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Dottie, Dani, and Kitty are at my side while Auntie Zoey, Maggie, and all the brothers from the Grimm Wolves, along with their ol’ ladies, are standing off to the side in some deep conversations. Dingo pulls his phone out, and I bet his prez will be as shocked as the rest of us. How can a day that is going so good turn to shit so fast?
“Hannah, damn girl, you know how to fall into some deep shit, don’t you? Goddamn, thought both Tink and Shadow were going to kill someone when they saw those book covers. At first glance, yeah, you could mistake them for our sisters, but when you actually look at them, no way. I was glancing through the books and, yeah, they have some shit in there that even I didn’t know. Gotta be someone close and not only to us but the Grimm Wolves MC too. All I can say is I’d hate to be that stupid son of a bitch when they find out who it is. And they will be found out for sure.”
Listening to Dani, I nod in acknowledgement. This has turned into a shitshow.
After everyone exhausted every possible way to find out who this author is, we have no choice but to let it go for now. Panther takes Shadow to the one boat so as he put it ‘to do some damage control.’ How he knew she was a live wire not sure, but I’m thankful he’s going to handle her. Now all we have to deal with is Pops, Maggie, and Enforcer. Out of the three, not sure who’s the worst. Noodles is sticking to Maggie like glue so that’s good, which only leaves the two men. Out of them, Enforcer is the wild card, as I don’t have a lot of interaction with him. What I do know is scary to say the least. My knowledge of him on a personal level is zero.
I understand the concerns about the situation but the covers of Maggie and Auntie Zoey, if you look closely, you can see the difference. Dani is in the process of power reading through the books, first the Devil’s Handmaidens since there are only two. Then she’s going to dive into the Grimm Wolves MC, which currently has six books. Shit, the thought that club secrets are out there scares the shit out of me. Not for me, but for my family and club sisters. Not to mention the work our club does, we keep ourselves out of the news and limelight. Every survivor is instructed not to speak about our club, members, or how they were rescued. That is to protect them and also us. Plus it allows all the sisters involved to keep our heart’s work from the human traffickers. We want to remain ghosts, so they don’t see us coming.
Presley has been pretty quiet the entire day, but more so since this author came to the surface. He’s been by my side, carrying my bags, and just being a great guy. After I take my many bags to my bedroom, when I walk back out, he’s in deep conversation with Dingo with Celestina standing close by. The intensity of their conversation has a shiver run down my spine. With all the drama, forgot all that poor Celestina is going through. To be on the run from who the hell knows how many bad people has to weigh on her intensely.
I watch Presley hand something to Dingo, who gives him a side hug then walks over to Pops. When he starts to talk, Pops immediately gives him all his attention. Whatever they are up to has my dad’s head listening and not saying a word. When Dingo is done, Pops grabs him by the shoulders, giving him a shake or two. Then he reaches in his back pocket, pulling out his wallet. When he gives Dingo a huge bundle of bills, the Grimm Wolves prospect tries to push them back, but Pops is a man who when he wants something to happen, it happens. Dingo drops his head, so I walk over just as Pops tells him, “Son, no credit cards. All cash. Give me a minute, gonna hit Noodles up for some more bills. Don’t fuckin’ argue with me, prospect. Do as you’re told.”
With that, Pops steps to the back of the cabin as Celestina sees me and gives me a tiny smile.
“You doing okay, Celestina? Anything I can do?”
She shakes her head, sadness all around her.
“Guess I’m running again. I was hoping to stick around and get to visit, but Frank says we need to get on the road and get back to his club as soon as we can. His brothers are trying to see if anyone else is looking for me, but someone has been in the cabin. That’s why we need to leave. Sorry to have ruined your trip, Hannah. Hope to see you again.”
For some reason I feel for her, so I grab some paper off the coffee table and write down my phone number.
“Here’s my number. Not sure you have a phone but if you need anything, reach out any time day or night. If I can’t help, I have a club of sisters who definitely will be able to. If this gets too much, you are always welcome in Timber-Ghost up in Montana. Be safe, keep your eyes open, and trust no one. Well, no one but all of us.”
She giggles, which has Dingo’s head snap so he can look at her. When she glances back at him, the electricity between the two of them—wow—could use a cold shower myself.That ride back is going to be really interesting,I think to myself.
I give them both a hug and add a long squeeze for Celestina. When Presley comes next to me, I notice he carries in a few duffel bags and a box. He leans into Dingo, and I see him pass some money to him. Dingo softly thanks him. That’s when Pops comes back in and, holy shit, he’s got two handfuls of cash.
“Dingo, this should get you back home. Whatever the little lady needs, get her, but both of you try to stay out of sight as much as you can. Presley’s car, though flashy, no one will put two and two together to know you’re driving back in that. I need to talk to Brick, as I’m kind of worried about Bullet and Iron with their ol’ ladies and Doc going back. Not your worry though. Get your ass on the road, son, before it gets too dark. Drive for a few hours, get away from Texas, then settle for the night. Try and find off the beaten track motels, if you can. Keep in touch, will ya? Don’t make me worry too much, I’m getting too old for this shit.”
As everyone laughs, I see Pops pull Celestina into his arms. When he hands her a burner phone, I’m grateful. No woman should go without a phone. God only knows what could happen on their drive back.
After they leave, I drop onto the sofa with Dani who’s in one corner deep in a book. Kitty went upstairs to take a nap, she’s not feeling well. Dottie is with Maggie and Noodles. They are in contact with Raven, trying to fill her in on this author shit. Auntie Zoey and Panther haven’t shown back up, so whatever. Better him dealing with her than all of us.
“Hannah, this first book is actually really good. It’s got to be someone who knows not only our prez, but all of us and our town. It’s too personal and the details are right on. Saying that, sister, it talks about some of the shit Maggie and Noodles went through and all the fucked-up shit Buck did at the ranch and with you. No details on any survivors, no names. Well, some of the girls’ names are given out, but they must be made up because I don’t recognize any of them. I’m totally intrigued, the story pulls you right in. Can’t wait to finish and jump into Shadow’s story. That will let us know how well they know the club, as we all know our enforcer is one crazy fuck.”
“Prospect, who you calling fucking crazy? Don’t make me kick your ass because we all know I can. Whatcha find out reading that book, anything?”
As Dani repeats everything she just told me, Noodles leans down next to me.
“She’s good, Hannah. Just worried about club business getting out there, but fuck, can’t control it now. And these books are fiction, so all each of you have to do is deny all of it. Spoke to Ollie, he’s looking into it also. How are you doing, kiddo? Not the getaway you thought it would be, right?”
He glances at Presley, who’s sitting right next to me, arm resting on the top of the sofa, fingers on my shoulder. Noodles eyes turn to him, glaring. Uh oh, big brother is coming out.
“Elvis better watch those fingers, hear me? She’s not that type of girl, so better be very careful.”
Not sure why but Presley outright laughs. Loudly.
“Find something funny? Gonna be a prospect, better watch yourself. When do you leave anyway?”
“Well, Noodles, since I just gave my car and keys to Dingo so he and Celestina could get the fuck out of Texas, I’m going back with Bullet, Doc, and Iron, so probably the next day or so. And you don’t have to tell me Hannah isn’t that type of girl, I knew that the moment I saw her. You got nothing to worry about with me. I’m not that guy. She’s safe with me.”
My head is getting dizzy bouncing back and forth, as it feels like they are both marking their spot. As much as I appreciate Noodles’s concern, I’m not a kid and don’t want to be treated as one. Though also don’t want Presley to think I’m an easy mark. Need to go at this cautiously.
“Noodles, I know your heart is in the right place. Please remember, even though y’all just brought me back, I’m not a child any longer, okay? Presley, we need to talk because everyone is assuming shit that I’m not even sure of. Also you’re taking off, going hours away from where I’ll be, not sure how that works. Noodles, go find Maggie, will you? She’s wrecked, make her feel better. Please?”
He grabs me, hugging me, then kisses the top of my head before he goes to look for his woman. Presley grabs my hand, pulling me out the front door. And through all of this Dani never looks up from her book. Damn, might need to read it after she’s done. See what those fictional Devil’s Handmaidens are up to.
