Page 39 of Scatter the Bones

“Uh…” Rav flicks his gaze around the circle, seeking support. Any other day, I might throw him a bone, but the breast milk comment was one too far, even for me, so today I keep my mouth shut.

“Nothing.” Rav points to Teller’s SUV. “Teller was sharing some details about his new ride. Jiggy wants to buy one.”

I raise my eyebrows. “Nah, if I spend that much on a vehicle, it better jack me off and tuck me in at night.”

Murphy snorts.

“It’s time to upgrade that 4Runner,” Wrath says, releasing Rav and sending him stumbling forward.

“Why is everyone picking on my vehicle today?” My eyes widen with outrage, and I hold my arms out wide. “Are we amotorcycleclub or a truck club?”

“No one’s picking on your vehicle, Jiggy. We live in an area with brutal winters. You need something reliable,” Dex says. “I think that’s what Wrath meant.”

“No, I meant it’s a rust bucket.” Wrath shakes his head.

“Well, we can’t all be like you guys,” I wag a finger at Murphy and Teller, “collecting vehicles like you’re gettin’ ready to film your ownTheFast and the Furiousspin-off.”

Murphy chuckles. “No joke. My car insurance bill’s starting to look like another mortgage.”

“Well, I’m ready to buy Heidi’s little SUV from you whenever you want to sell it,” Dex offers.

Murphy nods. “I’ll bring it out to the track for her to test drive. Just let me know. It’ll be a good car for Libby while she’s going to college.”

“Wait?” Rav’s eyes bug and he frantically slaps Dex’s arm. “You’re buying acarfor your ol’ lady’s littlesister?”

Dex presses one finger to his lips. “Shhh. Grown-ups are talking.”

“All right.” Wrath claps his hands together. “If you’re done strokin’ each other’s tailpipes, let’s make our way to the table. We have things to discuss.”

“Finally,” Rock mutters, following Wrath inside, their boots thudding over the wooden steps.

Z stops me at the bottom of the stairs with a hand on my chest. “Everything all right with you?”

“Yeah, why?”

“With your brother?” he asks in a low enough voice not to be overheard.

I could strangle Cain for going to Crystal Ball looking for me. “I think so.”

“Where’s he staying?”

“At a hotel right now. He hasn’t really said if he’s planning to stick around or not.”

Z studies me for a moment, then flicks his gaze over my shoulder—probably clocking Rooster standing guard at my back. “Look, I don’t know your whole family history.” His mouth curls like he just bit into something rotten. “I’m sure it’s as wholesome as the rest of ours. And I only met him for a few minutes, but he seemed like a good kid. Little lost. But eager to see you.”

He got all that from five seconds with Cain?

“Yeah, I just don’t knowwhy. We…didn’t grow up together. I met him once when he was like seven or eight.” I clear my throat and glance away. “That’s it.”

“Maybe that’s better.” He huffs a bitter laugh. “I got two brothers I grew up with and I wouldn’t piss on either of ‘em if they were on fire.”

That’s probably how Cain feels about me. Orshould.

“I hear you, Prez.” I’ll say just about anything to appease Z and shut this conversation down. “I think he really wants to see my sister—theydidlive together when they were little. But I’m not sure I trust him, yet. I gotta see what his intentions are before I help them reconnect.”

He frowns and stares at me for a few beats. “Yeah, I don’t blame you. You need anything, let me know.” He pats my shoulder, then bounds up the stairs into the clubhouse.

Rooster and I follow him inside. Everyone’s already filing into the war room. No stopping to gab with the ol’ ladies today.Wait.“Where is everyone?”

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