Page 55 of Ripper
“Wow, shit’s really gotta be bad if that’s what you’re drinking. I really thought you’d be the fruity drink kind of girl,” she said, sliding into the other side of the booth.
“Look, I’m sorry I’ve been a bitch lately, but I don’t know what else to do. I don’t know who else to turn to right now.”
I stared down at my drink, sighing deeply while she placed her chin in the palm of her hand, staring at me.
“You’re still getting phone calls?”
“I haven’t in a while and that’s why I’m worried. They have him. I don’t even know whotheyare,” I murmured.
“Can’t your club lend you a hand with this?”
“You know I can’t tell them. I’m only there to get what I need so these people can return my uncle safe and sound. He’s my only family. He’s the only person I have left, and I just need to get him back,” I said, feeling real tears welling up in my eyes at the thought of him being gone.
One escaped down my cheek, and I wiped it away quickly, glancing up at Anna, who shot me the most unconvincing look of sympathy. I knew she was enjoying this, every last bit of it, but there was no way in hell I’d let her win now.
“What exactly are these people asking you to do?”
“Give them information on the Rebels. It’s why I’m there. I’d do anything to see him again,” I said.
“Anything?”
“Anything,” I confirmed.
“Well, give me a little time. Let me ask around. Maybe I can get you in touch with my club and we can help somehow. I’m really glad you came to me, Ronnie. Someone like you doesn’t belong with the Rebels anyway,” she responded.
“Thank you, Anna.”
I studied her expression, looking for any sign that she may be onto me, but there was none. I waited until she left to head back out to the front lot, perching myself on the side of my bike the moment my cell phone started to ring. I pulled it out of my pocket to see Ripper’s name light up the screen.
“Ronnie? You okay?” he asked, sounding concerned.
“Yes, she bought it. I’m heading home now. Meet me there?”
“Of course, sweet pea. Keep me posted. I just gotta finish up helping Tank,” he said.
“You got it.”
I started up my bike engine, slipping my helmet on, and I tore through the streets as I headed back into the city. Mascid was alive tonight, much more than it usually was. The bars, restaurants, and open shops were bustling. The fairy lights near the trees on the sidewalk by each of their patios twinkled as I passed by. I felt the adrenaline rush through me, and I gripped the handles of my bike tightly, finally feeling a bit at ease.
I pulled into my driveway before Ripper got there, shutting off my bike, and headed for the front door, but I stopped. The wooden porch steps creaked as I backed up, realizing that the door was open. That ease I’d felt on the ride home dissipated, and all I felt was fear. I slowly opened the door, grabbing the lamp on the entryway table in case I needed to defend myself, and I reluctantly called out.
“Hello?”
The place was completely trashed. The sofa cushions were laying in a pile on the floor, the coffee table was shattered completely. The kitchen had been practically torn apart, and every inch of the place looked like a tornado had come through. My heart sank into my stomach as I realized what happened.She didn’t buy it. She didn’t buy any of it. Fuck. She knows.
I whipped out my cell phone, dialing Ripper’s number, but before it rang I heard a bike pull up behind mine in the driveway. I glanced behind me to see Ripper there with a big smile on his face that slowly faded once he saw the look on mine.
“Ronnie? What happened?” he asked, rushing up to me.
“Come in.”
He took a good look around the place and he pressed his lips together, running his palm over his face frustratedly.
“They’re getting too fucking bold now. Coming after you. I’m gonna kill every last one of ’em,” he said.
“This has to be Anna’s doing. She didn’t seem the slightest bit suspicious when I was talking to her, but I guess she saw right through me.”
“I don’t think that’s it, sweet pea. She’s been keeping tabs on all of us. I’m starting to think she and the rest of those Freeway Fucks know a lot more than they’re letting on. That doesn’t matter right now though. There’s no way in hell you’re staying here. You’re coming home with me,” he ordered.
