Page 94 of Cash

“Where are you and when are you coming back?” James asks.

“I’m in Jackson Hole and will come back tomorrow.”

“Have you spoken with Cash, Livi?” James questions in a soft voice.

“He’s called and texted, but I haven’t listened to the voicemails or read the texts. I think I’m done on that front, James. I think I need to be done.”

“You’re wrong, Livi. That’s your exhausted brain speaking. You love that guy and his baby. He’s just a man who wants the best for his son and is leery of making a mistake that could hurt his child. He was being overcautious, and you got your feelings hurt in the crossfire. I think he’s realizing that too. Take today and tomorrow for yourself but listen to his voicemails. Don’t close the door on him and you yet,” James advises.

“I’ll listen to them and think about everything you said,” I promise.

“I’ll cook us dinner, and we’ll have a Netflix marathon on our next day off. Just us, like it used to be.”

“You have prospecting to do, James. Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine. I decided I’m going to sign me and Snots up for mom and dog swimming lessons. I also found a dog park where he can socialize with other dogs. He’s been acting depressed lately, so it’ll be good for him.”

“He’ll sink like a stone, and how the hell can you tell he’s depressed when all he ever does is sleep?” James asks with a laugh.

Our conversation ends on a good note, but I feel guilty for not sharing with James about the Feds. I felt caught in the middle between law enforcement and my brother. I feel the same way now with the Feds and my newfound knowledge. James has one foot in two worlds and I’m no longer sure which one owns his loyalty. His club brothers or law enforcement. I’ll keep my conversation with the Feds to myself for now, but under no circumstances would I ever sell Chubs out to anyone.

Chapter 20

Cash

I don’t receive a text or call from Livi, but that’s not surprising. I ignored hers and left her dangling, so I can’t expect to get an instant response now that I’ve pulled my head out of my ass. Luckily, I do receive one from James and Rex. I know she’s safe, and James said she’s going to be fine. She just needed to step away for a few days. He explained about the position her brother had put her in, and I know her well enough to know how hard that must have been for her. Other than that, he’s been close-mouthed about Livi. James has made a conscious effort to keep his two lives separate from each other. I feel bad that I’m the one who’s put him in the position of having to do that. Hopefully, in the future, he won’t have to.

I’m sitting at the clubhouse with a few of the guys tonight. Watching the twins entertaining Liam has kept a smile on everyone’s faces. Everyones but mine. Until I can speak with Livi and try to fix things between us, nothing has made me smile.

My phone vibrates and I pull it out of my pocket to see the call is from James. I know he’s working a shift tonight with Livi, so my heart does a stutter step as I answer.

“Yeah?”

“Does the name Betty Lou Powell mean anything to you?” James asks.

“Yeah, I think I know who that is. Why?” I ask while motioning for Petey.

I hit the speaker button and hold my phone up for everyone to hear.

“Because Livi just tackled a lady by that name when we caught her trying to throw a brick through the front window of the gym. Livi’s, um, let’s use the word ‘questioning’ her now about the other incidents against the club. I think we’ve solved your vandalism mystery,” James informs us.

I can hear Livi’s raised voice in the background and the word “questioning” is a polite term for what I’m hearing. While this is serious, I feel a smile finally hit my face. I’m smiling because I’m finally hearing a voice I’ve missed a fuck of a lot. And because I can picture the flames that must be shooting from Livi’s eyes while she goes full-on cop mode on someone who’s done wrong to our club.

“Someone want to come here and decide if the club’s going to press charges or not?” James asks. “We can arrest her now, and you guys can decide later too.”

“Keep her there if you can. We’ll be there soon,” Petey answers with a bite to his tone.

“No problem keeping her here. Livi’s got that under control. See you soon,” James says then disconnects.

When the group of us arrive at the gym, we park our bikes behind the patrol unit. James is leaning against it, watching us. Livi’s sitting in the driver’s seat with our vandal in the back. While it’s dark outside, the front of the gym is well lit. My eyes lock on the back of Livi’s head, and I wait impatiently for her to exit the vehicle. Instead, James steps forward to explain the situation better.

“Betty Lou Powell? You’re sure that’s her name?” Petey questions.

“That’s what her ID says. You know her?” James asks.

“Yeah. She’s my mom,” Axel says quietly. “Can I talk to her?”

Before James can answer, Betty Lou turns into a caged wildcat. Twisting in the seat, she uses both feet to kick at the side window of the patrol car. Screaming obscenities at the top of her lungs, she continues assaulting the window. It’s very evident that Ms. Powell considers Livi the root of all evil. The names and insults aimed at Livi make me cringe. Eventually, Livi orders for her to stop kicking the window or she’d have additional charges on her, but Betty Lou continues. After a moment, Livi swings out of the unit. Slamming her door shut, she rips open the back door. After receiving a couple of hard kicks, Livi yanks Betty Lou out and places her frontside against the patrol car. This wasn’t done with care because Betty Lou continued battling. James wades in and finally Betty Lou has worn herself out. Sagging against the car, Betty’s eyes find Petey, then her son.

“Why?” Axel asks, hurt radiating in his voice.

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