The blast had been loud and through a brief break in the rain, caught Bill and James by surprise as they made their way back to the main house. They took the stairs two at the time, brandishing their weapons. They flung open the door to see Mike untying Grace Gibson while she held onto little Ethan.
“What the fuck happened here? Where are Gage and Hope? How did this bastard get in here?”
“I could ask you assholes those questions. Gage and Hope are on their way to the hospital in Austin. We were ambushed on the road. Gage sent me here to protect Ethan. Where were you two? Where were the guards Gage had out there?”
“When the storm hit, the power went out. We had to go around and reset the generators. A pole came down on one of the fences, letting out the frightened cattle. The rest of the crew is still rounding them up. I don’t know where Greig and Moran are. They were supposed to be guarding the house.”
“I’m guessing they’re dead. At least that’s what Cummings implied. I have no idea what was going on or how many guys he has with him. There were no other vehicles in the drive when I pulled up.”
“Oh God. How are Gage and Hope?” Grace cried out.
“We need to get her to the hospital,” Mike said, looking down at the housekeeper.
Gage’s mother shook her head and then kicked the housekeeper in her side. With a scoff, she said, “Leave her there. The bitch worked for Cummings. She came up and struck me and then let him into the house. I didn’t have a chance to even fight back or lock Ethan away.”
They lifted the woman onto her feet and slammed her into the chair that Grace had been on. Mike took one look at her and knew something was up. “She’s not the housekeeper Gage hired. I saw her credentials from Colt McCain myself.”
“And she came when they knew you’d all be out today. Shit. I can’t believe it.” The woman began to regain consciousness, and Mike grabbed her by her hair, tugging her head back. “Tell us what’s going on and we’ll see you don’t get the death penalty.”
“What? I didn’t mean to do it. I…I…the cartel. They can be ruthless. They told me to help Cummings out with upcoming shipments, and my husband’s debts would disappear,” she cried, but she didn’t shed a tear. Mike had been used to this type of shit. They sent the women and children to the front lines,thinking they wouldn’t be harmed and that the target would be unsuspecting, but Mike knew better.
“Bill, do a cursory sweep of the area. If you don’t find the two guards dead, then they soon will be.”
“Understood. James, come with me. We need to get the rest of the guys with us. How many more men are with Cummings?”
“Just my husband and me. The cartel doesn’t want to be a part of this unless it makes them money. Gibson doesn’t get them a dollar. Cummings was supposed to travel with more shipments for them, be the middleman, and then I was supposed to be his secretary. Then he gave me these documents and told me it was a part of the deal.”
“And you think I’m supposed to buy that shit? I wasn’t born yesterday, lady. You’ve got the heart of a stone-cold killer, and it bleeds through your eyes. Now, what’s your real name and who is your husband?”
“Anna Sparks. My husband is Dallas Sparks.”
“Cummings’s lawyer.”
“I need to make a call. You move, and I’ll put a bullet through your skull, no questions asked. I’ve met evil bitches like you before and I’ve killed them as well.”
Mike brought up Alex’s number on his phone and dialed. “Hey, I’m on the way to the hospital. Gage asked that I be informed. What the hell is going on?”
“I don’t have time to explain, but Cummings is dead on Gage’s floor, and his accomplice is on the run. I have Anna Sparks tied up until you get here, or she tries something fucking stupid. We’re still looking for the other guards that were supposed to be here.”
Bill and James came back inside. “One second.” Mike turned the guys and asked, “Well?”
“They’re not here and neither is their car.”
“Okay. Grieg and Moran bolted. Send someone here to deal with this mess, but you get to the hospital and secure Gage and Hope. I have a feeling the hospital isn’t safe.”
“On it. I’ll send a team right now. With the storms raging like this, I don’t know how long it’s going to take.”
Mike glanced back at Grace and saw the fatigue and strain on her body. He didn’t know what else they did to her, but she definitely needed to see a doctor for the head injury. “I need a medic for Gage’s mom as well.”
“Of course. How’s the baby?”
“He’s good with his grandma.”
Mike ended the call and then took the baby from Grace. “I’ll look after him for now. We’re going to need to get to the hospital as well, but we’ll have to deal with this shitshow right here first.”
“I’m thirsty,” Grace groaned.
“I’ll get a drink for you.” Bill went into the kitchen and then came right back. “Mike. We have a problem.”