Page 43 of Chill’s Chance

Avery runs her hand over her face. “I told her to go to the cops about Slade.”

“She thought a cop was involved with Nicole’s murder.” I explain.

“Yeah, she mentioned that, but we don’t know if it’s true, do we?” Avery says. “I gave her the contact info for a cop I know we can trust. Maybe she called him. That’s Rafe’s car. He’s here, right?”

I sense Showtime stiffen next to me. Oh oh.

“Yeah, he’s inside talking to your grandmother. He needed to get Slade’s statement as well.” I tell her. “Let’s get inside. Puma needs to see you, Showtime.”

She nods, looking worried. “Is something wrong?” She asks me.

I shrug and have to fight back a grin. “Not sure. I don’t think so, but if there is, you shouldn’t keep him waiting.” I urge her through the door.

Once we get inside, Avery bolts over to her grandmother and wraps her arms around the woman. Showtime shoots Avery and Sterling a look when he rises to put his hand on her shoulder. They talk for a few minutes and I can tell by the angry expression on Avery’s face that he’s telling her about the danger her grandmother found herself in. Rafe gives her a hug before pulling out a seat for her.

Showtime turns her back on the threesome and focuses on Puma, who is giving her a rather stern expression. She slows her steps, but throws her shoulders back and faces him.

“Showtime. There’s something that has come to my attention and I’m sorry to do this, but I need you to give me that kutte. You’re no longer a prospect for our club.”

I see Showtime’s shoulders droop, but she removes her kutte and hands it over to Puma. I see her fingers tremble when he takes it from her.

“May I ask what I’ve done wrong?” She asks. Her voice quakes, but she takes a deep breath and calms herself. “I understand it won’t make a difference. But I’d like to know how I can improve myself.”

Puma rubs his chin and studies her. “Well, see that’s the problem. You’ve done everything we’ve asked, you’ve gone above and beyond at every turn, you’re the perfect prospect. Which is why we can’t have you prospecting.” Puma pulls the member kutte from behind his back and hands it to her. “We need you to be a member, Viper.”

The room explodes in celebration as Viper takes the kutte from Puma and shrugs it on. She runs her fingers over the patch with her new road name. Puma wraps her in a hug and when he lets her go, she turns to me.

“I did it.” She exclaims as I hug her back.

“You did. Congratulations.”

“So this party…”

“Is for you.” I tell her, grinning.

Sterling steps up behind Viper and draws her in for a tight hug. “Congratulations, honey.” He says, giving her a kiss. “I’m so proud of you.”

“Did you know this was happening?” Viper asks him.

He shrugs. “Puma hinted that I might want to stay for the party. I hoped this was the reason.”

“And your friend?” Viper asks, nodding at Avery.

“Is just a friend.” He assures her. “We’ve worked on a few cases together. She works for a bail bondsman, so our paths cross often. Jealous?” He asks with a teasing grin.

She gives him a small smile back before holding her thumb and forefinger together. “Maybe a smidge.” She confesses.

“No need. You are the only one I have eyes for. Trust me, everyone else looks like dirty, wet socks next to you.”

Viper laughs while I scowl at him. “Gee, thanks.” I step away from the couple and search for the person I want to see the most. I’m disappointed when a quick scan comes up empty. Thinking he’s with Slade, I move down the hall to Slade’s room. Opening the door, I find the room empty, so I head to the media room. Desdemona and Diego are watching television in the dark. I glance at the tent and see three little heads inside. But still no Hunter.

I finally find him in my room. He’s sitting against the headboard, his eyes lock on mine when I step inside.

“What’s up?” I ask him. “You know there’s a party out there that you’re missing? We gave Showtime her kutte and new road name. She’s now Viper.”

Hunter says nothing, only continues to stare at me. I climb on the bed to sit across from him, crossing my legs to get comfortable. When I open my mouth to speak, he holds up his hand to stop me.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX: HUNTER

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