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The truth of his words kept my foot firmly on the brake. He was right, I didn’t want to leave a weapon registered to my home in an outlaw biker hangout. I held my breath and lowered the window a little more. I didn’t look at him; I just held out my hand.

“Bren.” He groaned, “Brenna, come on. You know me. I’d never–”

“I don’t know you. The only thing I know is that you keep the company of evil, disgusting men. Men, who, by the way; would like for you to vote the way you’re supposed to or they’ll be visiting me again. I’ve– I’ve had my fill, Cole.”

His frame filled the window, even as the weight of the gun settled on my hand, “‘Again?’”

“I’m leaving. I just want to leave,” I closed my eyes and took a shaky breath.

“And, I’ll let you. But please– Tell me who visited you, what does that even mean?” His eyes registered with understanding, “The diner?”

“I have to go, Cole.” I swallowed hard, fully aware that his friends were gathered across the parking lot staring at us.

“Tell me who. Just– Give me a name, Brenna. He’ll never bother you or yours again.”

I opened my eyes, looked dead into his soul, and said it slowly, “All of them. Keep them all away.”

He tipped his head back like I’d struck him, and I let off the brake. The car rolled, and he stepped back; allowing me to leave in peace.

Chapter Thirteen

Mr. Nub

Brenna

The memory of that bejeweled nub haunted me as much as Chef’s dark eyes, I tossed and turned through the night unable to sleep without seeing him again.

On Sunday, I decided we’d leave early just to avoid Cole. If we stayed home, he’d come to pick us up. I was confident the only way to avoid him was to arrive at mass in time to sit with Daisy. None of them seemed to be spared where her wrath was concerned.

I stepped out of the kitchen, fully prepared to cook Oakland a nice breakfast. Instead, I found Victor freshly shaved, and in his nice clothes.

“What are you doing?” I asked, when he sat a plate of pancakes in front of my chair.

“I’m feeding you before church.” He laughed.

“You’re dressed like you intend to go with us.”

“I suppose I am, aren’t I?” He winked, setting down with his own plate.

I wasn’t sure what to say. He’d stopped going just before he took off for college.

“Oak, get in here already. Eat your food before it’s cold.”

I only averted my gaze, and began to pour syrup when Oakland entered the kitchen.

“Are they good, Mom?” Oakland excitedly asked.

“The best.” I smiled, before glancing back to Victor, “It’s good that you’re going. You can drive us.”

He nodded like he already intended to.

I’d had my mind made up before dawn, but I still felt a little uneasy climbing the church steps. Victor held the door for me and I gave a grateful nod as I passed him and began to discreetly survey those present in the chapel.

“There,” I steered Oakland by the shoulder all the way to Daisy.

“Oh, there you are. I was beginning to worry when I heard about your fall,” Daisy quietly chattered.

I sighed, at a loss for words. Did I tell her? Did I not tell her? I felt foolish for not heeding her warning sooner.