Page 36 of Scatter the Bones

“Oh, you’re special, lil’ buddy.” He stretches toward me and rubs his hand over the top of my head.

“Har. Har. Cut that out.” I swat his hand away. “You realize we’re basically answering to two SAAs now, right?”

He snort-laughs. “Yeah, I know. Two presidents too.”

“At least Rockpretendshe’s not ordering us to do shit. Wrath gives zero fucks.”

“That’s why he’s SAA and not prez.”

Both of our phones ding again.

Grinder: Church. 2 o’clock. Upstate.

Rooster thumbs out a reply. “Told him we’re both headed up there now.”

“Thanks.” I pull my shirt away from my chest and give it a sniff. “Actually, I’m going to run downstairs, shower and change.”

He glances down at his plaid pajama pants. “Yeah, no shit. I wasn’t planning to go like this.” He cocks his head. “You gonna call Margot?”

“Not now. I want to actually have a conversation with her.” I tap my phone. “And obviously, I don’t have the time.”

He shakes his head and stands. “At least let her know you’re all right.”

I nod once. It’s literally the least I can fucking do. Then, like the dick I love to be, I pick up my phone with exaggerated movements and make a dramatic show of tapping on the screen.

“Whatever.” Rooster waves me off and heads upstairs.

Once I’m alone, I send Margot an actual text. It’s as inadequate as it is true.

I miss you.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Jigsaw

Roosterand I roll through the gate into Upstate’s clubhouse yard just before two. The lot’s already full—bikes lined up along the fence, a few trucks and SUVs parked near the garage, and Dex pacing in front of the garage like a junkyard dog looking for an ass to chomp.

After we shut off our bikes, Ravage pops out of the garage. That must explain Dex’s pinched expression.

“Look who finally dragged their asses here,” Ravage yells when he sees us. “Was starting to think you two joined the circus.”

“Not when my favorite clown’s right here,” I shoot back, flipping off my helmet.

Dex walks over and gives each of us a quick embrace. “Thank fuck you’re here. He’s encroaching on my territory.” He waves one hand toward the garage.

Aw, shit.I should’ve stopped by Downstate’s clubhouse to see if anyone needed anything. At least pretend I’m doing my actual road captain duties.

“I washelping,” Rav says, joining our circle.

“Welcome back,” Rooster says to Dex. “How was your trip?”

“Good. We had fun.” His lips quirk. “Libby didn’t burn down the house while we were gone.”

“Can’t ask for more than that.” Rooster lifts his chin at the clubhouse. “Everyone inside?”

“Fuck no.” Dex laughs. “Rock, Wrath, Z, and Murphy aren’t even here yet.”

I glance past Dex and run my gaze over the line of SUVs. “Grinder here?”

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