Page 64 of Chubs

While we were waiting for hours, Ava and Trudy arrived after they finished the catering job. Rex made an appearance but didn’t stay long since he said he had things to do yet but did inform Petey that Reeves had taken over guard duty at the gatehouse. Toes may or may not still exist, but I’m too tired to ask.

Tessie left to pick up Vex and Taja’s baby girl from Pippa’s and take her home.

The men returned and were tight-lipped about where they were, but Candy didn’t return with them. Cash eventually got his aunts to agree to let Terry take them home. Trigger left to help Tammy and Pippa since they have a houseful of kids and pets.

Eventually, Petey ordered the rest of us to go home and get what little sleep we could. He said Bailey refused to leave, so he was staying to keep an eye on her. Turning to me, he asked if I’d mind picking up Alexia and taking her to Bailey’s and stay with her. When I nod and stand to leave, Gunner, Ava, and Trudy stand too.

Getting to the lot, I look for my car, but it’s gone. Candy must have it, so I follow Ava and Trudy and climb into Ava’s SUV. Gunner’s bike fires up, and he follows us until I’m dropped at Pooh and Pippa’s home.

The sun is up, and I’m exhausted. I retrieve a sleeping Alexia and make my way inside Axel’s home. Placing his little sleeping beauty in her bed, I tuck her in. Grabbing a blanket off the rocking chair in her room, I walk to the couch and collapse on it. I fall asleep instantly.

What seems like seconds later, I jerk awake to an unfamiliar sound. Sitting upright, I look around the room, not seeing anything out of the ordinary. It’s a scratching, grating sound, and it continues. Getting up, I start walking through the house, looking for the cause. Finally locating the room I think it’s coming from, I step inside and listen.

“Hi-U.”

I nearly jump out of my skin before spinning around to see Prissy standing on a perch near the window.

“You scared me!” I exclaim as she cackles gleefully. “Was that you making that weird noise?”

“Not I,” she answers just as the sound starts up again.

Walking to the window, I pull up the blinds and have another moment of terror. Mac is hanging from the window screen with one foot, wings expanded to their full width. His other foot is scratching the screen, creating the noise.

“What are you doing?” I ask as I slide the window open.

“Hanging out,” Mac answers, and I’m sure he thinks that’s a reasonable response.

“You’re tearing the screen all to hell, Mac. Get off there, and go to the door. I’ll let you in.”

“No!” Prissy screeches, but Mac releases his grip and flies away.

“Please be quiet, Prissy. Alex is sleeping. And please be nice to Mac. I’ll get your breakfast ready and add a few extra pecans if you do.”

“Bless your heart,” Prissy coos in her accent, but I know what she really means is that she thinks I’m an idiot of epic proportions.

I ignore the insult and leave the room. I check on Alex and then let Mac in the house. Going to the kitchen, I pull out the bowls of food Axel keeps ready for Prissy. I set out two smaller bowls and fill each with a variety of veggies, fruits, and nuts. I set the bowls on the table for the birds then start a pot of coffee. Alex walks sleepily into the kitchen, so I get her set up with breakfast too.

Me: How’s Axel doing today?

Bailey: Doc said he’s got peritonitis meaning bacteria entered his stomach cavity. Painful and serious but they’re treating it aggressively with antibiotics. He’ll be staying for at least several days. Main concern is that he doesn’t develop sepsis.

Me: What can I do to help?

Bailey: You’re doing it. Petey’s going to switch places with me so I come home to shower, change clothes and sleep a little. Can you stay with Alex or take her to Taja?

Me: I’m staying here. See you when you come home.

Bailey: Love you! Thanks!

The front door opens, then Gunner steps into the kitchen. Carefully looking at his face, I can tell he’s concerned about the reason he’s here. Leaning down, he picks Alex up, cuddles her close before dropping a kiss on her cheek. Sitting her back in her chair, he turns to face me.

“Let’s talk.”

I nod and follow him into the living room. When he indicates a chair, I shake my head and remain standing.

“Tell me,” I state.

“The note I showed you is apparently from Chubs. He didn’t explain much but asked that the club keep those two women safe and hidden. I don’t know who we’re protecting them from or why, and neither of them are talking. He didn’t say who they are, just that they’re important to him. He said, in fact, that they are his world and asked for a favor he knows he doesn’t deserve. The women have been polite but refuse to answer questions as to where they came from or where Chubs is.”

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