by Nicole James
He drops a soft kiss to my lips and releases my chin. “I’ll call you later, okay?”
“Okay.” I climb from the truck and wave as he drives off.
Walking inside, I sigh, drop my bag, and call my BFF.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Gypsy—
After returning home to swap my truck for my bike and throwing on my cut, I ride to the clubhouse. I can’t put off facing Rusty any longer.
Shutting my engine off, I swing my leg over and count the number of motorcycles in the lot—seven including mine.
Creedence is singing about a bad moon on the rise when I walk inside and find Bandit and Jammer at the bar. A couple guys are playing pool in the back.
“Rusty here?” I ask Jammer.
He nods, a short glass of whiskey in his hands. “In his office. You’re lucky. He should be in a good mood.”
“Why’s that?”
“Ashlynn just left.” He winks.
I give him a lift of my chin and glare at Bandit. “Following me behind my back is bullshit, man. That’s not brotherhood.”
He raises his hands. “Hey, man, I was just doin’ what I was ordered.”
I shake my head and shove through the steel doors. I take a deep breath to calm myself as I walk down the hall that leads to prez’s office. The fact that his ol’ lady was here is good news. He’s always more relaxed when he’s been with her.
The door is open, and I peer inside. Rusty’s behind the desk and Reno is kicked back in a chair across from him.
They both look up when my body fills the doorway.
“Well, if it isn’t the man of the hour,” Rusty says, leaning back in his chair with a creak.
“I hear you’ve been told,” I admit.
“Would have been better if I’d heard it from you, though.”
I nod once, giving him that. “Why’d you feel the need to have me followed?”
“Why’d you feel the need to sneak around and lie to me?”
“I didn’t lie to you.” I’m trying like hell to keep my temper reined in.
“I had you followed because you’ve been distracted as hell lately. I needed to know if there was some problem you weren’t lettin’ us know about. Apparently I was right.”
I huff out a frustrated breath. “Can we talk about it?”
He opens his bottom drawer and pulls out a bottle of bourbon and three shot glasses. He pours them and slides one to Reno and one to me. Raising his glass in a toast, he says, “Here’s to Gypsy’s fling with the club princess. May it rest in peace.”
Reno grins, and they both down theirs.
I set the shot back on the desk without drinking it. “It’s not a joke.”
Rusty meets my eyes, his look deadly. “I’m not joking.”
“She just needed a ride down to see her old man.”
“She can’t drive herself?” he asks.
“Got her license suspended.”
He huffs out a laugh. “So the girl’s got no friends who can help her out?”
“Belle asked me to do her this favor. Didn’t think it was a big deal.”
He refills his glass. “Maybe one ride wouldn’t be, but that’s not all it was, was it?”
I shake my head.
“You got feelings for this girl?”
I tear my hand through my hair. I’ve barely come to terms with the emotions I’ve got bouncing around inside me when it comes to Tess. Last thing I want to do is talk to my prez and VP about ‘em. But he wants answers. “Yeah, guess so.”
“You guess?”
I shrug and exhale heavily. “It’s new.”
Rusty looks at Reno. “It’s new.”
Reno lifts his brows and grins.
Rusty looks back at me, rubbing his hand over his jaw. “See, where I have an issue is the part where Growler comes into the picture.” He wobbles his head. “You and Tess talk. Tess and Growler talk. You see where I’m goin’ with this?”
“Look, I get it. But it’s not like that.”
“No, you look.” He stabs a finger at me. “This girl is gonna be nothing but trouble for you. She’s either like her mother or she’s like her father. Either way, you’re screwed. There’s no happy outcome here. End it.”
“You don’t even know her.”
His brows lift, and he pins me with his eyes. “End it. Don’t make me say it again.”
But I can’t leave it at that. “Give me one chance with this. She’s not gonna be visiting Growler again. I swear to you.”
“Not sure you’re the one to make that promise.”
“She’s goin’ through a lot right now. Growler just left his ol’ lady out to dry. Belle’s falling apart, and Tess is trying to keep it all together.”
“And what? You’re her knight in shining armor all of a sudden?”
I stiffen, my jaw locking.
“Okay, look, I feel for them. I do. A brother fucks up, and the family pays the price. But that’s the MC life.”
“Why? Why does it have to be? When a brother goes to prison in other clubs, they look out for the family. Why not here?”
“Maybe because Growler was an asshole and good riddance,” Reno cuts in.
I twist my head and pin him with a look. “Maybe we’ve all been assholes. Doesn’t mean your ol’ lady or Rusty’s or mine should have to pay for it, and least of all, the kids. Am I right?”
Rusty sighs and downs his second whiskey. He taps his knuckles softly on the desktop, staring at it and thinking. Finally he looks up at me. “If she’s not making any more trips down to Rutledge, fine. You want to give it a shot, it’s your life, but mark my words, this is going to come back to bite you in the ass. This girl is going to be nothing but trouble.”
I don’t argue that he’s wrong; I just take the win. “Appreciate it.”
“Now don’t be a dick.” He lifts his chin toward the shot I wouldn’t touch. “Drink the damn thing.”
I smile and toss it back. I’m about to walk out the door when he stops me.
“Not so fast. You’re makin’ the Chattanooga run tonight.”
What the hell? “Since when?”
He cocks an eye at me. “Since you caused me all this grief.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Tess—
I dump a dustpan full of broken glass into the trash bin. “Well, that’s the last of it.”
Hayley turns from wiping down the wood paneling, a can of spray polish in her hand. “I don’t think this is working. Now it just smells like booze and lemon polish.”
I snort out a laugh, and she giggles. “I think the fumes are getting to us.” I collapse on the couch, exhausted. “I’ll just have to leave the windows open for a while. Thanks for helping me.”
“No problem.” She collapses next to me. “So, what are you going to do?”
“Well, we tore the desk apart and couldn’t find the damn key. I guess I’ll have to pay Growler another visit.”
Hayley huffs out an exasperated breath. “I’d leave him there to rot.”
“I don’t have a choice. Forget just living expenses, now I’ve got to come up with the rest of the money for my mom’s treatment.”
“You sure he’s even got that much?”
I shrug. “Mom seemed to think it was around fifty grand or something.”
“You’re kidding?”
“Nope.”
“Stuffed in a safe deposit box? Maybe he stashed it in the house. Maybe you’re looking at this all wrong.”
“I suppose it’s possible.” I frown. “But then why would Sylvia steal my mother’s purse?”
“Maybe she didn’t. Maybe your mom just can’t find it.”
I sigh, wondering if I’m going to have to start tearing up walls and floorboards to see if Hayley’s theory is right. My phone goes off, and I pull it from my pocket to see Gypsy calling. I smile and connect. “Hey, baby.”
“Hey, girl. How’s it going?”
“Good. Hayley’s here, and we just finished cleani
ng up.”
“That’s great. Uh, look, something just came up with the club, and I’ve got to go out of town to take care of it. I’m not gonna be able to take you to Rutledge.”
“Oh. Well, that’s okay. I understand. How long will you be gone?”
“A couple days. I’ll call you when I get back, okay?”
“Okay. You’ll be safe, won’t you?”
“Always. Talk to you soon, sweetheart.”
“Bye.”
I disconnect and look over at Hayley. “What?”
She shakes her head. “Nothing.”
I blow out a breath knowing what I have to do. “I need to go see my father.”
“Tess.”
“I need that money, Hayley. I’ve got the information he wants. I have to give it one more try to see if he’ll tell me where it is.”
“I think you’re crazy. You’re really gonna stab the club in the back like that?”
“What do I care about his damn club? When have I ever cared about it?”
“No, but you care about Gypsy, and don’t deny it. Betraying the club is betraying him, and you know it.”
I surge to my feet. “What fucking choice do I have?”
“You act like your back’s against the wall, and it’s not.”
“You don’t have a clue what this feels like. No matter what I do, it’s going to hurt someone.”
She stands and puts her arm around me as I burst into tears. “I’m sorry. You’re right, I don’t.”
I fall into her hug, and she pats my back, then grabs my shoulders and pushes me back until she can look in my eyes. “What time are we leaving for Columbus tomorrow?”
I wipe my cheeks and huff a surprised laugh. “You’ll take me?”
“That’s what friends are for, right? Besides, we haven’t had a road trip in forever.”
“I get to pick the tunes.”
“You also get to supply the snacks.”
“Thank you.”
She wraps her arm around me. “Come on, let’s see if your mom’s got any food in the house.”
***
At 10 a.m. the next morning, I’m sitting across from Growler. He’s pissed I blew him off, but I can see a new respect for me in his eyes. He rips open a bag of chips and eats one before finally speaking. “Maybe you’re more like your old man than I gave you credit for.”
“Indeed.”
“Don’t try that bullshit again,” he threatens quietly.
I smile. “Be nice and I won’t.”
He munches on another chip.
“Mom’s in treatment.”
He huffs out a laugh. “Has hell frozen over?”
“No, she OD’d.” That wipes the smugness off his face.
“She okay?”
“Yes, but I need that money to pay for it. You owe her that much if you’re going to divorce her.”
“I don’t owe her shit.”
“I have the info. You want it, we deal.”
“Depends on what you’ve got.”
“Tell me why you want it,” I counter.
He puts a finger to his mouth, picks up the deck of cards on the table, and spreads seven cards out.
“That’s a phone number. Remember it. Call and give Reload what you’ve got.”
I glance down at the numbers. It’s an easy sequence. I repeat it in my head a couple of times. “Where’s the key?”
“I’ll tell you after you do this. Come back tomorrow.”
I glare at him. “Tell me now.”
He stands. “See ya tomorrow, Tess.”
I stare daggers at his back. If the guards weren’t watching, I’d flip him off.
Fifteen minutes later, I climb in Hayley’s car and slam the door.
“How’d it go?”
“Just drive. We need to find a motel. I know a place.”
“What? Why?”
“I’ve got to come back tomorrow.”
“They have visiting hours on Sunday?”
“Yep. Make a left on the highway. There’s a motel a couple of blocks down.”
Half an hour later we’ve got a room and a couple of bags of fast food.
I sit on one bed and Hayley on the other. She munches on a fry and studies me. “How did you know about this place?”
“Executive Inn? They’ve got them all over, don’t they?”
She points a fry at me. “No, you knew exactly where this one was.” Her eyes get big. “You spent the night here with Gypsy! The night of that bad storm. Didn’t you?”
“Maybe.” I won’t meet her eyes. I take a sip of my drink and pull out my phone. “Hush now. I’ve got to call this number.”
“Babe, are you sure you want to do that?”
“I have to.” I put my finger to my mouth. “It’s ringing.”
A man answers. His voice is deep and growly. “Yeah?”
“This is Growler’s daughter. He told me to call you with some information.”
“Growler’s daughter, huh? What’s your name?”
“Tess,” I say, instantly regretting giving it to him.
“Okay, Tess, what information do you have for me?”
“It’s about the Sturgis run.”
“Go on.”
“They’re leaving the Tuesday before.”
“Where are they stopping the first night?”
“In Paducah, Kentucky with the DK chapter there.”
“You sure? Usually it’s Omaha or St. Louis.”
“I’m sure.”
“Who’s stayin’ behind?”
“A couple of prospects and Tin Man.”
“That it?”
“Yes.”
He disconnects, and I lower my phone. “Well, it’s done now.”
Hayley shakes her head at me but says nothing. I really don’t need her judging me right now. I snatch my bag, as angry with myself as I am with her. Emotions flood through me: guilt, regret, and finally sadness. I try to shove them all away and concentrate on eating, though I’m suddenly not very hungry.
I peer in my bag of food and grab a fry. I unwrap my burger. It’s greasy, and my stomach rolls. I shove the food aside and dash for the bathroom.
I dry heave into the toilet when Hayley peers in the open door. She wets a washcloth and passes it to me. When the sickness finally fades, I straighten and our eyes meet in the mirror.
“How long ago did you first sleep with Gypsy?” she asks. “This time around.”
“A couple of weeks ago.”
“When was your last period?”
My mind goes blank, and I just stare at her.
She puts her arm around me and leads me to the bed. My mind is numb. “Wait here.” She grabs her purse and keys.
“Where are you going?” I’m sure there’s panic in my voice.
“To get you a pregnancy test, Chica. I think you’re knocked up.”
My mouth drops open, but I can’t formulate a reply. She swings out the door and I’m alone in the motel room. It’s not the same one I shared with Gypsy, but it’s identical except for the extra bed. The same art is on the wall, same furniture, and same bedspread. I slide my hand over the fabric, remembering that night.
I stare blankly, thinking of all the ramifications a possible pregnancy could bring. I don’t know how long goes by, but when Hayley walks back in, it feels like it’s only been minutes.
She pulls a box from a bag and points at the bathroom. “Go pee on a stick.”
I give her a dirty look and snatch the box from her hand.
“March, Chica.”
She doesn’t even give me privacy, but stands over me while I pee, then we watch impatiently for the results to appear.
I finally look away, a sick feeling in my stomach. “You tell me. I can’t watch anymore.”
A moment later I feel her hand slip in mine. I look up, and her eyes are glassy. She nods, and I hug her, bursting into tears. Her palm moves up and down my back.
“Hush. It’s going to be okay.”
I shake my head against her shoulder. “It’s not.”
“I can just picture you with a little girl that looks just like you. We’ll have so much fun dressing her up in cute little outfits. She’ll be the prettiest thing ever.”
She’s trying to comfort me, but there’s a catch in her voice on that last sentence. I pull back and wipe my eyes. “Oh, Hayley, what am I going to do?”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Tess—
It’s just past 11 a.m. the next day when I dash from the prison to Hayley’s waiting car. I jump inside and slam the door, tears streaming down my face.
“Honey, my God, what happened?” she asks.
“Just drive,” I snap, knowing I’m wrong to take it out on my best friend.
She wheels the car around and heads down the long drive off the property.
“That son-of-a-bitch. I’m never setting foot in that place again.” I’m so livid I’m shaking. I suck in a quivering breath, and Hayley reaches over and squeezes my hand.
“I take it he still won’t tell you where the key is?”
“Nope. He told me to come back on his birthday, and he’d tell me then.” I yank the ponytail holder out of my hair and fling it on the dash as the twisted up bun falls down around my shoulders.
“You need a drink. I saw a place while I was driving around.”
“I’m pregnant, remember.”
“Oh, right. Well, I need one. Come on.”
Ten minutes later we’re sitting in a corner booth of a Mexican restaurant. The tables are polished dark wood, and a bunch of pretty tin lanterns hang from the ceiling. A lively mariachi song plays in the background.
Hayley orders a Margarita and I get lemonade. When the waitress nods and leaves, Hayley turns to me. “Okay. Spill.”
I snatch a tortilla chip from the bowl and dunk it in salsa. I munch, quietly fuming. “He’s such an asshole.”
“You already knew that,” she says. “Did you really expect him to keep his word?”
“I hoped. I thought maybe if I did what he wanted, he’d tell me, if just to make sure he kept me available for whatever else he may need me to do.”
“Sounds like he’s got Sylvia for that.”
The waitress brings our drinks and asks if we want to order, then leaves when Hayley tells her we need a few minutes.
