Page 29 of Desert Heat

“Everything going all right up there.”

“Yep,” the lie came out fast. I didn’t want him to yank me from here which he would if he sniffed out trouble from a fraternity.

“I’m glad you are safe, tucked away up there. Things… are about to get hot.”

“Hotter than it normal?”

“I might not be able to call you for a while. I’m smashing this phone and the SIM when we hang up.”

I swallow hard.

“I hate the Club life. Is it worth it?”

“I’m in too deep to every get out. So I did the next best thing. Get you out. Don’t ever come back, Savvy. There’s money in an account that’s being accruing since 1975. It’s where I hid all. my money before the digital age. No one asked questions and nothing was ever tracked.

After we hang up I want you to check where the spare tire is in the Rover. Inside you’ll find all the docs.”

“What happened?” I gasp, processing.

“Linc. The other chapter of the Outlaws are blaming me for not getting him under control. I might get voted out as Prez. The Royal Bastards are getting payback on the whole Club by hitting up other charters. A war that started in Santa Fe has spread to the entire West Coast. I have to own it. It lands on my shoulders and I want you far from any blowback.”

“I’m worried about you. I wanted to maybe come home for Christmas.”

“I’ll be fine. I have loyal soldiers guarding my back. I have old allies. The Prez of The Devil’s Glen MCs. You are in their territory. I called in an ancient favor. The Prez is sending his son to keep an eye out. He’ s a bit older than you but young enough to blend in.”

“I don’t need anyone.” Hunters face flashed in my head.

“Do this for me. I have enough to worry about. Linc went on the lam. He’s dead. It’s just a matter of who finds him first: us or the Bastards. He killed one of them in cold blood. Something ain’t right. They haven’t taken one of us out yet as payback. That new Prez, River is playing cat and mouse with me. It don’t feel right.”

A shiver raced up my spine. My father was rarely unflappable. I needed him to feel reassured. “I’m fine. Nothing exciting ever happens up here. It’s just cold.”

“Good. That’s good. I like to hear that.”

“I even had some friends stay over last night.”

“Boys?” he growled.

“Yes, but not like that. My new friend, Brandi, her boyfriend Tank and his buddy.”

“Where did the buddy sleep?”

“On the couch. I think he might be non-binary or something. Honestly, he’s a pretty boy. Not my thing.”

“Good,” he grunted. “Keep your head in the books. Get a degree. Get a normal job and don’t look back.”

“I’m Savannah Graystone forever now, huh?” Dread weaved heavily on my heart.

“You’re better off. Remember… don’t look back.”

“I love you, Dad.”

“I love you too,” his voice was gruff. We both hung on, not speaking, for there was nothing else to say. We each wanted to cling to the goodbye, drawing it out. Finally, I swiped a tear as my thumb ended the call.

I had shit to do. No time to mope.

Four hours later, I came back home to stocked groceries and cameras everywhere.

“What the fuck?” I hissed, stomping my feet at the full fridge and pantry.

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