Page 45 of Pen Me

A paper was dropped between us. It had a pretty official looking court stamp on it, even if I didn’t take the time to strain my one good eye to read it in its entirety.

“House is clear,” someone announced.

“If he isn’t here, where would he be?”

I tried to see who was asking, but the lights were so bright. “Fuck off,” I grunted.

Pain exploded behind my right ear.

“Motherfucker!” Zig roared.

I heard the whoosh, of what I assumed was a boot and he was left groaning beside me.

“I am not playing with you boys. I have an escaped inmate and a dead correctional officer on my hands. I’m going to have answers. I’ll sweep this house from top to bottom. I’ll find something. And if I don’t… I’ll still find something. Do not play with me right now.”

“My brother killed someone?”

“Yeah. Two people now, apparently. Keefe Kilbride succumbed to his wounds in the hospital this morning. The correctional officer escorting your brother was found strangled about two miles from the intended destination, and he was nowhere to be found.”

My mind split into two different directions and raced so fast I couldn’t grasp a thought.

“Where is he? Where would he be if not here? We’re already searching Presley Zade’s house as well as his mother’s house.”

Did my brother kill a correctional officer? Did the mob do it and take him?

“Put an APB out on Malachi Nash.”

“What the fuck?” Ziggy snapped.

“Shut the fuck up.” Someone kicked him again, knocking the wind out of him.

“What the fuck did Malachi do? He’s just a kid…” I picked up where he left off on Sauce’s behalf.

“That kid was the last known visitor of Lennox Zade. If you two bastards ain’t got answers, I’m betting our messenger boy does. That was the deal, right? You two plan it out, young Malachi does the ferrying for the plans. We understand he's a prospect and not a fully patched member. They take on the most risks, hm?” a feminine voice began to shoot accusations and questions faster than I could keep up.

“Neither are at their club house,” a male voice informed her.

Zig growled low and his hands curled into fists as he battled for self-control.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Babygirl

Sammy

I got home late from Maelyn’s house. It was after midnight, but I still wasn’t tired. I hung my purse on the back of the kitchen chair and was making myself a glass of ice water, when my front door flew open and connected with the wall.

I dropped the cup and twirled, ready to confront whatever the hell it was.

“Where is he?” My father’s face was red, his hands were doubled tight, and his gaze was snapping around.

He didn’t wait for an answer, he started through the house at a determined pace.

“Menace!” His voice boomed, like he was calling an errant dog.

“Who? What the fuck?” I couldn’t keep my tone from elevating.

“I know you’re on a roll with those bad decisions. Now what, you all the sudden want to try your hand at the Bonnie and Clyde life? What with my fuckin’ road captain? Use your head, Samantha Jo! They’re probably on their way here, next.”