Page 9 of Ghost

I nodded, then pulled forward. Motorcycles lined the parking lot like a fleet of dark, gleaming beasts, and it was impossible not to feel intimidated as I parked next to them. I was tempted to just back my car out and leave, but I needed help, and these men were my only hope.

I looked over at Toby and grimaced. “I guess this is it.”

“It’s bigger than I thought it’d be.”

“Yeah, I was thinking the same.”

“Are you really going in there?”

“I have to, honey. I really need their help.”

“But what can they do?”

“I won’t know until I talk to them.”

Before I could say anything more, Frankie tapped on my car window. I opened the door, and as soon as I got out, she wrapped her arms around me, hugging me tightly. “You made it.”

After a moment, she took a step back and gave me a quick once over. “Are you guys okay?”

“No, but we will be.”

“I talked to Widow and Viper and told them everything that’s been going on.”

“And?”

“They’re going to help. Just like I knew they would.”

“Slow down.” Widow stepped forward out of the shadows as he said, “Viper wants a word with you.”

“Okay.”

“He’s waiting for you in the bar.”

“Okay.” The thought of going into that clubhouse bar terrified me. It terrified me even more to think about leaving my son behind while I did it. “What about my Toby?”

“Best for him to stay here.”

“I’m not leaving him out here alone.”

“It’s okay.” Frankie stepped over to the car as she said, “I’ll keep an eye on him.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, we’ll be fine.”

I sat back down in the car so I could look Toby in the eyes as I said, “I’m about to go inside and find out what we’re going to do. Frankie and Widow are going to hang out here with you. Is thatokay?” He nodded, but I could see the worry in his eyes. “Okay. I won’t be gone long, and when I can, I’ll come out to get you.”

“Okay.”

“Lock the doors while I’m gone.”

He nodded once again, and after I gave him a quick kiss on the forehead, I motioned for him to roll up the window and lock the doors. Once I heard the car lock, I turned to Widow and asked, “How do I get to the bar?”

“Just go through that door. Prez is sitting in the back. You can’t miss him.”

I nodded, then glanced back at the car. Once I saw that Toby was okay, I walked up to the back door and inhaled a deep breath, trying to summon the courage to go inside. It wasn’t easy. I could hear the music and various men talking through the door. I was terrified to go in there and face them, but I had no choice. I had to do it.

A sense of dread washed over me as I forced myself to step inside. I’d barely got my foot through the door when I was hit with a mixed scent of leather, smoke, and booze. I drew my wounded wrist close to my chest and quickly scanned the room. It was one burly, tattooed biker after the next, and each one of them exuded a menacing aura.

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