Page 82 of Pigeon

The door flies open, and Bailey rushes in carrying Alexia, panicked.

When her eyes land on the four kids, her body sags in relief. When they switch to her man and his prisoner, her mouth drops open.

“I’ve been running all over this compound trying to find you kids! If you’re going to leave the house, let me know!” Bailey shouts while fighting to calm down. “I was only on the phone for a few minutes, and poof, you all disappear.”

“Sorry,” the kids say in unison while Luke signs it, having figured out why Bailey looks so upset.

Turning to Axel, she asks, “Do I even want to know what this fresh kind of hell is all about?”

“No,” answers several of the adults in the room before laughter rings out.

“Turn him loose and come home with me. I need a mommy break after tonight. Maybe a bath and a smoke, too. Bottle of wine or a valium even,” Bailey says before turning back to the door. “Bring the kids and return the donkeys. The kids might be spending the night at our home, but the donkeys are not.”

“Have you calmed your shit, Mac?” Axel asks skeptically. “And what does G.M.S. mean?”

“I be good,” Mac answers, but I’m not sure any of us believe him.

“G.M.S.? Mac tell you to G.M.S.?” Craig asks before starting to laugh, leaning against Moose to stay standing.

When he regains control of himself, he explains.

“Prissy says that to Mac when he annoys her. It means gargle my sack. Southern slang, I guess.”

“That’s just rude, Mac!” Axel shouts.

“I be angry,” Mac answers in his defense.

“I don’t want to hear that phrase again from any of you. Not nice! All of you get moving and Axel, leave Mac behind. I don’t need another fight breaking out in my living room,” Bailey orders before her and little Alex leave the clubhouse.

“I don’t do a thing wrong, and you still got me in trouble, birdman,” Axel complains while carefully handing Mac over to Petey.

“Fuck my life,” Mac replies.

I watch the kids, donkeys, and my VP exit the clubhouse, followed by Ava’s other pets, minus Duffy. He’s decided to adopt Taja and Vex’s house as his own and spends most of his time sleeping next to their daughterKalea. Ava’s tried her best at keeping her cat at home, but after he shredded several window screens trying to escape, Taja told her she likes Duffy spending his time with her and her tiny daughter. Vex isn’t as thrilled about it but smart enough to not piss off the cat by stopping it.

My phone vibrates, and relief hits me when I see Ivy’s name. Answering it, I know immediately that my relief was premature. At Ivy’s words, I’m off the couch and running for my bike.

“I need you.”

“What’s wrong, baby? I’m leaving now.”

“Ted,” Ivy answers, and she’s out of breath.

When my ass hits my bike seat, I stop for a moment to hear her words before I start the engine. Several of my club brothers are on their bikes too and waiting for me to explain what I need.

“Is he hurting you?” I roar.

“I got away from him. I’m on foot, trying to hide. Oh God, Pigeon! I think he shot the dogs before he came after me.”

“Where are you? Are you somewhere safe yet?” I ask in a much calmer voice than I feel.

“I’m south of the house, still on ranch property. He’s in the side by side, hunting me. I can see the headlights, and they’re not far off. I don’t have many places to hide. It’s pretty wide-open land, not many trees, but I didn’t have cell service until now. What do I do?”

“Whatever you have to do, do it. I’m on my way. Think about the land, Ivy. You know it better than anyone. Think of places that can give you cover,” I answer, disconnect, then tell the guys what little I know.

James hands me a set of earbuds, and I connect them to my phone before starting my bike. Hitting open road, I twist the throttle and pray that nothing slows us down and then vow that nothing will. I think of nothing but getting to Ivy. To ensuring that she sees tomorrow, that we see thousands of tomorrows together. I don’t think about Ted or what he’s done or why. Only Ivy, and it keeps me focused on finding my wife.

As we get close to the ranch, I fish my phone out and call Ivy’s number. Dangerous maneuver considering I’m on a bike at high speeds, but I need to hear her voice.

---