Page 24 of Everlasting

“So, you’re saying Deck became a pawn between the siblings too. Whoever controls him, controls the Aces High MC and the weapons pipeline they created?”

“Like I said before, you always were too smart for your own good.”

“So, which one has him now?”

“That’s the damn problem. We’re not sure. We know that it isn’t the woman. We’ve had someone successfully trailing her. At least, we did, up until she went off the grid about two weeks ago. From what we’ve been able to gather, the back and forth has come into play because no one knows who the fuck they’re actually working for up there. Three of the children were groomed to take over different aspects of the business. The Trinity Group employees are used to seeing their faces and granting them access. With her going off the grid, there’s no telling where she might show up and who will allow her access again.”

“Do you think she heard the same hospital rumors, only she knew where to look since she’s from that world?”

Dad nodded his head. “That’s exactly what we think. She’s going to go after him again. Granted, her going off the grid could also mean that maybe she’s dead and we have one less player in the game, but I honestly don’t think that’s it.”

“Well, shit!”

“That’s what I came by to tell you.” He glanced down at the sleeping baby in his arms. “Well, that and to get some grandbaby cuddles. I know you have a lot on your plate, but I need you and your sister to check in on your momma for me while I’m away.”

“You’re leaving again?”

“Remember when I said we had to be ready to move at a moment’s notice?” He waited for a response from me before going on. After a nod from me, he continued. “Well, that means someone has to be there with feet on the ground to move. Even if I flew in from here, we’re at the mercy of the airlines, the weather, anything that malfunctions, crowds, transportation issues, customs even. There are too many cogs in the wheel at any given time to get there in a quick enough timeframe from here.”

“Momma is not going to like losing more time with you. Maybe you should stay behind this time,” I suggested.

“You can’t ask that of me, and your momma would never do it.”

“Just because she wouldn’t doesn’t mean she isn’t silently wishing for that outcome.”

“She knows I have to do this.”

“Why? Why do you have to do this? There are others!”

“I don’t trust them, Ever. I don’t trust anyone else to bring Deck home to you.”

“You know I love you, no matter what, right? My love doesn’t hinge on you getting this right and bringing him back. Having him back is a bonus.”

He didn’t answer verbally. Dad simply nodded at me and then worked his way out of the chair and placed my son in my arms. Archer wiggled his cute little butt around in my arms as he settled to get comfortable against a different person, then his lip wobbled a little bit like he was going to cry.

“It’s okay, little man. Your momma has you now.” Just like magic, my father’s voice settled Archer right down before the crying could start.

“You’re good with babies. Maybe you should have had more of them yourself.”

“Nah, I fucked up enough kids.”

“Dad,” I whispered.

“It’s okay, Ever. I know what I did. Now, promise me, you’ll look after your momma and take care of yourself and my grandbabies too while I’m gone.”

“You know I will,” I told him.

“Not good enough. Promise me.”

“I promise,” I finally relented and let him have what he wanted.

“With any luck, you’ll see me in a few weeks, and I hope like hell that will mean I have Deck with me when I get here.”

Little did I know that weeks would turn to months and the seasons would change again before that happened.

Chapter 18

Goodbyes

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