Page 48 of Jack

Everyone looks around. A few whisper. Several shake their heads, but no one stands. I study as many faces as I can. Without looking at him, I know Jay’s doing it, too. There’s no odd behavior that I can pinpoint. A guilty man always showssomething to give himself away. You just have to catch it. But I see nothing that alarms me.

“Does anybody have any theories?” Dad asks.

Hendrix stands. “Pres, I don’t know what sparked it, but whatever caused it is personal. Tracy Coombs isn’t coming across the mountain to give a warning and possibly declare war on another club unless it involves his family somehow. Yeah, his method is beyond ridiculous, but I think it’s personal to him.”

“He’s got a point,” Bankz adds. “The Midnight Mavericks’ President wouldn’t be doing a job he normally sends others to do unless it was personal.”

“Alright.” Dad nods. “That’s possible. Can anyone confirm it? If you crossed the Coombs somehow, we need to know. Tell us now so we can prepare, and there won’t be any repercussions for you.”

Once again, no one speaks up. Dad looks at his officers before turning to me. I see the question in his eyes.

“The day at the bakery was the first time I’ve seen Trace in probably four years.”

“Alright, brothers. Keep your eyes open. If you see these guys hanging around, report back. Worley Bird and Rodeo will have the volunteer protection sheet at the bar tonight. If you’re interested, sign it before you leave.” Dad slams the gavel down again.

After most of the guys leave, Dad makes his way over to me. He’s upset and worried. At least he looks rested now.

“Son, I don’t think this is because of what happened at the bakery.” He looks away. “About the other day.”

“Dad, I shouldn’t have pushed.”

“Yeah.” He runs a hand through his hair. “I wasn’t really listening and thinking straight. I…”

“You were worried about Harley. We all are. We don’t want her to end up in a position like Ariel did.”

He takes a deep breath. “I…”

“Hey.” I place my hand on his shoulder. “I understand, and I have a lot to learn about leading this club. But if you’re good, I’m good. We’re good. I promise.”

“We’re good,” he repeats. This is the closest he and I get to an actual apology. It’s fine. We both understand what it means. He tosses an arm over my shoulders as we walk toward the door. “Any progress with Lily?”

“Not really. Did Nick find anything?” I’m not trying to start an argument with them.

“Yeah, but I haven’t read the file yet. He’s still looking, too.” We stop at the door, and he meets my eyes. “Jack, if you really like this woman, make it happen. She’ll have better protection as family. If it’s not what you were hoping, we need to move her to her new life.”

“Okay, Dad. I understand.”

I do understand. I just need to figure out how to move forward with Lily and be gentle at the same time. I’m not sure I can do both.

My heart rate speeds up the moment I step into the Den. Lily’s bar stool is empty. Kayla points toward the kitchen. Her eyes glare at something across the commons room. I follow her gaze. Jenny has her arms around Skip’s neck. He’s a skinny kid and our newest prospect. Jenny notices me and grins slyly. I look back at Kayla. She nods. I drop my head back and groan. I may have to kill a bunny tonight. First, I have an angel to see.

Chapter 21

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Lily

The clubhouse quietened down drastically after most of the men went into the other room. The loudest sounds now are children playing and pool balls clicking. The women with children sit around the tables closest to the doors where the men are having Church. I don’t understand why they call their club meetings Church. It’s another example of why I need a biker’s manual, or handbook, or something. Maybe if I wasn’t hiding out between the bakery and the guest house, I might learn what stuff around here means.

“Why didn’t everybody go to Church?” I ask Kayla.

This area of the clubhouse is huge. The bar and kitchen are together on the left side. Nana said the doors past the kitchen go to the backyard. Six couches have four pool tables boxed off in the far right corner of the room. Four men are playing pool. Two more are making out with their girlfriends on the couches. Noteto self. Never sit on those couches. That’s disgusting, and there are children in here. The blonde, who was hanging on Jack a few weeks ago, sits on a wooden stool next to one of the pool tables. I really hate her.

“Only patched members are allowed in Church.” Kayla sets a mug of beer in front of Pops.

“You and Granddad aren’t patched?” There are patches all over Pops’ cut. I’m not sure which one means they’re a patched member.

“Pops and Granddad consider themselves retired.” Kayla lays her arms on the bar in front of me.

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