Page 47 of Unveiled Wounds

“Why do you guys always assume I’m the bottom?” Pretty shook his head.

“You would have made friends. I was afraid they were actually going to keep me. I’ve done my time,” Slate chimed in.

“Emily,” Sabre called down the table.

She smiled, shifting in her seat. “It’s time, huh?”

Sabre nodded at her, smiling, and Zook wrapped his arm around the back of her chair. I liked that he gave her support when he thought she needed it without being overbearing.

Grizz does that for you.I turned my head in his direction, meeting his gaze. He had no clue why I was smiling, and I could see the apprehension in his eyes. I reached over and patted his leg, soothing him. Life was good.

Emily took a deep breath before she started. “When the women first went on lockdown, I asked Cyph to check on my license. It’s still not ready, but when I called, they said they have all the paperwork and that I passed the testing requirements. It’s just a matter of time before they issue it.”

“Who was the lumberjack?” How leaned forward, his elbows on the table.

“You thought that, too?” Grizz asked.

“How could you not?” Count had been quiet at dinner, but he crossed his arms over his chest now, sliding further down in his chair.

Emily smiled. “I’m specialized in contracts, and while I know a few things about criminal law, it’s not enough. I could never have gotten all of you released today. There wouldn’t have been enough time for me to learn on the fly.” She took a gulp of her soda.

“What did you do, Em?” Zook asked.

“I made a deal.” She shifted in her seat, clapping her hands together. “I still have my contacts from Nelson’s, so I reached out to some of the larger firms, asking if they had any recommendations here. Duncan Douglas came highly recommended. He’s on retainer for all of your criminal law needs.”

“What are we paying him?” Count spoke up, the wheels already turning as he figured out where the money would come from.

“You’re not,” Emily responded. “When my license comes through, I’ll take care of his contracts. He tried to hire me, but I said no. It’s cheaper for him to trade.”

“I hate to ask this, but is there a contract in all of this?” Sabre spoke up from the head of the table.

“I won’t take that personally,” Emily smirked. “We’re lawyers. Of course, there’s a contract, and it’s legal because I didn’t represent the club. It simply says that I can refer him work, and vice versa. In three years, if we don’t like his services, I can dissolve it.”

“So, how did he get us out?” Grizz asked from beside me.

“My turn,” Cyph popped up. “Once things started moving, I sent him what he needed.”

“I played it off when he asked who my IT guy was,” Emily said, leaning back against Zook’s arm.

They smirked at each other before Cyph continued, “I ended up sending him the street cam footage from when you guys stopped at the red light. It gave you an alibi, but the police said you’d robbed a liquor store. I ended up finding a camera in the general vicinity of the ‘bikers.’ They were time-stamped within minutes of each other, so none of you could be in two places at once. Before you ask, the state releases the data. All legal, if you know where to look.”

I wanted to lash out at Cyph. It was okay when Emily needed help. He had sat in the main room with his laptop, immediately pulling whatever she needed. However, he had refused to help me without a fight when I had done nothing to warrant it. I didn’t want to take it personally, but I couldn’t release the resentment I harbored. It only fueled my motivation to get a million dollar deal soon.

“This all happened too quickly, and we had to rely on Duncan. However, he offered to mentor me, in case he’s not available.” Emily noticed the tick in Zook’s jaw. “In the law.”

“It’s brilliant, Em, but how did you know we would need this?” How asked her.

“I didn’t. It wasn’t my idea, it was Meredith’s.”

I was used to being the team player that did everything while everyone else took the credit. This was a fresh feeling, and I wasn’t sure I liked it.

“My…Mer…smart.” My aunt had been quiet most of the night.

Everyone focused on me, and I curled further up into Grizz. I didn’t enjoy being the center of attention.

“Way to go, baby.” Grizz kissed my temple.

“Anyone else notice Miss Meredith isn’t walking straight?” Pretty beamed.

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