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“Man, he’s even dumber than I thought if he thinks you’re not going to take that information to the cops. I mean you haven’t, but you’re talking to Pierce and Sutton who are connected to the FBI.” Chance shook his head.
My phone rang, interrupting our conversation. I leaned on my hip and raised my ass off the floor in order to remove it from my back pocket. I glanced at the screen. It was nearly one in the morning, and Mom was calling, which meant she’d heard about the fire.
I tapped the screen and answered. “Hey, Mom.”
“Honey, are you all right? I called as soon as I heard the news. Is everyone safe? Oh my God, I can’t believe this,” Mom nervously rambled.
“Everyone is fine. The club isn’t, but I have insurance so it will be taken care of. Chance was inside the building when the fire started. He gave us a good scare.” I peeked at him while I spoke, but he seemed content with Brynn next to his side.
“I don’t know what I’d do if I lost another child.” Mom hiccupped, and I imagined she was dabbing away her tears with a tissue.
“You don’t have to. I promise I’m okay. Pissed, but I’m all right.” I had to be careful not to let slip that Tim had something to do with the fire. I didn’t want Mom involved.
“Please tell Chance I’m glad he’s okay.” Mom sniffled.
“I will. We’re all at his place tonight.”
“You move back in with me, Holden. Someone needs to live there. Your father won’t be back. He moved the rest of his belongings out of the home. We’re officially done with the whole property issue.”
That’s why he was at her place the other night. At least she was aware that he was skulking around.
“Mom?” I glanced at my friends. “Please stay away from Dad. He’s not who he says he is.”
I could imagine her puzzled expression. “I don’t understand. Why would you say something like that?”
“Because he admitted to me that he set my club on fire.” And there it was. My heart winning over my logic once again. The desire to protect her was stronger than the need to keep her in the dark. She’d be in more danger if she walked around blind to the situation.
A pause lingered over the line. “Are you sure? I mean, maybe you misunderstood what he said?”
“I’m a hundred percent sure. He’s dangerous, Mom. Now that the divorce is almost finished, stay away from him. Promise me,” I insisted.
“Holden, this doesn’t make any sense. Why would he do something like that?” Shock permeated her voice.
“He asked me to work with him and I declined. He said the fire was to nudge me in the right direction. He’s pushing pretty hard for me to join him.”
“Shit. Goddamn him. You cannot work with him. Not under any circumstances, do you hear me? Swear to me, son.”
Shocked shitless, my cell slipped from my ear, and I caught it before it hit the floor. She knew.
“Mom? What in the hell is going on?”
Chapter Twelve
“We can’t discuss this over the phone, honey. It’s not … safe.”
I cringed and leaned my head against the couch. “You know he’s dangerous?” I wanted to ask if she knew about the weapons, but she was right. We’d have to wait to dive into the conversation until she was in town again.
“I didn’t until recently. When Brynn mentioned it before my trip, I dug into what she said,” she admitted, her voice soft. “I’ll be back soon, and we can talk about everything then. In the meantime, move back into the house. And is River back yet?” Her tone filled with worry.
“No. I’ll let you know as soon as she is.” I glanced at the pizza crumbs that dotted my white paper plate. “Where are you?”
“London. It’s gray and dreary and I can’t wait to return to our sunshine. It will be nice to have you home while you’re figuring things out as well. I realize we have a new security system, but it needs to be reset now that your father won’t need back in. Ugh, that man makes me sick.”
“That makes two of us.” I crossed my legs at the ankles, exhaustion settling over me. Depression clung to the edges of my mind as I realized I’d live at Mom's place without River. I wasn’t sure I could do it. It might be mentally better for me if I stayed with Jace or Chance. At least there wouldn’t be the constant reminders of her presence. She hadn’t been to either of their places.
“I’ll see about moving in again. With all of the memories of River, I’m not sure it will be the best option. I’ll let you know. I’m happy to reset the system and check on everything, though.”
“I’d appreciate the help with the security codes. As for River, I hadn’t considered that. You do what you need to, son. Keep me posted.”
