Page 45 of Paladin's Hell

“Again, I don’t know. She hasn’t said anything. Guess it’s just as hard to talk about some things with your little sister. Can understand she wouldn’t want to poke the sleepin’ bear.”

“And risk wakin’ it.”

“You’ve got it.” Slick grins quickly, then his brow creases. “There was a kid back at the clubhouse. A stray adopted by Mouse. He’s a year or so younger than Jayden. Kids naturally drifted together. Made me wonder whether being cooped up with Paladin hasn’t been healthy, she hasn’t had any freedom to explore her options.”

I can see his point. “Demon’s suggested she gets some independence, learns to drive.”

“I know. Already agreed to buy her a car. Something she couldn’t have considered in Tucson. We’d never have let her out of our sight.”

I stare at him. “Seems she needs to have the ties loosened. Be allowed to make decisions and mistakes for herself.”

Slick gazes into the distance. “You’re right, Brother. Might not like it. But I think you’re right. If, in the end, it brings her back to Paladin, all well and good. If not, he’ll have to accept it.”

Glancing up at the clock, I startle. I hadn’t realised how long we’d been chewing the fat. I stand, pouring another cup of coffee. “I’ve got to get going, Slick. I’ll take this up to Moira, she’ll get you some breakfast.”

“Thanks, Hellfire. I need to go wake Ella myself. We’ve got to get a move on if we’re going to make our flight.”

“One of the prospects will be here to take you to the airport. I’d stay, but…”

“Yeah, no worries. You go and do your stuff. And, thank you, Brother.”

I wave off his gratitude, slap his back, tell him I’ll keep in touch, then we go to wake our respective wives.

Arriving at the clubhouse I find although it’s early, there are a number of members around, mainly in the big kitchen where Jeannie is directing two of the whores, Bella and Titsy, in making breakfast for the men who are eagerly waiting. Kicking out a chair, I take a seat, preparing to get a plate when food’s ready to be served.

“You stayed home last night?” Demon has taken the seat beside me. As he bends to sit, he speaks quietly into my ear.

“Yeah, had words with your mom,” I reply, my own voice mimicking his low tone. “Got things straight.”

“I’ll believe that when I see it,” he mumbles.

Yeah. He’s right to have doubts. I’d let the situation deteriorate for far too long, just because I hadn’t wanted to admit to my problem.

“Met the new brother, yet?” He changes the subject.

“Not yet, no. You?”

“Yeah.” Demon’s eyes flick around. “Hey, Paladin. Here.”

Responding more like a prospect, the new guy leaps into action, crossing the room fast. When he draws to a halt, I almost expect him to salute.

“Take a load off, Brother.” Using my foot under the table, I push out the chair opposite. When he takes it, I enquire. “How are you settlin’ in?”

“Good.” He nods. “Got everything I could want here.”

“It must be strange,” Demon commiserates with him. “But you’ll soon find your place. Got any skills we should know of?”

“Willing to go wherever there’s a need.”

“Strip club.” It takes me no more than a split second to make a decision, remembering my conversation with Slick. Yeah, let’s front him with naked women, see how long he resists temptation. Test the lad. His self-claimed girl’s going to be living under my roof, I need to see what he’s made of.

“Fine.” Paladin’s hard to read. He certainly doesn’t leap with excitement, but his pleased nod shows he’s happy to be given a job. A role. A place. Kid will be looking for that.

“Hey, Taser. Take Paladin here to Tits Up. Show him the ropes.”

“Sure boss.” Taser, who manages the place, is quick to reply. “Could use another hand.”

It’s not usual that I get personal service, but Jeannie’s crossing the room bearing two plates. When she places them in front of me and Demon, I thank her. Turning my head, I notice a frown on my VP’s face. She knows his story. She’s kept the secret so long, I’m confident she’ll never say anything, but it must be affecting him deep inside. Not every day you learn your father’s actually your brother. Fuck, I’ve no idea how I’d start to deal with that myself.

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