The call came at 2 AM.
Duke's phone buzzed, jerking him awake. Valentina stirred beside him in his bed at the clubhouse, where they'd finally collapsed after the night's chaos.
"Yeah," he answered groggily.
Sierra's voice, sharp with panic. "Connor escaped. During transport to federal holding. He killed a deputy."
Duke was instantly alert. "Where?"
"We don't know. But Duke..." She paused. "He took Sierra's service weapon. And he left a message. Said to meet him at the barn. The one where it all started."
"It's a trap."
"Obviously. But he said if you don't come alone, he'll disappear and spend the rest of his life hunting Valentina. He's got nothing left to lose."
Duke looked at Valentina, still sleeping, trusting him to keep her safe.
"I'm on my way."
"Duke, wait for backup—"
He
