Page 23 of Unveiled Wounds

“It wouldn’t be that hard,” Grace contemplated. “Once the Old McMillan Place is up and running, I’ll target clients with copious amounts of money. CEO parents who are looking to spend on their kid’s weddings. Parties for large corporations. Money talks, especially when it’s attached to bullshit walking.” She tightenedher arms around JR until he made a noise. “Daddy does everything for us, and we’re going to fight for our family.”

“No, it wouldn’t,” I answered Grace before turning towards Emily. “You can’t say no. You have two men in this game, and they are always together. Let’s hope there never comes a time where the club needs legal help outside of your realm. However, if you already have those connections, you won’t be scrambling on the fly.”

“I need to speak to Cyph about my license.” Emily squeezed my hand, a small smile directed my way. “You need to speak to Count. He establishes all the club’s businesses, and I already spoke to him about a new design firm for you. He said he would look into it, but I haven’t heard.” Her smile widened at my discomfort.

“If I go back to work, I can make friends within the political circuit. I’m good at working my way into those circles. It doesn’t take much.” My apprehension dissolved, knowing I could help Grizz and the club.

Aunt E groaned. “I…bridge…”

“Bridge?” I was confused.

“I…help…honey.” She squeezed my other hand, but I didn’t have a clue what was she meant.

Grace must have caught my confusion. “Auntie is the queen of climbing the social ladder. The wives broker the deals at the bridge table. I never got invited, but there were times Matt won a deal because of a dinner party.” She shuddered.

“Yeah, and look where that got us. No more taco bars.” I smirked at her.

She let a dry chuckle escape. “No matter what happens, we never tell them. They’ll just try to talk us out of it, when it’s for their own damn good. They need our help.” Grace had a determined look on her face.

The silence settled around us again as we each contemplated our new roles. They had their brotherhood, but we had solidified our alliance, and I wondered if we should come up with a secret code name.Shield Sorceresses? No. Biker Bitches on a Rampage? No. Secret Agent Old Ladies? Maybe. It had potential. The Old Lady’s Alliance. Perfect.

I didn’t know how long had passed before the door to their meeting finally opened and the men stomped into the main room. Still, no one said a word.

Zook crouched next to Emily. “You alright?” he asked her.

She nodded and went to scratch underneath his beard, but he grabbed her hand and brought it up to his lips. Placing a kiss on her knuckles, he tried to guide her from her place on the couch, but she shook her head. A look passed between them, and then he went to stand next to her brother. I had to give it to Emily. She was loyal and didn’t leave her spot next to me, still holding my hand.

Sabre and Grizz were the last two people to enter the main room. There was a coffee table in front of where we were sitting, and Sabre sat on top of it, facing us. My eyes found Grizz, but I followed Emily’s lead and didn’t go to him. He caught my gaze and winked at me, but I doubted everything was going to be alright.

The three of us crossed our legs in the same direction, and since my aunt didn’t have the mobility, she crossed her ankles. The movement caught the attention of every brother in the room. Although silent, their suspicious expressions made me smile, but it only cranked up the anxiety in the room. I had to hold in my laugh at the absurdity of it all, but I really wanted to crack a joke about synched cycles and watch their faces pale some more. We had activated the Old Lady’s Alliance.

Chapter 10

Code Names: Activated

Meredith

Sabre cleared his throat, preparing to take charge, but even he looked a little perturbed. Emily was the first one on the chopping block as he slid sideways on the table to sit in front of her.

“This isn’t your fight, but I’m afraid the cartel is going to get desperate at some point, making you a target. If you want to head back to New York until this is over, I will understand.”

I held Emily’s hand, but I watched her face for some sort of reaction. I didn’t know her well enough, but her cheeks turned red in anger, and she squeezed my hand hard.

“Never ask me to leave again.” Her tone left no question where her loyalty lay.

Sabre smiled at her, trying to soften the blow he’d just delivered. “I didn’t think you would. For now, Zook and How will handle your security, but it shouldn’t be too much of an inconvenience for you.”

“No, it won’t, but there’s something I need to say to you.” She squeezed my hand again, this time a little lighter, as the angerdissipated. “If there comes a time when you need me to leave, I will. I can get a hotel room for as long as it takes, but I won’t go far.”

My eyes shifted to Sabre as he frowned, trying to piece together the broken message. He wasn’t the only one. When I looked up at Grizz, he had the same frown on his face. It was easy to see Emily had left holes in her statement for their security, but filling in the blanks wasn’t as easy as it should have been.

“You can ask me for hypothetical advice in very broad terms, but that’s it. I can still assist in a legal matter, but without a valid license in this state, you don’t have client immunity. Besides, I’ll sleep better at night living in my own little bubble.”

The lightbulb clicked on for everyone in the room. It wasn’t a matter of if but when the club committed illegal activities, and Emily couldn’t be anywhere near. Sabre thanked her and told her that if it came down to that, they’d figure it out.

He gave her one last nod and then slid past me to stop in front of my aunt. “You’ve been in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

My aunt shrugged. There really wasn’t anything else to say when it was true.

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