Page 93 of Claimed By the Biker Brothers

“Not Sheriff Bentley,” Jagger mutters with a furrowed brow.

“That self-righteous fart? Nah. But his deputies, man… You can’t guarantee any of them. Money’s tight, brothers. And Marlo’s coin looks nice and shiny,” Rory says.

Knox clears his throat. Rory glances up at him. “What’s the word on the street regarding Marlo and Calvin? Calvin, in particular.”

“See, that’s the one thing they’re kinda keeping the lid on. I don’t know why. But I do know who might have a better idea about the whole thing,” he says. “Can I make prospect again?”

“It’s a strong possibility if you provide us with accurate intel,” I reply.

He looks at Knox again.

“Fine,” Knox sighs, though he is clearly not happy about it. “I’ll give you a chance. One chance, Rory. You fuck it up, and you’re done for. I will personally run you out of the fucking district.”

“Alright. You’ll wanna talk to Patches.”

“Patches?” I ask.

“Marlo’s former driver and ‘it’ guy. He used to drive her around before Calvin came into the picture, ran her errands, all that. Her right-hand man. He’s still alive, so I’m guessing he got paid handsomely or he’s got something on her, something that might come out if anything were to happen to him,” Rory says.

“What’s his full name?” Jagger asks, whipping out his phone.

Rory shrugs. “Not sure. Mitchell something. Everybody knows him as Patches. He used to run with the Paddy Gang up in Portland before he moved to Redwood.”

“Got him,” Jagger says. “Got a line we can trust in the sheriff’s office. They’re pulling up his file as we speak.”

“I don’t know where he’s living these days,” Rory says. “He couldn’t have gone too far, though. He always had a thing for Marlo.”

“A thing?” I ask.

Rory gives me a sly grin. “Come on, brother. You’re not blind. She may be a cold-hearted bitch, but she’s as hot as they come. Patches was head over heels for that woman. I’m pretty sure he took a bullet or two for her. Hell, the only thing stronger than his love for Marlo Hughes is his instinct for self-preservation.”

“It’s something we’ll want to bank on when we find him,” Knox tells me.

I get up from Rory’s table and give him a pat on the back. “I’ll have a prospect patch sent over if your intel proves useful.”

“Thank you, brother. And like I told your guys a while back when you were all up in arms about those club vests, you burned mine. I took it like a man. I understood and kept to myself. I never would’ve done anything to hurt the Riders,” Rory says.

“It’s greatly appreciated, Rory.”

His departure was shameful and of his own making. But Knox, Jagger, and I have had our own redemption arcs throughout this life. We know better than most what it’s like to fall deep into the shit before you can rise up again. Rory looks awful. I don’t think he’ll fare well on his own going forward. The MC might be his lifeline.

There’s no harm in giving second chances to people who prove themselves worthy.

30

Robyn

“Are you sure it’s a good idea?” Ellie asks.

Kyra is already strapped into her booster seat in the car, which is parked behind Ellie’s house. The Rider prospects are around but keeping their distance, making it seem like they’re watching the house. We’ll have to be careful.

“It’s our best bet,” I tell Ellie as I load the last of the bags in the back.

I’m using Knox’s second car, a quaint, inconspicuous Volkswagen. We’ve got a plan, and I intend to stick to it every step of the way despite the constant hammering of my frantic heart.

“I could come with you,” Ellie says.

“I cannot thank you enough for everything you’ve done for us,” I say. “But this is something I have to do on my own. Besides, we’re pretty sure Marlo’s people know we’ve been staying here. It puts you in the crossfire too.”

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