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Quill freezes. His left eyebrow lifts ever-so-slightly.
Ah, that got a reaction.
“Had a city accent,” Z adds. “Bronx, maybe Brooklyn. Not Manhattan or Mexico where you grew up, right?”
I bite the inside of my cheek.
Quill’s lips curl in lethal amusement. “You did your homework, Zero. Good for you.”
“Is there anyone in your crew who would be looking to make extra money on the side?” I lean in closer before Z snaps and strangles this guy. “I know Big Chief. I don’t picture you doing business with a guy like him long-term. It’s too risky for the operation your dad built. The kid that came at me practically admitted it was unauthorized.”
Quill’s hard expression relaxes. A little ass-kissing seems to have worked. Too bad I can’t stand the aftertaste.
“They can come at me all day long,” I continue. “I don’t give a fuck. But when they come after my girl, we have a problem. She’s got nothing to do with any of this. She hasn’t been able to go back to work since the attack.”
“That’s not right.” Quill glances at Chaser, then back to me. “Chaser claims you’re an important friend of his club. That makes you a friend of mine as well. I’ll ask my guys.” He slips a small notebook out of his pocket and a pen. “Give me the dates, times, and locations of the incidents.”
Aren’t you thorough.
I relay the information and he writes it all down in what looks like some kind of code full of lines and dots. I flick my gaze at Chaser who stares at the ceiling and shakes his head.
Quill stands and holds out his hand. “We’ll contact you when we have information.”
I shake his hand. “Appreciate it.”
Quill will deliver. I feel it. He doesn’t like being called out in front of his big brother. He’s a man with something to prove.
Prison taught me the art of conquering patience. The waiting will be bitter, but revenge—when it finally arrives—will be sweet.
Chapter Forty-Six
Grinder
When we return to the clubhouse, Rock nudges my elbow and tips his head toward the war room. “I’d like to have a word with you.”
“What’s wrong?” I ask after he closes the door behind us.
“Nothing.” He gestures for me to take a seat and rounds the table to take his own. “Want to chat, that’s all. How do you feel about the way that went down?”
“Appreciated having everyone at my back.”
“That’s what we do, brother.”
“Would’ve liked to ask Chaser more questions about this long-lost brother of his.”
Rock snorts. “I don’t think that topic is open for discussion.”
“Yeah, got that.”
“Besides this craziness, how’s everything?”
“All right. I like working at Sully’s place. Not sure I’m useful to him but he says he appreciates the help.”
“Good.” He spreads his hands in front of him and one corner of his mouth slides up. “I know it’s not as glamorous as all the other opportunities we have to offer.”
“Knock it off. It’s honest work. That’s all I need for now.”
His smirk slips away. “Most of the club’s business is on the right side now. Teller has things set up under a maze of corporations. We can find you something that can’t be traced back to the club, if you’re not happy there.”
“What are my options?” I scoff. “Porn sets? Strip club? I’m too old for that shit.”
He doesn’t poke fun or seem insulted. “My shop’s too small. Parole would see through that quick. Trin has her photography studio and I know she just lost Heidi as her assistant.”
“I don’t know dick about that stuff.”
“There’s Wrath’s gym. Or Charlotte’s law practice. It’s wholly separate from the MC.”
“And what exactly am I gonna do for her? Play private investigator? Answer the phones and do her filing?”
He ignores my sarcasm and continues. “Rooster’s put together a security company for Shelby. But that’s when she’s on tour. He’s throwing brothers work that way. Everyone seemed to have a good time.”
Nah, that ain’t how I want to spend my time. “As much as I’m itching to ride the wind again, I don’t wanna do it for work. Chasing after some tour bus. Being held to a schedule instead of stopping to enjoy the sights.” I slap my hand against the table. “I want to settle in one place. Finally put down roots.”
“I understand.” He taps his fingers against the side of the table. “How are things with Serena?”
I bristle at the question. “Why? You think I’m crazy for gettin’ involved with her this soon after leaving prison? Or you worried she’s too young for me?”
His expression remains calm and even. “Neither. I want you to be happy, that’s all.”
“She makes me happy. I wanna do the same for her.”
“She seems to care about you a lot. Loyal girl. Smart, too. Did everything she could to protect you and keep you off the cops’ radar.”
