Content Warning: Violence and mentions of sexual abuse

Deep in the belly of the Voiceless Rebels territory, Casey drove cautiously down the pothole-riddled streets. Emmett sat in the passenger seat with the window rolled down, smoking the rest of his cigarette. With each turn Emmett directed him down, Casey's stomach did somersaults. Could he really rely on Emmett?

Street lamps flickered on in the gathering dusk. Casey kept a close eye out for the vehicle used to kidnap his son, but he hadn't seen anything resembling it or the plates yet. Ramshackle houses came into view, beaten and battered over the weathered years. It broke Casey's heart to see how some people lived. They had no choice. As he kept driving, he wondered if his son and August were being held inside any of them.

The Black Vipers could be crafty with their locations. Casey knew all about that from Veronica. He wouldn't put it past them to be daring enough to hide them in their rival's territory.

"Right here," Emmett said, gesturing to a tumbledown auto shop that closed down years ago.

"You sure?" Casey frowned as he pulled into the gravel-paved driveway.

"Yeah, we'll need some ammo," Emmett replied, unfastening his safety belt.

"Ammo?" Casey frowned.

"You wanna get your son and boyfriend back, right?" Emmett asked. "Then we're gonna need as much manpower as we can. I'm gonna get my people updated on this. Come on, they won't bite ya."

Casey tensed up. "You're not expecting me to meet your gang? I've got ties to your rival."

"I know." Emmett smirked. "But you needed my help. Not theirs. You came to me. Not them."

Emmett trusted him enough to disclose their hideout's location? Something about the old autoshop sent chills down Casey's spine. Perhaps trusting the gang member had been a horrendous idea. What had he gotten himself into?

With a sharp inhale of air, Casey braced himself and steeled his nerves before propping his car door open. He followed Emmett around the back of the building, keeping close to the side of the bricks as Emmett retrieved a key from his overcoat pocket.

Somewhere around them, a dog barked and hollers from across the street yelled at them to shut their yipping bitch up. Chills bristled against Casey's nape as he gazed behind him. He almost expected to find people arguing right in the middle of the auto shop's yard.

"Just stick close to me," Emmett told him.

Curiosity urged Casey to step further inside, admiring the way they boarded their old shattered windows with wooden planks. It was clever. An aroma of chili embraced Casey as Emmett led them through the shop's old body, where a collection of classic cars lined the floors. Who did they belong to?

Once through the auto body shop, Emmett gestured for him to follow him into what appeared to be their recreational room. Several game machines lined the corners of the walls and off to the right, worn out loveseats gathered around a plasma television screen, blaring some raunchy film with topless women.

A paunchy man ogled the women on the screen as he nursed a can of Bud Lite. Before Casey could introduce himself, Emmett marched up behind the man and whacked him in the back of the head. He dropped his bag of chips and almost spilled his beer in his lap.

"What the fuck?" He turned, revealing a rather unkempt neckbeard with chip crumbs stuck in it and an atrocious tattoo across his forehead that read; Thug Life.

"Quit watching your nasty porn on our TV, Charlie," Emmett snapped.

Charlie's face heated up as he scowled. "I ain't. It's just a damn movie. No different from the gay shit you and Kaz be doing round here."

"Neither Kaz or I strut around here in our underwear for you."

Casey awkwardly stood behind the couch with his arms crossed over his chest, struggling on where their conversation was going. Who the heck was Kaz?

"Um, excuse me." Casey intervened, holding a hand up. "We're kinda in a rush here."

"Who the fuck's that?" Charlie asked, pointing a finger in Casey's direction. "Did you find another one out on the streets?"

"Another what?" A tall, black man emerged from an adjoined room, groaning when he made eye-contact with Casey. "Jesus Christ, not again. What have I told you about bringing these strays in?"

"Casey's not becoming a member of our gang." Emmett gazed over at Casey, lips curving in a mischievous grin. "Right?"

"No, I'm not. The only reason I'm here is for your help in getting my son and August back," Casey replied. "If you're not capable, then I'll leave."

Charlie frowned. "It's only March. August isn't for another few months."

"August is someone close to me," Casey clarified. "Him and my son were kidnapped. Emmett offered his assistance in return for some business transactions. But I'm reconsidering the offer now."

"Ah, is that why you had me reach out to your contacts?" Alfie asked. "One of my guys just got back with me about those fucking Vipers taking some hostages. Apparently, it's a small group that went rogue."

"What?" Casey pushed past Emmett, eager eyes glued on Alfie. "What group? Did your guy specify? Please, I need to find them. I... I don't know what I'll do if something happens to Wyatt. Or August."

Alfie gave a side-eye to Emmett, sighing. "My source says they're gonna be hiding out at the Lazy Bear Motel. It's on the other side of town."

"I know where that's at!" Hope blossomed in Casey's heart. "Thank you so much. Really, thank you. Okay, we need to form a plan to get there without them spotting us."

Alfie rested a hand on Casey's shoulder, stopping him in place. "My source also told me it didn't look like they'd be staying there for long."

"What's that mean?" Casey asked, slightly tilting his head.

"There's no easy way of saying this, kid. But it's possible one, if not, both are dead," Alfie replied.

The world around Casey faded, as if he'd faint from the revelation. Either Wyatt or August could be dead. Just the image of that sent a whirlwind of grief through him and Casey reeled back, almost stumbling over his own feet.

"Y-You're wrong." Casey's words wavered. "They're both still alive. We can save them. I just need you to help me get to them."

A sympathetic smile touched Emmett's lips. "He's just being realistic here. These guys already killed your mom. They've shown how they're not afraid to resort to murder. I know this must be scary for you, but you gotta be prepared for the worst."

"No, I won't. I'm ready to go break down those motel doors and rescue them both," Casey told them. "With or without you."

Emmett raised his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, fine. Let us gather our people together and we'll head out. You'll be sticking close to my side, got it? I don't wanna get your ass killed out here before you can rescue your loved ones."

Nerves squirmed in the pit of Casey's stomach as he watched the gang members gather together in their recreational room. Casey stood off to the side, near Alfie, as more unfamiliar faces filled the area. Could they really bring them home safely?

🧁

They rode in Emmett's truck, sandwiched between the gang member and his pal, Alfie. Country music blared from the speakers, mingling with the intensity of his pounding heart. Raindrops raced down the windshield as the wipers fought to keep it clear for them.

"You're gonna need this." Alfie reached over Casey's leg, propping open the glove box. He brandished a small lockbox that contained a pistol, handing it over to him.

The pounding in his heart got lodged in his throat. Casey swallowed, painfully, as he accepted the weapon. It felt heavy in his hand. Did they really trust him with a gun? Where the hell had they even gotten it from? Dread rose in his throat as he realized that the gun in his hand might've been used in a murder prior. And now, it had his prints all over it.

"You don't think I'll need to shoot anyone, do you?" Casey asked, gently placing the gun down on the floorboard, near his feet. "Like, I can leave all the shootings to you guys while I rescue my son and August. Once August's free, maybe he could even help you..."

"Don't be afraid to kill any of those fuckers," Emmett snapped. "Remember, they fucking kidnapped your little boy and lover."

Casey balled his fists at his sides, clenching down on his teeth. Despite the fear that pulsed through his trembling body, determination shone in his eyes as they drove through the ruinous parts of New Syracuse. No matter what happened, he'd save them.

A colossal bear statue came into view as Emmett made a sharp right turn, heading toward the edge of Viper Valley. Lazy Bear Motel was notorious for drug busts and home to many prostitutes at night. Only a few cars parked in front of the ramshackle motel, but none of them fit the description of the vehicle that was used to kidnap his son.

"Are you sure they're still here?" Casey asked, unbuckling his safety belt before retrieving the gun on the ground.

"Dunno. Guess we're about to find out." Emmett propped his door open, making his way toward the receptionist desk.

Casey wasted no time catching up to the gang leader, with his long strides, as Alfie came up behind them. Pulling his coat closer, ensuring the gun remained hidden in the pocket, Casey wondered what they were about to walk into. Had the intel they received been wrong? No signs of the car were around.

Perhaps they'd stayed for a while, then left? Casey tried to calm the frantic beating in his heart as he followed Emmett, standing by as he passed the receptionist some money for information about some people who might've stopped by. Casey interrupted to show him some photos of Wyatt and August, hoping recognition clicked.

"Hmm." He rubbed his chin. "I know I ain't seen no kid like that around here, but that August guy looks awfully familiar. I think I saw him here earlier today with a woman."

Casey blanched. "A woman?"

"Yeah, ya know. Lady of the night. Remember cuz I thought it was kinda early for that shit, but hey. Money's money."

"That can't be right," Casey argued. "August would never cheat on me, especially not with some prostitute. He was worried about me and my family's safety."

The receptionist shrugged. "Dunno what to tell ya. Just what I saw."

"You must be mistaken," Casey snapped. "Maybe he wasn't here to fool around with her or maybe you didn't actually see him here. You're just hoping Emmett gives you more cash."

"Jeez, this one's mouthy," Alfie griped.

Emmett sighed, resting a hand on Casey's shoulders as he guided him away from the receptionist. They stepped back outside in the rain. "Looks like they're not here."

"So what? We should still check each room. Just to make sure. Hell, I'll go door to door myself. Just make that old guy in there give me the keys," Casey told him.

"Calm down." Emmett leaned close to his ear, enough to feel his warm breath on his face. "We need to figure out what's going on here. Our sources are almost never wrong."

Casey nodded. "Fine, okay."

"Atta, boy." Emmett grinned.

"So, what's your plan now?" Casey asked.

"Oh, we're gonna snoop around," Emmett replied. "But I'm curious about what August's up to. Is it possible he's double crossed you?"

"What? No way. August would never do something to hurt my son."

"Look, I know that's not something you wanna hear, but it's possible. Maybe he was sent to watch over you and gain your trust to easily make this abduction happen?" Emmett suggested.

"I can't believe that. August isn't like that. He would never do anything to harm me or my family."

"Sometimes it's the ones closest to use who betray us," Emmett told him.

Casey shook his head stubbornly. "August wouldn't do that. I know he wouldn't."

"Well, where do you think they would've gone?" Emmett asked, rubbing his chin. "We can check door to door, but we better do it fast cuz someone might call the cops on us."

Casey nodded. "I can do it. I'd recognize any of those Black Vipers."

"Alrighty, I'll come with ya in case you piss off someone dangerous." Emmett gazed over at Alfie as he came outside as well. "Make sure that receptionist stays inside and come tell us if he calls the police on us. We might be a while. Casey thinks they're still here."

Alfie shrugged. "Doubt it, boss. But whatever. I'll update everyone else. Make sure they don't all come charging in here."

Emmett guided him over to the first section of rooms. "Let's get this over with."

Room after room proved to be unavailing, but Casey persisted in questioning everyone who answered; there were only two people. He'd peek inside, hoping to find traces of Wyatt or August in their room, but nothing indicated that those folks staying in the rooms hid them.

"Dammit," Casey cursed. "What do we do now? We can't just call it quits here. They must've gone somewhere else."

"I'm thinking someone warned them not to come here. It's possible they got their information from a mole."

"And we're sure they're not anywhere else at this motel?" Casey asked. "Maybe in a room where nobody answered us?"

"I don't think so, Casey. No, I'm afraid we spooked them. If I had to guess, that receptionist must be working with them," Emmett replied. "You don't recognize him from the Black Vipers, do you? He isn't one of the guys that attacked you?"

"I don't know," Casey admitted. "I don't think so."

"Let's go have another chat with him." Emmett gestured for Casey to follow him back to the receptionist's desk.

The man hadn't moved from behind his computer. Alfie remained standing near the door.

"Find anything?" Alfie asked.

"Nope. But I think our pal here knows more than he's letting on," Emmett replied.

"Huh?" The receptionist glared up at them from his computer, bewilderment in his blood-shot eyes.

In a swift motion, Emmett's lithe body climbed over the receptionist desk and towered over the bald, heavy-set man. He yanked a switchblade from his overcoat pocket, pressing it tightly to the man's thick neck. Blood trickled down to his white collar.

"Now, listen closely. If you keep bullshitting me, I'm gonna cut you from ear to ear and rip your vocals out. You saw that little boy here today, didn't you?" Emmett asked.

The man muttered a soft, "Yes."

"Thought so. So, why the hell did you lie to us?" Emmett leaned in, narrowed gaze focused on the sweating man.

"Cops got word," he rasped. "I told them. They only made it to the parking lot before fleeing."

"What did they give you in return for being quiet?"

"M-Money."

"You got texts to prove this?" Emmett questioned. "Give me your phone."

The man hesitated before sliding his android out, lying it on the table. Emmett gestured for him to unlock it so he could pull up the messages. The scene unfolded before Casey like a horror thriller movie. He barely knew how to process it all.

Disgust contorted in Emmett's expression as he looked at the phone, keeping the blade close to the receptionist's neck. "I'll leave his fate in your hands." Emmett slid the phone across the counter for Casey. "Read that and tell me what you want me to do to him."

With a trembling hand, Casey took the phone and scrolled through the text messages. They mostly discussed needing a place to lay low with his son, but as Casey scrolled more, he learned about the man's bonus payment for helping them.

Nausea churned in his stomach as he placed the phone back on the counter. He couldn't continue reading it.

"Let me play with the boy first?" Casey repeated the text he'd read, unable to dare speak anymore of the filth they exchanged. "What the fuck did you mean by that?"

Scarlet dotted the man's cheeks as he lowered his head, not meeting Casey's gaze. All Casey could keep seeing in his mind were those god-awful messages, desiring to do all sorts of reprehensible things to his little boy.

Emmett forced the man's head upward by yanking on his shaggy hair. "Answer him, shithead."

Without another word, Casey climbed over the desk beside Emmett. The rage that ignited inside him was something he'd never experienced before. He'd come close to it the night Veronica almost killed herself and their son, but having a pathetic piece of shit beg to have his son in unmentionable ways sent that fury into overdrive.

Casey could be a sweet person until anyone fucked with his family.

"Want me to end this bastard for ya?" Emmett asked him.

Casey grabbed Emmett's wrist, yanking the switchblade away. Droplets of crimson trickled down the man's neck as he sniveled. Upon closer inspection, Casey noticed a puddle at the man's feet, where he'd pissed himself.

"My dad always taught me how forgiveness is important," Casey told him.

A heavy sigh released from the man as his beer belly dropped from holding that pent in breath. "I'm so sorry. You don't know how sorry I am. I just... I couldn't help myself."

"But my mom made sure I knew how important it is to protect our family."

In an instant, Casey brought the blade back to the man's neck, sinking it as deeply into the flesh as possible before dragging it all the way across. It felt like cutting into a pig. The man gurgled on his own blood, reaching a futile hand out to stop the bleeding.

When Casey yanked the knife out, blood sprinkled all over them as the man's head rolled back against his chair, gaping soullessly up at the ceiling. Rivulets of red gushed from the incision as Casey reeled back. He gripped the bloody switchblade tightly in his hand as he gazed at the gore he'd created.

"Holy shit," Emmett muttered.

A metallic miasma embraced the room as Casey climbed back over the counter. Despite how his body raked with tremors, he kept himself upright and tried to regulate his breathing. The rage simmered, leaving him with a newfound hope of finding Wyatt and August.

"Th-They must've found another place to lay low," Casey rasped. "We need to find it. Right now."

"Damn," Alfie murmured. "Yeah, come on. You've gained my respect."

Casey shrugged, still trembling as Alfie gently took the bloody switchblade from him. "Any father would've done the same. And I'm fucking tired of people hurting my family."

"You have any ideas of where they might've taken them?" Emmett asked as they made their way back outside.

"Yeah, I do. We need to check those bastard's hideout," Casey told him. "I can lead you right to it."