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“He agreed to help me. There were rules and stipulations, but basically, I traded my computer skills for his protection,” I explained. “I went to the clubhouse today to talk to him. To ask for permission to tell you, and to tell your family. My secret shouldn’t be your burden.”

“He obviously said yes.”

I nodded. “Yes, he did.”

“Does my family know?”

“Not yet. I wanted to tell you first.”

“Well, when do you want to tell them?” she asked.

“Whenever you feel up to it.” It had only been a few days since the shooting, and I honestly didn’t know what would be too much for her.

She made a dismissive motion with her bandaged hand. “Don’t worry about me. I’m fine.”

“Gabby,” I said slowly.

“I mean I’m fine for a family meeting. Why don’t we have them over for dinner? They’re over here every day to check on me anyway.”

“When? Tonight?”

“Might as well,” she said. “Unless you’d rather wait.”

“It’s not me I’m worried about.”

She smiled triumphantly. “Great. Tonight it is.”

Ranger,Keegan, and Shaker showed up at my house for dinner right on time. I wasn’t nervous, but I wasn’t exactly relaxed either. I had talked about my past more in the last week than I had in my entire life, and I hoped dinner with Gabby’s family would be the last time.

“Come on in,” I said and held the door open for them to enter. “I hope you’re hungry.”

Shaker cocked his head to the side while Keegan gave me a quizzical look. Thankfully, Gabby entered the room and stole their attention before either one of them said anything.

Ranger’s big hand landed on my shoulder. “You okay?”

“Yeah. Why?” I blurted before I had a chance to think of a better response.

“You seem jumpy.”

“I probably will be until this whole situation is completely resolved,” I admitted. Even though Lauren was in police custody, Chad was still in the wind, and that wasn’t sitting well with me.

“Let me know when you find him. I’ll be happy to put an end to it once and for all,” Ranger said as he made his way to the table.

We were just starting to dish out the food when there was a knock on the door. I opened it to find Phoenix standing there. He grinned. “Hope you have room for one more.”

“Prez,” I said slowly.

“I’m not letting you explain decisions I made without me. Now, invite me in for dinner.”

I shook my head. I should have expected him to show up. I opened the door and gestured for him to come in.

“Prez,” Shaker said. “What are you doing here?”

“Thought I’d join you guys for dinner,” he said and took a seat.

Everyone continued passing the food and loading their plates. Everyone except Keegan. She sat frozen in place until Shaker nudged her with his elbow. The fork she was holding fell from her hand and landed on her empty plate with an echoing clank.

“Keegan?” Shaker asked.

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