Page 46 of Matrix

“I know I can count on you, but she’s a wildcard. We don’t know what she’ll do once we help her find her sister. She could turn on us. You need to be aware of this possibility. Don’t let your dick blind you to all theotherways she could fuck you.”

“Got it.” I clench my jaw, so I won’t say anything I’ll regret. He means well, but he doesn’t know a damn thing about her. He didn’t get to see how sweet she was with the girls. During the entire ride home, she kept checking to make sure they didn’t need food or a restroom. She’s going to make one hell of a mom if she ever decides to have kids. Scar just hasn’t seen that side of her.

“Don’t drop your guard. Ever.” He gives me a long, piercing look before walking down the hall.

Inhaling deeply, I take a second to calm my racing heart. My gut says I can trust Daisy, but what if he’s right? What if she’s just fucking me to get as much information as possible to make a case against Blackstone? Maybe Scar’s right, and I need to be more cautious. I’m not turning my back on her, but I’ve got to keep my eyes open. The sex is hot, but it’s not worth any potential damage she could cause to the club. My brothers will always come first. Going forward, I need to keep this at the forefront of my mind, so I don’t get caught off guard.

When everyone’s settled in their chairs, Scar restarts the meeting. “Earlier today, I called our contacts at the UV Washington State chapter. They have a family willing and able to take in the two girls who don’t want to return home.”

“Did anyone verify the kids’ stories?” Talon asks.

“Yeah.” Nitro scowls. “Tina’s family is a frequent flier with Child Protective Services. They have a way of skirting the line so CPS can’t take their kids away, but it’s bad. If I were her, I wouldn’t want to go back either.”

“What about the other girl?” Reaper asks.

“Kim’s stepfather is a royal piece of shit. He’s got multiple convictions for sexual assault, but like a lot of those pieces of shit, he’s on probation now. As far as I could tell, Kim never reported him for anything. That doesn’t mean she hasn’t been abused, though.”

“Lots of kids are too afraid to speak up,” Reaper says.

“Yeah.” I nod. We’re all silent for a moment. “Which one of us is taking them to Washington?”

“Nitro and Holly volunteered to go. They’ll leave tomorrow morning,” Scar says.

“It’s eleven hours each way,” Talon says.

“Been there, done that. Glad I don’t have to do it again right away,” I say.

“Back to Denver. Tell me more about this house in NOLA. Do you think there’s a chance Daisy’s sister could still be there?” Scar asks.

“It’s not likely, but she’s going to check it out. I think we should go with her. Blackstone’s connected to this operation somehow. We don’t know the details, but we might be able to find evidence of his involvement. This could be the break we need to bring him to justice finally.”

“Are you confident he’s affiliated with this trafficking ring?”

“Yes. The guy at the campsite said his name, the Demon Rider we interrogated here confirmed it, and then the cartel member in Denver mentioned it. I’m sure Blackstone’s using the cartels to move people. If we can find a solid connection between him and the traffickers, he’s done. Daisy can take the evidence to the Feds and make sure he spends the rest of his life in prison.”

“It’s not enough,” Reaper grumbles.

“I want him strung up by the balls as much as you do, but if we can put him behind bars while proving he’s a child predator, he won’t last long. Inmates don’t like dudes who mess with kids. He’ll be a dead man walking.”

“Sounds like we’re going to New Orleans,” Scar says.

“We are?” I arch a brow.

“If her sister’s linked to Blackstone and we find her, we’ve got a witness. That’s worth more than anything we’ve ever had on him. The tape we leaked didn’t work because there wasn’t a victim to parade across the television. That’s what we need. If it bleeds, it leads.”

I don’t like how Scar’s talking about Angela, but I need him on board. Going to New Orleans with the whole club is much better than going alone with Daisy. She and I might be able to make some progress, but these guys will have our backs. Even though she’s a Fed, she’s part of the family. Maybe she’s the ugly stepchild right now, but she’s still our club girl. Scar never kicked her out. He’d never turn his back on a woman in trouble. Daisy needs us to help her find Angela. In exchange, we want whatever she can get us on Blackstone. As far as I can tell, it’s a win-win for everyone.

“Another winter storm is blowing in tomorrow night. I want us on the road to NOLA after Nitro and Holly leave for Washington. Carrie’s parents are on their way from Billings. They should be here soon.” Scar looks around the table. “Get some sleep tonight. Tomorrow, we’ve got a long road ahead of us. Adjourned.”

“I can’t wait to get on my bike again,” Reaper says.

“Me either. How far down do you think we’ll have to go with the trailers before we can pull them out?” I ask.

“Arkansas. Maybe. Weather’s been nuts this year. It was snowing in Texas last week.”

“True. I was hoping we could get the bikes out sooner, but at least we know we can ride in Louisiana.”

“As long as it’s not flooding.”

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