Page 107 of Bronco

She giggles again, clearly having no idea who I’m talking about.

“My real name is Torin,” I tell her. “My brother is called Ansel. Our mom has weird taste in names, but it means chief or leader in Irish Gaelic. I know what your name means, aside from the obvious; olive tree.”

She turns to me excitedly. “What does it mean?”

“Its Latin name symbolizes peace and friendship. Olive is named after the goddess Athena who used an olive tree to win against Poseidon,” I say. “Champions used to wear olive wreaths, worn as a symbol of victory. Then biblically, the dove returned to Noah’s ark carrying an olive branch in its beak. From then on, the olive branch was known as a symbol of peace. Ever heard of the expression to extend an olive branch?”

“Yes.” She smiles with her eyes, absorbed in my story.

“That’s where the expression came from.”

“Wow, how do you know all that?”

“I like woo-woo stuff,” I laugh. “That’s what my mom calls it. She’s into reading palms, medicinal herbs and crystals and stuff. Plus, I was looking up Amber’s name one time, and thought I’d check yours out.”

“What does Aunt Amber’s name mean?”

“It’s from an old Arabic name meaning Jewel.”

“Jewel,” she whispers. “That really suits Aunt Amber.”

“It does. And get this, in the bible it means divine glory.”

“You’re really good at this. What about Titan?”

“It’s Greek for great strength. Before that, he was named Diablo, which is Spanish for devil; he didn’t like that much, so I renamed him.”

“I really like Titan.” Olive pets his head as he tries to get farther in the front on the console, but he stops his movements, realizing he’s too big.

The dog in question then lolls his head to one side, knowing we’re talking about him. He settles his head back down and closes his eyes, letting out a sigh like he’s hard done by.

“I think he likes you, too.”

By the time we get to the clubhouse, Olive has used my phone to google all the meanings and origins of her friends’ names. I’ve gotta hand it to the kid, she’s enthusiastic.

“I can’t wait to tell Cami and Ella.” She beams.

I don’t have the heart to tell her they’ll be here tonight, but not for the reasons she thinks. Still, as long as all the kids are safe, what does it matter? There’s plenty of bedrooms upstairs in the clubhouse, and Cash and Deanna will open their home with its three extra bedrooms, for couples with little kids. Trouble is, everyone is getting pregnant around here, and Audrina is ready to drop any day now.

I pull up in the lot and we climb out, letting Titan out of the back. He immediately runs toward the nearest tree and pees on it. Olive giggles.

I’m anxious to see Amber and calm her. She sounded worried on the phone. While I can’t exactly tell her what I did to Oswald — who’s now at the bottom of the bayou — it seems as if the hits are coming from all sides.

The fucking Cut City Boys are still at large, teaming up with the Disciples to try and infiltrate into New Orleans undetected. Clearly catching Oswald was a blessing in disguise. Erica is on the run from gangsters in Chicago, who likely want to get the money first, before killing her. What the fuck is next? Not wanting to jinx myself, I touch the black obsidian around my neck. It’s always brought me protective energy and helps me tap into my inner strength. It hasn’t let me down yet.

Glancing sideways, Olive slides her hand into mine. My throat thickens. She’s a sweet child, but very much still a child. Trusting. Innocent. And she’s under my protection along with Amber. It was always meant to happen this way.

“Am I allowed to call you Torin?” she asks as I sling her backpack over my shoulder.

“Not if you expect me to answer.”

She giggles, letting go of my hand to run ahead, trying to catch up to Titan.

I can’t stop thinking about Erica. She’s in fucking Baton Rouge, and I need to go there. It’s one thing staying here to protect the women, but how do I explain to Amber that Erica’s life is in serious jeopardy if we don’t act quickly? If we found her, then so will the gangsters looking for her. Sure, Rock and Jett haven’t pinpointed her exact location yet, but they will.

I debate leaving the clubhouse. Amber and Olive will be safe here, and Cash won’t let them go anywhere. The only trouble is, Amber will want to come, and I can’t have that. She’ll get in theway, and if these assholes aren’t already on Erica’s tail, they soon will be.

When I reach the clubhouse doors, Olive and Titan are already inside, careening through the space as Olive calls out for Amber. By now, there’s a ton of Harley’s in the lot, trucks, and some of the ol’ ladies’ SUVs.

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