Page 44 of Chubs

“Don’t have to. I sat on the stairs and heard what you had to say. I don’t hate you, but I am angry about everything. I need to think about this. In the meantime, I have to go get ready for work.”

“We have things to talk about. Stuff that’s happening with the family and how it could affect you, Mom, and Les. Can you stay home today instead?” I ask hopefully.

“No, I can’t. I have appointments, and it’s a pain to reschedule so many. We can talk tonight when I get home around 5:30, though,” Aria responds.

“My little sister, the dentist. Proud of you, Aria. Brother’s a banker, and I’m a tow-truck-driving biker who shares the cab with a pig and a bird. Mom must be so proud,” I say with a grin.

“A dentist with her own practice,” she responds airily.

“I can’t show until after dark,” I inform her, turning serious again.

“Then we’ll plan dinner for 10:30 tonight. I’m sure Mom will want to make all your favorites, so we’ll have plenty of time to talk then,” Aria answers before turning and leaving the room.

“I have to go too. Got a few things to do, but I’ll be back tonight,” I say, standing.

Mom stands and moves in for a hug. She holds on to me a little longer than I expected but finally releases me when I drop a kiss on top of her head. Les walks me out the patio doors and watches as I slip away.

Chapter 16

Lucy

I tell Lisa goodnight and head to my bedroom. Once inside, I sit on the bed and pick up my tablet. I sign on and go to the Chicago news station I’ve been following since Chubs left. Watching the broadcast, I grimace. I have a pretty good idea who may be behind a lot of the crime happening there. Regardless of how I feel about Chubs these days, I still feel the now familiar feeling of fear creeping through my body. He's basically on his own, no club at his back, in a city that’s at war.

Having done a lot of research, I recognize several of the names mentioned. I even saw old footage of Enzo Zanetti’s arrest and trial and a picture of Chubs when he was young. He was adorable. Chunky build, big brown eyes, and curly brown hair, he resembled his father somewhat. The picture showed him walking between two guys in suits that screamed FBI agents. There was even a picture of his parents’ home, the place he grew up at.

“Hey, Lucy, did…” Lisa says from the doorway.

I startle, not having heard the door open, then quickly place the tablet screen side down in my lap. I couldn’t have looked more guilty if I tried, and of course Lisa catches it.

“Hmm, what’cha doing?” she asks as she takes a seat next to me and reaches for the tablet.

Gripping it tightly, I reply, “Nothing. Getting ready for…”

“Seriously? You’re going to try to tell me you weren’t up to something and that your death grip on your tablet means nothing?” she asks while trying to get control of my tablet.

I turn, pulling the tablet away from her, and drop my upper half on top of it on the bed. Lisa laughs before pouncing on me. She positions herself so she’s sitting on my bum, then tries reaching under me for the tablet. I buck the best I can, hoping to unseat her, but I don’t.

“Unless you’re hiring a hitman to take me out, hand over the tablet because we’re sisters and have no secrets. If you don’t, I’m going to be forced to tickle you until you do,” she warns.

“Lisa! Stop! It’s none of your business,” I sputter.

“Counting to three,” she says.

“Mind your own business, you nosy bitch!” I order, then gasp when she makes good on her promise.

Being super ticklish, it’s not long before I can’t breathe, and Lisa has gained control of the tablet. Sliding off me, she leans against the headboard and looks at the screen. Her eyes widen, then turn in my direction. I drop my face into the bed and wait. I hear the broadcast replaying, and I know the questions will start soon.

“Chicago? Why would you watch a Chicago news station? Does this have something to do with Chubs? It does. Holy shit! What do you know that you haven’t told me? Haven’t told Dad? He could help, Lucy!”

I pull myself up to sit next to Lisa and take the tablet back. Looking at her, I try to explain.

“Dad can’t get involved for a couple of reasons. One, Chubs chose to leave me, and I don’t want him back because he feels forced. Pretty sure I wouldn’t take him back anyway. Second, Dad has a career he’s worked his whole life for, and Chubs’ family is involved in organized crime. Dad can’t help without risking his career, and I don’t want that. You absolutely can’t mention this to anyone.”

“I won’t, I promise. Is Chubs a one-man crime spree now? The mob? He seriously had me fooled into thinking he was this gentle, caring guy. Lucy, are you sure about this?” Lisa questions.

“I don’t know what, if any, crimes Chubs has committed or if the mafia is imploding on their own. I’m not sure why he felt he had to return unless it was to keep his mother safe. He only spoke once about where he came from and how he ended up here, and he didn’t include a lot of detail. Most of what I know, I found out on my own.”

“Maybe you need to speak with the club? If you’ve washed your hands of him but obviously, still care what happens to him, turn your information over to Gunner. Let them decide what to do or how to handle his leaving the club.”

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