Page 72 of Jack

“A biker was hiding in the garden area. I thought it was one of you, but he talked to Joel with hand signals through the glass. He ran off when Finley pulled the fire alarm, and we heard you coming.”

“Did you see his cut?” Jack’s dad is closer to the phone now.

“No, sir, but he reminded me of one of the bikers Jack and I ran into at the bakery.”

“Which one?” Jack asks.

“I’m not a hundred percent sure it was him, but the one with long blond hair.”

“Okay, angel. That’s good. We’ll handle it from here. You and Kayla go watch a movie or something. I’ll be home as soon as I can. Kayla, if Lil Mama is with the prospects, they can sit the boxes inside the door. That’s as far as they go, though.”

“Got it, Jack.” Before Kayla ends the call, the screen goes black.

We sit quietly for so long that our coffee gets cold. Kayla warms them up in the microwave. So much happened today that I can’t process it all. I jump when someone knocks on the front door.

“That’s bound to be the prospects with your stuff. You can wait here if you want. If Lil Mama is with them, I’ll open the door. If she’s not, they can leave them on the porch.”

“Who’s Lil Mama?” I step into the living room but don’t follow her to the door.

“Bankz’s mom. She’s insane. You’ll love her. He has two sisters, but I don’t think you’ve met them yet.”

I haven’t met half of the club members and their families. I don’t know all the names of the ones I have seen. I expect that to change tomorrow during Thanksgiving dinner.

Kayla peeks through the blinds and grins over her shoulder. “Get ready.”

Get ready for what? Do I need to run and hide? Call 911? Grab a kitchen knife? My friend needs to learn how to explain things better.

Kayla opens the door, and a little tornado rushes in. No, really. She’s short, tiny, and a whirlwind of activity. She orders the four prospects around and stands guard while they put my stuff where she wants it. I’ve learned that prospects aren’t patched members but are working to be. It sounds like some strange sorority initiation to me. I don’t get it, but it’s their life.

I study the little woman closely. Is this really Bankz’s mom? He’s six feet tall. He must get it from his dad. His mom can’t be no more than five, two, or three at the most. She’s a bossy little thing, though. She’s already threatened to stab one of the prospects three times. His expression says he believes her. The others just laugh.

I slowly ease over to the couch and continue watching the little woman. She’s finally still long enough for me to see theback of her cut. The patches say property of Big Papa. Well, of course, that’s her husband’s name. Makes all the sense in the world. Well, in their world, maybe. Once all the boxes are inside, she orders the men out. Now, I have another thing to process today. I doubt anything will explain this little woman.

Lil Mama locks the door before turning to us. “You ladies good? Need anything?”

“No, Lil Mama, we’re good,” Kayla replies.

“Oh, I smell coffee. I’ll just grab a cup before I go.” She hurries to the kitchen and comes back with a to-go mug.

I stand and walk with her and Kayla to the door. She’s such a big ball of activity, I’m not sure what to say to her.

“Thank you for helping with my things.” Nice and polite is definitely the way to go with her.

“Lily, this is Bankz’s mom. Lil Mama, this is Jack’s girl.” Kayla sort of introduced us. She needs to work on that, too.

Lil Mama smiles up at me. “We’ll talk tomorrow at dinner. You rest tonight. Kayla set her nose before it heals that way.”

“Will do.” Kayla snickers and holds up tissue for my nose.

Lil Mama spins around in the door. “Oh, Kayla. Pres ordered a level one lockdown. Nana assigned you with Lily. One of the guys will take you to get what you need after Church.”

“Okay.” Kayla locks the door behind her.

“Assigned to me?” I raise an eyebrow. “It means we can’t go anywhere alone. Looks like I’m staying here with you for a few nights.”

Okay. That’s not so bad. Having her here will make things easier for me. I’m really not happy about giving up the guest house. But this is Jack’s house. Oh my. Jack and I are living together. Have I been claimed? Do I want to be? Oh, I can’t answer that tonight, either.

Chapter 32

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