Page 64 of Talon

“Did you tap her phone?” I raise a brow because he’s never mentioned this before. He should have told me if he was conducting extra surveillance on her.

“Yeah. I’ve been checking her incoming and outgoing calls. I wanted to make sure she was telling us everything.”

“Did you think she was holding something back?” I try to keep my frustration in check, but it’s hard not to be angry. It feels like he’s hiding things from me, and I don’t like it one bit.

“Not on purpose. But you never know. We’ve had people contact their abusers while they were in our custody. I guess I’m paranoid about it now.” He shrugs.

“Okay, I guess that makes sense,” I grumble.“When Hank called, did he leave any messages?”

“No, nothing.”

“Why didn’t you tell me about this sooner?”

“Thought the info on the truck was more important,” he admits, avoiding my gaze.

“Enough is enough,” I declare, anger boiling within me.“It’s time to pay Hank a visit.”

“Wait!” Matrix grabs one of my handlebars.“We don’t have any evidence against him. We can’t just go barging in there like we did with Leonard.”

“The fuck we can’t. I don’t give a shit anymore,” I snap back, my blood running hot.“I’ll beat the truth out of everyone in Jess’s life until someone talks. Are you coming with me or not?”

“God dammit, Talon.” Matrix types a message into his phone. Mine pings in response.“There’s his address. Don’t shoot the fucker. We don’t have shit on him.”

“Oh, I’m not going to shoot him. But I am going to ask him a few questions. If he doesn’t talk, that’s on him.” I rev my engine and pull away from the curb.

As we approach Hank’s place, adrenaline courses through my veins. We should have brought this guy back to the clubhouse days ago. It’s amazing how fast we can clear shit up when we bring someone in for a little chat.

While I wait for Matrix to catch up, I type a message to the group chat, telling the others to meet us in the basement after they’re done helping that woman and her kids. Until they get back to the clubhouse, I’ll have to keep Hank entertained with my fists. Maybe he’s not the guy, but maybe he is. Either way, I’m finding out tonight.

Chapter 18: Jessica

The sizzle of onions and peppers fills the air as I chop vegetables at the kitchen counter. Nina moves around me with practiced ease, stirring a pot on the stove. The warmth of the clubhouse envelops me, but my heart is heavy with the weight of fear. Last night I felt so safe in Talon’s arms, but today, I’m right back to where I started. We’re no closer to finding the stalker, and my patience is wearing thin.

“Damn it!” I slam my knife down.“I’m so sick of running and hiding from this stalker. I just want my life back.”

Nina looks up from the pot and meets my eyes with sympathy.“I know, but you’re safe here with us. You can stay for as long as it takes to find out who’s stalking you. We’ll protect you.”

“Thanks, but I can’t live like this forever,” I say, wiping away a tear.“I love this place, but it’s not home.”

Nina gives me a reassuring smile.“The guys are working on it. Trust them. You’re not the first girl who’s come to us in trouble, and you won’t be the last. I know it’s a lot to ask, but please, have faith in Talon. He’s doing his best to help you.”

“Exactly what are the guys doing right now?” I ask, frustration seeping into my voice.“You’re all so secretive. It’s like I’m living with a bunch of spies. They wouldn’t tell me where they were going when they left. That was hours ago.”

“Secrecy is necessary. We have to protect the people we’re rescuing, and sometimes, that means keeping things hidden.”

“Even from the people you’re protecting?” I challenge, crossing my arms.

“Especially from them,” she replies.“Sometimes innocent people can become unwitting accomplices to crime if they know too much.”

“Are these men criminals, then?”

Nina hesitates, her gaze dropping to the floor.“Not … exactly. They’ve done some questionable things in the past, but they’ve also done a lot of good. And they’re fiercely loyal to each other and those they help. Sometimes, the right thing to do isn’t legal, but it’s the only way to handle a problem.”

I sigh and lean against the counter, trying to process her words. My heart aches for the life I had before all this chaos, but I can’t deny that these men have taken me in without hesitation. I may not understand their world, but they’ve given me shelter when I needed it most. I need to trust Talon and the others. Whatever they’re up to, at least they’re trying to find out who’s behind this.

“I’ll try to be more understanding, but it’s hard.” I pick up my knife again.

“I know it is, honey.” Nina gives me a big hug.“Hang in there. It may feel like this isn’t ever going to end, but it will. Believe me, they’ll find a way.”

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