Page 111 of Nevada

“But because of you and the joint MCs, we’re blowing this trafficking thing apart. You’ve been a big part of making that happen. That’s something to be proud of.” She won’t say it, but we both know what it could mean.

My bottom lip trembles. “And if it turns out Tilly is gone?”

“Then you know you did everything you could ten times over, and you’d do it again, babes. It means your loyalty and how you love is unmatched. I don’t know anyone who loves as hard as you do and would kill a man who got in her way.” Her eyes are warm and wide, comforting me like only a best friend can. “If Tilly is gone, then we’ll face it together. She knows, wherever she is, that you did everything possible to find her.”

Tears cling to my lashes. I’ve held so much in and I know, when the time comes, it’ll all come flooding out. Right now, I have to remain strong until the bitter end.

I wipe my eyes. “Thank you, Hales. For your friendship and for letting me drag you into all of this.”

Her smile is nothing short of therapy. “You never dragged me into anything, I did this because I wanted to, got me?”

I laugh. “You’re talking like a biker.”

“Can you blame me? I’ve been surrounded by them for days. Pity I couldn’t come with you to Cigar Haven.” She tuts.

“Trust me, you didn’t miss much.”

“Except all of that eye candy.”

“Some of those men aren’t all stand-up guys, Hales. They’re one percenters and still do illegal shit, they should come with a warning label.”

“Yet, they’re fighting for what’s right and trying to take down this trafficking ring.” She shrugs. “Can’t be that bad.”

“I don’t know, we might make an ol’ lady out of you yet.” I smirk.

“I think I’ll keep my options open for the moment.”

“In case you haven’t noticed, I’m not sure Riot is gonna agree with that sentiment.”

She gives me a self-assured grin. “Well then, he’d better play his cards right if he wants any piece of this.”

I laugh too. “Please don’t ever change. And make him work for it.”

“Funny, that’s exactly what I plan on making him do… If things don’t work out, that Viking guy is pretty hot…”

I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Thank God you’re working surveillance, I think you’d be too distracted in the field.”

“I think we both know you’re the fighter between the two of us, I’m quite happy being the sidekick.”

I hug her again. “We both know you’re never gonna be the sidekick. But you will be staying out of danger.”

“Yes, Mom.”

“Ready?”

She nods. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”

I feel exactly the same way.

It’s D-Day.

Good or bad, come what may. Today we will have answers.

“Did good today.” It feels weird getting Bane Adler’s approval, but there it is in black and white.

“Because I ended some asshole's life?” I snort. “I’d do it again if I could, just to see the look on his face in those last few seconds when he realized what I’d done.”

“You sure she’s not gonna get patched in?” Shadow chuckles, looking over to Nevada.

---