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I think back to four years ago when the cops tore up our clubhouse for a crime we didn’t commit. That couldn’t happen again.
“I think you’re getting more out of this deal.” Chief Miller eyes me warily.
“If you put an end to the child recruitment, your name will go down in history as a hero. You’ll be a NOLA legend. I’m not asking for much.”
He nods, his eyes glazed over as he considers my words. As if he’s picturing his future legacy, and he clearly likes it. A bright smile breaks out across his face. He reaches out his hand enthusiastically. It’s a deal.
“You did what?” I roar as I try to push away the rage building inside me. I can’t look at Seer.
How could he make such a stupid decision? In all the time we’ve known each other, he’s known my greatest hatred in this world is for the pigs who call themselves New Orleans’ finest. I’d rather die than trust them.
“I know you don’t like it,” he says. “But this is the best deal we’ve been offered. It means keeping the Ruthless Kings safe in the future. You would have made the same deal in my position.”
I laugh hollowly. Never in a million years.
“You would do it for Daisy.” He knows he has me at the mention of Daisy. There’s little I wouldn’t do for my daughter.
I scowl and spit on the ground in anger. I taste bitter bile in the back of my throat. A familiar clawing comes at my chest. It’s been a long time since my inner beast was so enraged. The idea of a cop hiding among our ranks wakens him.
“You can’t seriously be considering this. You’ve lost your mind, Seer. We don’t need the cops any closer in our business. How can you ensure this undercover cop won’t snoop around our business? Did that thought occur to you?”
He looks down, refusing to meet my gaze. He’d come over to get my opinion, maybe my blessing. On this issue, he never will. I sense his disappointment, but my mind is made up on this. My opinion only goes so far these days. He wants advice, but at the end of the day, his word is law and it kills me.
“We don’t have a choice,” he tells me firmly. “We can’t let innocent children be hurt. This is my decision, and I won’t change my mind.”
I shake my head in defeat and draw a few calming breaths.
“You’re the leader now, mon ami,” I tell him as calmly as I can. “You make the difficult decisions, and I have to respect them. That doesn’t mean I’ll go along with every stupid thing you decide. But if this is your decision, I’ll find a way to accept it.”
He’s trying to protect his family and the club, which is why I can control my anger. I don’t agree with what he’s done, but he’s only trying to make the best decision with the options available. It’s a dumbass decision, but it’s his to make.
“They can’t know, though,” I warn him, my head cocked toward the big house. “They won’t just shred the kid apart, they’ll come for your blood too. I don’t want that to happen.”
“I appreciate your opinion,” he says. “And I agree they can’t know. I trust you to keep this to yourself.
I nod. “Of course, I will. We haven’t been to hell and back for me to betray you now.”
He looks deep into my eyes, obviously nervous about the way forward. This is a big risk he’s taking, and he’s doing it alone. I never would’ve made such a decision on my own, and I tell him so. He shakes his head and sighs, growing agitated.
“No,” he says humorlessly. “You’d just decide to get yourself blown to bits and leave your wife and child alone.”
Pain pierces through my body, and I realize he’s right. We both tend to lose our heads when it comes to protecting those we love. I only hope he knows what the hell he’s getting himself into.
CHAPTERFIVE
Isit in the hospital café, hoping to find solace among the bustle of the place. There isn’t much to do but pick up a snack, which I do absentmindedly. I bite into the muffin, not tasting it, when I notice someone in the corner of the room. She looks lost and alone. Something tugs at my conscience. It’s the girl with the wild hair and piercing eyes. The one I know but don’t know.
She’s a rare beauty but clearly burdened with problems I can’t imagine. She’s steeped in an atmosphere of sorrow and worry. I should walk away and leave her alone. Something tells me she’s nothing but trouble, a walking red flag. If only I could remember why she’s so familiar. If I could place that vital piece of information, I’d understand why every fiber of my being wants to be closer to her and away from her at the same time.
I’m stubborn, though. Always have been. I move closer and stand in front of her.
“Charlie’s sister,” I address playfully, since I never got her name. She jumps at the sound of my voice, startled by someone in her presence.
“Meredith,” she says, her voice trembling. “My name is Meredith,” she says again with more confidence.
“Meredith,” I repeat, testing it out. “I suppose when your sister is as rambunctious as yours, you get used to being known as her sister,” I joke again.
I don’t want to scare her, so I don’t make a move. “I’m Dr. Graves, by the way. Can I sit here?”
