Page 37 of Coty

“Huh?” I glance up at the rearview mirror. Great. The Sheriff is sitting behind me. “Don’t know.” I didn’t even know he was there.

It’s possible I was driving recklessly or even speeding. I don’t remember how I got here. I remember last night, though. A second Sheriff’s car pulls in, and then a third. None of them has their blue lights on. I must have really messed up.

“Ah, man.” I rub my hands up and down my face. What did I do?

“This ain’t good, Rodeo.” Ross glares at the cops.

Yeah, no kidding. I don’t say that out loud. This ole’ timer will reach in the truck and punch me out cold.

“If they arrest me, have one of the guys to get my truck inside.”

Ross nods once. He keeps his eyes on the cops. He has his phone out with an open call to Worley. By now, Nick is monitoring the situation. Sheriff Bowers gets out and walks up to my window.

“Morning, gentlemen.” Nathan looks between Ross and me.

“Morning, Sheriff. What did I do?” I ask.

“You been drinking, Rodeo?” His eyes settle on me. “Awful early in the morning for that.”

“No, Sheriff. I’m not drunk. If I’m being arrested, just tell me.”

“I’ve been behind you for about two miles. You swerved a little, but never crossed the lines. I didn’t see the need to pull you over for it.”

“So, this is just a friendly little escort to make sure Rodeo got home safely?” Ross cannot stand cops.

Nathan’s eyes flick to Ross. “It’s not. I’m here to see the McLeods.”

“Is this business?” Ross leans his head to the side to look past the Sheriff at the other two cars. “Or, a friendly visit?” Ross straightens up and locks eyes with the Sheriff. This fool is going to get arrested if he doesn’t drop his attitude. “I’m guessing it’s not the latter.”

“You would be correct. I have a warrant, Ross.” Nathan crosses his arms. “You can let us in, or I’ll be back with a few more warrants. One to search the entire property and every vehicle on it.”

“Let him in, Ross!” Worley yells through the phone.

“Fine,” Ross grumbles as he walks back to the guardhouse and opens the gate.

“We’ll follow you in, Rodeo.” Nathan taps my open window twice. “Pay attention while driving from now on.”

“Yeah, sure thing,” I whisper and pull forward. I pull into a space in front of the clubhouse. I’m not about to lead them to the side entrance where the offices are.

Jack opens the front door before the three Sheriff cars are parked. He narrows his eyes at me while I put on my boots. I shake my head. I don’t know why the cops are here. I sure don’t have time to explain why I drove here with no shoes on. Not that my friend can see I’m what I’m doing.

Sheriff Bowers reaches the door as I do. “Jack, I need to see your family.

“Morning, Sheriff. Right this way.” Jack leads the way to the bar and stands next to his dad.

Being Monday morning, there aren’t a lot of members here. Nick sits at the bar with Granddad and Pops. His laptop is open in front of him, as always. Jay’s behind the bar, pouring everyone a cup of coffee. After all, as the Sheriff pointed out, it’s a little early to be drinking. You wouldn’t think bikers could make good coffee. Jack and Jay could open a coffee shop if they wanted to. Biker Baristas. I snicker at the thought. Jack cuts his eyes at me. If anyone else noticed, they don’t react.

Naturally, Worley’s here. He rarely leaves Mack’s side. Big Papa is here, too. His wife is in the kitchen. The prospects are lounging around on the couches by the pool tables. Nobody’s playing. The club bunnies are at their house, about five miles from here. Jack’s grandmother refuses to let them live on club property. Two prospects guard their house at all times.

“Sheriff.” Mack doesn’t extend his hand. “Heard you wanted to see us and have a warrant.”

“I do,” Nathan admits. Four deputies flank his sides and scan the room. “Where’s the rest of your family, Mack?”

That’s an odd question. All the men are here. A chill runs up my spine.

“Well, Maci is at college in Knoxville. Harley’s been visiting friends since New Year’s,” Mack replies.

“Friends?” Nathan lifts an eyebrow.

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