She hadn’t purposely kept it a secret. She’d just neglected to share with them. What was the point? They were on a well-deserved extended vacation. One they’d earned. Telling them would be a cause for concern in their eyes. They’d worry. And? They’d probably disapprove. Her parents had been a bit overprotective, especially when it came to her. They hadn’t always been that way. The heart transplant changed things. Some for the better. Some not.
Addison sighed. “Only if you tell them.”
“Jesus, Addy!” Hannah popped the trunk, tossed her bag inside, and then slammed the top, glaring at Addison. “I want to hear from you every single day. Text is fine, but I need to hear your voice at least twice a week.”
“Okay, deal.” Addison smiled.
“And promise me you’ll be smart and respect Cleo’s wishes. This is probably going to be hard on her. I mean” —Hannah glanced down at her chest, and her face softened— “You have a piece of him, and he’s not here anymore.”
“I will.”
“And, if you’re not back in four weeks, I’m telling Mom and Dad.”
“You’re gonnatell on me?” It took every ounce of control not to laugh. Her sister was threatening to tattle on a thirty-year-old woman. Addison cupped her mouth, concealing her amusement.
“Yeah, I am. And” —Hannah held up her hand— “I’m also going to tell them about your adventures from the past eightmonths. The skydiving, the tattoo, the motorcycle…” Hannah narrowed her gaze. “Everything!”
“Deal.”
It should’ve been over, but it wasn’t.
“And if you get on a motorcycle while you’re out there and live? I’m going to kill you.” She waved her finger inches from Addison’s face. “No motorcycles.”
That was one request she could guarantee. “I promise.”
“Okay.” Hannah sighed and shook her head, rolling her eyes. “I swear, you’re the biggest pain in the ass in my life.”
Same, sister!Addison made her way to the passenger door and glanced back at her apartment building.
See you in a month.
****
The deal between Killcreek and Satan’s Hex had been ongoing for the last nine months. There’d been a few hiccups along the way but not as many as they’d anticipated. This deal still didn’t sit right with Cross. As the vice-president of the club, he had his concerns. They had worked with Satan’s Hex for years on transport of product. Satan’s moved smaller quantities swiftly. There had never been an issue. But a year ago, the president of the club, Slater, and the VP, Axel, had gotten locked up. Things with the Satan’s changed, along with the leadership. Griggs stepped up as acting president and wanted a more lucrative deal, taking on more product for distribution. It meant more cash flow, but with that came greater risk. As of now, it was proving to be a good deal on both ends.We’ll see how long that lasts.
“Any problem moving the product?” Ace asked, and Cross carefully watched Griggs, the self-appointed new president.
Griggs shared a look with his second-in-command, Spinner. He drew in a breath. “No, we got some local buyers and some in the surrounding areas.”
“Nothing out of state?” Ace asked.
“Not yet.”
Any out of state buyers had to be vetted by Killcreek. Part of the deal was knowing exactly where the product was being distributed. They had the final say, knowing the wrong exchange held potential risk of being tied to them. It wasn’t something Killcreek could afford. They’d always been about anonymity. It’s what kept them safe. There were strict rules set in place. Satan’s could sell to anyone, but if they had to cross state lines for delivery, Killcreek would step in and make the transport. With that came a few stipulations, which Cross was certain the Satan’s were trying to avoid. There had been red flags from the beginning with this deal. The amount of product they’d taken on with the intent on selling seemed way out of their league.
“You let us know when you do.” Ace narrowed his gaze. It was a warning.
“Yeah, of course, man.”
Cross grabbed his beer bottle, finishing it off. They’d made an impromptu visit to the Satan’s Hex clubhouse. It wasn’t uncommon for them to do so. It kept everyone on their toes. There wasn’t anything that stood out as suspicious. They demanded to see where they stashed their product. It was less secure than how Killcreek would store it, but it was acceptable.
“As long as you get your money, do you really care?” Spinner asked.
Cross glanced across the table. He was younger by about a decade. He’d been with the club for years under Slater and Axel. A solid brother by all accounts, but something shifted when the president and VP got locked up. A taste of power will do that. Unfortunately for both Griggs and Spinner, therewas more to running a club than titles and calling the shots. It took leadership with the best interest of the club at the forefront. That’s what Satan’s Hex was lacking now. They were looking toward the reward without taking into account the consequences.
“Yeah.” Cross scowled, locking Spinner in his sights. “We fucking care.”
Spinner flattened his lips and gave a curt nod, but remained silent.
