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When my phone chimes, I reach across the counter for it and chuckle. My thoughts must have conjured him. “Mitch.”
“Still alive then? Good. I’d hate for your luck to run out.”
“Nah, I have my lucky charm right here.” I wink at Lil, who grins, shaking her head before getting up to put stuff in the dishwasher.
“Good for you, man. Good for you. So what the fuck happened today?”
I look at Lil, hesitating because this is club business and not something I can discuss with him. I never really thought about my two worlds colliding, and yet here we are. “You see the news lately about the plastic surgeon the FBI is looking for?”
“Sounds vaguely familiar, but I’ve not been back stateside for long. And as luck would fucking have it, I’m flying out again in a week.” He sighs, sounding tired.
“You okay?”
“Yeah. I think after my time’s up, though, I’m out. I’ve re-upped twice now, but something’s telling me it’s time to bow out. My head’s not in it anymore. And when your head’s not in it…” His voice trails off.
“Is when you end up dead.”
We’re both quiet for a second before he clears his throat. “Anyway, I just wanted to check in and make sure everyone was okay.”
“No fatalities and only minor injuries. It was the best possible outcome.”
“Nice when it works out that way.” We both know times like that are few and far between. “Well, now I know where to find you. I can send you a care package in case anything like this goes down again. Text me the best place to send it, and I’ll make sure to get it sent out before I’m shipped off.”
“You tell me how much I owe you and I’ll—”
“Fuck that. This one is on me. You saved my life and then left before I could return the favor. This is the least I can do.”
I don’t bother arguing. He can be a tenacious motherfucker when he wants to be. “Fine, thank you. Make sure you drop by when you come back. It would be good to catch up, plus I’d like you to meet my MC brothers. You never know, you might find this way of life suits you too.”
“I’ll do that.”
“Take care of yourself while you’re out there.”
“I always do. Stay safe,” he says before hanging up.
“You good?”
I look over at Lil and nod. “Yeah. It’s funny, I haven’t spoken to the guy in years, and yet it was easy.”
“You built it up in your head, probably because you felt guilty, like you said. But it’s clear he has nothing but affection for you, and I’m sure the rest of your old teammates feel the same way.” She walks over when I open my arms to her and presses herself against my chest. I wrap my arms around her and hold her tightly.
“Thank you.”
She tips her head back, looking bemused. “What for?”
“For being you.”
She huffs out a laugh. “Ironic really, given how even after all this time I have no idea who I am.”
“That’s okay, trickster. I know exactly who you are…You’re mine.”
Chapter Thirteen
LIL
I’m not as tense this time when I walk into the saloon, but I still feel more like a visitor than a family member returning home, which sucks.
It’s busy when I step inside, which isn’t surprising given everything that has happened today. I assume most people were called back to be filled in on what’s happening. Judging by the looks I get as I walk in, most people know what went down.
