Page 25 of Johnny Gun

“Moves and countermoves. We also have our inside guy. Thanks to him, we were alerted to the Wolves’ game.” In broadstrokes, Johnny G told her about the information Shifter had gathered before he rode up. He gave her the highlights of the night. His ride with Viper, the private conversation with Stew at the bar, what the Hell Knight had recommended, and his offer to help.

“I saw Viper go soon after you left, and I wondered why,” she mused.

“He wanted me to meet Stew. He’s the one who told Shifter about the chatter. I’m sure Viper never imagined we had a snitch in the crew. This brings me to my next point. As soon as I learned you were the Wolves’ real target, I wanted to get you out of the line of fire. Tonight, Stew supported my idea.”

She smiled. “I’m sure when you tell my father what you know, he’ll agree.”

He squeezed her hand harder, hoping to comfort her. “We can’t tell your father.”

“And why the hell not?”

“Hear me out. I’m not suggesting your father can’t be trusted. But for this scheme to work, we need him to be honestly shocked and angry in front of the MC. The success of our escape hinges on his behavior. Also, the fewer people who know the truth of your disappearance, the safer we’ll be. As it is, Viper and Stew know. I have a feeling Viper will tell Sydney as well. But not one of them will know our exact location. I will choose the final place, and I’m hoping when the Wolves hear you’re gone, they’ll change their minds about attacking the clubhouse.”

“Isn’t it a bad idea to go where no one knows? What if we need help?”

“Got that covered. Barron, my friend and brother in Garden City, will know where we are. I trust him with my life, and more importantly, should anything happen to me, he’ll make sure you’re safe. What do you think about my idea? Are you with me?”

“The Wolves might think this is a ruse. I mean, why would I just up and leave?”

I’ve thought about that too. We’re going to send them on a different track. We’ll leave a note.”

Her pretty, dark eyebrows knit into a frown. “What kind of note?”

“A half-truth. You’ll explain to your father how when we saw each other again, we realized we wanted to be together and decided to elope. Something along those lines. Put the blame squarely on me. I’m much older, and with my experience, he’ll believe I swept you off your feet. That’ll give Deacon plenty to chew on and send the snitch in a different direction.”

“It’s not fair to you, Daddy. I want my father to like you. For me, it’s important the two men I love most get along.”

His breath caught. Her soft-spoken declaration wrapped around him and warmed his heart. The hardened knot in his chest loosened and dissolved. He’d carried the toxic burden after an endless string of failed, meaningless, and destructive relationships. In a moment, he felt years younger, hopeful, and, the rarest of emotions: deserving. He grasped her hands and kissed her fingertips. “Oh, baby. You bring me to my knees. I’ve loved you since day one, but I never dreamed you’d want an old guy like me.”

“But, you’re not old. Not to me.”

“To your father I am. He doesn’t approve of me. I think he suspects something, and after this, he’ll know for sure, and he won’t be happy.”

“That’s what worries me.” She touched his face. “I don’t think you should take all the responsibility for my escape.

“Don’t worry. I can carry the blame for a while. We’ll come back when the coast is clear, and then you can exonerate me if you like. Make me squeaky clean.” He caressed her downy cheek with the back of his fingers. “Are we in agreement, princess?”

“Princess, me?” She fluttered her lashes teasingly.Then abruptly, a shadow darkened her features. “Are you sure this is the only way? My father’s heart will break.”

“It will be hard for him, but only for a while.” He nodded. “It’s the only way I see. I’ve studied every angle and option, and I keep coming back to the same one. When the Wolves attack, you can’t be here. The variables are too risky, too unpredictable. A snitch I haven’t discovered, but who’s familiar with this clubhouse and considered a brother by everyone might backstab us to get his money and deliver you to the Wolves in the middle of the fight. No. I have to move you first.”

She took a deep breath. “Okay. I understand, and I agree. Now what?”

“Now you pack some clothing. Not too much. Enough to give the impression you decided to leave with me in a hurry and wait for my instructions. We have to keep this quiet. I know you’re fond of Sydney, but I’d prefer she didn’t know about this.”

“I am very fond of her.”

“I understand, but can you trust her?”

“She was my mother’s best friend. I’ve known her all my life. When Mom died, Sydney stepped in to help Opal and me overcome our pain and adapt to our new reality. She was hurting too, but she’s selfless and generous.”

“And very beautiful.” The comment slipped out without thought. He wanted to bite his tongue for speaking out of turn. Evidently, Deacon’s daughters hadn’t noticed the sparkle in Sydney’s eyes when she spoke to their father.

“Why would you say that?”

“No particular reason.” He shrugged, trying to defuse his mistake. “Just an observation. A man can notice and admire a woman’s beauty and want nothing with her. You live in an interesting clubhouse is all.”

“Oh, so there are no women in the Garden City clubhouse?”

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