Page 45 of Property of Riptide
“Because he’s the smart one,” Elodie says in defense of her favorite uncle. “Uncle Icer, can you read me my new book when we get home?”
“What new book?” Zoey asks, peering down at her daughter.
“The one about kitties and going on adventures,” she remarks, glancing up at her mom through her lashes. The innocent act she portrays has her mother eating out of the palm of her hand.
“Is it age appropriate?” Zoey continues probing for answers.
“The lady at the bookstore said it was for little kids, kids my age, and kids that are ninety-nine. I didn’t know kids could get that old,” Elodie repeats the lady’s sales pitch, with her brows drawn down. “Did you know that, Mama?”
“I didn’t, but it explains a lot,” Zoey says, scanning each man with us from head to toe.
“Hey!” Indiana woundedly yells. “I resent that look, Zo.”
Zoey and I share a meaningful look before we burst into laughter. “Pay the bill, biker man. I’m going to take Elodie to thebathroom then get her back into the car.” She slaps him in the pecs as she reaches out her hand and takes Elodie to empty her bladder.
“I’m gonna put a fresh diaper on Gagey before we leave. I can’t wait to see our new home. Which reminds me, did you get in touch with the movers so that my stuff is rerouted?” I ask, hoping he remembered because I forgot.
“I did,” he confirms. “Your things will be arriving in the morning. Luckily, since everything was going to the same town they didn’t charge me extra for the change but I’ll be handing them an envelope full of cash for a tip to show my appreciation.”
“You don’t have to do that, Rush. My company took care of that,” I state.
“Don’t have to, but I’m going to.” He gives me and our boy a peck on the head then heads toward the hostess station to take care of our bill.
“I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve you,” I whisper to his back as he walks away. “But I hope whatever that is, I keep doing it.”
CHAPTER
TWENTY-THREE
Riptide
Teddy, our friendly Texas Ranger, stayed in the parking lot watching over us after we arrived and then followed us until we were out of his territory where he could no longer guard us. The rest of the way home was smooth sailing. Doesn’t mean we let our guard down, but we didn’t come across any more of the Dragons which was a relief. There’s only so many shootouts we can be part of and be lucky enough to not have any injuries.
Thank fuck those assholes couldn’t shoot worth shit. Bullets soared past us, but none of them hit their mark. When I told Indiana about Zoey’s parents being held captive for interrogation, he made the decision to keep it from his old lady, and I respect that. At some point, he’ll have to tell her so she’s not keeping a lookout for them anytime she leaves the clubhouse. Too bad we can’t say that in regard to the officials of the town and the Dragons who are actually the ones in charge.
That shit is going to come to an end. AS-motherfucking-AP. Even if I have to sacrifice myself to see it done. Doing timebehind bars is nothing but a thing, I’d do anything to keep the women, kids, and my brothers safe. That’s my top and only priority. It’s my job as their president to make those hard decisions and take the fall if it comes down to it. As long as they’re breathing easy, any and all risks I’ll take to ensure that, is a goddamn good deal.
Every bit of tension I’d been carrying during the second half of our journey lifts when we pass through the gates leading to our clubhouse. The clanking sound of them closing as the gears turn behind us and the lock clicks into place has all of us whooping and hollering. “Damn, it’s good to be home,” Scripture says through the airway.
“There’s no place like it,” I tack on.
Slayer comes strolling out the front door with a cigarette dangling from his lips. “I even missed that ugly motherfucker,” Rebel laughs.
“I wouldn’t say that too loud. We have special guests in the bunker that need tending to. I bet these guys wouldn’t mind a break from that tedious activity,” I warn.
“Awe, pres, don’t threaten me with a good time,” Rebel rebuts. “Who are the guests of honor, anyhow?”
“Zoey’s parents,” Indiana growls.
“Yeah, I volunteer for the next round of checking in on them,” Rebel offers.
“I may just join you, brother,” Indiana spits out. “I’m still amped up from our earlier altercation.”
“Wouldn’t mind a sit down with them myself,” Icer reveals. “How long are we keeping them alive for, Rip?”
“Since they’re more than lackeys, I was hoping we could convince them to volunteer some information about where they’re hiding out. We could use deeper intel into their inner workings, too.”
Jerome, the leader of the Onyx Dragon gang in our area, and Patrick, his secondhand man, have kept themselves burrowed deep in the underbelly of the town’s criminal occupants. With Jerome’s father being the sheriff, and Patrick’s mother the district attorney, we have to tread lightly. They’d love nothing more than to lock the entire East Texas chapter of the Kings up behind bars.
