Page 96 of Property of Tacoma
Word must have spread about Jagger because it looks like the rest of the club who didn’t ride out earlier is here.
“Hop off, bud,” I say to Jagger, killing the engine.
Once he slides off from behind me, I climb off and turn to help Cali off her Ninja.
She removes her helmet, and I take in her appearance—blood-splattered on her face, in her hair, and all over her clothes. Her tattoos are unrecognizable.
But even looking like Carrie, she’s still the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.
“Come on, baby,” I say, threading my fingers through hers.
We head for the clubhouse, and the moment we step inside, I spot my parents.
Ma is pacing back and forth, her crystals jangling with each step, while Pop sits at the bar nursing a whiskey.
Saylor is sitting on the stool beside Pop, her face tear-stained.
“Jagger!” Ma cries out when she sees us.
She rushes over, and Pop isn’t far behind with Saylor right on his heels.
They envelop Jagger in their arms, Ma’s hands running over his face, checking his injuries while Pop grips his shoulder tight.
“I’m okay, Gigi,” Jagger assures her. “I’m okay.”
“Cali!” Saylor shouts when she sees who’s standing beside me.
Running at full speed, she launches herself at Cali.
Cali catches her, stumbling back slightly from the impact, but she wraps her arms tight around my daughter.
“I knew you’d come back!” Saylor says, her voice muffled against Cali’s chest. “I knew it! You promised!”
“I always keep my promises,” Cali says, and I can hear the emotion thick in her voice.
I watch them for a moment, my heart so full it feels like it might burst.
This.
This is what I almost threw away.
“Ma, Pop,” I say, getting their attention. “Can you keep an eye on Saylor for a bit? I need to talk to Jagger.”
Ma nods, her eyes knowing. “Of course, son.”
Cali kisses the top of Saylor’s head then lets her go to my mother.
With Saylor secure, I take Cali’s hand and wrap my other arm around Jagger’s shoulders.
Together, we walk down the hallway toward my office.
Once inside, I close the door behind us and motion for Cali to take my chair behind the desk.
She hesitates for a moment before moving around and settling into it.
Jagger takes the chair across from her, and I lean against the desk between them.
“Tell me what happened,” I say, keeping my voice calm even though rage is simmering just beneath the surface. “From the beginning.”
