Page 143 of Beautifully Shattered
“Shit. Yeah, sorry. I didn’t think about that.”
I shrug. “It is what it is.”
“Still… was it good?”
“Oh my God, yes!” I blurt out, making her laugh again.
“Jesus, I hope I’m not around when he finally impales himself in you again. That’s gonna blow your damn mind.”
She wags her brows which has us both cracking up, and I realise how much I’ve missed this. Missedher.
“So, is there any news about your sister?” Jols asks, sinking back into the couch beside me.
“That inside man, Moore, managed to send a text a couple of days ago. Said the word is Minister Banes is still in the Timber Valley district, hiding in plain sight in one of his safe houses. But that’s over four thousand square kilometres of area to search. I think Ringo was gonna bring it up at church today. See if Smitty is willing to help put feelers out to his local associates.”
“I’m sure he will. I know you don’t believe this, but he actually does want to help. This life isn’t easy to wrap your head around when you’re new to it, but you’ll see. Smitty always has a plan, and the club’s best interests at heart.”
Voices drifting from outside draw our attention, and Jols gets up to peek out the window.
“Church is out.”
I jump up, eager to see how JD’s chat with Smitty went.
Shucking on our coats, we slip outside onto the porch, watching as the men hurry across the yard to a new sheltered carport area where a fire is burning in a steel drum, all of them shoving at each other to get closer to the warmth.
“I can’t remember the last time it was this cold,” Jols whispers, hugging herself.
“Why aren’t they out yet?” I ask, meaning Ringo and JD, since most of the others are already outside.
“Is everything okay in there?” Jols calls to Vender as he hurries towards us with Mex at his side.
“We’ll know soon enough,” Vender grins.
“Yeah, no gunshot means he’s still alive,” Mex chuckles, and my mouth drops open.
“Oh my God. Don’t say that!” I rush out, and Jols waves me off.
“Smitty won’t shoot him.”
“You sure about that?” I ask, catching her eyes, and unease flickers through them.
“Is JD really in there talking to Smitty about me? About us?”
“Yep,” I nod. “I was just gonna sneak you out while church was on, but Ringo shut that idea down.”
Jols scoffs. “Good. You would have gotten yourself killed.” Then she gulps. “Oh man, JD’s gonna get himself killed.”
“Maybe,” I admit, and Vender and Mex both bark out a laugh.
“Abbey, you’re not a very supportive friend right now.” Jols glares at me and I shrug.
“At least you know I won’t lie to you.”
“She has a point, Jols,” Mex grins, leaning against the porch railing.
Jols huffs, her eyes staying trained on the barn door as we all wait, and after a few minutes of conversation involving footy scores, the barn door swings open.
We all straighten, standing taller as we wait for someone to emerge, and finally Smitty and Spud step out first, with Ringo and JD trailing behind them.
