Page 40 of Ghost

“Yeah, but they can’t keep going on like this. It’s been months. We need to start working on a plan to get her a job and get the kid back in school. Hell, this whole thing’s gotta be wearing on ‘em. I know it’s wearing on me.” His eyes narrowed. “She hasn’t said anything to you about it?”

“She wouldn’t. She’s too grateful for everything to complain.” I could tell that he wasn’t going to change his mind about this, so I asked, “So, what are you thinking?”

“I figured we’d find a place close so we could watch over them. Shep could put in a security system, and...”

Before I really thought it through, I suggested, “They could stay at my place.”

“Your place?”

“I’ve got plenty of room,” I replied casually. “Goose and I could work something out and still keep an eye on them. Maybe get a prospect or two to help out here and there. That way, they could get their lives back without putting them in jeopardy.”

“Seems like you have it all thought out.”

“I wouldn’t say that.”

“You got an interest in this girl?”

I thought back to the night she was outside. She was looking up at the stars, and I couldn’t deny that I felt an unexpected pull toward her. It felt strange to admit it. There was a time when I just felt sorry for her. It was impossible not to with the bruises and the anguish in her eyes. But as I stood there next to her, Irealized there was much more to her than the pain or bruises. She was strong and beautiful, with a heart filled with hope.

And then, there was the night she had the bad dream. She reached for me, clung to me, and for a moment, I was her security net. I still hadn’t forgotten how incredible she felt in my arms, so I told Prez, “Yeah, there might be something there.”

“You need to be sure.” Prez gave me a knowing look as he added, “You can’t go through the things they’ve been through without having some pretty deep scars, and not the ones you can see. They’re hidden well below the surface, and they show themselves when you least expect it.”

“I have scars of my own.”

“Then, you know what it would mean to take these two on.”

“I’m not going to pretend that I know how things are gonna play out, but there’s just something about her... I can’t explain it, but I know this is something I need to do.”

“Then, talk to her. See what she thinks about it, and once the dust settles with this Carmine situation, you can make a move. And while you’re at it, you need to discuss what kind of work she’s interested in doing, and we need to get the kid in school. Shep can help with that.”

I gave him an understanding nod, then asked, “Is there anything I can do to help with the Carmine situation?”

“Just keep my son from doing anything stupid. He’s lost his brother, and the last thing he wants to do is lose his mother. I get that. Hell, I feel the same damn way, but we gotta be smart about this. The last thing we need is a war with the fucking cartel.”

“I’ll keep my eye on him.”

“Thanks, brother.” When I turned and started out of the kitchen, Prez called out, “Let me know how it goes with the girl.”

“Will do.”

My mind was racing as I started down the hall. I wasn’t sure who to talk to first. I wanted to clarify some things with Whitney,especially after my conversation with Prez, but Memphis was going through it. He was known for being a loose cannon, so checking in with him and making sure he didn’t do something stupid seemed more pressing.

When I got to the bar, I found him sitting alone at the front counter with a shot-glass and half-empty bottle of whiskey sitting in front of him. He wasn’t drunk, but he was well on his way. The poor kid looked like he was carrying the weight of the world on his back, and maybe he was. Things had gone south fast, and there wasn’t an end in sight.

He wanted blood. I could see it in his eyes. He was itching to do something—anything, I had to talk him off the ledge. I walked over and sat down next to him. He tightened his jaw like he knew what I was about to say. “I’ve already had one of your lectures. I’m not in the mood for another.”

“No lecture. Just here to make sure you’re okay.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’m peachy keen.” He scoffed, downing the rest of his whiskey before slamming the glass on the bar. He glared at me, and that fire in his eyes was still burning hot. "Why wouldn’t I be? It’s not like everything’s going to shit, and Dad wants us to sit back and do nothing. Just like we did with Beck.”

“Hey, now.” Beck was Memphis’s brother. He’d gotten himself killed when he retaliated against the men who’d killed his girlfriend. He’d wanted the club to back him. When Prez refused, he went out on his own. “It’s not like that, and you know it.”

“Shouldn’t you be babysitting or something?” He glanced over his shoulder with a snarl. “Wouldn’t want little Bo-Peep to think you’ve forgotten about her.”

“Don’t start with that bullshit. This isn’t about me.”

“Yeah, Dr. Phil has no problem delving into other people’s shit.” Memphis cocked his brow. “But never wants to talk about what’s going on with him.”

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