Page 49 of Pedal to the Metal
Chapter Thirty-One
Savannah
When Pops got homefrom the hospital, he went straight to his office. He’s been in there all night. I’ve thought about going and checking on him. Knowing him, I know he’d rather be left alone right now to process everything. Raze and I hung out with Rivet, Tink, Lolita, and a bunch of the brothers until about midnight. Half of them stayed in the main room while others, including Raze and I, decided to go to bed.
I wake up to someone knocking at our door. When I pick up my phone, it’s 2:30 in the morning. I climb out of bed, trying not to wake Raze, and make my way to the door, cracking it open. I see Pops and my heart drops.
“Is everything okay?” I open the door more, but not too much. All I have on is Raze’s t-shirt.
“I got a call from the doctor about thirty minutes ago . . . Jager passed in his sleep.”
“Oh, Pops.” I throw the door open and wrap my arms around his waist hugging him. We knew that this was still a possibility, but it doesn’t stop it from hurting any less. I’m glad he’s not suffering, but shit! I need my brother. A few tears fall from my eyes. Pops kisses the top of my head.
“I just wanted to make sure I was the one that told you. Go back to bed, sweetheart.”
He heads back toward his room. I worry about him. Two sons dead, one in jail. This has to be hard on him. I close the door and head back to bed.
“What was that about?” Raze asks as I climb in bed next to him, his voice rough with sleep.
I sigh and snuggle up next to him. “Jager passed away in his sleep.”
He doesn’t say anything. Instead, he wraps his arms around me and pulls me into his chest. Which is all that I need. I cry into his bare chest, crying myself back to sleep.
The next couple of days pass by in a bit of a blur. The fourth of July is three short days away. I can’t bring myself to get excited about it. Buster and the guys are supposed to be back in town Wednesday. They’re moving out here permanently.
I haven’t cried again since the night Jager passed. I just feel numb. Raze has been great. He gives me just enough space but makes it known that he’s there if I need anything. I don’t think there’s anything anyone will be able to do to help with this hole in my heart. You never know when it’s going to be yours or a loved one’s last day, yet we tend to take this precious gift of life for granted.
We’re sitting in the main room when Pops and Tech come rushing in. Tech is typing away on his phone.
“Time to load up, fellas! Tech was finally able to get a hit on that piece of shit, Brody,” Pops tells the room. Raze looks to me with a worried look.
“Go, Mason,” I whisper. “I know you feel like you need to be there. I’ll be fine here.”
His hand goes to the back of my neck. He holds onto me and stares into my eyes. “Are you sure?”
I nod and he crashes his lips to mine. “You say the word, and I’ll stay here with you, Kitty.”
“Go get that bastard for the both of us.” I kiss him again before he stands up to join Pops.
“We need a couple of brothers to stay back with Minx,” Pops announces.
“I’ll stay behind,” Bear volunteers.
“Me too.” That’s Zombie.
Pops nods. “Good. Knuckles and Mouse, you’ll be driving one of the cages. Chains is on gate duty. The rest of you, load up. Let’s go get this fucker.”
Raze gives me one last kiss on my head. “I’ll see you soon, Savi.”
They head out quickly, leaving me with Rivet, Bear, Zombie, and a couple of the cut bunnies. Tink and Lolita are both working today, and half the bunnies have the day off. Rivet and I are sitting on one of the couches, talking quietly, while Bear and Zombie are playing pool. Trix is hanging all over them while Candy is behind the bar getting drinks for the four of them.
“Minx, Rivet, would either of you like something to drink?” She makes her voice so fucking sweet. It’s enough to give you a cavity. I’m sure she’s just being nice because of Jager passing.
“I’ll take a Coke, please,” Rivet tells her. I nod to let her know I’d like one too. She sets two cans down on the coffee table in front of us, and then heads to the pool tables. Riv and I keep talking about everything from Jager, to Buster and the guys, to the fourth of July. The more I drink my soda, the funnier I start to feel.
“Ohh . . . I don’t feel so well,” I tell Rivet. “I think I’m going to go lay down.”
“I think I may take a nap too,” Rivet responds as she lies on the couch.
I slowly stand up, my vision a little spotty. Maybe I didn’t stand up as slowly as I thought. I make my way down the hallway towards Raze’s room, keeping my hand on the wall to steady myself.
This can’t just be from lack of eating.I think to myself. I try to send out a text to Buster, he was the last person I was texting. The last thing I remember before completely passing out is hearing a female cackling and someone shushing her. Then everything goes black.
