Page 33 of Collect the Pieces

But he’s not wrong. Sheisthe perfect woman for me. In so many ways.

That’s why I need to do what I can to keep the cops away from her without ratting her out to my club.

The screen door opens, and Teller sticks his head out. His gaze flicks to Rooster, then me. “You coming inside or not?”

“Yeah.” I slap Rooster’s chest as I step past him. “Thanks for holding me up, motherclucker.”

He elbows me and falls in step next to me. I bound up the short steps and yank the door out of Teller’s hand. “Right here, boss.”

Seeing him up close, I take in his droopy eyes, messy hair, and generally grim expression. Brother looks like the sleep deprivation truck ran him over. “You look like shit.”

“Thanks, asshole. I haven’t slept in weeks.” He yawns loudly and obnoxiously in my face. “Not even sure what day it is.”

Well, now I feel even worse for asking to meet with him. “How’s Charlotte doing?”

He scrubs his hand over his face. “Same. Tired.” His voice softens just a fraction. “But she’s the one with at least one baby attached to her at all times. Heidi’s at the house with her now, helping out until I get back.”

Sounds like a nightmare to me.

My aversion must show on my face. Teller jerks his head toward the war room, his scowl deepening. “Come on, you didn’t want to meet up today to hear my babies’ first weeks home journal entry.”

I chuckle and move into the clubhouse’s entryway. “Nah, it’s a great reminder to stop and buy condoms on my way home.”

Rooster smacks the back of my head.

Teller snorts with laughter. “For you—yeah, definitely. We were actively trying for this—we just didn’t expect two at once.”

In the war room, Rock, Z, Murphy, and Wrath—for fuck’s sake, Wrath too?—are already seated at one end of the long table. I stop short and frown. “Uh, I’m not sure what Bishop Babymaker here,” I point to Teller, “told everyone, but this isn’t that big of a deal.”

Wrath squeezes his eyes shut and shakes with laughter.

Murphy kicks out the chair across from him. His grin is pure mischief. “Sit your ass down, commander chucklefuck. We were here anyway.”

Commander chucklefuck. I’ll have to remember that one.

Grinning, I take the chair and drop into it. Rooster sits next to me.

I nod to Z. “How’s everything at the house, Prez?”

“Coming along nicely.”

I tap my fingers against the table. “Rooster said you need an extra set of hands.” I hold my hands up in the air and wave them around like a magician. “You know I’m more talented than he is.”

Z chuckles. “Knock yourself out when we’re done here.”

I turn my attention to Rock. “Prez.” I nod in greeting.

“What’s on your mind today, Jigsaw?” he asks, his patience clearly on its last thread.

I sit back, resting my elbows on the arm of the chair and clasp my hands over my stomach. “Well, like I said, it’s not that big of a deal. But Margot had two Slater County detectives stop by today?—”

“Fucking hell? You don’t think that’s a big deal?” Teller snaps.

“Relax.” I hold my hands out in a calming gesture. “Has nothing to do with us.”It’s her kill they were worried about, not ours! Never saw that coming, did you?

Murphy mutters under his breath. “Jesus, this oughta be good.”

“The husband of one of her clients died,” I explain. “They can’t find the woman, so they were just asking Margot questions.”

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