Page 69 of Cold as Stone
“I’m fine. Just angry.” She runs her hands through her hair, messing up the careful style. “They’re not going to stop, are they?”
“No,” I admit. “They’re not.”
“So what do we do?”
Before I can answer, the front door opens and Cash walks in, followed by Bones and three of the prospects. They take in the scene and their expressions harden.
“Heard there was some excitement,” Cash says, settling at the bar.
“Summit brought the health department,” I explain. “Harassment, pure and simple.”
“Find anything?” Bones asks.
“Minor stuff. Nothing that can’t be fixed in a day.”
“But they’ll be back,” Kya adds grimly.
“Then we’ll be ready for them,” Cash says simply. “What do you need?”
It’s a simple question, but the weight behind it is enormous. This is the club offering protection, resources, solidarity. Kya looks surprised by the immediate support.
“I don’t—” she starts.
“Documentation,” I interrupt. “Security cameras. Witnesses for every inspection. Make it harder for them to manufacture violations.”
“Done,” Bones says, already pulling out his phone. “Hawk can have cameras installed by tomorrow.”
“What about legal support?” Mercy asks. “Isn’t there a lawyer helping with the zoning stuff?”
“Josie Bright,” I confirm. “She specializes in municipal law and corruption cases. She should know about this.”
“I’ll call her,” Cash offers. “Pass on the info from today.”
“And I’ll talk to Stone about increasing patrols,” I add. “Make sure there’s always someone keeping an eye on things.”
Kya looks overwhelmed by the sudden outpouring of support. “You don’t have to?—”
“Yes, we do,” Bones interrupts gently. “You’re one of us. We protect our own.”
“But I’m not?—”
“You are,” I say firmly. “Whether you realize it or not, you’re family. And family sticks together.”
Tears shine in her eyes, but she blinks them back. “I feel like you should have said that in a Vin Diesel voice.”
I huff, pulling her into me for a hug. “Just take the win, Kya.”
She sniffles against my chest. “Okay. Thank you.”
“Don’t thank us yet,” Cash says. “Wait until you see Hawk’s bill for the security system.”
That earns a laugh, breaking some of the tension.
“Feel better?” I ask Kya.
“A little. Still angry, but less… helpless, I guess.” She tilts her head back. “Thank you. For coming with me when Mercy called, and for stepping in with Crane.”
“You don’t need to thank me for that.”
