Page 41 of Lost King

Time doesn't exist for me. The drug they continue to inject into my veins has fucked with my senses. Everything has become distorted, but I'm okay with that.

The line between needing to keep my wits about me and wanting to escape has become a war I would have never in a million years thought I would have to deal with.

I'm supposed to be the opposite of the man sitting here strapped to this chair, smelling of piss and hangin' on by a thin thread of hope. The positive take life by the balls and make it your bitch' kind of guy has walked out on me.

Chapter Twenty-One

The kings

JAKE

It's two o'clock in the morning, and I am sittin' here in mine and Grace's room at the clubhouse holding my baby girl as she sleeps on my chest. Logan, Gabriel, Reid and I rolled in about an hour ago from yet another dead-end search for Quinn. The club has been working in shifts. Once my boys and I returned Austin, Blake, Grey and the rest of the men hit the road. There is not a minute that goes by one of my men is not out looking for Quinn. When I said we wouldn't sleep until he is found, I meant it. The atmosphere at the clubhouse has become somber over the past few days. Emerson walks around in a daze. I'm thankful for her brother being here. If not for him she wouldn't be holding up as well as she has been. I talked to him briefly yesterday, and he informed me that he spoke to his manager and bandmates and was able to get his tour pushed back another couple of weeks.

Standing, I walk over to the crib and lay my daughter down. When I'm satisfied she's not going to stir, I turn and make my way over to the bed where Grace is sleeping. Leaning down, I place a kiss on her lips. Since I know sleep will not be possible, I decided to get myself some coffee. Walking out of the room, I shut the door quietly behind me careful not to disturb my girls. When I come upon Remi's door, I open it and peek in on her. Laying in bed next to her is Katalina. When Quinn's sister is not with her mom, she clings to Remi. The two are best friends and practically inseparable. I'm glad Kat has a friend like Remi during a time like this. We haven't told the children a whole lot of what's happening, but they're not stupid. They know something has happened to Quinn and with his presence missing for so long they know it's bad.

When I walk into the kitchen, I'm met with Quinten sittin' at the table with a cup of coffee. He was released from the hospital the other day and is on the mend. He acknowledges me with a nod.

"How ya holding up, man?" I ask taking a seat across from him at the table.

"I'm hanging in there. I have to keep it together for Vicky and Kat."

"How's Vicky doing?"

"Not good, Jake. This situation with Quinn is killing her. My wife is strong, but this—I don't think she will be able to handle it if he doesn't come home."

"That's not going to happen, brother," I say with certainty. "We're going to bring your boy home. You have my word."

"I know the club doesn't like to divulge too much information, but I have to ask since we're talking about my son. What's the plan? What are you all doing to bring him home?"

"I put in a call a few days ago to the Louisiana chapter. Riggs and his men should be rolling in sometime this morning. The last time I spoke with him, he said to expect him around eight o'clock. I also talked with Bennett, and asked him to get in touch with Ian. He's the best damn tracker we know. He's also not the easiest person to get ahold of, but Bennett said he'd run him down."

"Thanks, Jake. I appreciate everything the club is doing for Quinn."

"No thanks necessary. Quinn is family. We love him. My guys and I are prepared to go to hell and back if it means bringing him back. You're Quinn's father, but I love him as if he were my own son too. I would dance with the devil and trade my life for his without a second thought."

"I know you would, Jake. Vicky and I both want you to know we don't blame you or the club for what has happened. We have and will continue to support Quinn's decision to be a part of The Kings. His mom and I are not naïve. We know the club has done some bad shit, and even Quinn has not always followed the law, but at the end of the day, he is our son. He's happy, and he's healthy. We couldn't ask for more."

Once Quinten is finished speaking, he stands from his seat and tips his head before walking past me and out of the kitchen. I didn't realize how much I needed to hear those words until this moment. There was a small part of me that feared Quinn's parents would hold some sort of hatred towards the club for his kidnapping. In a way, I would understand if they did. Hell, I've been blaming myself for days. I keep replaying the shit in my head. Wondering what I could have done differently to better handle the situation with Satans Reapers. The one thing I regret was not killin' every one of those motherfuckers when I had the chance. As the President of The Kings, it's my responsibility to steer the club in the right direction. The choices I make as their President can sometimes mean the difference between life or death. Now I have to face the consequences of my decisions, but it's Quinn who is paying the price.

Peering down at my watch, I see it's nearly eight o'clock already. I can't believe I've been sittin' here lost in my own thoughts for the past two hours. After finishing my coffee, I make my way out to the main room of the clubhouse and find Glory sittin' on the sofa chatting with Ember with her dog Bo laying at her feet.

"Hey, Jake. Grace up yet?" Glory asks.

"I'm sure she is. Our baby girl usually wakes up around seven every mornin'. Grace is probably in the room changing and feeding her now."

"Good," she says standing from the sofa and heads up the stairs. "I need my Ellie Kate loving this morning."

A second later, Ember abandons her perch and makes her way past me. "I'm going to get breakfast started. Lisa was up late last night waiting for Bennett to come home. I'm sure she's exhausted and doesn't need to be worried about tending to everyone this morning."

Reaching out, I halt her movements by placing my hand on her shoulder. "Appreciate ya, sweetheart. You and Raine have stepped up to the plate this week and done so without complaint. The club is grateful."

Just then the clubhouse door opens and Ian comes strolling in with Sean trailing behind him.

"Look who I found, Prez."

It looks like Bennett came through after all and was able to track him down. I don't know a whole hell of a lot about what Ian does, but I do know people contract him for his services. I suspect he works for the government but can't say for sure, and he's tight-lipped about his business. I also don't make it a point to meddle. The man's business is his own. "Ian, I'm glad to see ya, brother," I greet offering my hand.

"When I received word you and Bennett needed me, I came as quick as I could," Ian returns. "Now, I'm going to cut to the chase and get down to business. Bennett gave me a rundown on the situation. All I need from you is a place to set up."