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“It is about your brothers, Jolene,” I cut in. She grips the worktop in the kitchen, almost like she’s bracing herself for my words. “They’re dead.”
She inhales sharply. “No. No, they can’t be. I . . . how?”
“How well do you know Curtis and Danny Palmer?” asks Albert.
“Not that well,” she mutters, frowning. “Oh god, what the hell am I gonna do without them?” she suddenly cries, breaking down. She throws herself against me, and I wrap my arms around her, giving Albert an eyeroll.
“The thing is, we know they’re part of E15,” Albert continues. “What if they’re to blame?” She stops sniffling to look at him. “We think you should move into The Perished Riders clubhouse until we know for sure you’re safe.”
“No. I’m safe. I hardly see those two, and they wouldn’t hurt me. I get on with everyone in that gang.”
“Jo, they could be using you to get to the businesses,” I say gently.
“You’re wrong,” she says, “and I’m not staying with the bikers. I don’t know them.”
“Then stay with Arthur,” Albert suggests. I glare at him, and he winks, smirking. “He’ll keep you safe.”
“I think the club is a better option,” I try, but she’s already nodding at Albert.
“Great, get a bag together,” he says, and she goes off to do that.
“What the fuck?” I whisper angrily.
“We gotta keep an eye on her, Art. We don’t know if they want to take everything from under her, and think about it, if they do, they’ll have businesses on our estate and Mav’s. We can’t risk it.”
“Can’t she stay with you?”
“Nah, I’m always running around for you. Besides, I’m gonna help out with Ma.”
“Meli’s gonna lose her mind.”
“Maybe this is more important, Art. Business comes first.”
“Doesn’t mean I can’t have both.”
“It does if you can’t move freely. This thing with Meli, it won’t work if she doesn’t understand the life you lead, especially if she doesn’t trust you. You don’t need the drama.”
Jolene comes back holding a bag. “I’m ready.”
“Excellent. We’ll take you there before we head out to our meeting,” says Albert.
Meli is watching television when we get back. Albert takes Jolene’s bag. “I’ll take this to your room. Arthur can introduce you to Meli.” He walks off, grinning. Arse.
I kiss Meli, but she’s already eyeing me in that annoyed way she does sometimes. “Angel, you remember Jolene.” They stare at each other with pure hatred. “She’s gonna be staying for a couple of nights.”
“Is that right?” asks Meli coldly.
“She’s had some terrible news tonight,” I add in the hope this calms her.
“Maybe I could have a word,” she hisses, standing and heading for the kitchen.
I smile awkwardly at Jolene. “I’ll just be a minute.”
I close the kitchen door behind me. “Look, Meli, it’s unavoidable. Her brothers have been found dead, and I’ve got to keep an eye on her.”
“Great, throw that at me so I can’t complain,” she snaps.
I laugh, taking her hand and pulling her closer. “It’s just a couple of nights.”
