Page 38 of Pigeon

I nod.

“Anything happens to her on our watch, Ava’s going to disembowel each of us with a dull knife,” Petey states. “Starting with you first, Pigeon.”

“Petey and I had a conversation with Ava last night and explained what’s been going on with Ivy. Needless to say, she’s fucking furious that she didn’t pick up on it and intervene long ago. If Ivy would rather stay with us, she’s not only welcome, but something Ava may try to insist on,” Gunner adds.

“She’s staying with me,” I state firmly.

All eyes in the room are aimed at me, but nobody says a word. A minute goes by before Gunner nods and says, “Whatever you need, let us know.”

I nod again, and Gunner changes the subject to our guests.

“From everything we can confirm so far, Chubs gave us the most likely location for the exchange. Alfonse Morales has a contact in Seattle that called him late last night and said that a large, black van left the warehouse he’s been watching, and he believes the victims are inside. That means they’re on their way, and it’s roughly a 20-hour drive, so that’s why this meeting was called so early today. Also, he doesn’t believe all the victims are adults. Some appeared too young, too small to be adults. We each need to get our heads straight with what we may find,” Gunner orders.

“We’re going to break into groups, mixed with the Morales family members, and cover a few other locations also. Just in case we’re wrong about this one. Do what you need to do today to be ready because we’re going to be sitting on the locations starting at 3pm. We’ll rotate shifts, if needed, and hope we’re right on where this will take place. Toes and a couple of the Morales people will be watching the smaller airports just in case they use a private plane, but that’s doubtful,” Axel states.

“Get with Axel for your assignments and get done whatever needs to be done because if we get lucky and break this shit up, we’re going to be busy with the victims for at least a few days,” Gunner adds before slamming down the gavel signifying the end of Church.

Taking a seat at an empty table in the main room, I wait my turn to speak with Axel. The Morales family members are milling about, some eating, some just drinking coffee, but the room is filled with energy. Everyone here is ready for this to get done. Trigger sits down on the opposite side of my table and scrubs his hands down his face. I wait because I know he has something to say, and Trigger’s always worth listening to.

“I’ve spent a lot of time working on projects at the rescue. Been around Ivy and watched her with the animals on several occasions. Ava and Craig think she can walk on water, Reno claims she has a God-given gift, and I can’t disagree with any of them. Feeling safe in her own environment, there’s no telling how much she’ll accomplish in her life. How much good she’ll do for others. If you’re serious about her, then focus on those things and not her age. She’s young in years but has an old soul, Pigeon. Not many in this world has her capacity to give back to those in need, whether they’re human or animal. Craig told me about her plans for the ranch, and I, for one, want to see her succeed in making them happen. I never met her grandparents, obviously, but I’m sure they’d be proud of what she wants to do with their ranch because who the fuck wouldn’t be?”

I think about his words and hesitate a moment before speaking. Meeting his eyes, I seek advice from someone I trust and admire.

“I’m worried I’m too fucking jaded from life to be with someone like her. I’m older, far from innocent, and we both know she’s too good for the likes of me. Right?”

“I don’t deserve a classy lady like Tammy, and yet I have her. Axel certainly doesn’t deserve Bailey. Nobody will ever be good enough for Bella or Tessie in my opinion. None of that matters in the end. What matters is the life you give her. The freedom to be herself and to pursue her dreams while having the security and safety of having you standing strong behind her. Don’t let the shit your parents pounded in your head as a kid determine your future. You’re a far better man than your dad’s ever been regardless of his claims of being a man of God.”

I listen closely, then promise to think about all he said. Trigger stands, prepared to walk off, but turns back to me.

“We get this shit done, Ivy gets a game plan to get rid of her brother, have her meet with Bailey. Bailey wants to do an audit on the ranch accounts, and it’s a great idea. Her brother’s probably been skimming for a while now, and he needs to answer for that. I volunteer now to help make him answer for every cent he’s misplaced.”

I grin at the visual but agree it’s a great idea to have Bailey go over the books. I make a mental note to bring it up to Ivy and another one to speak with Ava about Ivy’s new living arrangements.

Lying flat out on the ground next to Axel, we wait. Pooh’s on the other side of me, and he’s been quiet and withdrawn. I didn’t get home in time for Ivy’s meeting with the attorney, but Chubs reassured me he’s sticking close and will be going to work with her later. James was called in to the police department for an overtime shift, along with Livi, so that keeps him clear of anything that happens tonight.

“I want to have a chat with Ivy,” Axel announces.

“What about?” I ask.

“I want to adopt Priscilla. She deserves a good home, and while I’ve never owned a large bird before, I’ve been around Mac long enough to know how to care for one. Bailey agreed and is excited about it too.”

“Seriously? I thought you hated birds because of Mac,” I respond skeptically.

“Nah, I don’t even hate Mac. I just like tormenting the little feathered asshole. Prissy’s been living at the rescue for quite a while now, and that’s not fair to her. Her owner loved her and did her best by her, but shit happens, and Prissy’s been living in limbo. Ivy said she’s not aggressive with kids, so I think she’d do good with a stable home. I have Ava across the street if I need help or advice.”

Looking at Axel’s profile, I see how serious he is about this. He’s usually impulsive, but he’s obviously put some thought behind this decision.

“I’ll have her call you.”

“Thanks, Pigeon. Did you hear what Gunner did?” Axel asks while flashing a wide smile. “Apparently, when he was at the rescue checking out the donkeys, him and Ava walked through the pig barn while discussing the donkeys and building a barn. Big, badass MC President saw a tiny piglet, the runt of the litter, and contacted Margie the next day about adopting it. I’m guessing it was some kind of love at first sight thing. He hasn’t told Ava or the kids yet, so Freddy has a tiny pig living in his back bedroom at the moment.”

“Our Prez has grown a vagina. Not sure why he hasn’t told Ava. She’s not going to be mad about another animal,” Pooh speaks for the first time before giving a hoot of laughter.

“No, dickhead, she probably won’t be mad, and no, you pissy little fuckface, I have not grown a vagina!” comes a deep voice from directly behind our position.

“Fuck me,” moans Pooh before lifting his head toward the new threat behind us.

When I hear a thump and a painful moan from Pooh, I laugh along with Axel.

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