Page 156 of Peaks and Promises

“In Reno, or outside Reno?” Reese asked.

“What?”

“Mayhem. Do they have something in Reno itself, or in the general area?”

“I don’t know. I just remember something about Reno.”

“What about Montana? It’s a big state. Any idea where the uncle lives?”

I let out a breath, trying to recall. “I think it had big in the name. I remember because he said it was a small town and I thought it was funny. Big something.”

He tapped on his phone. “Big Timber?”

“That sounds familiar. I bet that’s it.”

“It’s outside Billings.”

“How far from here?”

“Almost eleven hours.”

The cop came over. Reese took my arm in a gentle grip, as if he could sense my impatience and wanted to make sure I didn’t launch myself at the guy for taking so long.

I wouldn’t have, but I couldn’t blame Reese for holding me back.

“We’re pulling surveillance footage now. I’ll be in touch with the Tilikum Sheriff’s Department with anything we find.”

He asked a few more questions about Axel and took a description of Nate. I felt like I was going to burst out of my skin. It was part of the cop’s job to remain calm, but I wanted to grab him by his stupid uniform and shake him. We didn’t have time to answer questions. We had to find my son.

My phone rang and I blinked in surprise at the number. It was my mom.

“Mom,” I answered, stepping away. “Why did you tell me Axel had been ordered to leave Nate alone?”

“Because he was.”

“What happened? Did they change their minds? Nate’s missing. It has to be Axel who took him.”

“I’m sure it is. Don’t worry, honey. They’re going to find that piece of shit.”

“Wait, what do you mean by that?”

“Axel took off. Disappeared.” Her tone was indignant. “We figured he was going after Nate.”

I hesitated as the gravity of what she said overtook me. “Mom, are you saying Axel defied an order?”

“Looks like it. Hammer saw him before he disappeared. Said he was acting suspicious.”

It was hard to believe what I was hearing. Axel couldn’t have defied the club. Not a direct order. Members didn’t do that. Ever. The club was everything. Their law, their religion. At best, he’d be stripped of his colors—kicked out with no possibility of coming back.

At worst, they’d kill him.

Reese watched me with concern. I held up a finger to let him know I’d explain in a minute.

“What’s the club going to do?” I asked.

“Oh, he’s fucked,” she said. “He’s more trouble than he’s worth. Stryker sent out a few search parties to bring him in. They’ll deal with him here.”

“Where? Do they know where he’s going?”