Page 26 of Pigeon

“Yeah, no problem. It’ll give me a chance to beat your child and hide the body,” I answer.

“He’d haunt your ass, you know. He can be an ornery little fucker but take your chances if you feel brave enough,” Pooh says with a laugh. “We should be home by 5:00pm, I think. Thanks, brother.”

I disconnect, drop my head into my hands, and offer up a short prayer.

“Please, God, don’t let Craig volunteer my ass for something it’s not ready for,” I whisper before standing and leaving the building.

Stopping at the clubhouse, I find Chubs sitting alone at the bar. Not eating, drinking, or watching the TV. I feel a chill run up my back as I take a seat next to him. It takes another moment for him to notice he’s not alone any longer, and that’s very unlike him. Nudging his elbow with mine, I speak first.

“Don’t know what’s going on with you, but I’m here for anything you need.”

“Know that, Pigeon. Appreciate it, too, but nothing’s wrong,” Chubs lies while not meeting my eyes.

“Where’s Lucy?” I ask.

“She left with her parents and sister for Washington D.C. Her dad has some meetings, and her mom wanted some daughter time. They’ll be gone for a week,” Chubs answers in a monotone voice.

“You want to go riding tomorrow? Get away from here for a few hours?”

“Thanks, but no. Got things to do,” Chubs replies in the same flat voice.

“Worried about you, Chubs. Everyone is.”

“No need to be,” he answers before suddenly turning to face me fully. “If something did happen, I’d want you and the others to take care of Lucy. Keep her close, and don’t let her put herself in danger on my account. No matter what happens, just know that I’ll be fine, Pigeon.”

I feel alarm hit my chest, but I nod my head, agreeing. Before I can say anything else, he stands and walks out. I pull my phone out and call Cash. He’s the club enforcer and needs to know that whatever’s up with Chubs, it’s heating up. Feeling unsettled but not having answers, I leave the clubhouse to go retrieve Craig’s helmet.

“Hey, Pigeon! Guess what I got to feed today?” Craig asks excitedly.

“What, little man?” I ask.

“An opossum! A baby one, and they’re called joeys! It’s so cute and cuddly!” Craig shouts while bouncing around on his feet.

A full day at the rescue, and his energy level is still high. Reaching out, I ruffle his hair and grin down at the little menace. The desire to throttle him disappeared on the ride here because I know he didn’t mean any harm. I will, although, be more careful about his hearing abilities and what I say if he’s nearby.

“That’s cool, Craig. Have fun today?” I ask, already knowing the answer.

“Yeah, I did. I got to feed all kinds of animals, and I hung out with Priscilla too. Hate to say this, but I think Axel’s right. I think Prissy has a crush on him. Birds are strange,” Craig informs me.

“Tell Ivy thank you, and we’ll hit the road. Pooh and your mom will be home soon, but we can stop and get something to eat on the way. Whatever you’d like,” I tell Craig.

“Fuc… uh, flipping awesome!” Craig shouts before turning to Ivy. “Thank you, Ivy! I had a lot of fun today, and it was nice you let me come here. I’ll talk to my mom about learning to ride a horse.”

“You’re very welcome, Craig. I had fun too,” Ivy responds with a smile.

“Thanks, Ivy. Have a good day,” I say.

“Hey, how about you come eat with us, Ivy?” Craig asks as I turn to leave.

“Oh, no, Craig, I better get home. I have some things to get done yet,” Ivy refuses politely.

“But you’re going to have to eat all alone then, Ivy,” Craig says while aiming sad, puppy dog eyes in my direction.

I open my mouth to tell Craig that Ivy’s busy, and we need to leave when she speaks.

“I won’t be alone, Craig. My brother’s home now,” Ivy reassures Craig, but I’m positive I hear a wobble in her voice. Concern or fear maybe?

“Buying you dinner’s a small price for the smile you put on the little man’s face, Ivy. We’ll go somewhere quick, so you can get home at a decent hour,” I insist, changing my mind instantly.

---