Page 103 of Peaches & Pistols

I’m five rounds deep in extremely competitive bingo at the senior center when Mrs. Charleston starts talking.

I’ve been a regular at events like this for years, just like my dad was. Ingratiating yourself with the town’s elderly population is a core pillar of the success of Clark business dealings.

The benefit and detriment of secrets is that they die with the keeper; and there are secrets in this bingo hall I’d shell out huge cash for, and trade countless favors.

Today, I got here early enough to steal the seat next to Mrs. Charleston. Her son-in-law, Joel, has been on my radar a long while for running an underground fighting ring.

Tina Middleton couldn’t help but gossip all about her ex, Joel, and his wife Brandy’s marital problems in the hardware store the other day. That means Brandy went crying to mama, Mrs. Charleston, and the family matriarch is likely fuming mad at the son-in-law she didn’t approve of in the first place.

So here I sit, after five rounds of intentional losses in hopes she’ll start talking; and talk she does. The bingo caller dismisses the hall for intermission and conversation erupts in the previously quiet room.

Old biddies from all around crowd around our table while Mrs. Charleston holds court, savoring every ounce of attention.

“So it’s true then?”

“A fight ring? Here in Swiftwater?”

“How do you know all this?”

“That good for nothing husband of my darling Brandy is running the entire operati⁠—”

My text tone for Mia chimes, drawing my attention immediately to my phone.

Mia: He’s here.

I’ve already upended my chair, nearly flipping the plastic table trying to get out of the bingo aisle. Complaints and shock trail behind me as I race out of the senior center, already calling Mia. No answer.

My truck door groans as I wrench it open and slam it shut. I read the text again.

Mia: He’s here.

There’s only one thing this text could mean, and it’s lit my heart up like a burner, boiling the blood in my veins.

Me: Where are you?

Call, no answer.

Me: Are you safe?

Call, no answer.

Me: Are the girls safe?

I dial Reid next, and he answers on the second ring.

“Where the fuck is Mia?” I bark.

“Woooooah. I have no idea, man. What’s going on?” Reid asks. I don’t have time for this.

“Mia’s ex is in Swiftwater. She’s in danger. Where. Is. Mia?”

“Fuck. I’ll call you right back.” He hangs up the phone.

Reid’s got immediate access to Connor, Isabelle, and Delilah. I want to call my sister but she’s away on some conservation thing out of town.

I’m just about to press James’s contact when my phone rings.

“Where is she?”