“I heard that.” He gives Jeremy that head nod and says, “We got Church, and you got clean-up duty in the shop.”
“I’m going,” Jeremy says and takes a step back. He mouths, “I’m sorry,” and walks away without another word.
Ryan stands with his arms folded and looking at me with the most serious expression I’ve seen on his face in a while. “He good to you?”
I shrug my shoulders and give him a smile. “I don’t know yet.”
“He’s not, you tell me.”
“Thanks,” I say softly, touched by his kind gesture.
“His sister sucks dick like her life depends on it. Always wanted to see if Baby Boy can do the same.”
“Oh my God, what the fuck,” I say in shock.
Ryan gives me a wink and walks off. I sit there for a few moments before pulling out my cell and texting Alex.
UR BF WANTS JER 2 SUCK HIS DICK.
She responds immediately. HE’S A CHILD. IGNORE HIM.
NOT THAT EASY, I text back.
I’LL GIVE U TIPS. I can’t help but chuckle at her response.
Everything is working out really well now. I mean, I know I’m letting myself get caught up in the excitement of a new relationship, but it’s ridiculous how much things can change in just a few minutes. I’ve barely had him, but already I know that it would break my heart to lose him. Everything is working out except for my investigation. That’s still at a standstill. I grab my beer and take another drink. It’s not as cold now and tastes even worse, but I power through it.
I wish I had access to more club business than I do. It’s just hard because Dad doesn’t like paper trails, so he only has what he absolutely needs to have. The clubhouse gets loud as the men all trail in for Church. One deep voice barking orders after another fills the space, making it feel much smaller. When their voices fade, I can only assume they’re in the chapel now. If only I could be in there with them.
I hop off the pool table, and I grab my phone out of my pocket again and send Alex another text. NOBODY TELLS ME NETHNG.
THEY NEVER WILL, she says back. I’m trying to fish for information on how to get further in my investigation, but she didn’t really bite. Maybe I just need to be more upfront.
I NEED INFO, I say and pray she doesn’t tell her sadistic guard dog.
DANGEROUS, she says back.
I KNOW. MY CHOICE. NEED TO KNOW.
PAY BETTER ATTN, she says. NO MORE TIPS. TROUBLE.
Gah, she isn’t freaking helping me at all. I read her last few texts again and blow out a frustrated breath. The guys are all sitting around the chapel and talking about stuff I could really use to help Holly and Mindy. It’s not fair. I just want to help, and nobody is making that feat any easier on me.
Pay better attention, she said. I think on that for a minute. Maybe that’s her way of helping? I think back on what she told me about getting in trouble for listening to her father’s business. Scrolling up, I find the text and eye it until the idea comes to me.
They’re in Church, down the hallway, discussing club business.
Club business I could use.
If they catch me, I’m in some serious trouble. I take a sip of my beer and set it down. Freaking gross. I don’t think I’m ever going to like that crap. I nervously tap my foot and think it over.
I’m still thinking it over as I walk into the main room. I’m certain this is a horrible idea as I make sure no one’s around and turn the corner down the hallway. My hands shake. I shouldn’t be doing this, but I crouch as silently as possible in front of the double doors to the chapel anyway. I press my ear to the left door and close my eyes, doing my best not to bump into the wood.
“Jennings is awake and recovering,” Dad says. His voice barely makes it through the thick wooden doors. There’s a few displeased rumbles from around the room and some cursing. “Apparently, since FBPD doesn’t have any solid enough leads to arrest anyone, they kept the asswipe’s progress quiet to keep him safe.”
“Why the fuck didn’t we know about this sooner?” Wyatt snaps.
“Gonzales was taken off the case,” Dad says.
“That asshole Mercer?” Wyatt asks, referring to Lieutenant Harry Mercer, who is Holly’s uncle and Mindy’s dad. “I’m fucking sick of that prick.”