Page 47 of Seven

“Hmmm.” Preacher leaned back with a knowing look—one that told me he’d already figured out what I hadn’t yet. "Sounds like you already know what you gotta do."

“But how am I supposed to just let all this shit go? I lost seven years with my kid.”

“Sounds like that was on her folks and not her.”

“She’s not completely innocent in all this.”

“No, but forgiving her isn’t for her.” Preacher kept his eyes trained on me as he said, “It’s for you. Let that sink in for a minute.”

“That’s kind of deep, Prez.”

“Maybe, but it’s true. Just give it time. You’ll see.”

Prez sat with me as I finished another drink and then another. Once the alcohol took effect, I decided to call it a night.Prez’s words were still rattling in my head as I left the bar and walked down the hall to my room. I couldn’t help but wonder if he was right. Maybe it was better to just forgive her and move on, but I wasn’t sure I had it in me to just let it go.

I didn’t bother taking off my clothes before I collapsed on the bed. The room spun just enough to force me to kick my leg over the side of the bed. I rested my foot on the floor and willed the world to stop spinning, even if it was just for a minute. Thankfully, it didn’t take long for me to drift off.

It was the kind of sleep that felt more like falling into a black hole than actually sleeping. There were no dreams. No thoughts. Just nothing.

Only the nothing didn’t last long.

I had no idea how long I’d been out when my phone started buzzing in my pocket. The harsh sound cut through the silence like a knife, and it wouldn’t stop. It didn’t take long for me to become irritated, and I pulled out from my pocket. I looked at the screen, and I sat up the second I read Duggar’s name.

“What’s wrong?”

“They’re here,” Duggar answered.

“What do you mean? I was just there a couple of hours ago.”

“I don’t know what to tell ya, brother, but that Mercedes is parked right out front, and two shady-looking assholes just headed into the lobby.”

“Dammit.” I swung my legs off the bed and stood as I ordered, “Stay there. Keep eyes on ‘em. I’m on my way.”

“Got it.”

I ended the call before shoving my phone back into my pocket. I grabbed my jacket and my piece, then headed down the hall to find Prez. I had to give him a heads up about what was going down, and then, I had to get my ass to that fucking hotel before those assholes did something we’d all regret.

When I told Prez about Duggar’s call, he was quick to reply, “Go but take Goose or Skid with you. Whoever’s closest. I don’t want you going there alone.”

“Understood.”

I sent them both a text, and by the time I made it out to the parking lot, they were both standing by my SUV. As soon as we’d loaded up, I filled them in on what was going on with Tallie and the Mercedes that had been following her. Goose was the first to ask, “Any idea who these guys are?”

“No clue, but it’s clear they’re up to no good. I need to get them out of there.”

“Understood.”

When we got to the hotel, it was still dark, and the streets were clear. I eased the truck up to the curb and parked. We scanned the area, but there was no sign of the Mercedes.

Goose was taking another look around as he said, “I’m not seeing ‘em.”

“Looks like they’ve bolted.”

“Need to make sure.”

The three of us climbed out and made our way toward the entrance. It was barely daybreak, and the ladies were just starting to put out the coffee and the breakfast bar. We continued into the lobby, and that’s when I spotted Duggar near the vending machines.

He immediately started towards me and announced, “They’re gone.”

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