CHAPTER FORTY

 

Titan Group powwowed privately with headquarters. After one update from Parker, Jared decided that Titan was working this job whether anyone liked it or not and that Deacon was intentionally keeping them in the dark. No one had to convince Jax that Deacon could do such a thing, but Mayhem might be another story.

"Time to go show that CIA pig who's in charge around here." Jared didn't bother knocking as they returned to the conference room where they'd been earlier.

The intense discussions between Deacon, Hawke, Tex, Ethan, and Johnny paused as Tex snapped his mouth shut.

"Time's up," Jared said. "We have a plan, and it involves using your best men not afraid to die."

Hawke's gaze swept to Deacon before he stood. "We haven't decided to work with you on this."

"We aren't working with Titan." Deacon pushed out of his chair also, a united front with Mayhem.

Jesus fucking Christ. Jax would kill Deacon. Those kids weren't pawns in his drug lord game. Whatever power trip he got, courtesy of the crown put on his head by Uncle Sam, needed to be set aside. There was no way Deacon would be responsible for destroying the second… personal connection of Jax's because of his sole focus on gangs.

"I have had enough of your shit." Jax strode past Boss Man. "Whatever Deacon's told you, compare it to our list, then do what the hell you should do."

Hawke nodded as if that was going to matter. Jax would say what they knew. "The kids touched down in Phoenix, Arizona seventeen minutes ago. A woman referred to as Glammah was ditched off the I-10, and she's refusing to talk to authorities. They won't release her. The only thing of note about her is the Mayhem gang insignia tattooed on her. Parker has info from Ryder. The children's personal items were taken from Seven's house. Teddy bears, blankets, pictures. Some clothing. Mostly comfort items. Johnny's apartment was tossed. Nothing looks to be stolen."

The corners of Deacon's eyes twitched.

"What?" Hawke snapped. The MC president wasn't a fool.

Jared growled at Deacon. "We have intel sources that say Esmeralda Suarez can't have kids. Anything to dispute?"

Deacon didn't, and shock tidal waves crossed Mayhem's collective faces.

"If that bitch thinks she has them now…" Hawke's jaw ticked. "What were you saying about Gennita?"

"That Glammah?" Jared asked. "Who is that?"

Johnny shook his head, fists balled. "Deacon, I'm gonna kill you."

Jared's voice boomed louder. "Who is Glammah?"

"Not who. What," Tex said. "Glamma. It's the kids' grandma. Sort of. Not by blood, and hell if you tell that old lady she's of age. She calls herself their fucking glam-ma. Mack's old lady, not that you know him."

"They took the kids and ditched the grandma" Jared asked.

"The glamma. A babysitter in leathers, lipstick, and attitude. But, ya know, good with kids and lives across the street from Seven."

Jax turned to Jared. "She wasn't with Victoria when they snatched the kids?" They both turned to Deacon. "Right?"

Deacon nodded. "Just Victoria."

"Why would they grab the grandma and ditch her at the last minute?" Jared asked.

No one from Mayhem answered, and Jax started spitballing ideas. Maybe one would eventually sound right. "She was about to die. Too old to make the trip. Too wild. Too loud. Too protective."

"No, no," Mayhem disagreed.

What were they missing?

"Glamma's good people," Ethan offered. "Has more energy than half of the old ladies I know. Helps Seven so she can open her shop, stays late when she closes. Sings stupid songs about brushing teeth. She's their—"

"Nanny," Johnny said.

"No, dick." Tex shook his head. "Their grandma. Glamma."

Hawke rubbed his temples. "Esmeralda doesn't have kids. No nannies. No glammas. If this is a last-minute idea—and they didn't know the kids didn't live at Johnny's—they're not planning."

"Hernán doesn't like that shit." Tex ran his hand over his chin. "They need a nanny."

"Why ditch Gennita?" Hawke asked.

Jared turned as Jax's stomach dropped. "Because they're going after the real deal."

"Makes sense to me," Deacon chuckled. "Einstein."

"Deacon," Jared snapped, "get the fuck out of my discussions. If I need you, I'll call. But get the fuck out."

"I'm gone, assholes."

Jax stepped forward, needing to check on Seven. "Boss?"

"Go," he ordered.

No matter the answer, Jax heard it as he left. He was already running out down the hall.