Page 36 of Property of Legend

“And the one with the hot pink nails, she delivers my mail.That’s Tiffani.”

“She’s got a temper, but she’ll show up in a blizzard if she knows your granny’s waiting on her Social Security check.”

“And the tall one in the camo tank top?That’s Lottie Little.I was on the 4-H equestrian team with her in high school.”

“She’s married to Holler,” Legend nodded.“Old geezer beside me.Used to be part of Pearly Gates too.But they go to the Baptist church in Official now.”

I blinked.Holler couldn’t be older than mid-forties.

“What about her?”I point to the girl who looks like she’s barely outta high school.

“Britany goes to church with the other ladies, babysits for Lottie and has eyes for Oaks.”

“Isn’t he married too?”

“Yeah, but it was a shotgun wedding.Oaks is really loyal.No chance he’s backing out of that marriage, no matter how young and hot Britany is.”

“You think she’s hot?She’s barely legal?”I quip.

“Nah, darlin’ Oaks thinks she hot.And in her, she’s twenty-one.”He winks.“He’s playin’ with fire.Not me.You asked.”

“You’re telling me half the women in this club raise their hands on Sunday morning and raise hell the rest of the week?”

“Ain’t from around these parts?If I didn’t know better, that you were born and raised here in the bluegrass, I’d think you were a Columbus cousin…”

I can’t help but laugh.

Legend downs his beer.“We who raise hell need the lord more than most.Most of these guys still show up to church.Over in Official, that is.”Legend added low.“Lex runs the pantry.Rye plays bass at worship night.Hell, even Bullet donated a freezer full of deer meat last year.We’re sinners, sure, but we feed the town.”

Lex caught my eye across the firepit.He lifted a beer in salute.Still in his vest, but clean-shaven and calm, the club’s chaplain, I’d seen him last time I dropped off donations.

“It’s been a while since I’ve sat in a pew,” I admit.“Though daddy and the estate tithes.”

He drops his gaze.“I support, but I don’t go near it.Not after…”

I know Legend’s adopted father heads the Pearly Gates, a community akin to a cult that’s taken over half of Paradise.A bunch of them work at the farm.Never have any trouble from them, but it’s a touchy subject.“I think we are breaking your rule.We need to pull our pants up.”

“You comin’ on to me Horse Princess?”He raises an eyebrow before he busts out laughing.

I want to be warmed by hearing about the ways the club helps Paradise.I really do.But I can’t ignore what else I see, weed smoke curling in the corners, betting slips flying, money changing hands, whispers about whether the next match will end with blood or a broken arm.

These aren’t just good ol’ boys letting off steam.These bikers, this club, Legend’s club, the Kings work for people who make problems disappear.I’m not dumb.People disappear.I hear the rumors.Protection for shady state senators.Muscle for crooked attorneys.Threats carried out so clean that no one can trace the bruises.

It's one reason why I hired them.

And why I may never sleep again.

Still, I catch the look in Legend’s eyes as he watches me take it all in, like he expected me to turn and run.

Instead, I walk straight up to the burgoo pot, grab a Styrofoam bowl, and say, “Don’t suppose this is vegan?”

Lettie laughs so hard she spills her punch.

“Bless your heart,” she says.“Heaven’s no, shug.But it’ll put hair on your chest and keep your secrets safe.Just like the Kings.”

Lettie winks as she fills my bowl.“Friendly advice.Watch your back.Just because you see pearly whites doesn’t mean everyone here is smiling.”

My smile only grows wider as I ponder her words.

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