Page 55 of Cash

“Jesus, woman. The last thing we need is another dog,” grumbles Gunner in disgust. Or maybe in fear or concern since Ava and the girls are clearly infatuated with Snots, and Gunner’s usually unable to tell his girls no.

I don’t bother hiding my laugh at the look on his face. Even Bella giggles at him as he continues mumbling about being ate out of house and home by pets.

“Axel’s bike was vandalized today at the gym,” Gunner says while probably hoping to change the subject from dogs to club stuff.

“How bad?” I ask surprised.

“Seat and both tires were slashed.”

“Anyone seen doing it?”

“No. It was parked behind the gym, and we don’t have cameras back there. Rex and Reeves are installing some today, though,” Gunner informs me.

“Any ideas of who might have done it?” I continue questioning Gunner.

“None. Hoping it was a random thing. Maybe a teenager being stupid. I went to the gym when I heard. Came over here with Ava to let you know. I pity the person who did it if Axel ever gets his hands on them.”

If you want to strike out at a biker, damage his bike. Beware though, because it’s the easiest way to receive an ass-whooping of huge proportions. It’s the lowest of low and has dire consequences. My mind can’t fathom someone being stupid enough to risk being caught touching an MC member’s bike.

“I’m back to work on Monday. I’ll keep an eye out for anyone hanging around,” I say.

“That’d be good. The guys are adding some cameras behind the bakery too just to be safe. Get with Rex and he’ll walk you through the new camera systems,” Gunner states.

“Have you talked with Pooh or Trigger today?” Ava asks.

“No, neither one. Why?” I reply.

“Pippa and Tammy met with a social worker about fostering a young boy. I’m not sure, but I think one of them is going to do it. Pippa said that the boy has had a hard time adjusting to the family he’s with now, and the social worker is hoping to find him a home where he’s more comfortable. Tammy said the boy is deaf. They don’t think he’s had any medical care or educational help with it at all. It’s just so sad to hear that no one in his life cared enough to get him the care he needs,” Ava says in a quiet tone.

“Too damn many kids are getting the short straw in the parent department,” Gunner spits out angrily.

“Truth,” I respond.

“I hope one of them fosters him. He may not have the best start in life, but the club would give him a better future,” Ava states.

The front door opens again and in walks a smiling Chubs with Lucy on his heels.

“Raspberry pie and cinnamon rolls. Do we have to eat dinner first?” Chubs asks as he walks straight past me and into the kitchen.

“You touch that and I’m tackling you, Chubs!” hollers Lottie while pointing a fork at him.

“We’re making dinner for Cash and Livi. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind sharing a roll or two with you though,” Lola says.

“A roll or two? Are you trying to starve me to death?” asks Chubs with a distinct whine in his voice.

At that moment, there’s a loud crash outside the slider. Nobody bothers to investigate it. We all know strange things happen when Lucy’s around, and today is no different. After a moment, Lucy rolls her eyes, sighs and walks out the slider. Re-entering, she makes her way to the garbage bin with the remains of a clay flowerpot. Snots had sat up at the noise and watched this with interest. When Lucy takes a seat on the couch, Snots decides she’s too close for comfort. Without taking his eyes off her, he shuffles backward until he’s mostly hidden by my recliner. Peeking his fat head out, he stares at Lucy. As soon as she looks at him, he ducks back out of sight. Damn dog will growl at me but cowers from a 4-foot nothing Lucy.

“What’s wrong with your puppy’s face, Uncle Cash?” one of the twins asks in her little-girl voice.

“He makes funny sounds like Gee does. Like he’s snoring, but he’s awake,” adds the other twin as she crawls into my lap.

“Nothing’s wrong. That’s just how he looks,” answers Bella. “His breathing is louder because his nose is pushed in a little.”

“Come on girls. We have to go. Bella, you want to ride home with us?” asks Ava.

“Yeah. Pops won’t have to come get me then,” Bella says.

After a round of goodbyes and hugs, Gunner and family leave. Chubs takes the seat Gunner just left before he starts eating a plate of cheese, crackers and ham. I continue watching him until his eyes meet mine.

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