Page 7 of Bone's Destiny

“How’s it going?” I clasped his bicep and gave him a half-hug. He’d been my closest friend since grade school.

“All right, I guess, and you?”

“I’d rather be in Montana.”

“Yeah, yeah.” He bobbed his head, checking his messages. “Scary shit with Lady M. I bet you’re relieved she’s okay.”

More than he knew. “I was just going to see her now.”

“Then I’ll see you later.”

I furrowed my brow. “You will?”

“At church.”

“Dr. Hayes?” a pretty nurse said from behind him.

Stitch peered over his shoulder. “Yes, Mercy?”

“Don’t get cute, doctor. The results for the tests you requested are in. You told me to let you know, so I am.” She turned around and left.

Stitch watched her with interest. “No matter what I do…”

“Isn’t that Hope’s friend?”

“Yes.” He exhaled a heavy breath. “I better go.”

“Were those tests for Lady M?”

“No. Another patient. I’ll see you later.” He jerked his chin.

“Wait. Something going on with the nurse I should know about?” As far as I knew, Stitch loved his freedom and never wanted an old lady.

“Nope. Not a damn thing.” Stitch stalked away, a look of defeat. I’d never seen him like that before. Usually, women fell at his feet. Mercy must not be into bad boy bikers, even though Stitch was a doctor first and foremost. Couldn’t say I blamed her. We were nothing but trouble.

“Let’s go and mind your mouth.” Dad held the door open and waved me in. He narrowed his eyes, a silent warning not to cross the line.

The sight of Lady M attached to machines with pale skin knocked the air out of my lungs. She’d always been a feisty broad, capable of kicking anyone’s ass who harmed her family. It hurt something in me to see her this way. But I couldn’t let her fragile state stop me from getting the truth out of her. Maybe her condition would work in my favor.

“Micah, how are you, baby?” She smiled weakly.

“Better than you.” I kissed her forehead because… I loved her even when she hurt me.

She stared at me with drippy, languid eyes. “I thought I might not ever see you again.”

“Don’t talk like that, baby.” Dad took her hand and gently stroked the top. “You’ve got a lot of years left in you.”

Lady M ignored him, not taking her eyes off me. “How are you? Everything all right in Montana?”

“Yeah. It’s good. Gotta good crew, and the locals treat us fine.”

“That’s good, son.” A tear rolled down the side of her face. Dammit, I’d leave the room if any more fell. “How long will you be in town?”

“Not long. Cobra has a job he needs me to do.” I glanced at my old man, confident he knew what I was talking about. “So before I leave, I’m gonna ask you again. Where is she?”

“Jesus Christ, boy. Your mother just had a heart attack,” Dad growled.

“She’s not my mother,” I shot back.

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