Ride Hard by Evelyn Glass

widened almost as if he sensed her exhilaration. His hug was comforting, loving. She rested her head on his chest for a few seconds and then she stepped away. “Let’s go.”
     
    Outside, James shook hands with them. “They have promised to make this a priority. It’s rare that someone offers them so much information on a prostitution ring. The girls who get sucked into this business are too frightened and wary to approach police. I’ve a feeling that they would want to make the most of this opportunity. Since Joseph is based elsewhere, they would now contact the relevant authorities in that area and pass this information alone. I think they will work on it with top speed to make sure that everything falls into place,” he assured them. “I’ll keep you posted as things unravel.”
     
    After James left, Gabby wore the helmet that Nick offered. She rode behind him as they drove in and out of the traffic and made their way to the clubhouse. Hope coursed through her veins like molten joy. Soon, she would get rid of Joseph once and for all, and from then on, she would never have to worry about anything. For too long, she lived a life of fear. Gabby was ready to throw away the shackles of dread that bound her for years and live a free life once more. When Joseph was behind bars, she wouldn’t have to worry about him anymore.
     
    She couldn’t wait for that moment to arrive.
     
    When they reached the clubhouse, Gabby was startled to find Matt and Ronald waiting outside. Seeing them the two men straightened. Something was amiss; their stiff posture told her that her joy was going to be short-lived.
     
    She wasn’t too far off the mark.
     
    As soon as they parked the bike, Matt barreled towards them. “You bastard!” He swung at Nick. “How dare you?”
     
    The punch would have landed on his face if Nick didn’t side step. He grabbed the younger man’s arm and pushed him away. “What the hell has gotten into you?”
     
    Matt’s face contorted into a fierce expression. “You gave us away. I’m going to kill you.”
     
    The two men scuffled outside the clubhouse. Gabby saw Willow as she stood in the doorway, her mouth gaping open at the sight. Gabby didn’t know what to do. Should she attempt to stop Matt? Nick didn’t really need any help. He was more than a match for the man who tried to hit him. Nick kicked Matt on his leg and the younger man sprawled on the ground.
     
    “Stay away from me,” ordered Nick. “Have you lost your mind?”
     
    Matt stood. He would’ve charged again but Ronald’s booming voice halted him in his tracks. “Stop it right now! Let’s take this inside.”
     
    “They don’t deserve to come inside,” growled Matt. His lips were peeled back and malevolence twisted in his eyes. “Shit! Let me have a go at the bastard. He tried to play us.”
     
    “Stop it!” said Ronald. He held Matt’s arm in a firm grip. Gabby expected him to give hell to the younger man for starting a brawl, but instead his gaze focused on Nick. “Did you go to the police station with her?”
     
    What the hell was going on?
     
    How did they know? And why was Matt upset?
     
    “We did,” huffed Nick. “But that has nothing to do with you or him.”
     
    Matt growled. “Nothing to do with us? Your asshole. Let me go, Ronald. You’ve protected him for too long.”
     
    Gabby was sure that she was missing some crucial aspect of this situation. Why would Matt and Ronald be upset that they talked to the police? This had nothing to do with them. Did they know that she was trying to put her pimp behind bars? And if yes, how? Did Nick tell them? She sure hoped not. It was supposed to be a secret endeavor. Of course, these men were not likely to inform Joseph but James had told them to be wary of discussing this with anyone.
     
    “Is it true? Have you and Gabby given away our new location and plans to the police?” asked Ronald.
     
    She was sure that she didn’t hear him right. How could he