Page 34 of Rattler
“Checking the doors for wires.”
I had to force myself to walk down that street slow enough not to draw attention to myself.I’d put a jacket on over my cut, as had Joker.This wasn’t our first rodeo.By the time I slipped around the back of the house, Joker was already there, and Preacher had the door open.“Good work.”
Joker rolled his eyes.
Preacher grinned.“Idiot left a key under the flowerpot.”
I glanced down and saw a clay pot with a fake geranium in it.I shook my head.The plant looked so out of place, there was only one reason it would be there.“Dumbass.”
We went inside and started a systematic search.We weren’t sure how much time we had, so we covered all the obvious bases first.
I entered the master bedroom, blocking out the thought of Lily and the asshole being in here together.No point in driving myself crazy.
I worked from the top of the room back.I checked under the mattress, in the drawers, and under them.Between the clothes in the closet and behind the books on the shelves.All the usual places.I even looked behind each piece of artwork hanging on the walls, hoping to uncover a wall safe.
Nothing.
I picked up the area rug beside the bed, a favorite way to hide a floor safe.
Still nothing.
On impulse, I pushed the huge plush armchair in the corner of the room to the side and struck fucking paydirt.
A big-assed floor safe.
I spoke softly.“Found something.Joker, in here with me.Preacher, watch to make sure he doesn’t come back.”
Wrestling rattlesnakes wasn’t my only talent.It was a simple safe.I pulled out my lockpicks and went to work.Five minutes later, I had the fucker unlocked.I took a deep breath, and pulled the lid open, exposing the contents.
Joker let out a low whistle.“Holy fucking shit!”
Chapter Eight
Lily
I’d been prepared to miss Rattler, and I was determined not to let it ruin my day.I didn’t need a man to make me happy, or at least that’s what I told myself.He’d left yesterday, and even though I’d coaxed Scrapper to sleep on the bed with me, it felt empty.I found that rather alarming since I’d only been here for a few days.I finally resorted to piling pillows on the far side and covering them with a blanket so that when I rolled over, it felt like there was someone at my back.Pathetic, I know, but at least I managed to get some sleep.
The sun had barely cleared the horizon when I woke up.My brain kicked into gear, replaying the events of the past few days, and I realized going back to sleep wasn’t going to happen.I figured I’d go downstairs to get a coffee.Scrapper opened one eye when I got off the bed but didn’t make a move to leave his comfortable spot.I pulled one of Rattler’s T-shirts off the chair in the corner and tugged it over my head.It smelled like him -- musky and masculine and oddly comforting.Getting a fresh pair of leggings out of my backpack, I pulled them on and slipped my new phone into my pocket.It felt strange to have one after all this time, but comforting as well to know I could call anyone on a whim.Or browse the news.Or look up a recipe.All those things I’d taken for granted before Tim took them away.
The kitchen was deserted when I wandered in, but someone had restocked the makeshift coffee bar, so I helped myself to a mug of liquid ambition.Since the table and chairs hadn’t been replaced yet there was nowhere to sit, but the new fan looked good.Given the fate of the last one, I kept a wary eye on it as I doctored my coffee with cream and sugar.I took a sip and let out a happy sigh.Perfect.I took the mug and headed out back to find a seat.It had been a long time since I’d had the luxury of watching the sun come up in the morning.
I was surprised to find Janet and Thor sitting by the firepit, looking like the pair of sweethearts they were.Apparently, I wasn’t the only early bird.
Janet motioned me over.“Come join us.It’s so peaceful out here at this time of day.”
Thor rolled his eyes.“That might be because all the sane people are still in bed sleeping.”
Janet elbowed him in the ribs.“Be quiet.You know you’re a morning person.”She grinned at me.“Pull up a chair and enjoy it while you can.We’re making gift bags later, so all the old ladies will be out here.You won’t be able to hear yourself think when they get going.”
Thor frowned at her.“You sure you’re up to this?You know the doc told you to take it easy for the next few months.”
She scoffed.“He’s just being overly cautious.And he meant no heavy lifting or working twenty-hour days at the shop.I’m fine, and the baby’s fine.”
I felt my brows rise in surprise as I eyed up her trim figure.“Baby?You’re pregnant?”
Janet laughed.“That’s right, I forgot you didn’t know.Yeah, I am officially with child.In the family way.Working on getting a baby bump in place.Not that that’s the reason we’re tying the knot.It’s just an extra bonus.Junior is set to make his or her appearance in early summer.”
“Congrats!”She looked so happy as she splayed her hand across her belly, and Thor just beamed with pride beside her.I felt a twinge of jealousy, wondering if I’d ever be in her position -- pregnant and happily contemplating a life with a husband and kids.“Maybe it will be born on the summer solstice.That’s supposed to be lucky.Do you know the sex?”
