Page 16 of Oz Wisdom

“Come in. Phone’s right here. Take your time. I'll close the door, so you won't be interrupted.”

The pounding of Taylor’s heart rose into her ears as the door closed. She picked up the receiver. She wanted to call, but on the other hand, she feared the outcome. She pushed out a breath and dialed.

"Hello.”

"Tenley, this is Taylor."

"Taylor?”

"Yes, I'm so sor—”

"I thought you were dead. You just stopped calling and answering my calls. And now out of the blue I hear from you. What do you want?"

Tears threatened at the stab of her Tenley's anger. "I ran into a little trouble."

"Trouble? You in jail?"

"No."

"Then you need money. I don't have any."

"I don't want money. I want to talk to you."

"Now's not a good time. Should have answered my calls months ago."

And with that the line went silent. Taylor froze. She stared across the room. Why? Why would she not listen? She placed the phone back in its cradle. Would her parents treat her the same? It didn't matter. Not today. She wasn't going in that direction. One rejection was enough for today.

Chapter 8

"We have a shipment ready to leave,” King announced. "Oz you requested this run?"

Oz gave his president a nod. He needed the distraction from Taylor. She had been at Angel Haven now for two weeks. He had stopped by several times to check on her. And other than Ruby, no one else had. Nealy had called, Taylor told him. But her presence had become a controversial topic. Questions arose about her being a spy for the other club. Her behavior toward the women in years past had been brought back to light. Granted, she hadn't always had the most welcoming personality, but something about her tugged at Oz.

"Done. Be ready to leave day after tomorrow," King told him.

"What's going on at the Haven?" King asked Rash.

"Everything's running smoothly."

"Need anything from us?"

"London has all the rooms ready to take in more residents. Between Mia and Taylor, she says there's not much left for her to do. They keep the place clean and running smoothly.”

"Taylor needs to go,” Brick barked.

"I know we've all questioned her motives and Ioyalties. She seems to be legit,” Lola admitted.

"What's London say?" King wanted to know.

"You know she doesn't share their personal info. But, she's said nothing derogatory about her.” Rash paused. “I do know she's tried to contact her family."

"Then let's take her home.” King scanned the room with no objections. "It's decided. Any volunteers?”

"I'll do it," Brick snapped.

Heads jerked toward Brick and King laughed. "I would like to know she actually arrived safely.”

"I'll take her," Oz offered. "I'll drop her at a hotel while I deliver then we'll drive up to her parent's place. I'll be home in a few days."