucy would like something more than applesauce and graham crackers when she wakes up. Not to mention, she’ll kick my ass if she wakes up and you’re not in tiptop shape.”

Archie couldn’t help but grin back at Bea. It didn’t surprise him at all that she and Lucy had become friends. Bea’s presence put him at ease, even though he still was on edge. “I’ll keep that in mind.” He rocked back on his heels. “Any news on Sofía?”

Bea shook her head. “She’s still in surgery. The bullet went clean through her shoulder but the doctor was worried about shrapnel in the wound bed. They wanted to make sure they got all the pieces out. When she’s out, she’ll be transferred to section of the hospital we normally reserve for inmates.” She paused. “With all the testimony pouring in, Steve has got an airtight case. You’ll never have to worry about Sofía Salma or the Black Jacks ever again. That’s definitely one thing to celebrate.” The phone in her pocket started buzzing, letting her know another patient needed something. With that, Bea slipped from the room and closed the door behind her.

Archie settled himself down in a chair by the bedside. The room wasn’t awful but it certainly wasn’t home. He glanced back at the woman in the bed and his entire body convulsed with shock to. Lucy’s onyx eyes were open and staring right at him. “Lucy!”

Although her head was still fuzzy and arm ached where they had put the IV in, Lucy managed to push herself up in bed. “Hey…” Lucy’s voice was raspy and hoarse.

Archie stood over her, his hand slipping into hers and gripping tight. “I thought I’d lost you…”

“Please. It’s going to take more than that to get rid of me,” Lucy chuckled weakly. When she noticed the look on Gabe’s face, she instantly regretted the jibe. “Hey, come here.” Lucy shifted to accommodate him. They’d been parted for so long now, she worried it might be awkward; yet the moment he slipped in beside her, it felt like proper order had been restored to the world. Emotion burned in her throat as she smoothed a strand of his sandy blonde hair. “Did everyone get out? Is Danny okay? Did everything work out with your truce?”

“Danny’s managing, Cecelia is keeping him in line.” There was a beat of silence and Archie genuinely smiled. “You should’ve seen it, Luce. We have a treaty with Los Santos, the Nightriders, and the Redhawks now. Everyone came out in force.” Swallowing hard, he glanced at her, “But I don’t want to talk about that. I need to know how you’re feeling.” He wondered how much Lucy remembered of the last few hours. “You shot Sofía, you know.”

Lucy licked her lips. “I did…and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. She was going to kill you.” Her hand fell to the still-flat plane of her belly, careful not to bump the censor. “I love you, Gabriel. I couldn’t let anyone hurt you.” Resting her head against the pillow, Lucy covered her face with her hands. “I didn’t want to
kill
her. Death would be a release for someone like that. Sofía deserves to rot for her crimes.” Her voice cracked painfully.

Archie smoothed the dark hair away from her cheek, “Look at me, Lucy.” It took a moment for her to gather the courage and he could see the tears forming in the corners of her eyes. “What’s wrong?”

“How much time have you got?” Lucy sniffled, aching to sink through the cracks in the hospital floor. “Everything that’s happened: my patch, our marriage, going to Reno, being taken by Sofía…it’s made me realize how stupid I’ve been.” She her head again so he wouldn’t see the tears splashing down her cheeks. “I almost threw away everything I have just to prove a point. I’m—”

“Pregnant?” Archie finished for her. “I know…” Reaching out, he gingerly covered her hand where it lay on her belly. “Lucy, you’ve only been fighting for what you deserve. I, on the other hand, have been the world’s biggest ass…”

Lucy grabbed a tissue from the bedside and dabbed her eyes, “Go on.” Despite everything that had happened, she was eternally grateful Gabe was here. He hadn’t bolted the second he found out about the baby either. It allayed at least one of her fears. Holding his hand tighter, Lucy met his probing gaze. “You’ve spent so much time pushing me away.”

Archie sagged. “I know, Luce.” He licked his lips. “I’m no good at this…I have a hard time opening up to people. You’re practically the first girl I ever met and I’ve been in love with you for as long as I can remember.” Stroking his thumb over the back of her hand, he felt as if his heart was on display in front of her. “I want you so badly, but then I remember my father and the terrible things he did to my mother and I.” He swallowed. “I couldn’t stand the thought of hurting you like that. I thought my love was a curse…” Archie shifted uncomfortably. “It took me almost losing you to realize
not
loving you was hurting us more than anything else ever could.”

“I’ve been saying that all along, Gabe,” Lucy murmured. She shifted to rest her head against his shoulder. “You are good and kind and loving. You’re going to be an amazing husband and father. I wish it didn’t take you so long to realize it.”

“You’ve always been smarter than me, Lucy. It was bound to take me a little extra time to figure it out.” Archie was inordinately careful not to get tangled up in Lucy’s IV or the monitors. It took some maneuvering but he managed to cradle her against his body. Pressing a soft kiss to her shoulder, he smiled. “I just want to go home and start our life together.”

Lucy snuggled tighter against Gabe. She nodded eagerly. Getting out of Reno was her first priority. Then again, she also wanted things in Errol to be calm. “What about the baby?” Her voice was so quiet it was a miracle he even heard her. “We should’ve been more careful—”

“Lucy,” Archie cut her off swiftly. “I’m happy. Shocked, a little nauseous, and terrified, but
happy
.” He smirked. “I guess we played it a little fast and loose on our honeymoon. Now that I think about it, I’d be suspicious if you
weren’t
pregnant.” He teased. “We’re going to be a family and that’s all the matters.”