Page 11 of Only The Strong

10

REESE

We switchedthe bike out for Callum’s Raptor for the hour ride to Seattle. We made it a little before lunch, so Callum dropped me off at a hotel he booked for the night so I could freshen up and relax while he went to the warehouse to pick out the lighting fixtures for his business. After showering, changing, and nailing down a place to grab lunch, I decide to call my friends and fill them in on everything that happened with my new creepy stalker.

“This is so messed up, Reese,” Emma says down the line.

“I know.” I fall back against the bed.

“And you associating with the Devil’s Outlaws? They’re criminals Reese, I see them down at the courthouse all of the time.” She harrumphs.

“I know, Em, but Allie thinks this is the best idea right now, and Callum isn’t what you think.” She grunts like she wants to argue with me. Changing the subject because I am so tired of talking about this stupid situation. “Hey, could you go over to my apartment and take a package inside? It was delivered after we left and there’s some students that keep stealing people’s packages off of their porches. There’s a key tucked inside of the wreath hanging on my door.” I stare at the ceiling, kicking my legs over the edge of the bed.

“Of course, Re.” I know she's coming around because her voice is soft again. That’s one thing that makes her so great with the kids she works with; her sweet voice could end wars.

“Take someone with you just in case.” I hate that I have to ask my best friend to ask someone to go along with her to my apartment because she might be in danger if she goes alone. Frustrated and bitter, I end the call shortly after and wait for Callum to get back from his meeting.

A while later, on our way to lunch Callum’s phone dings in the cupholder between us.

“Would you mind checking that, Red?” He keeps his eyes on the road.

I pick up his phone and he tells me his passcode to open the message. “It’s from Ronan and he said to call him.”

Callum curses under his breath. “Hit call.” I press dial on Ronan’s contact and the phone starts ringing through the vehicle’s speakers.

“Cale.” Ronan’s voice is deep through the phone.

“I’m with Reese, I brought her with me to Seattle.” Callum quickly interrupts.

Ronan hums on the line. “That’s fine. I need to meet with Alessandro, so I told him you’re in Seattle and he’s flying down to meet with you tonight over a deal. Finn is on his way to… oversee that everyone is cordial.”

Callum tenses and his grip on the steering wheel tightens. “Why am I meeting with him?”

“Because Saint and I are meeting with a supplier.” The grumbling of bikes comes through the line. “I’ll let him know you have company so Reese can go as well.”

Callum glances at me quickly. “Yes, sir,” he says before hanging up.

We pull into the parking lot for the sports bar and I turn in my seat to face Callum. “Who is Alessandro?”

Callum rubs his hand over his sharp jaw and groans. “Look I don't want to lie to you, Red, but I can't tell you who he is or what we’re meeting him for.” He meets my eyes and I can see the honesty there.

“Criminal things?” I ask, lifting my brow, but Callum just stares at me, giving nothing away. I can tell he doesn't want to lie, but he can't divulge the truth. I stay in my seat, holding his gaze. “What can you tell me?”

He pushes out a breath, pausing. “All I can tell you is that Alessandro is a club associate and we’re meeting with him for club business.”

“Will this be dangerous?” I stare into his eyes.

He shakes his head. “No. Ronan wouldn't let you go if he thought it would be.”

We get out of Callum’s Raptor and walk into the restaurant. After ordering our drinks, a news segment flashes across the big screens in the sports bar. “Oh my gosh, Callum look!” I watch the TV screen horrified.

His head snaps up from his menu. “What?” He follows my gaze to the screen behind the bar.

“Michelle Davis, the wife of Senator Buxley Davis, was found murdered in their Washington home last night.”

The news reporter continues the story and Callum lets out a giant breath. “Oh shit.”

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