Page 4 of Locke

“And?”

“And you never said shit, Prez. What the hell?” Gunner runs his hand through his hair as he looks around the room before dragging his gaze back to mine.

“Things weren’t always good between us. Her mom hates me. Kiki wasn’t far behind when she bolted from here. I didn’t know if she would come back, to be honest. I haven’t heard from her in years,” he explains.

“What’s she doin’ here?”

“Needs a place to stay. I don’t know what happened out in New York, but she’s back now.”

“She left with one of your guys?”

“Somethin’ like that. He was into drugs. It got bad, and we had to pull his patch. I heard he patched into another club in New York. Took my little girl along for the ride.”

“You think she’s here for a reason?” I ask him needing to know what the club might be up against.

“No. I think she needed to get away from him.”

“That all you think this is?” He scrubs a hand over his face before nodding his head and looking at me.

“Yeah. I think whatever that was is over now, and she needs a place to stay.” I nod my head once. If he thinks that then so will I. I trust Gunner.

“Hey, Dad!” I hear her voice as she scrambles into the room. “Oh, sorry. I didn’t realize anyone was in here.”

“It’s okay. We’re done now. What do you need?”

“Nothing. I was just going to tell you I love all the updates to the club. You have so many new members, too,” she says as she glances over at me.

“You’ve met Locke already?” Gunner asks, nodding toward me.

“Yeah, I have. VP, right?” She says as I nod my head.

“Yeah, we got new members, new updates. You name it, we’re doin’ it.”

“I love it. I’ve missed this place.”

“We’ve missed you too, darlin’. I’m glad you’re back.”

“Are you going to introduce me to everyone?” She rests her hand on her hip as she stares Gunner down. I can see it. Not the resemblance obviously, but that he’s raised her. She acts just like him.

“I will when they all get back. Got a few out doin’ things right now.”

“And Duke? Is he still here?” I can hear the sadness in her tone, thinking that Duke might not be around any longer.

“He’s still kickin’. He’ll be back soon, too.” Now, her face lights up as she turns to look over her shoulder at me.

“He’s like my grandpa.”

“He’s like that with everyone,” I add. She smiles, and fuck, it’s a nice smile.

“I’m going back downstairs. My brother owes me a drink,” she announces before laughing and spinning on her heel. She walks out the door, and I shake my head.

“She’s just like you.”

“I raised her right. At least, I hope I did.”

“Seems like you have.”

Chapter 3

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