Page 97 of Red's Peril: Part 1

“It could work,” Tom says cautiously. “At least we’ll have our own rooms, and I won’t have to put up with you snoring.”

“Don’t snore.”

“Do.”

Fists are raised, and I step in between them. “Why don’t you two go raid the fridge, then go get your stuff packed?”

“Can I invite Marvin over tonight?” Trist isn’t slow to pick up on the opportunity.

Rosa purses her lips. “If we get packed and home in time, then yes, you can.”

“Yay! Come, Tom, let’s get packing.”

“I thought they were hungry,” Clare muses, as two pairs of feet stomp up the stairs, sounding like a herd of elephants.

“I’ll swap you.” Rosa looks down at the cherubic baby in her arms who’d been watching the boys’ interaction. “This little angel for the pair of them.”

Clare chuckles. “She has her moments, but somehow I think I’d be getting the worst of that bargain.” She reaches out her hands and takes her daughter back. “Now if I’m staying, what can I do? Can I help with your packing? I’m kicking you out, I need to do something.”

Again, she goes up in my estimation.

“No need,” I tell her. “The boys will get their shit together, and the prospects will do the heavy lifting.”

“You okay in the kitchen?” Rosa asks, seeming to realise Clare has a need to do something. “Because I could do with some help getting these boys fed.”

Boys, in this instance, meaning me and the crew.

“I can do that, yes.” Clare brightens at the thought of being helpful.

I catch Rosa’s eye. She gives me a chin lift reminiscent of Brick. As I telegraph a request for her to take Clare under her wing, she signals back,will do.

Chapter Thirty-Four

I’ve been the prez long enough that while my brothers might raise their eyebrows and shake their heads, they don’t come right out and ask what the fuck I’m doing without giving me the chance to explain.

Once Clare takes the lovely Delly and disappears into the kitchen with Rosa, the vultures descend.

“What the hell?” Crash is the first to reach me. “You know who she fuckin’ is, don’t you?”

“Heap of trouble right there, Prez,” Twister observes.

Looking around, I see we’ve gathered quite an audience, including the sweet butts who are blatantly listening. “Let’s discuss this in church.” As I lead the way, all present follow me.

When they take their seats, I count up the ones who are missing—Titch, Cobra, Cuff and Petty. Most are here, the rest I can fill in later.

I note the curious stares pointed my way. Taking a breath, I begin to set out what’s on my mind.

“You all know who that is?”

All of them nod. Even if they hadn’t seen her last time around, they’ve been updated.

“She’s the bastard Skull’s woman,” Cobra spits out.

My mouth curves. “Not any longer. She’s seen the light and left him.”

“Why the fuck has she come here?” Hammer seems particularly unimpressed with her presence.

Twister answers for me. “Red made the offer for her to stay when she was last here.”

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