Page 19 of Broken Deeds MC: Second Generation 12

Thanks for breakfast.Well, it’s the thought that counts, right?

I frown and have no clue if she’s being sarcastic or indeed thanking me for a breakfast I didn’t arrange.Typing out a reply, I get distracted by the people around me who want to give me some details about the dead body.My message to Lyla is short and basically states, “No breakfast, be back soon.”

My attention spikes when the forensic pathologist points out a spot on the body.Shoving my phone away, I step closer and squat down while the forensic pathologist holds out the dead person’s wrist.

“Fuck,” I mumble and slightly raise my voice when I ask, “There’s a button below the stitches, right?”

When the forensic pathologist bobs his head I give him the instructions to document everything.

I take my phone from my pocket once more and call Archer.He picks up after the second ring and I tell him, “The body found is definitely connected to the case.We found another button and pink heavyweight silk thread.Get this, it’s used to sew the skin, sealing the button inside.”

“That’s some weird shit, Pax.Why the hell would the killer sew a damn button...you know what?Never mind.I’ve seen and questioned enough weirdness working cases, this one is all yours.At least we now understand the link with the silk thread and button.”Archer releases a frustrated sigh.“Keep an eye out for suspects who fancy something in this direction.It must be linked with something personal.”

“On it,” I grunt.

I’m about to end the call when Archer says, “Congratulations by the way.A girl, eh?I think my mother likes you more than me right now.”

A bark of laughter slips free, and I assume Lyla has contacted Lynn.“Thanks, Prez.Yeah, my old lady and I are expecting a girl.I bet your ma is excited about adding to the upcoming female chapter of Broken Deeds.”

“Especially when it involves her upcoming namesake, with an added E to highlight the epicness of her predecessor,” Archer fake grumbles.“You guys really strapped some fireworks to her ass and sent her hightailing face first into cloud nine.She pulled a damn gun on Heath and Hayden who only so much as fucking snickered.It was barely considered a damn laugh when she told them you two were back together and were expecting a kid.She threatened to boil the balls or tits of anyone who so much as says one word about you two hooking up again.It’s like she wants to prevent any gossip about the pregnancy being the only reason.All while everyone damn well knows you’re crazy about Lyla.Lee and I never should have interfered ’cause you two would have got together either way.But we are guilty for interfering, fucking shit up all in one go.I’m just fucking glad everything is in the past.All I wanted to say was that my mother’s happy and can finally stop stressing about getting you two back together.”

“Thanks, Prez,” I croak, emotions getting the better of me.

“Get your claim inked, brother,” he reminds me and ends the call.

He doesn’t have to remind me, and yet his words do make me smile.It slides right off my mouth when I focus back on the scene in front of me.I give a few more instructions to the team who are securing all the evidence before I head for my bike.

Without an ID we have no clue who this man is.I want to get ahead of things and even if it’s a long shot, I want to check for missing persons reports in an effort to ID the guy.Then I can retrace his steps and find out exactly what he did to end up here.

I straddle my bike and ride to the hotel, making a quick stop at a small bakery in town to pick up some Danish pastries.For myself, but also for Lyla.I have no clue about the breakfast comment, and showing up empty-handed isn’t good when I know the woman likes to eat.

Not only due to the pregnancy.She told me when we met how she loves food.She’s also in the gym a lot, working out, and she works around the clock.I know for a fact she likes the cinnamon rolls I got, along with Danish pastry, along with some eclairs, and two fancy coffees.My woman has a sweet tooth and so do I.

Parking my bike, I take the stuff from my saddle bags and head inside.I lift my chin in the direction of the woman behind the front desk.I make a mental note to check out the information Bee sent on this hotel, but the new body takes priority.

Using the card to open the door, I find the room empty.A jolt of panic hits me until I hear the toilet flush.In three strides I’m across the room and burst into the bathroom.

“Everything okay?”I ask when I find Lyla sitting on the floor near the toilet.

“No,” Lyla croaks.“The front desk woman brought British pastry shit ’cause my fiancé thought I might be hungry.I don’t know why you would order that shit for me.Beef and potato, beef and onion, beef and cheese, beef and what the fuck ever.I could barely keep the bile from rising and when she left, I rushed to the bathroom.Please throw everything away, I can’t stand the horrible scent.”

Ice fills my veins.I didn’t order breakfast, and for sure as shit wouldn’t order what the woman brought her.Then there’s the mention of fiancé.

She gags again and I’m rushing out the door.Noticing the tray of food, I grab a plastic bag and dump the continents in it.I tie a knot and place the bag outside of the hotel room.Once back inside I open a window for some fresh air and walk back into the bathroom.

“All gone,” I tell her.

She sags against the tiles.“Oh, thank fuck.”

I move toward her and scoop her up in my arms.

Lyla groans.“Don’t.I need to brush my teeth first.”

Making a stop at the sink, I put her on her feet and she quickly reaches for her toothbrush.Keeping my hands on her waist, I wait for her to finish brushing her teeth and then guide her to bed.

She sighs in relief.“Something smells way better in here.”

“I opened the window,” I tell her.

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