Rogue Ghostbird

Chapter 21 - Saving

Sang

Recap

The look on everyone's faces is scary enough. Even Ace's men look pissed. Everyone knew Mel, she was their little angel. No one touches their little angel.

Ace promises me, "I'll organize something with Ryder, Rocky, and Aleksandr. He will pay."

I smile sadly, "Good, now we need to go."

It was time to get the kids back.

Recap over

The Blackbourne Team borrowed some weapons from Ace. Chloe was the only being left behind. Even Ace was getting in on the action. Chloe could fight really well but her brother and husband want her safer. Ace tried to make me stay behind, but it was a half-ass attempt. No one could dissuade me from something I wanted to do.

"Ready?" I asked the assembled group.

I got various forms of yes as an answer. My favorite was Gabriel's, "Fucking A! Let's get our kids!" It was rather sweet. We are now in the back of one of Ace's vans heading to the warehouse. The plan was to split up. 

Owen, Kota, Sean, Gabriel, Luke were guarding the exits with four of Ace's men, their muscle. While Silas, North, and Nathan were coming in with me to get the kids, it was in case we needed to carry the kids out of there. Victor was in the truck, looking at the cameras. He was also protected by Ace's men. I don't trust the fact that I found the kids this easily. I think it is a trap, but for who?

Me,

Or the Blackbourne Team.

Either way, I attempt to rid myself of these doubts by focusing on the mission. Quickly, we arrive at the warehouse. I am the first out of the van and I shoot on sight the two guards at this entrance before rushing in. Silas, North and Nathan among others are hot on my heels. I race through the huge ass place and find where the hidden door is. I hit the same spot as the guards before me did.

I got a surprise when I opened it, three guards in the middle of a game of cards. North shoots them for me. I give him a grateful smile. I had stupidly put down my main gun to open the door. I know better than that, it was a slip-up that shouldn't have happened. 

I continue running until I arrive at my children's cell. I slap my forehead in exasperation. I forgot to get the keys to the door off the guard's body.

Nathan shakes a set of keys in front of my face, "Looking for these, Honey? I grabbed them, you had seemed a little preoccupied."

I grab them quickly and get to unlocking the door, "Thanks."

North grunts, "I have a bad feeling. This is too easy. It has never been this easy with Volto before."

I shrug, "Just stay on guard."

Silas speaks up, "I haven't heard from anyone else in a while."

I finally open the door, "We will look into that after I have my kids."

Nathan mumbles under his breath, "Our kids."

I simply ignore him to look at my babies. They are all in bad shape. The lot of them always act like they are adults, but no one is ready for this. 

Mel exclaims, "Mom!"

I give her a warm smile, "How are you all feeling?"

Seb reports, "Mel and Oliver have the worst injuries. We have several concussions, probably a couple broken ribs. I have a broken wrist. Most of us have contusions on all of our body."

I nod, "Let's get you out of here and get those looked at. Sean, I am sure will do it and I can help. You Seb will do nothing."

"But Mom, I can help," whines Seb.

I shake my head, "You are now a patient."

I unlock Samuel first who takes the other set of keys, "I'll help unlocking."

Soon enough, everyone is free. North is carrying Mel while my other kids refuse to be carried. Damn male pride! I swear they are worse than their fathers when injured. Though each of them are leaning pretty heavily on either Silas, Nathan, North a little or me. I try to take most of their weight, so they don't wear themselves out anymore.

It takes us a rather long time to get out of the secret area. Before it seems like it took barely a second, that was most likely due to the fact I was rushing. Can you blame me? No mama bear likes to be separated from her children. Big no no!

Looking at our group, I can't help but feel a sort of pride. Silas is making the kids laugh and keeping the air light with his stupid jokes. North's somber presence reassures them and makes them feel safe. Nathan is telling them stories of Luke's past pranks. They are really great dad.

Great, now I feel guilty for keeping them apart for ten years. It's not like I wanted to. Once I got over my feeling of betrayal that came from being left at the hospital, I would have returned. But there was the threats. Either from the Academy or Volto, they scared the hell out of me, but no one needs to know that. They don't need to know I am terrified that my kids will hate me for their harsh upbringing, that my boys will take my babies away, that either group would die. This past accident just terrified me. But I could not show that.

Well,
It's time to fake it until I make it.

I will see what the future holds in the future. I have no illusions of a wonderful future. I have to Hell and back in these last few years and pain changes people. I just want my family to be safe. I am jarred from my thoughts by the opening of the secret opening.

I go first, gesturing for the others to wait. I was right to do so because right in front of me was a guard. I jump him and hit him on the head. He was knocked out, I needed him to question. I needed to kill Volto and he knew where he could be.

I drag him behind me as we continue outside. I didn't miss the looks that were exchanged between Nathan, Silas and North as they saw my heartless treatment of a prisoner. They do not understand how I think. They only think it as

A chilling lack of ethics

Well, fuck off. I had met evil when I was only a child. I did what I had to do to survive. Survival is my first priority, ethics and morals come dead last. The warehouse seemed abandoned now. Bodies had been taken away by Ace's people. No need for the cops to come sniff. Most are corrupt in Chicago, but there are a few who would come after Ace. No one needs that.

Finally, our tired and ragged group shows back up at the entrance which we started from. I was confused when I saw everyone gathered around Victor's techy van. Immediately, I went on high alert. What happened? Is Victor okay?

I run over and ask, "What is it?"

"It's the Blackbourne Team, they're missing."

***

Word Count : 1219