Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 61868 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 309(@200wpm)___ 247(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61868 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 309(@200wpm)___ 247(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
We all have a stake in the forest.
I’ve earned mine on merit and association rather than bloodline.
This is something that me, Jack, and West all have in common.
Just before noon, the rumble of a truck rounding the tree line and pulling into the lot outside the trailer cabin draws my attention.
It's Jack.
I put down my tools to greet him as he emerges from the cab.
"Meet me in the trailer in five." Jack seems more energized somehow, and there is a glint in his eye before he strides with purpose and confidence towards the trailer.
None of the other guys will be here until lunch at one, so we’ll have time to discuss in private.
The trailer door swings shut, and with that, I return to my tools and clear them away.
Jack has made coffee and is standing on watch at the rear window as I enter the trailer. His body is twitchy, and his nervous energy is palpable.
Hearing me enter, he turns and pushes a steaming mug across to the place where I sit.
"It's sorted with Bill. We've spoken. It's all going ahead."
I let his words sink in. It explains Jack's change of demeanor. He must have been with Bill this morning. It is why he hasn't been at the yard. And he’s clearly pleased with the outcome, empowered almost.
"So what's the plan, Jack?" He pauses for a few moments, but I see that he’s processing how much he wants to tell me. It's what he'll keep to himself that will worry me the most.
"Whatever happens, there will be no repercussions for us. Carter and his men will be going away for a long time. Maybe forever if we get lucky. But we are free to set them up, lure them here, and then make sure that they never hurt Skye or anyone else ever again."
"Have you seen Bill? Where did you meet?"
Jack shakes his head. "No, he wouldn't meet me face to face. He's chicken shit. But he called early this morning, and I've been out getting the plan straight in my mind. I know what needs to happen, and we need to check a few more sites, speak to a few people, and tighten up my plan."
"I need to know what's going to happen, Jack. I need things straight in my mind."
"Finn, you need to trust me. Have I ever let you down?"
"No. Never. But what if Carter brings more trouble than we anticipate?"
Jack's cell begins to ring, and he pulls it out of his shirt pocket, selects the loudspeaker, and rests it on the table between us.
"Jack?"
"Yes, it's me. What we were talking about the other day … are you in?"
"Course, Jack. You know it. We are all in. I've spoken to the boys, and we've got your backs; just say when." Nathan's voice is instantly recognizable, deep, and gravelly. He's the biggest of all the lumberjacks and the only one who surpasses me in size and bulk.
Jack gave him a chance and hired him when no one else would.
We both feel we owe Jack.
"Thanks." With that, Jack cuts the call and drops his phone back into his pocket. "We've got the Shadows and the yard crew on our side. Reggie is in after Carter was sniffing around his daughters in the bar. I need you to trust me that I'll figure out the rest so there are no repercussions, whatever happens."
I nod, but I'm still not sure. I have a bad feeling that Jack's personal craving for revenge is lurking behind this plan, as though he can quench his pain by focusing on Carter and his treatment of Skye. Where Nathan has a wife and child to keep him on the straight and narrow, Jack isn't anchored. And with his stepfather's death coming out of the blue, I have a feeling that he's focusing on this as a way of avenging the past when he had no control.
Through Skye, he's attempting to cut out old tissue.
All I can do is listen and support the guy I love as if he was my brother.
And work with him to protect our woman from harm.
"Get what you need. We're heading off-site for now. Ron Maggs has agreed to it. I went to see him this morning. The others have got this, and we've got family troubles that need our attention. Priorities. It's all about priorities. And you need to get in touch with the Outlaws. Get Bones to give me a call." My stomach flips, and I'm not sure if it's fear or excitement, but I get the sense that something has been set in motion, and it's only going to speed up from this point towards a conclusion that will make us or break us.
Despite it only being early afternoon, the light outside is dim, and gray clouds gather overhead with an accompanying wind that makes the trees rustle and creak. I walk next to Jack from the truck, eyes scanning the left and right. Jack keeps his hands in his pockets and his eyes firmly forward.