Page 49 of Seven

“We’re just visiting for a bit.”

“Come on, Mom,” Ford fussed. “You can tell me the truth. I’m not a little kid anymore.”

“I know, but there’s really nothing to tell.” I didn’t want to scare him, so I kept it simple. “We’re just going to hang out here for a couple of days.”

“I know there’s more to it.”

“Consider it an adventure.” I glanced around the small guest room and saw no reason why Ford wouldn’t be comfortable there. It was modest, with neutral walls, a dresser, a small desk, and large flat-screen TV. “It’s a new place with your own room and giant TV.”

“But I liked the hotel. They had cookies at the front desk and breakfast every morning.”

“I know. But this is just for a little while. Besides, we couldn’t stay at the hotel forever. And Holt was kind enough to let us stay here."

“Who is he anyway?”

“I already told you. He’s an old friend of mine.”

“Never seen him before.”

“We were friends when I was younger… before you were born.”

Ford studied me for a second like he knew there was more to the story. “He’s kinda scary lookin’.”

“It’s just a few tattoos. You’ll see right past them once you get to know him.” I gave him a look as I said, “He didn’t seem all that scary when you were talking about your game.”

“Yeah, I guess not.”

“Just give him a chance.”

"Okay."

That one word carried more trust than I deserved.

I stood and gave him a quick kiss on the top of his head. "How about I go see if there’s anything I can scrounge us up for breakfast?”

“Okay, but I’m not really hungry.”

“Maybe something to drink and a snack?”

“Yeah, that’d be good.”

“I’ll go see what he has.”

As soon as I started for the door, Ford reached for his bag and pulled out his game. I usually hated him having so much screen time, but today, it was a welcomed distraction. I stepped out of the room, and as soon as I started down the hall, I heard voices coming from the kitchen.

I didn’t think much about it until I heard Holt growl, “I’m not fucking around. I want the guys found, and I want them found now!”

“We’ll get Shep on it and see what he can find,” one of his brothers replied. “It shouldn’t take him long to track them down.”

“He should’ve already tracked them down,” Holt snapped. “I don’t get what’s taking him so goddamn long.”

I’d never heard Holt so angry and frustrated. I took another step and peeked around the corner. He was in the kitchen with Goose and Skid, and they all looked tense, especially Holt. “He needed more than the make of the car. Thanks to Skid, we have a plate number. Now, it’s just a matter of time.”

“I want them found, and I want them six feet under.”

Six feet under.

He wasn’t talking about scaring them off.

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