Page 28 of You're My Person - For Always

He shook his head. "We figured it out."

Ridge grunted. "I thought you were too young."

"Well, we weren't."

Kingsley's dad sighed heavily. "I'm not dealing with this while I'm locked up."

"Then, get a message to Burt Shay," said Kingsley.

His dad never changed his expression over the use of her father's real name. She had to wonder how well the two men knew each other.

"I'll do what I can."

The breakfast she'd eaten earlier sat heavily in her stomach. Kingsley said no more. After ten minutes, people around them started moving. She stood and met Ridge Stafford's gaze.

The older man lifted his brow. She almost would've taken that small movement for respect, but she had no time to analyze what had passed between them because Kingsley led her to the door.

It seemed to take forever to gather their personal belongings from the guard and walk out of the gate into the parking lot. By that time, she had a burst of energy.

"Do you think he'll try to contact my dad?" she asked.

"I think Ridge Stafford will do what he wants to do." He looped his arm around her shoulders. "I wouldn't get my hopes up."

"He said he'd try."

Kingsley grunted, exactly like his dad had grunted inside the prison when he refused to answer. At the Harley, she threw her arms around him.

"I'm sorry you never got any answers about your mom." She kissed his lips. "Are you upset?"

"Not really looking for answers." He inhaled deeply, keeping her close. "Just trying to protect Gem Haven and you."

Chapter Thirteen

Kenna

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A group of bikers walked into the bar. Kenna grabbed a notepad and followed them to the tables. It was still early in the afternoon. They'd want to eat and get out before those from the campground wandered over for dinner.

"Does anyone need drinks?" She held up her pen.

Snake, nearest to her, pointed around the table at each man. "Beer, whiskey, beer, beer, and a whiskey and Coke."

"Got it." She tore off the piece of paper. "Rebecca will be by in a minute to take your orders."

She walked away, motioning at Rebecca to let her know the table was ready. While filling up the beers at the counter, she spotted River walking in alone. Kenna frowned, noticing the backpack on her sister. She'd gone without her pack lately. Knowing the bag was more of a security blanket to her sister than a handy way of carrying stuff around, she became concerned. Something must've happened.

Putting all the drinks on two trays, she carried the order to the table, passing them out to the men. She wasn't needed until they finished eating, and then she'd clean off the table and prep it for the next customers that came in.

She and Rebecca had fallen into a routine that kept them constantly moving, making the hours go by faster. The customers appeared happy with how efficiently she and Rebecca worked to serve their food and drinks.

After serving the drinks and checking with the other customers, she headed straight to River. "What's wrong?"

"Why do you think something is wrong?" River ripped a napkin into shreds, making a pile on the counter of the bar.

She might have been separated from her sister growing up, but she'd learned that River was quick to think the worst when something happened. Most of the time, River's stress came from Zane. Ironically, Zane was also the one person who could make River feel safe again.

"Where's Zane?" she asked.

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