Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 80902 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80902 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
And I've got Havoc, Phoenix and Sledge to thank for that.
42
HELLFIRE
Me, Ghost and Savage stand in the old gym, surveying what’s left of the rebel Outlaw Sons. The ones that survived the attack at least. We suffered losses on both sides, but thanks to the help from the Screaming Eagles, it was mostly on their end. They’re on their hands and knees, tied at the wrists and ankles. Behind each of them is a man who was injured or lost a brother in the coup attempt.
“I never wanted this,” I say softly, so only the closest can hear.
Savage nods. “They left us no choice.”
“Fine.” I step forward and rip the blindfold off Badger. He looks older and weaker with his arms bound behind his back and his face covered in bruises and dried blood.
With the help of Razor, an ex-Viper who Eagle-eye sent in to spy on Badger after he started pulling as many warm bodies as he could towards the end, we’ve identified everyone we know was in the Pit Vipers or loyal to Badger. A few I’m not sure about, and their souls will be on my conscience, but they won’t weigh as heavily as losing more good men because I guessed wrong.
Badger bares his teeth at me. They too are pink with blood. “You’re too fucking weak to lead.”
“Am I?”
“I’m still talking, aren’t I?”
“Yeah, you are, but it’s not because he’s weak.” Bonnie, General’s old lady, steps out of the shadows. She’s carrying an antique pistol the old man restored himself.
“Oh yeah? Who let the old bitch speak?”
“Ma’am.” I tip my head and back away.
She steps forwards, her hair mostly gray, but her back as straight as steel. Bonnie looks down at him in disgust and raises the gun. In sync, the loyal members all tear off the blindfolds from the traitors they are standing behind.
“On my order.” I meet the eye of every single condemned man who dares raise his gaze. “Fire.”
The shots echo through the gym, melding together into a thunderous roar. Bodies hit the pocked, wooden floor, and small rivers of red run from under them, joining together in puddles.
“Thank you,” Bonnie says, her face white but her eyes a little less haunted than they've been since General died. “Are you sure it was a good idea to let me make the shot?”
I nod, looking out at my men. Those that are left. “You are my weapons. Who pulls the trigger isn’t important. It’s who gives the order.”
“Good job, Prez,” Savage says, putting a hand on my back. “Long live the Outlaw Sons!”
All of their voices rise in unison. “Long live the Outlaw Sons!”