Page 85 of Injustice and Absolution

To be satisfied with the life she chooses no matter where it is or who it’s with.

But that’s why I need to look into Drew. Not just for myself but if for no other reason than to ensure her safety and happiness for the rest of her days.

As we pull into the parking lot of JD’s apartment building, I take note of the number of people loitering in this unfamiliar neighborhood. When you’re an outlaw, you constantly have to be on your toes, ready for anything. To be aware of your surroundings at all times in the event you’ve just walked into an ambush.

But the people scattered around don’t appear to be a danger to us. A man in gym clothes walking to his car. A woman pushing a stroller toward the city park across the street. A couple with their arms wound around one another, lips locked and no idea what’s happening in the world outside of their bubble.

Which is saying something, because when we roll up somewhere with this many members in tow, we tend to turn some heads.

We’ve got all of our officers with us as well as Ronin and Rocco—one of our nomads and the only one close enough to make it here in time for tonight’s meeting.

Strength in numbers and all that shit.

The sound of Draven shouting across the parking lot draws my attention to the entrance of the building we’re parked in front of.

“JD!”

Their hands lock between their bodies as they pull each other close in greeting.

“Hey, man. How’ve you been?” Draven asks first.

“Good, brother, good,” JD answers him before adding, “How’s your mom?”

When Draven’s gaze cuts to us for a second, almost so quickly I don’t see it, JD scratches at his face awkwardly. As though he said something he shouldn’t have but didn’t realize it until it was too late.

“She’s doing all right, thanks,” Draven answers as JD nods.

I make a note to ask Draven what that’s all about later. The men in this club are my family. Which meanstheirfamilies are, by de facto,myfamily.

If something is wrong, I want to know about it.

“This here’s The Judge,” Draven introduces me. “Judge, this is my cousin, JD.”

I nod to him as I extend my hand in greeting. He offers me a firm shake in return.

“These are the rest of the guys,” Draven waves his hand toward our other members before getting right down to business. “So what’s the deal with the Destroyers? They good guys or what?”

“Yeah, man. They’re probably going to be leery, at least at first. But I know you guys, and I know them. Neither of you have anything to worry about.”

I understand JD’s meaning. It’s in our nature to approach situations like this with caution. Some clubs can be trusted, some can’t. And sometimes, you don’t realize that until it’s too late. It’s expected the Destroyers feel no differently about us.

“Can you and Draven head over to the warehouse now?” I request. “Have a look around to make sure nothing is amiss?”

“Yeah, I can do that,” JD responds, nodding his head toward the back of the parking lot. “My car is there. You can follow me over. It’s not too far.”

“Sounds good. You got the address I sent you?” Draven turns his attention to me.

“Yeah, text me once you get a read on the meeting place. We’ll come when we get the word.”

They each tip their heads to me, and I see the family resemblance. It's slight, but they have the same point to their nose and squared chin in addition to their dark hair and eyes.

“Be safe. Both of you.”

* * *

Draven’s “all clear” text came thirty minutes later, and we left immediately. He said two of the Krymson Destroyers were already there when they arrived. Hound, who is the member JD is closest to, and Cobra.

Presumably doing their own pre-meeting safety check.

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