Page 56 of Devil's Queen

Harlow’s gaze softens as she reaches across the table, placing a hand on mine. “Remy, we’re not just your club sisters, we’re your family. And family sticks together no matter what.”

Her words stir something within me, reminding me of our bond as Voodoo City Queens. We’ve faced countless challenges before and come out stronger, united in our purpose. Maybe the easiest road is our only option.

“If we can track down those thieves and retrieve the stolen parts, it could be a win-win scenario. We fulfill our obligation to the client without compromising our principles.”

The room erupts into murmurs of agreement, my club sisters seizing the possibility of a more peaceful resolution. It’s clear that everyone is relieved at the prospect of seeking justice rather than exacting revenge through violence.

“But…” I continue, my tone holding a note of caution, “… we need to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. If our efforts to retrieve the parts fail, or if we find ourselves facing insurmountable obstacles, we may have to reconsider our options.”

Tinley narrows her eyes, her expression firm as she interjects, “We need a backup plan. Something that ensures our survival as a club while maintaining our integrity.”

The room falls silent once more as we collectively mull over the gravity of the situation. We must strike a delicate balance between loyalty to our code and the harsh realities.

“I agree,” I say, my voice steady and resolute. “We can’t afford to put all our eggs in one basket. We need contingencies in place in case things don’t go as planned.”

Harlow raises an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. “What do you have in mind, Remy?”

A smile tugs at the corner of my lips as I lay out my proposal. “We’ll take on the client’s request on the surface. That’ll buy us the time we need to figure out an alternative plan. Simultaneously, we’ll start gathering information on him. We need to know who he really is, what his connections are, and whether he poses any threat to the club. Maybe there’s an angle here I’m not seeing.”

Tinley smirks, a glint of mischief in her eyes.

“We could also use this opportunity to strengthen our network of informants. Get close to those who might have information that could benefit us in the future.”

I nod appreciatively at their ideas, feeling a renewed sense of determination. I’d gone into this meeting feeling hopeless, but now, it’s almost as if there is a glimmer of light at the end of this dark, shit-covered tunnel.

REX

“Daddy,can we go to the zoo this weekend?” Birdie asks, peering up from her glass of milk. A milk mustache covers her upper lip. I reach over, wiping it away from her face.

“We’ll have to see, baby girl. I may be tied up with work.”

Satisfied for now, Birdie goes back to her breakfast—a bowl of steaming grits with eggs and cheese—one of her favorites. She scarfs her breakfast without a single care in the world, chattering between bites about all the animals she wants to see at the zoo in order from her favorite to least favorite.

I sigh, listening to her childlike conversation. The simplicity of it is something I miss as an adult and how quickly the magic of that age disappears. I consider how it could change for her and my son, the half-brother she doesn’t know about yet.

As Birdie finishes her breakfast, I can’t help but feel a pang of guilt weighing heavy on my chest. I’ve been considering telling her all morning, but a part of me knows she may never get to know him. Until I have a DNA test proving he’s mine, I have no parental rights, but keeping the knowledge from her is as bad as Remy doing it to me.

She deserves to know that she isn’t alone in this world.

“Sweetie…” I begin, my voice gentle yet resolute, “… I have something important to tell you.” Birdie looks up at me with curious eyes, her gaze filled with innocence and trust. “You know how you’ve always wished to have a sibling?”

She nods eagerly, her enthusiasm sparking hope within me.

“Well, sweetheart, you do have a half-brother,” I reveal with a mixture of apprehension and anticipation. Her eyes widen in surprise, and she sets down her spoon, giving me her full attention. “His name is Beaux, and he’s just a little bit older than you.”

Birdie’s face lights up with excitement as she leans closer. “Really? Where is he? Can we meet him?” Her questions tumble out one after another as she eagerly waits for my response. “Oh! Can he go to the zoo with us? Does he like animals? What’s his favorite color?”

“Woah, there, baby girl. That’s a lot of questions all at once. Let’s start with the easiest one.”

I pause, taking a moment to gather my thoughts. Birdie’s eagerness is infectious, but there are delicate details I need to convey with care.

“Beaux is… well, baby girl, the thing is, he lives with his mom,” I explain gently, watching her face shift from excitement to confusion. I’d never hidden from her the fact that Birdie’s mom had left us. The idea of keeping something like that from her seemed cruel. I’d seen so many growing up that were fucked up from the start by secrets like this, and I couldn’t do that to her. Birdie knows she has a mom, but she doesn’t live close by. That’s all she needs to know.

“His mom?” she asks. “Is she my mom too?”

“No, baby girl,” I admit. “You have different moms.”

“Oh.” Birdie’s brow furrows, her little mind trying to process this new information. “Could she be my mom?”

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