Page 33 of August 20

Besides, something had gone down. That's why he was needed. The mood of the club was going to be less than stellar.

The trip only took fifteen minutes. He parked behind the building that housed the clubhouse and Havlin Motorcycle Parts shop.

At least thirty motorcycles were parked against the brick building. Half the club was here, waiting for him.

He shut off the car and quickly opened the back door. Skye hopped out. He grabbed her hand, keeping her close, daring Brooke to try and stop him.

He'd played it safe since keeping them at the house. The only place they'd gone was down to the beach.

The back door opened, and Jagger rushed out with several of his MC brothers. Skye pulled her arm, trying to take her hand back. He eased up, not realizing he squeezed her hand too hard.

Jagger stopped at the sight of him, taking in his two guests. "Dio and Wire will watch over them."

He nodded, ushering them inside.

Every light was on in the place. The television was off. The music was off. Nobody played pool. Even the bar was closed.

The only ones inside were the club members who either finished their jobs or weren't a part of the crew that went out earlier.

Skye dragged her feet. Remembering what was at hand, he stopped and searched for Dio. He found his MC brother leaning over the far table where Wire had his bust leg propped up on a chair with Link and Bane in attendance.

Business would need to end.

He approached the table and slapped Bane on the back, gaining his attention—and he quieted the others.

Maverick pointed at Dio and then at Skye and Brooke. Everyone knew he was occupied twenty-four/seven with keeping Brooke under his care.

"Watch them." He waited until Dio nodded, and then he kneeled beside Skye. "I'll be back."

He turned his head and coughed into his arm. Skye left him and reached for Brooke—who continued to glare at him.

"Daisy's at the pool." Bane motioned his head toward Skye. "Can she—?"

"She stays here." His throat protested each word.

His phone vibrated in his pocket. Leaving Skye in Brooke's care, he jogged across the room and pushed out the door.

He was needed whenever there was a dead body to get rid of. It was a job no one wanted. A dangerous job.

A job he took because, at one time, without his daughter, he had nothing to lose. It was his punishment for failing her.

Chapter Nineteen

"I want to go home," whined Skye.

"I know, honey." Brooke rubbed her niece's back. "But we have to wait until Maverick returns and gets us."

Skye laid her head on her crossed arms on the table's surface. Brooke looked at the group of men standing ten feet away. Skye wasn't the only one who wanted to leave.

Thrust into the clubhouse, she neither knew nor trusted the bikers. They had her remembering the danger she was in—and how she'd started to believe Maverick was safe.

"Come on." She stood and grabbed Skye's arm.

"Where are we going?" Skye hurried to keep up with her.

"I'm not sure," she muttered.

Without pausing, she made a beeline for the door. As Maverick drove them here, she'd watched her surroundings. They were in town, off the main street. There were other businesses within walking distance.

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