Page 121 of Bronco

She turns her gaze on me, her desperation turning to anger. “If you already know the answer, why are you even asking?”

“We know everything, Erica. Amber sent us.”

Her mouth opens, then closes again. “Amber?”

I nod.

“They’ve got Amber, oh my God! What about Olive, you bastards!” Her hand comes up to slap me, and I stop it mid-air.

“Fuck,” Ryder hisses.

“Calm down, woman!” I whisper-shout. “You wanna get us all arrested?”

“Everythin’ okay here?” The waitress suddenly appears, eyeing us cautiously. Maybe I discredited her too soon. She’s staring at Erica. “Do you know these men, honey?”

“I… my… yes, it’s fine.” She smiles weakly and I don’t think the waitress believes us, but she places the coffees on the table.

I reach into my wallet, pull out fifty bucks and hand it to her. “For your trouble.”

She doesn’t hesitate, tucking it into her bra under her uniform. “Well, y’all enjoy your coffee, there’s plenty more where that came from.”

Ryder rolls his eyes as I turn back to Erica. “Not lyin’, and she’s about half a second away from callin’ the cops.” I pull my phone out and dial Amber. “Here.”

I hand her the phone as she wipes her tears, pressing the phone to her ear. Then, “Amber?” Fresh tears lace her eyes as she listens down the phone. “Yes, it’s me, I’m… I’m here with some bikers?—”

“Bronco,” I mouth, pointing to my name on my cut at the left breast pocket.

“He says his name is Bronco. No, I… Amber, I don’t know where to start… I know that… I know, but you don’t understand. These men are dangerous, they threatened to kill everyone I love… Please, I’ll explain, I promise.” She starts to cry again and shoves the phone back at me.

“Babe?” I glance at Ryder who hands Erica a bunch of napkins. She takes them gratefully, wiping her eyes and blowing her nose.

“I… oh my God, Bronc, you did it. You found her.” I can barely understand her through the tears. “I can’t believe it.”

“Sit tight. We’re gonna leave first thing in the morning. She can ride with me.”

“How is she?”

I glance over Erica once more. “She’s fine. Shaken up, but she’s alright,Princess.Gonna bring her home.” Psychologically, I’m not so sure, but she’s here and she’s alive, that’s all that matters.

“I can’t even explain in words how grateful I am,” Amber starts. “Truly.”

“You can show me when I get back,” I quip. “Get some rest, I’ll call you first thing.”

“I love you. Ride safe.”

“Love you, too. We’ll be fine.”

I hang up and Erica stares at me. “Do you love each other?”

I run a hand through my hair. “It’s a long story. We gotta get outta here, not sure if you remember but you’re being hunted.”

“I know. They gave me till Sunday, but I didn't believe them.”

I turn to face her. “Right now, you gotta trust me. We’re gonna fix this, but I need you to not do anythin’ stupid. The longer we sit here debatin’, the more danger you’re puttin’ yourself in.”

She shakes her head. “I won’t fight. I promise I won’t.”

“Good, because I’ve had about as much of Baton Rouge as I can stand.” I contemplate leaving tonight, but the brothers are tired. We’ve been out all day. I can get another room with twin beds, watch Erica, and be on the way to New Orleans in the morning.

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