Page 14 of Hammer

“Don’t need thanks,” I cut in, not unkindly.“Just doing what’s right.”

Saint moved to the refrigerator, tacking a piece of paper to it with a magnet shaped like a coffee cup.“Emergency numbers,” he explained.“Club, police, fire department.Jessie’s direct line downstairs.My cell and Hammer’s are at the top.”

Chase moved closer to read the list, and I wondered if he was memorizing the numbers.He glanced back at me, then at Saint.“Scratch said Piston won’t find us here.”

“Not if we can help it,” Saint assured him.“Devil’s Minions know better than to ride into Dixie Reapers’ territory without invitation.And Piston specifically has been warned to stay out of Alabama altogether.”

Of course, neither of us said that while theyshouldn’tenter our territory, it didn’t mean they wouldn’t.If Piston discovered they were here, I wasn’t sure he’d care about any warnings he’d received.He’d likely come for them, and I couldn’t be entirely sure what Savior would do.Reaper families came first.

“Warned by who?”Amelia asked, a tremor in her voice.

“By men who don’t make idle threats,” I said simply.

The family exchanged glances, a silent conversation passing between them.Levi had moved to the window, peering out at the street below through the slats of the blinds.“There’s a bookstore across the street,” he noted, a hint of excitement breaking through his caution.

“Owner’s daughter is a friend of the club,” I told him.“She’ll give you a decent discount if you mention you’re under our protection.”

Levi’s eyes widened slightly behind his glasses.Good to know.Kid liked books.

Saint set the keys on the counter.“Two sets of keys.Figured you’d want a set and leave one for the boys.Deadbolt was changed yesterday.”

Chase picked up one set, testing their weight in his palm like he was weighing a weapon.“And the job?”he asked, looking at his mother.

“Jessie’s expecting you tomorrow morning at seven,” Saint explained to Amelia.“She’ll train you on the breakfast shift.The apartment comes with the job, for a discounted rate.Like I said, club paid the first three months.You want to stay after that, you’ll have to pay Jessie.”

A weight seemed to lift from Amelia’s shoulders at those words.Financial independence -- the first step toward real freedom.

“Boys can start school Monday,” I added.“Principal’s been notified to expect you.No questions asked about transcripts or previous schools.”

Chase’s jaw tightened at that, but he nodded once.

“The club will check in regularly,” Saint said, moving toward the door where I still stood.“Not to intrude, just to make sure you’re settling in, have what you need.Piston finds you, or contacts you in some way, tell us.”

I noticed Amelia’s hand trembling slightly as she reached out to touch the back of the sofa, as if confirming it was real.Too many promises had been broken for them before.Words meant little without actions to back them up.

“Things get rough,” I said quietly, meeting her eyes directly, “day or night, you call.We come.That’s how it works here.”

Something flickered in her expression -- not quite trust, but the shadow of relief.She nodded.“Thank you, Hammer.”

Hearing my name from her lips startled me slightly.Most people outside the club used it reluctantly, intimidated by what it represented.She’d said it simply, with dignity.

“We’ll leave you to get settled,” Saint said, sensing the family needed space more than company now.“Jessie will probably pop up to introduce herself later, but otherwise, you’ve got privacy.”

I stepped back into the hallway, giving them room.Chase followed us to the door, still on guard.As Saint headed down the stairs, I paused, turning back to the boy.

“You did good,” I told him quietly.“Got your family here safe.Not many could’ve managed that.”

Surprise flickered across his face, followed by the faintest hint of pride before suspicion closed over it again.“We’re not safe yet,” he countered.

“Safer than yesterday,” I replied.“Trust comes with time.”

He didn’t answer, but he didn’t need to.I understood his wariness better than he knew.I’d been around long enough to recognize the look of someone who’d been betrayed by everyone who should have protected them.

I descended the stairs, hearing theclickof the deadbolt behind me.Good.Kid was taking security seriously.

Outside, the heat hit me like a physical blow after the air-conditioned apartment.Saint was already in the SUV, engine running.I climbed into the passenger side, settling my bulk against the leather seat with a grunt.

“Think they’ll stay?”Saint asked as we pulled away.

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