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“I can’t answer that for you, but she’s a smart lady. She’ll figure it out sooner or later.”

“What about the case and Detective Joyner?”

“I can’t say for sure, but the Volkovs are powerful men. They’ll pull some strings and make your father’s case go away.” Since she was no longer in danger, we’d moved Tallie’s mother from the safe house and put her back up at the hotel. We figured she’d be happier there, especially with Rooks being gone. “And when that happens, your mother can go back home, and life will go on as you’ve always known it.”

“Can it really be that easy?”

“None of it is easy, Tal. But people like them make things happen.”

“So, that’s it. Dad and Rooks are gone in one fell swoop.” Tears started to pool in her eyes as she said, “I’ve lost them both.”

“I know it has to be rough, but you aren’t alone in this. I’ll be here every step of the way.”

“I’m good as long as I’m with you.”

“Feelings mutual, babe.” I leaned in and kissed her on the forehead. “I need to get over to the club and check in with Prez. You and Ford good for a bit?”

“Yeah, we’ll be fine.” She let out a breath. “You think we could talk to him about everything when you get back? I think it’s time.”

“Yeah, that’d be good.”

“Great.” She held my gaze for a moment, then whispered, “I really do love you.”

“And I love you.” I gave her a wink before saying, “I’ll be back.”

She nodded, and I headed out the door. I wasn’t exactly thrilled about leaving her. She’d been through so much over the past few days, and I wanted to be there for her. But before I could do that, I needed to check in with Prez and the brothers and make sure the drop with the driver and guard had gone off without any issue.

They would’ve called if something had come up, but I wanted to be sure. The drive over was a bit of a blur. I hadn’t slept, and my head was all over the place. One minute I was thinking about Tallie and how good her mouth felt on my cock, and then, I jumped to thinking about Rooks and whether or not he survived the night. It was a thought that was still clinging to me as I pulled into the clubhouse parking lot.

I pulled around back and parked. I pulled off my helmet, and I was about to head inside when I spotted Preacher talking to Kay and Memphis. I could tell right away that something was off. Kay wasn’t crying, but she looked like she had been or was about to.

Her hands were tucked in the back pockets of her jeans, and her back was stiff, like she was trying to put on a brave front. But even from where I stood, I could tell she was hanging by a thread.

Memphis didn’t look much better. His jaw was tight, and his arms were crossed. It was clear he wasn’t happy. I wasn’t surewhat was going on, and then I saw all the bags in the back of the car.

That’s when I knew it was finally happening.

Prez was sending her home.

I got off my bike, but I didn’t say anything. I just stood there for a moment, watching as Kay turned to Prez and offered him a small, grateful smile. “Thank you for everything you’ve done. It means more than you know.”

“Don’t gotta thank me. That’s what I’m here for.” His face was unreadable as he told her, “You know the door’s always open.”

“I know.”

Her gaze shifted to Memphis then, and I watched as something flickered between them. Something heavy. Something unspoken. He sighed, then reached out and gave her a hug. “I’m gonna miss having you around.”

“I’m going to miss being around, but you have my number. Just give me a call whenever you want some of my motherly advice.”

“I’ll do that, and you call me any time you need me to set you straight.”

She nodded against his chest, then stepped back as she answered, “I will.”

“Love you, Mom.”

“Love you, too.”

She looked back over at Preacher, and then, without another word, she climbed into her car and started the engine. Seconds later, she was pulling through the gates, but none of us moved. We just stayed put, watching as she disappeared down the road.

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