Kingsley, who'd pushed his food around on his plate, looked up. "I think we should both be there when we talk to her again."

She put her hand on Kingsley's thigh, trying to ease his tension. Once they finished their food, they left the bar and walked toward the house. She linked her fingers in Kingsley's hand. On top of everything happening, she had to work tomorrow.

"Don't forget you must go to the prison on Sunday for visitation day," said Zane.

Kenna tugged Kingsley's hand. "Can I go with you?"

"Hell, no." Kingsley held her hand, putting it to his chest. "The prison isn't going to let you stroll in there and ask to see your dad. It doesn't work like that."

"I know that." She lifted her chin. "But ifyourdad can participate in visiting day and I can pass security clearance to see him, I can go, too."

"Someone's been doing their research," he muttered.

Every spare moment she had, she studied the rules of how the prison was run and what kind of privileges prisoners had. Ofcourse, none of them pertained to her dad. Death row was not a short-term sentence. It was a waiting area until they killed him. In her opinion, the prison already treated him as if he was dead.

"Maybe your dad can get a message to my dad for me." She squeezed his hand. "Please."

Kingsley looked at Zane, his expression conflicted before he met her gaze. "Nobody goes up against Ridge Stafford and gets their way."

"I want to try," she said.

He looked at her for a long moment. Afraid he'd tell her no, she whispered, "You promised never to hide anything from me again. Please, don't stop me from trying to get a message to my dad."

He cupped her head and kissed her softly. "Okay, but don't say I didn't warn you."

She jumped in excitement, hugged him, hugged River, and could barely contain the adrenaline surging through her. She was one step closer to seeing her dad.

Chapter Eleven

Kingsley

––––––––

Zane rode the dirt bike on the trail. Kingsley spotted a hill to the right and throttled the bike, shooting forward and taking the jump. He landed on his back wheel ahead of his brother. Back and forth, they raced over the terrain as they had since they were eight years old and got their first motorcycles.

He pulled to a stop above the cabin and pointed the place out to Zane. There was no reason to hike down. Zora knew there was always someone around since putting her under guard.

Zane led the way. He slowed, lowering himself onto the seat, and let the downward roll take him to the edge of the clearing. There was no picture of their mom in the house. He couldn't remember what she looked like. Until yesterday, he'd forgotten about the cookies. The smell had taken him back to a time that escaped him.

Unfortunately, even Zane couldn't remember what she looked like beyond a slim woman with long hair. Though, he could remember screaming and fighting before she left.

Like Zane, most of his memories centered around Elaine, who'd taken care of them until they reached fifth grade, and then Trixie, who made sure they completed their homework and had something to eat if their dad was busy with club business. Both women belonged to members and were still in their lives.

He shut off the dirt bike and toed the kickstand. "Let's get this over with."

Halfway to the cabin, the door opened, and Zora stepped outside. She looked the same as the other day.

"Jesus," muttered Zane.

Kingsley glanced at his brother and instantly knew his suspicions were right. Zora was their mother.

Zora looked from him to Zane. Her face softened, but she worked her hands in worry.

"Explain what you're doing here?" Zane took out a cigarette and lit one—a sign he wasn't as in control as he wanted everyone to believe.

Kingsley stayed where he was, unsure what was going on. It wasn't the first time their dad dropped information in their hands and let them figure it out themselves.

"You do know who I am, don't you, Zane?" Zora's voice trembled. "When Kingsley didn't recognize me, I wasn't sure if either of you would remember me. It's been so long. You were both so young."