Page 40 of Chains

“Shit man, is Sera, okay?” I ask, and Ky gives me a strange look.

“How the fuck should I know? And how do you know what her name is?” Ky demands, his jaw ticking angrily. Interesting.

“Zoe and I went to see the vet with Zoe’s new cat yesterday.” I explain, surprised at my patience.

“So, is this a readymade family?” Tiny pokes me in the side with his elbow. I roll my eyes, expecting the ribbing from my brothers when they discover my woman has found and is keeping the kitten. Damn thing is causing me untold problems.

“With all due respect, fuck off, brother.” I tell him, with a shit-eating grin. Tiny returns my grin and slaps me on the back.

“Let’s go, brothers, and see what’s going on at the site.” Kick calls out, leading us out to the parking lot. Throwing my leg over my sled, I rev the engine, waiting for Kick and Tiny to lead the formation. We left a few prospects behind to watch over the women, but I was still reticent about leaving Zoe here. Though I was confident, our security would stand up to anything that fucker throws at it.

I rode side by side with Ky, and I could see just how upset over what happened today he was. Hopefully, the damage is minimal, and we can continue business as usual.

When we arrived at the strip mall, we found the whole thing well alight, and the firefighters already on scene.

“Fuck!” Ky screamed, when he noticed just how badly damaged the gym was. I looked around, noticing Sera standing behind the firefighters, tears in her eyes, walking over, I placed a hand on her shoulder. She jumped and whirled around.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you. How’s your clinic?” I ask.

Sera snorts and motions with her hand. “Look around, it’s all gone. But thankfully, we got the animals out before the whole thing went up.”

My eyes take in the crates and cages around her, and can’t help but smile when I see Mr Boots, looking none too worse for wear, from the excitement of the morning. My gaze flies to Kick standing next to the captain of the local firehouse. They greet each other as if they were long-lost friends, with a vigorous handshake. He’s on our payroll, so if anyone knows what happened here, he would.

I walk over, just as Tiny and Ky do. “What can you tell me about the fire?” Kick demands. The chief sighs tiredly, running a hand down his haggard face.

“Not much, I’m afraid. What I know is that the fire started in the vet clinic, and spread quickly. It’s a miracle they could get all the animals out in time. The damage to both your gym and the clinic, plus the cafe, is extensive. It’s just lucky that no one was hurt.”

A dark expression comes over Ky’s handsome face, his eyes raking over the pretty vet, who seems lost standing alone in the parking lot. Before I could stop him, he storms over.

“Can you tell if it was deliberately lit?” I ask. I can’t believe the innocent-looking vet would do such a thing on purpose, but you never know what someone is capable of. I absentmindedly watch as Sera and Ky engage in a heated exchange, their voices raised and their arms flailing about, until Ky leans down, whispers something to her, and returns in our direction, causing the woman's face to display sheer terror.

“The investigation has just begun. I’ll let you know what I find out,” he tells us, before walking away to join his crew.

“What did you say to the poor woman?” I ask with a chuckle.

“Just that if I find out she’s responsible, she won’t enjoy the punishment I intend to mete out to her.”

“Harsh.” Tiny mumbles.

“What if it’s not her? What if it’s the fucker, Caleb?” I suggest.

They all stare at me for a beat, before Kick points a finger into Ky’s chest. “I want you to be all over the good vet like white on rye. If she’s had something to do with the fire, she’ll likely slip up, and we can nab her.” He looks at me when he next speaks. “We’ll also look into the asshole cop.”

Ky nods, his brown eyes so like his father’s—twinkling at the thought of spending time with the pretty veterinarian. Although his earlier words said he couldn’t stand the woman.

“I’m going to get Zoe’s cat. Let me know when you want me to come and help clean up the gym. You’ll need a full reconstruction by the looks of things.” I fling over my shoulder.

Sera casts her eyes at me when she sees me striding towards her.

“You’re not here to threaten me too, are you?” She grits out.

I can’t help but chuckle. “No, but I am here to pick up my woman’s cat. I also want to apologize for anything Ky might have said to you. He’s just upset about the gym, that’s all.”

“Oh? So, he goes around threatening bodily harm to defenseless women, does he, when he’s upset?”

“Only when he has a reason to.” I respond, becoming annoyed with the woman, the look in my eyes letting her know I wouldn’t take her shit about any of my brothers. I hope she had nothing to do with setting the fire, but by the way she won’t meet my eyes, I have my doubts.

“If you did nothing wrong, you have nothing to worry about. Now, if you don’t mind, I’d like to get Mr Boots.”

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