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As I turn, Chrissy says softly, “Evanee, please don’t tell Hangman I was in his office. He really doesn’t like his space invaded.”
I look back at her. “I get it.” Chrissy’s right about Hangman. His office is his domain, and he wouldn’t be impressed if anyone crossed the threshold into it without his permission. “I won’t mention a thing to anyone.”
“Thank you,” she says gratefully.
The entire encounter is quickly forgotten as I hear Lullaby clomping into the compound.
CHAPTERTHIRTY-FIVE
Evanee
Hangman, Joker, Reaper, and Trigger stalk into my clinic like they’re about destroy it. Despite not having nearly enough sleep, I was having a good day until they showed up with their testosterone, aggression, and male scents. It doesn’t help that they’ve wheeled their bikes backwards side-by-side in the small parking lot of my clinic.
“Could we talk about this later?” I ask. “Business is already slow, and any potential clients will run for the hills when they see you.”
Hangman gazes at me. “We’re gonna talk about this now. We can make this quick if you quit your bitching.”
Wendy gives a throaty chuckle from behind the counter as she stands. “This is going to be fun.”
She doesn’t appear alarmed by Hangman’s grim face as he glares at her. “You the bi… one the DEA agents cornered?”
“Wendy, you already know Trigger.” I introduce the rest starting with Hangman and ending with Joker. “Hangman’s the president.”
Wendy grimaces at me. “I can see it on his vest.”
“Right,” I reply. I’m well aware that I’m fidgeting with my hands as I glance back and forth between the men and Wendy.
“Hey babe,” Trigger say as he slides a much-needed arm around my waist and tucks me into the warmth of his body. “You don’t have to be nervous. We’re here to talk.”
I bury my nose in his shoulder and breathe. His scent calms me. Ironically, despite being an unpredictable criminal, he personifies safety and stability.
He inhales too. “You remind me of the rose bushes in my dad’s yard, back when mom was alive.”
Reaper squeezes his eyes shut. “Jesus. You’ve turned into a fruitcake.”
“I love fruitcake,” I reply as I wrap my arms around Trigger’s waist and clasp my hands. As comebacks go, it’s not my best.
Wendy chuckles at my attempt. “Relax, Evanee. I’ve got this.” She turns to Hangman. “Why don’t you all sit down?” She waves to the row of reception chairs.
Hangman looks behind him and scowls. “Why don’t we get the fuck on with it. You tell me exactly what happened yesterday, and I’ll tell you what’s gonna happen next.”
Wendy tilts her head to the side as she considers Hangman. “Okay. We’ll start with what happened yesterday. Then you and I will discuss what happens next.”
Hangman stabs a finger at her. “Don’t fuckin’ push me. I’m not in the mood.”
I stiffen at his aggression towards my office manager.
Trigger kisses the side of my head. “Don’t worry, babe.”
Wendy gazes at him, then the others, then outside at the bikes. “You’re not exactly being subtle, are you? If the so-called DEA agents are staking out the clinic, they’ll know something’s up.”
“They aren’t staking out the clinic,” Trigger says. “We have eyes up and down this street and nothing’s out of the ordinary. Besides, the assholes wouldn’t be stupid enough to still be hanging around.”
Joker agrees. “They got a reason to dress like feebs and talk to you publicly, but they ain’t gonna stick around and wait for one of us to notice them.”
“Why would they want to talk to Wendy in public?” I ask because it doesn’t make any sense to me.
Trigger looks down at me. “They probably think that if they get her alone, it might spook her. This is their way of feeling her out. Trying to decide if she can be trusted.”
