Page 8 of Prince of Darkness

As soon as I jumped down from the window at the club last night, I went in search of Vee. I was not surprised to find her trying to make her escape as well. I’m guessing their plan was to divide us and interrogate us or something. I still can’t understand how the heck everything went so wrong so fast last night. Both Vee and I had been so sure the problem was going to be getting into the place. Not out.

I still can’t believe I managed to jump down out of that window. I’m giving credit to all those years of gymnastics my dad made me take because he thought I needed to have some kind of extra activity in my life.

I push out the front door when I hear my brother's truck coming down the gravel driveway to Vee’s place. Ben rolls down his window, not bothering to get out. From his messy hair I’m guessing he rolled out of bed and headed over. He must be in a hurry.

Thank goodness. The last thing I need is an interrogation. I can hold out most times but not for long. I hate to lie, but sometimes a little white lie is needed. Especially when you have two older brothers that are overprotective.

“You lost your keys, kiddo?” I roll my eyes at him. I’m thankful he was the one that answered instead of my older brother Kane. Ben is a little more easygoing. Which isn’t saying much because they are both overbearing.

“Don’t call me that.” I hold out my hand for him to give me my spare set. We all keep spares in my dad's office. “I know where they are. I just forgot my bag last night.”

“Forgot your bag.” He drops the keys into my hand. “And where did you forget this bag?” Here we go. I should’ve told him I lost them or that Thor buried them somewhere.

“I don't have to answer questions like that anymore.” I smirk at him. I’m no longer a kid. No matter what they think.

“We’ll see about that at dinner tonight.” He smirks right back.

“Then we’ll see about me making peach cobbler.” I put my hands on my hips.

“That’s mean, sis.” He shakes his head like he’s truly hurt.

“Y’all find that Eddie guy yet?” I ask.

Ben’s face grows serious. “You don’t need to be worried about shit like that.”

“I work for Hart Bonds too,” I remind him. “That’s a hundred grand hit the company would take if we don’t find him.” It wouldn't bankrupt us or anything, but still. That’s a giant loss. Not to mention a hit to our reputation. We’re known as being the best. I’m not even my brother, and that bothers my ego.

He lets out a long breath. “We’ll handle it.”

“The hell, Benny. This is bullshit.”

“What the hell, Olivia?” I glare at him. He glares right back, hating when I call him Benny as much as I hate being called Olivia. It sounds extra girly. I mean, I’m girly sometimes, but I try not to be when I want to measure up to my brothers, but it’s hard. Pink and shiny things get me every dang time.

“Ben.”

“I get it. I promise, sis. This one is different. You know if something ever happened to you it would kill us.”

I soften. “I know.” I fold like a chair when it comes to the Hart men.

“Vee okay?” He nods to the trailer.

“Yeah.”

“You talk her into moving in with you and Dad yet?”

“I’m trying.” Now I’m done for. Any irritation I was feeling is gone. It annoys me when they go all big brother on me, but I enjoy it when they do it to Vee. She needs us. Everyone needs a family.

“See you tonight.”

“Love you,” I toss over my shoulder, heading for my car.

“Love you, too,” he says before he pulls back out onto the main road.

I wait before I follow him out, planning to drive by the Ravens Club. I’m hoping by the time I get there I grow the balls to park and then knock on the door and demand my purse back. The drive is short. I pull into the parking lot and take a look around. There are motorcycles and trucks parked all over.

I know it’s not only a motorcycle club, but it’s a part of the Adair Mines. We all grew up knowing about the Adair Mines after they’d struck gold. It had been a big story, and a lot of people went digging to see if they could find their own treasure. Even Vee’s grandfather had. I’d been a teen when it happened. Silver Springs isn’t a tiny city, but it isn’t giant either. Everyone might not know everyone, but gossip still travels pretty freaking far.

Some people said it was all bullshit. That they actually dealt in drugs and to account for their money they pretended they found gold. It’s stupid, but people love to make up stories. I’d all but forgotten about the rumor until now. I take one last look around, knowing it’s now or never. Needless to say, I chicken out and head back home.

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