Page 16 of Reaper's Rage

I frown. “That’s odd, isn’t it? Are the other orders that vague on the details?”

“Hmm. Good question. Let me check.” I hear more clicking before he speaks again. “No, I’ve checked half a dozen orders and they all have the information you would expect. Buyer's name, payment method, etc. I wonder why this one is different?”

“Because whoever purchased the flowers didn’t want us to find out their identity. Maybe they bribed the person who took the order.”

“Maybe. I’ll keep digging. See if I can access their security cameras.” Byte says before ending the call.

I sit at the table with Ashlyn and Cecilia. “Byte’s checking on who sent the flowers.” I tell them, taking Ashlyn’s hand in mine. It’s warm from the mug. “Where’s Alexie?”

“She’s staying with a friend.” Cecilia tells me. “Their family went to Lake Tahoe for a few days, and they offered to take her with them.”

I frown at the thought of Ashlyn’s fourteen-year-old sister running wild in Tahoe, but Cecilia just shakes her head at me.

“She’s fine. The family has a home on the south side of the lake and the girls are planning on spending their days sunbathing and swimming. They aren’t dressing up and hitting the casinos.” Cecilia assures me.

“You guys should come stay at the club.” I tell them. “I don’t like the idea of you two here alone.” Expecting an argument, I brace myself. But I should know better. Ashlyn and her mom are very smart women.

“I think that’s a good idea.” Cecilia agrees while Ashlyn nods. “Are you sure there is enough room?”

“Plenty of room. Let me go talk with Grimm and clear it with him. But I don’t see a problem. Why don’t you both go pack?”

Taking Ashlyn’s mug, I clean it in the sink while they head back to their rooms to pack. Finding Grimm still standing with Carver and the others, I make my way over to them.

Running my idea of having Ashlyn and her mom stay at the clubhouse, I’m not surprised when he nods in agreement.

“What about Alexie?” Flame asks and I tell him what his mom had told me.

“That’s right. I forgot she was out of town. Do you think whoever did this will come back?”

I glance around to make sure none of the cops are nearby before pulling out the card to show it to them. “I called Byte. He’s trying to discover who sent the flowers.”

“Do you think the gang had dealings with Renee?” Grimm asks.

“That’s what Cecilia and Ashlyn asked.” Scar says. “Renee must have known at least one member since she delivered Ashlyn to them.”

I nod because Maestro’s father, Alex, last saw Ashlyn in Renee’s car before Deion got his hands on her. “The Spades didn’t deal in skin when I was with them. But, Deion is all about turning a profit. He could see the skin trade as less risky than dealing in drugs or guns. Especially if they were working with someone like Renee who did the legwork and found the women.”

“We won’t get much done today.” Carver says. “I sent my men to other jobs. After what happened here, I’m changing my plan. I considered building the wall last, but it might be better to build it first. If we had the wall up and security in place, this wouldn’t have happened.”

“I agree.” Grimm says. “We can discuss it in Church today, but I’m certain Dante will agree. Anything to keep this place as safe as possible.”

When Ashlyn and her mother come out of their apartment each carrying a suitcase, Axel rushes over to help them. He grabs their bags and loads them into the SUV. Flame and I follow him over.

“Can we take our cars, or should we ride in the SUV?” Ashlyn asks me.

“Axel can drive you, but I think it might be a good idea to drive over to the club. No sense leaving them here. They will be safer at the clubhouse.” I tell her. “But neither of you should leave the compound without a guard.” I warn them.

“Ok, we’ll head over to the clubhouse now.” Cecilia says, walking to her car. Flame follows her to open her door and get her settled behind the wheel.

“I have soccer practice later.” Ashlyn reminds me. “I thought about cancelling, but I could really use the exercise to get my mind off things. I’ll return to the clubhouse after.”

“Axel can drive you over.” I tell her and she nods.

“Agreed. I promise I won’t fight you. I’d feel better having someone watching my back. Even if it is Axel.” She says with a wink at her brother and a grin for me. I open her car door. She blasts me with one of her brilliant smiles, so I pull her into my arms and devour her mouth. Losing myself in the taste of her, I pull back only when I hear two distinct sounds of gagging. I glare at her brothers while she giggles. She snuggles into my arms, so I give her a tight hug before releasing her. Once she’s behind the wheel, I close her door.

“Reaper?” I hear Ashlyn’s mom call me over.

“Hey, Mrs. B.” I greet her. “You all set? Need me to take care of anything here before we follow you to the clubhouse?”