“You have to sign for it.”
I scrawl my name and shove it back at him, and he passes me the bag. “Thanks.”
Before I can close the door, Brick roars up the driveway, and I step outside. “What are you doing here?”
He shuts his bike off and climbs to his feet. “I heard from Pipe that you’re selling him your shovelhead. I came to see if you fell on your head.”
“I’m fine. It’s not your concern.”
He cocks his head. “You okay? What’s wrong?”
I look at the package in my hand.
“What’s that?” Brick asks.
“Her grandmother’s ring.”
Brother looks toward the house. “You mean Grace?”
“Yeah. She’d pawned it to escape that asshole.”
Brick’s chin lifts. “So, that’s why you’re sellin’ your bike.”
“Yeah.”
“How much did you have to pay to get that ring?”
“Six grand.”
Brick whistles. “Goddamn, VP.”
I nod. “Crazy, huh? I was going to surprise her for Christmas.”
“What do you meanwere? Now you’re not?”
“She’s gone, Brick.”
“What do you mean? Gone where?”
I shrug. “She left a note. Said she didn’t want to put the girls in danger.”
“You didn’t tell her we got the asshole?”
“She was asleep. I was going to tell her this morning.”
Brick puts his hands on his hips and looks toward the road. “Well, she ain’t got a vehicle, so let’s go find her.”
I look at him. “You think we can?”
“Worth a shot, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, but…” I look toward the house. “I can’t leave the kids.”
Brick pulls his phone out and calls his ol’ lady. “Hey, honey. Can you come to Lucky’s place? We need to run out somewhere,and he doesn’t have anyone to watch his girls.” He cocks his head, listening. “What was that?”
“What?” I whisper, stepping closer.
Brick holds his finger up and keeps listening. “Where?” he snaps, staring at me. “Where are you now, Angie?”