Page 34 of Pigeon

“You’re done doing this, Ivy. We’ll find a way out for you whether it’s polite or bloody, legal or not,” Pigeon states with a small bite to his voice.

“When Ava finds out about your brother, I guarantee it’s going to lean toward the bloody side,” Axel adds.

“Ava’s pregnant and not getting involved in this,” Gunner barks, and I agree wholeheartedly.

All heads turn to the door when it opens, and in walks Chubs. I feel the room go wired, but I don’t know why. Staying silent, I watch Chubs walk to the coffee pot, pour a cup, refill mine, then take a seat, all without saying a word.

“Shit’s been happening, brother, and apparently your phone’s broke,” Gunner says in a frigid voice.

“Here now, Prez,” Chubs answers while taking a sip of his coffee.

Even being an outsider, I can read a room. There’s tension radiating from every man in the room except Chubs. It’s time to make an exit.

“I need to get home and get chores done before my shift. Thank you—” I start but get cut off.

“You called in sick this morning. Margie’s aware of what happened last night and has agreed to get your shift covered. Also, your brother’s been calling your phone all morning. A few of his voicemails indicate that at least one of us will be going home with you. Looks like you get some free ranch hands for the day,” Pigeon informs me with a beautiful smile.

“I called in sick?”

“Axel did since he has the most feminine voice in the club,” Cash states with a grin.

“Nobody appreciates my raw talents,” Axel grumbles.

“I’ll take Ivy home. I can stay there with her or bring her back. Whichever you want done,” Chubs offers while looking at Pigeon.

After a few seconds, Chubs holds a piece of paper out to Gunner.

“There’s the location Rex is looking for.”

“Are you sure about this?” Gunner questions.

“About 95% sure,” Chubs answers while standing and placing his cup in the sink.

“Chubs and I’ll be taking you home, Ivy. After chores are done, you’ll be coming back here, so you’ll need to pack a bag,” Pigeon informs me before reaching for my cup.

“Ted’s not going to like that idea,” I warn him. “He might get physical about it.”

“God, I hope so,” Chubs states emphatically before walking out the door.

Chapter 11

Pigeon

The drive to Ivy’s home is a typically beautiful Colorado drive. Not much about this state to not like, though. Even with the views, Ivy’s tense, understandably so, but Chubs keeps the conversation flowing with questions about the ranch. When he asks about her future plans, though, that’s when she gets animated. As she talks, my admiration for this woman grows. Wanting to return the ranch to a place of peace, solitude, and growth for others less fortunate, as it was for her when her young life was turbulent, is a dream I can get on board with. It angers me to know that to achieve it, she’s been living a life of hell brought on by her own family member. Having been raised on a farm of horrors, I can relate to her current life.

Driving down the long winding driveway, I spot large herds of cattle in the distance on both sides of us. To the right is another large pasture with several horses grazing peacefully. Up ahead, I get my first glimpse of the homestead.

Large, white two-story farmhouse with black shutters opened next to each window. Wraparound-style deck runs the full length of at least two sides of the house. Beautiful flower beds, all in bloom, line the front of the house, and the square-shaped lawn is a deep green. In the distance are several ranch buildings, including barns, a few well-maintained sheds, what’s most likely a machine shop, and another smaller one-story home. Stopping Ivy’s truck to the side of the driveway, I watch as a few blue heelers race toward us and two men step out of a barn. The men start walking our direction, and one has an angry face. Guessing that’s the brother.

“Fucking paradise, Ivy. I can see why you’re willing to fight for it,” Chubs says as he opens his door and steps out.

I do the same on my side and wait for Ivy to slide across the seat and step out next to me. I slam the door shut, place my hand on the small of her back and wait for the dogs to reach us. Ivy greets the dogs by name, and I give them a chance to sniff me before encouraging Ivy forward.

“Where the hell have you been, Ivy? You forget there’s a ranch full of hungry animals here?” the angry-faced man barks loudly.

I feel Ivy’s flinch, but she keeps her eyes trained on her brother. Chubs stops in front of him and holds his hand out, saying, “Hey, Ted. I’m Chubs.”

Ted hesitates before taking his eyes off his sister but eventually turns to Chubs, accepts the handshake, and asks, “Who are you?”

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