Page 21 of Unmasking Secrets
“Must be a weird coincidence.” He chuckles to himself. “She has the same name of the girl you used to write letters to back in the day.”
I glance back to see Tabitha with her e-reader, oblivious to what’s being said up here. I turn back around and adjust my headset.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
I’ve never felt more at ease than I do when I’m up in the air, and within minutes we’re on the runway and then it’s our turn. Hops must notice my need for control as he sits back and lets me handle the yoke. His eyes scan over numbers and charts. We move on autopilot, having done this a thousand times in another life.
It’s not until we’re up in the clouds and almost to Lubbock that I let the events of the day filter through. It’s been a gooddistraction until now. I was upset with myself when I noticed we were being followed earlier. Even with all the right steps; it still caught me off guard. I don’t think I’ll be able to rest until we’re at the clubhouse.
It’s the most obvious choice. Better than her house, my apartment, or any safe house. Fuck, it was THE safe house.
They were family and would have our backs. The guilt disappeared when we prepare to land. Part of me feels bad for asking for a favor, especially since I’m not patched in. They want me to, but I don’t want to be part of it. Yet, here I am, asking for help.
As soon as we’re out of the plane, Tabitha sees who is waiting for us and exhales. I can physically see some of the weight drop from her shoulders. It was a smart choice. Then, she turns to me and glares.
Well, fuck.
She doesn’t speak a word to me as we get into the back of a car and are escorted to the clubhouse. She puts a smile on her face when we arrive, though. I can see how it’s forced, but I doubt anyone else will be able to tell the difference. She’ll have to get over it. Her safety is the most important thing to me.
“Arch!” James immediately greets me. “It’s been a long time.” The years have aged him, both of them.
“Tab.” He pulls her in for a quick hug. “We’re going to get him.”
“Yeah.” She smiles.
We make our way inside. It looks the same as it did when we were kids. Same cement floors painted black. Same walls covered in posters and pictures of years past. Same fuckingtables and chairs scattered about, solid wood. The bar looks like it’s gotten a fresh coat of paint recently and there are more lights around the place.
My old man is sitting behind the bar pouring whiskey into a glass.Same as always.His eyes barely flicker up to see me. “Son.”
“Dad.” I greet in return.
“Y’all are going to have to share a room.” Dad speaks before taking a sip from his glass. “Same room, I’m sure you can find it.”
“Yeah.” I know it’s a poke. It’s the room that was supposed to be mine after I patched in.
I turn and grab Tabitha’s suitcase before nodding for her to follow. She re-shoulders her backpack and walks behind me as I lead the way down the hall and up the stairs. I assume it will be the same simple queen bed with a dresser and desk. It’s not like I’ve been around to decorate it or add a tv.
I’m not even a member.
It looks like someone has come in and cleaned recently, most likely a prospect. There’s an older TV on top of the dresser across the bed. An extra quilt rests, folded, at the end of the bed.
“I guess we’re sharing a bed. Again.” Tabitha carefully sits her bag on the desk.
I lift the suitcase onto the bed. “Might as well unpack.” We’ll be here for more than a couple of days. Probably two weeks or more, if I have to guess.
We unpack in silence. Moving around the room, placing clothes in the dresser and closet, putting toiletries in the attached bathroom. It makes me a little on edge that she won’t say anything. Surely, she understands this was the best option for her safety.
“Tab,” I start and turn to face her.
She bumps against me and her hands reach out to steady herself. Her hands on my chest shake slightly. I move my hands over hers, pressing them to keep her close.
“I get it. I’m annoyed too, but this is the best option.” My eyes focus on hers.
She nods but then turns to love away from me.
I fucking hate it.
I move one hand under her chin, lift it and turn her face back towards me. I wait for her eyes to land on me before I continue.
