Page 58 of Shine: Sins of the Father
“Daytona had me move Ma and my sister into a safe house months ago. They’re doing okay there. The latest idea we’re tossing around is bugging Donnie Ray’s mom’s place. See if we can get a lead on him.”
“Maybe that’ll turn up something.”
“There was also the idea tossed around of taking his mother, but Daytona’s not ready to go as far as abducting the woman. That kind of hits a nerve with him after what happened with his Cherry. Her abduction really hit him hard. He about lost his mind over it before we found her.”
“Yeah, I remember. I don’t blame him. Harley Jean means everything to me. I lost her, I’d be a walking shell of a man.”
“I get that, bro. Hell, I’m still kicking myself over putting Fiona in danger.”
“I know I warned you off her, but did you have feelings for her, brother? Seems you were pretty torn up about the lies she told.”
I huff a laugh. “You know, before I found out everything she told me was a lie, before I found out who she was, I really thought we had a connection. I mean, I know I thought she was a dancer, but she was smart and fun. I don’t know, there was just something about her. Guess I was all wrong. I think I’ve given up on ever figuring out women.”
“She wasn’t supposed to be up at that cabin. I managed to find out why she was there, though.”
“Yeah?” I stare at the horizon. “And what was the reason, Reckless?”
“She and a friend were going to throw a party. Wolf and the club knew nothing about it. She certainly didn’t have permission. Her friend left her up there to get the place cleaned up and was coming back the next day. I guess she called off the party when you showed.”
“No shit? So that’s why she let me believe she was there for me.”
“She figured you’d tell the club and her father would find out.”
“Does he know she was up there?” My throat closes. If he did, I imagine he’d already be here looking to beat the shit out of me.
“No. He doesn’t know she was up there. I should probably tell him; he is my brother, but so are you. I’m in a real spot here, Shine. But until it becomes necessary or someone flat-out asks, I’ll keep my mouth shut.”
“Thanks, man.”
“Can I ask you something, Shine?”
“Yeah. Shoot.”
“You got feelings for this girl? If she wasn’t who she was, you think the two of you would get together?”
“If I could get past the lies, yeah. Absolutely. Hell, if she wasn’t Wolf’s daughter, I’d have already made a trip over there to see her. Hell, I might have brought her here and moved her in with me. Why?”
“I think she still thinks about you. Maybe you could get Wolf’s blessing. Hell, I’m with Harley Jean. She’s Crash’s daughter. How is that any different from you and Fiona?”
“II guess it isn’t. You’re the one who warned me off her, bro.”
“Yeah, I know. Wolf’s got a wild temper, and he’s real protective of Fiona, especially after…”
I press the phone tighter to my ear. “Especially after what?”
“Nothing, man. Hey, keep your eyes peeled for Donnie Ray. Don’t let him get the drop on you. I’ve got to go. Keep in touch, okay?”
With that, the line goes dead.
“Son of a bitch. What the fuck was he going to say about Fiona?” I text him to ask, but he never responds.
Tired, I trudge into the clubhouse, and go to the room in the back I keep here. I fall on the bed and stare at the ceiling, thinking about everything Reckless said.
***
Reckless—
After I disconnect, I find Harley Jean in the bathroom, standing in front of the mirror, smoothing lotion on her bare arms.
