Page 13 of Locke

“Who’s this?”

“Spike. The one Kiki ran off with to New York. Used to be one of us,” he replies.

“What’s this about, Prez?”

“The guys crossed him in Georgia runnin’ coke. He gave them a little hell. He’s close. Too close, and I don’t like it. She came back here, left him for a reason, Locke.”

“You’re worried he’s comin’ back for her?” He sighs and runs his hand through his hair.

“I don’t know, brother. What I do know is he isn’t gettin’ near her again. I will see him dead before that happens.”

“You’re really worried about this?”

“Yeah, I am. She didn’t just get bored with him, Locke. Somethin’ happened.”

“Don’t worry, Gunner. That motherfucker won’t get near your girl.” Something flares in my chest. Anger? Is that what this is? Anger that some motherfucker may try to come near her? I won’t let that shit happen.

“Agreed.”

Chapter 7

Kiki

The guys finished eating, and I saw Locke following dad upstairs. I can only assume what they are talking about isn’t good if it was just the two of them. Nevertheless, it’s none of my business.

“So, you happy to be back?” Tracey asks as we finish up the dishes.

“I am. It’s different, though. A whole different vibe around here. I like it.”

“Things change. The club has changed, but for the better,” she says.

“I can see that. I have missed this.”

“Well, I’m glad you’re back.”

“Me too. I just don’t know about the new job. I’m already sick of assholes grabbing on me,” I tell her.

“That’s why you quit this mornin’.” I spin around to see my dad standing there with a snarl on his face.

“I did not.”

“Yeah, you did. You’re not workin’ at the club anymore. I want you here,” he says firmly.

“You can’t do this, Dad.”

“I already did. You’re not workin’ there anymore. I want you here, and that’s final.”

“I needed that job,” I whine a little. I need the money. Plus, I’m not living off my dad this time. I plan to make my own way.

“You have one. You can work here,” he suggests.

“Doing what?”

“Cookin’. Tracey ain’t always around, and the guys seem to like what you made.”

“You can’t be serious,” I huff out a breath. As much as I like being here, I didn’t want to work here. I wanted a job outside the club, but I guess that isn’t happening now.

“I’m dead serious.” He turns and walks away, stomping through the door he came in. I stand with my mouth open, looking from the door to Tracey. I can’t believe him.

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