Page 40 of Friar
“Already on it,” Shield replied, his focus already back on his screen.“I’ve got algorithms running facial recognition against everyone in our database who was at the barbecue.If they showed their face to any camera, even for a second, I’ll find it.”
Beast turned to me, his expression softening slightly.“Take Cheri back to your place.Pack what you need.You’re staying at my house until this is resolved.Lyssa’s already prepared the guest room.”
I started to protest -- I could protect Cheri at my own place -- but Beast cut me off with a raised hand.
“This isn’t a suggestion, brother.My house has the best security in the compound.Multiple cameras, motion sensors, armed guards.No one gets within a hundred yards without me knowing.It’s the safest place for her right now.”
He was right, and we both knew it.Beast’s house was a fortress, built to protect a president with more enemies than friends.My pride wasn’t worth risking Cheri’s safety.
I nodded, accepting his order.“Thanks, brother.”
As the meeting broke up, men filing out with grim determination etched on their faces, I knelt beside Cheri’s chair.Her face was still too pale, dark circles under her eyes from the toll the poison and treatment had taken on her body.But there was steel in her gaze -- a quiet strength that never failed to amaze me.
“I won’t let anything happen to you or our baby,” I promised, taking her cold hands in mine.My voice came out rougher than I intended, raw with emotion I wasn’t used to showing.“Not again.Not ever.”
Tears filled her eyes, clinging to her lashes but not falling.“What if next time --”
“There won’t be a next time,” I cut her off, my hands tightening around hers.“I’ll kill anyone who comes near you.”
“We all will,” Beast added, coming to stand beside us.His massive frame cast a shadow over Cheri, not threatening but protective, a shield against whatever dangers lurked outside.“The club protects its own, Cheri.That includes you and the baby.”
She nodded, but I could see the uncertainty still lingering in her eyes.How could I blame her?She’d almost died at a club function, surrounded by people who were supposed to keep her safe.Trust would take time to rebuild.
“Let’s get you home,” I said softly, helping her to her feet.Her body felt fragile under my hands, lighter than before the poisoning.The doctors had warned us she’d be weak for days, maybe weeks.That the baby might still be at risk.That we wouldn’t know the full extent of the damage until later scans and tests.
Rage bubbled up inside me again, a molten river of hatred directed at whoever had done this.When I found them, and I would find them, there wouldn’t be enough left to bury.
Cheri leaned against me as we walked toward the door, her steps still unsteady.My arm circled her waist, taking her weight without comment.Around us, brothers nodded respectfully as we passed, some reaching out to squeeze my shoulder or touch Cheri’s arm briefly -- silent gestures of support and solidarity.
“Friar,” Beast called as we reached the door.“One more thing.”
I turned, careful to keep Cheri supported against my side.
“I’ve assigned Wrangler and Hawk to your detail.They’ll be staying at my place too.Round-the-clock protection.”His expression brooked no argument.“Just until we find who did this.”
I nodded, grateful despite my pride.“Thanks, brother.”
As we stepped into the hallway, I heard Shield’s voice behind us, urgent and low.“Beast.You need to see this.”
I hesitated, looking back over my shoulder.Shield had Beast bent over his laptop again, pointing at something on the screen.Beast’s expression darkened as he studied whatever Shield had found, his jaw clenching visibly.
“What is it?”I asked, instinct telling me it was important.
Beast glanced up, his eyes meeting mine briefly before he shook his head.“Get Cheri settled first.This can wait.”
But the grim set of his mouth told a different story.Whatever Shield had discovered, it wasn’t good news.My stomach knotted with fresh anxiety as I guided Cheri toward the exit.One problem at a time, I told myself.Get her somewhere safe.Then find whoever did this.
And make them pay.
As we stepped outside into the harsh afternoon sunlight, I pulled Cheri closer to my side, scanning the compound with heightened vigilance.Every shadow, every movement caught my attention -- potential threats to the woman in my arms.To our baby.
“It’s going to be okay,” Cheri murmured, her fingers squeezing mine weakly.Even now, after everything, she was trying to comfort me.
I pressed my lips to her temple, breathing in the clean scent of her hair.“Yes,” I promised.“It will be.”
Behind us, through the still-open door, I could hear Shield’s voice, tense with discovery: “Look at this angle.The image isn’t clear, but you can see someone is watching from the corner.They knew exactly what they were doing.”
I hesitated, torn between needing to know and needing to protect.Cheri sensed my conflict, her body tensing against mine.
