Page 53 of Chubs

Dad’s eyebrow remains raised as he stares me down. I’ve never been good at lying, even though I’ve gotten in lots of practice lately, but especially to my dad. I sigh, and look at Lisa, hoping she can answer his question diplomatically.

“Two guys tried stopping Lucy’s car on the road to the clubhouse. We had to push our way past, causing a few dents and scrapes to her car. She was safe, though. I was armed, and we had Axel dying in the backseat. Pass those dumplings, Lisa,” Candy says nonchalantly.

Dad’s other eyebrow joins the first near his hairline, and my mother gives a little squeak of concern as I toss an exasperated look at Candy. She doesn’t notice, and I don’t think she’d care if she did.

“We have no idea who they were or what they wanted. It probably wasn’t even me they were looking for. We just got a bad vibe, so we didn’t stop,” I mumble, wilting under their stares.

“And Axel? Dying? What’s that about?” Dad questions.

“Axel’s a bit dramatic and a known hypochondriac, so he’s probably fine. His lunch might not have agreed with him, or he has a cold coming on. I was giving him a ride to the clubhouse because he didn’t want to stay at the gym while feeling crappy,” I explain. “Are you hungry? I ordered way too much.”

“Chubs’ influence, I’m sure,” Lisa murmurs.

“No, thank you, we already ate. Speaking of Chubs, does what happened today have anything to do with him?” Dad asks.

“Probably,” Candy responds at the same time as I say, “I doubt it.”

Mom continues to be silent and watchful. Dad sighs heavily before taking a seat on the couch.

“You need security until we know,” Dad states firmly.

“She’s got it. Me and the club members when I’m working,” Candy answers.

“I’d feel better if you’d let me attach a security detail to you, Lucy. The guys from my office could—” Dad starts before I cut him off.

“No, Dad, but thanks for the offer. You know how I feel about your security guys. I have nothing but respect for you and Mom and how you’ve served our state, but I’ve never wanted that fishbowl existence. I’m not complaining about my childhood or any of that. You two gave us a great life. I just don’t want the attention it draws when you have state police officers following you everywhere,” I explain.

“I’ll go along with your decision for now, but if anything happens to threaten your safety, I will do what I think is best. Security detail or locking you down somewhere. I’m not going to sit back and let you get hurt because of someone else’s past. We clear?” Dad asks in a hard voice.

“Clear.”

“I thought Gunner was the only one you should fear, but damn, girl, your dad is kind of fierce too,” Candy mumbles.

“I’m entrusting my daughter’s safety with you, Candy. You sure you’re up for the job?” Dad queries.

“Yep, I got her covered. Not going to lose the first real friend I’ve ever had, sir,” Candy replies in a low, respectful voice.

“Thank you, Candy. I think she’s in good hands with you,” Mom adds quietly while placing her hand on top of Candy’s.

“Appreciate that,” my new bodyguard answers.

Chapter 17

Chubs

“I know it’s not ideal, Aria, but it’s the smarter move,” I explain again.

“I have a business to run and patients that depend on me, Adriano!” Aria exclaims irritably as she grips her hair at the sides of her head in both hands. “Mom should go. I agree. But I can’t just up and walk away for what could be weeks.”

“Mom’s not going to go without you too, and you know that,” Les interjects.

“Why are you staying then? Do you think Mom will be okay with you two here, doing God knows what and putting yourself in danger, and her and I just going away on a vacation?” Aria questions, hands now on her hips.

“No, she won’t be, but she’ll leave town if she knows it’ll keep you safe,” I answer while hoping guilt will get Aria to agree.

Shoulders slumping, my sister stares at me. I can see the fight in her eyes, and I know she’s the most stubborn of us kids, but she also loves our mother and wants her safe. I know I’ve won when she uses both hands to rub her face and then nods curtly.

“Fine. I’ll speak with my business partner and tell her I have a family emergency and have to leave the state. She’ll have to cover any emergency patients, and my regular appointments can be canceled for now. Any idea how long this could take? Do I tell her a week or a year?” Aria asks with a bite in her tone.

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