Page 119 of I Stop Somewhere Waiting For You

It’s the first time I’ve ever heard Nicky refer to Daphne as his girl, and in this moment, I find myself sympathizing with him.

“You don’t have a choice!” Kellerman’s palm slams down, the resulting sound bouncing forcefully within the small space around us. “I have it on good authority that Yuri’s set up a meet with Lucian’s father.” He looks to me once more, taking note of the surprise playing out on my features. “He’s moving to cut you out, Bishop. He’s gonna work with Devoreaux directly. They’re using the reception as cover. I originally didn’t give it much merit, but with the information you provided me about Cabir being a connection between the Devoreauxs and his uncle, it would appear this is a legitimate tip. Cabir’s sneaking him into one of the hotel rooms upstairs for the meet. I need you to find out which one in advance so I can have it bugged. If I get what I need, you both are free. You will never be identified as informants. You can keep all your assets as long as all criminal activity ceases after that.” His gaze pivots back to Nicky. “You’ll still be a millionaire, Nick. You’ll be able to afford a divorce lawyer for your girl. It’ll be fine.”

“Fuck you, Alec,” Nick seethes, waving him off as he looks to the side.

“Have you told her about Lucian yet? About his involvement?”

Nicky glances back at him, his jaw tightening as he responds with a slight shake of his head.

“Good.” Kellerman nods. “Don’t. It’s better she doesn’t know before she goes through with it.” He rises from his seat, gesturing for Nicky to stand up as well. “Let’s go, Nick. Charges are getting pled down to disorderly conduct. You’ll be out within the hour. Mav, I’ll send your lawyer back in.”

Nicky looks up at Kellerman with disdain before turning to face me, extending his hand into the space between us. “I got eyes on J ‘til you’re out. I’ll put extra guys at the apartment alongside yours.”

My hand rises to grasp his as we pull one another in, bumping shoulders before releasing our grips. “Thanks, Nick. You gonna see her today?”

“You know it. As long as you’re cool with me heading over there.”

“Yeah,” I nod. “Yeah, man. Look, when you see her, tell her I—”

“Yo,” he cuts me off. “Don’t you give me no sappy fucking message. You tell her when you see her. Because you will see my sister again. You hear me?”

We stare at one another briefly in silence as Nicky’s words replay in my mind like an echo, giving me an unexpected sense of comfort. A faint smirk plays at my lips accompanied by a slight nod of my chin. “Tell her I’ll be home soon.”

“I got you.”

CHAPTER 51

MAV

I spend a week inside.

In the end, it isn’t even Murray who gets me out. It’s Jones… with some much appreciated help from Val.

Apparently, in effort to get back in my good graces, Val started following Amber on occasion as well in hopes she could snap some shots that might be helpful in some way. And fuck, were they ever. Because guess where my favorite little house cleaner was the night of the murder? Snapping fucking pictures, and boy, did she get the money shot. Specifically, Cabir putting a bullet in Amber’s head.

Cabir’s going down for murder. He just doesn’t know it yet. Once he serves his role in the meet at the wedding, Kellerman’s moving in on him.

Murray showed up at the jail today to see me looking like we just won the fucking lottery. To be honest, we kind of did. The images were delivered to J this morning along with a note from Val saying she’s sorry she waited so long to send them, but she had to ensure she and her son were in the clear first. She didn’t say where they went, only that they’re safe and to please not look for them so we don’t attract any unwanted attention.

Woman’s a saint. And while I wish I knew where she was so I could compensate her properly, I’ll have to settle for sending a clear message to her ex that he is to forget she ever fucking existed. She’s a Rebel for life as far as I’m concerned, and Rebels protect their own.

Murray handles all the formalities, and I’m released in the afternoon after all charges are dropped. I exit the jail to find Finn waiting for me, leaning up against the Escalade.

“Yo.” I smile, giving him the pound.

“What up, boss?” He reciprocates with a smile of his own, genuinely excited to see me.

I open the passenger side door, eagerly hopping in only to be met with disappointment. Finn climbs into the driver’s side, looking to me in question.

“She didn’t come?” I ask, my tone baring hints of disbelief.

Finn shakes his head, though a smirk plays across his features. “Don’t worry, Mav. You’ll see her in twenty.”

My eyes narrow, taking note of his amusement. “What’s going on?”

“Oh, no.” Finn chuckles. “I may typically answer to you, but today? Wifey calls the shots. I’m on strict instruction to bring you back to the apartment immediately. She’s fucking scary, by the way, when she’s barking out orders.”

I snort. “You should see her when she’s hangry.”

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