Page 144 of 23 Hours

I nod once. “Right.” Kade had a little too much fun like Kade usually does. Not surprising. Leaving that as that, I face Big to figure out what’s next. “So, Prez, what are we gonna do with the rat?” Since he’s been keepin’ this from me, perhaps he’s already got a plan.

Prez shrugs as if he doesn’t give a damn. “That’s up to you and Blimp. Your old ladies were the ones taken. He had a hand in it. I already killed the men who fucked with Bink. He’s yours.”

Alrighty then.

“What about White Boy?” I throw out, ’cause Jade was taken, and she’s family to all of us. Especially him.

Apparently, Big has already thought that through too, when he explains, “Jade’s not his old lady, and Loretta’s his mom, who’s already been claimed by Blimp.”

Lumberin’ his way into the circle, a glowing blunt between his lips, Blimp points toward the shed where the torturing goes down.

Sure. That works for me.

“String him up,” I order to whoever’s listening. “Don’t forget to stuff, then tape his mouth shut to keep him quiet. We’re not touchin’ him tonight. I’ve got a new wife to feed and dance with. He’ll survive ‘til morning. That work for you?” I gesture to Blimp so we’re on the same page.

Plumes of smoke rise from Blimp’s lips as a far-too-happy smile parts his long, overgrown beard. “Perfect, brother. Sounds perfect,” he singsongs.

Doin’ what brothers do, they peal the naked dickbag off the grass as I remove my foot from his throat. Malcolm begs like a little bitch, then screams for mercy as I depart to make good on my promises to my woman.

Next on the list.

Feed my woman.

I didn’t request we have fried pickles and homemade ranch for just anyone.

Malcolm will die in the morning.

Ya know, as a post-wedding present to me.

CHAPTERFORTY-FOUR

KIT

I’m a married woman.

Sitting on a couch in the clubhouse common room, I’m keenly aware of my new reality as mynewsisters pull up chairs to chat as if the lockdown is a normal, everyday occurrence around these parts.

Welcome to the life as a Sacred Sister.

Seated beside me, Bink pats my raw, grass-stained knee. “Everything’s gonna be fine,” she attempts to reassure.

Across from us, lounging unladylike in a plastic chair, Jez nods twice as if agreeing with Big’s old lady. “No gunfire is good news. Plus…” trailing off, the rhinestone, pantyhose-wearing woman, points to the double front doors and the two Sacred Sinners standing watch outside of them. “They’re talking. Not armed. With Gunz’s new security system and with as many brothers we have here for the wedding, if it was a big deal, we’d be locked in bedrooms, and they’d be ready to kill,” she explains, as if this is an ordinary conversation.

Out of my depth, I nod to express I’m following along because what else do you say? I’m glad nobody’s shooting. I mean... There are no words.

Not finished, Jez points to my son, standing guard by himself at the hall exit. “Oz is only there to keep us from leaving the room. Some of us don’t listen to orders.” The feisty big, boobed sister cuts Bink a knowing look.

The blonde beside me shrugs as if she’s not about to argue. “Not all rules and orders are meant to be followed.”

Debbie snorts from her spot at the bar.

Loretta cackles from the pool table, where she plays a round with Jade.

And I observe because I have nothing else to add. The sisters lapse into mini conversations about times like these. Bink reminisces on the time a crazed woman shot Big. There’s something about food poisoning. Another from her childhood.

Getting up from the couch, I leave them to their stories and approach my son.

Swallowing up the entire doorway with his size to keep all of us in and everyone else out, Adam looks far beyond his early twenties in his new leather vest, tight, dark denim jeans, and plain white t-shirt. My boy sure has grown up.

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