Page 51 of Rattler's Revelation
“You’re quitting?” Rattler asks. “But you like being a cop, why would you quit?”
“That’s why you asked Taylor for a job,” I say, kneeling on the bed.
“You what?” Rattler asks as Randy nods.
“I asked Taylor for a job. He’s agreed to interview me. He can’t guarantee me a position, but even if he doesn’t hire me, I’m still quitting the force. I’ll figure something out. I can’t be a cop and be with you. I want to be with you.”
“Rafe is with Viper, and he’s still a cop,” Rattler reminds him.
“True. I thought about following his example, but I don’t know if it would ever sit well with me like it does for him. He’s able to compartmentalize. I don’t think I can. Besides, I’m a uniformed officer; my boss is not likely to give me a pass, like Randy’s superiors have. If I can’t get a job in Taylor’s firm, I’ll become a private investigator. I may have to give up myapartment since it will take me a while to start earning money. I was thinking of staying here with you, if you’ll have me?”
Rattler says nothing, but leans over to kiss Randy. The kiss has enough sizzle to leave me hot and bothered. When they break apart, they’re both grinning.
“You’re moving in, too,” Rattler says to me.
“I don’t think this room is big enough for all three of us,” I protest.
Rattler looks around. “You may be right. Good thing we have another option. Come on, get dressed. I have something I want to show you after we eat breakfast.”
Randy and I share a look before we grab our clothes and quickly get dressed. When we enter the common room, we find almost everyone eating breakfast. Rattler directs us to the buffet table to load up while he detours to speak with the club secretary, Spock. Spock is a massive fan of Star Trek, and he’s also brilliant, which is how he got his road name. After they share a few words, Rattler joins us. We pile eggs, hash browns, toast, bacon, and sausage on our plates before finding a table near Rafe, Viper, Chill, and Hunter.
“You three look shiny,” Viper says with a grin. “I take it you made up?”
“We did,” Randy says, sharing a warm smile with Rattler. He turns to his uncle. “I should tell you that I’m quitting the force. I spoke with Taylor about getting a job with his security firm. If that doesn’t work out, I’m thinking of becoming a private investigator.”
Rafe’s expression remains neutral as he nods slowly in response to Randy’s announcement. “That’s probably a good idea. Let me know if you need any assistance. Your dad will be happy.”
Randy scrunches his face in disgust. “That wasn’t my goal.”
Rafe glances at Rattler and me before smirking. “Don’t worry, it won’t last. You know how your dad will react when he learns about you three.” Randy winces.
“What does that mean?” I ask.
“It doesn’t matter,” Randy says. “I have no intention of ever letting my dad near either of you. He’s toxic, and we don’t need toxic in our lives.”
“Toxic how?” Rattler asks.
“Let’s just say that it is a good thing Walt and Wade are dead because my father would have become friends with them otherwise.”
“Yikes,” I say. “Won’t that be a problem for you?”
Randy picks up his coffee cup and sips before shaking his head. “Not a chance. You two make me happy. You’re my family now.”
His words warm me, but I can’t help but feel bad about everything Randy is giving up to be with Rattler and me. He’s making all the sacrifices while Rattler and I are gaining everything.
Randy and Rattler each take one of my hands as Rattler takes us across the highway. I had spotted the new development a few times, but didn’t pay much attention. As we get closer, I can see what appears to be the framework for three houses. Groups of men and women wearing toolbelts and using power tools scamper around the buildings, making a tremendous amount of noise.
“What is this place?” Randy asks.
“It’s our future home,” Rattler says.
“You’re building a new clubhouse?” I ask in surprise.
Rattler shakes his head. “No, we’re building homes for the club members. Puma wanted to build a neighborhood where members could live with their families, rather than living in the clubhouse. When the President of the San Diego chapter foundhis Old Lady, she made it clear that she didn’t want to live inside the clubhouse. He didn’t want to live too far from the clubhouse, so he decided to transform some of the club's land into a neighborhood. Puma liked the idea and bought this land when it went up for sale.”
Rattler gives us a quick tour of the new neighborhood. He points out where they plan on building a park for the kids, along with basketball courts, a soccer field, and a baseball field. They even have plans for a pool. By the time Rattler finishes describing the future, I notice several club members have joined us. Puma is carrying Elina and Mal as they walk through what I assume is their future home.
“Come on, let’s go talk to Spock,” Rattler says, drawing us toward where Spock stands speaking to a beautiful woman wearing a hard hat. “I want us to pick out a lot for where we can build our home.”
