Page 11 of Vengeance

"Not Tennessee,” Vengeance continued.

"No,” Bowie said, rolling his eyes.

"It needs to be far enough away that the Syndicate won't expect it,” Vengeance said.

One of the older Bastards finally spoke. "Kentucky?"

Vengeance shook his head. "Too close."

"What about Mississippi?" another man asked.

"Still too close,” Vengeance said.

Bowie folded his arms. "I've got an old brother in Montana."

Vengeance immediately shook his head. "Too far."

That seemed to surprise everyone. "You just said farther was better."

"Not if Chloe's never been on the run,” he said, finally looking at her. "You'll make mistakes."

She frowned. "I can handle myself."

"I know you think that,” Vengeance said.

Her chin lifted. "I know I can."

His expression softened. "I believe you." She blinked at him as though she didn’t expect him to say that to her. "I also know what happens when people who've never disappeared try to run." She looked away because they both knew he was right.

Bowie rubbed both hands over his face.

"There's a safe house." Everyone looked at him. "It belonged to one of the original Royal Bastards."

"The old cabin?" another member asked.

Bowie nodded. "Nobody's used it in years."

"Where is it?” Vengeance asked.

"West Virginia,” Bowie said. Vengeance felt something inside him finally loosen. West Virginia would be remote—probably in the mountains with limited access roads. It would be perfect.

"Who knows about it?" he asked.

"Five people,” Bowie said. He looked at his daughter. "I always hoped we'd never have to use it."

"Dad,” she whispered.

His eyes filled with tears for the first time all day. "I buried my husband this morning." His voice broke. "I'll be damned if I bury my daughter next."

Chloe's own eyes shimmered. "I don't want to leave you."

"I know,” Bowie said.

"I should stay,” Chloe insisted.

"You should go,” Bowie said. “And stay safe.” Bowie turned back toward Vengeance. "You fail her, and?—”

"I won't,” Vengeance interrupted.