Page 102 of Destiny

She narrows her gaze a bit, frowning. “Do you doubt that I’m being honest with you?”

Now isn’t the time to piss her off, but… “Why would they use the same name? Ten years ago, the club talked about sticking it to the man.”

“I can assure you I was never involved in sticking it to the government or any other authority, Ava. The club in Snow Creek is not related to any of my business.”

Good enough. I’ll be able to tell Brendan and Donny they don’t need to bother with the club notes from Darrell Hutchins. I begrudgingly take her hand. Her skin is dry.

“Of course. I was just confused by the name of the club.”

At least that’s one less thing to be concerned about. I can tell Brendan and Donny that the club is on the up-and-up. Or at least not related to Wendy and her motives.

“I do have things in motion, though.”

“How can you? You’ve been hospitalized, sedated at your own request, for the past… I don’t even know how long.”

“I had to go underground.”

“Then why not actually go underground? Why sedate yourself? Who would agree to that, anyway?”

“It’s easy to find people to agree to do just about anything when you wave enough cash in front of them.”

Of course. I should have known. My own family waves cash around. This is why I’ll never do that. I don’t want to be anything like this woman.

“What do you have in motion?” I ask. “What was in motion while you were hospitalized?”

“I have people all over who see to my interests. In Grand Junction, but mostly in Denver.”

My mind flies to the letter Brendan and his father received. It came from a law firm in Denver.

I work hard, keeping my facial features noncommittal.

“Grandmother, I want to do what you ask. I want to find my destiny. But there are certain things I can’t do.”

“I understand, Ava. It’s difficult at first. It was difficult for me, too. But these things have to get done, and you’re the only one who can carry out my wishes.”

“I don’t know why you need me, Grandmother. The nurse says you’re in excellent health. You may live another ten years.”

“I may, but it’s not likely. I’ve already lived more lives than a cat. Will you do what I ask of you?”

Fulfill her legacy? Of killing? Of human trafficking? Of drug smuggling? Of God knows what else?

Not only no, but hell no. If I were Rory Pike, a trained actress, I could easily convince my grandmother otherwise. But I’m not an actress. I’m simply me.

But I can do it. I can do it because I have to do it.

I take her hand. Again hold it in my own. She has pretty nails, shaped like mine. And though her hand is wrinkled, I see that it bears a strong resemblance to my own.

“I’ll do what I have to do, Grandmother. I will find my destiny.”

“I know you will, Ava. Now, listen closely. Here’s the first thing you need to do.”

Chapter Thirty-Three

Brendan

My family’s small house is filled to the brim at ten the next morning. Mom ordered coffee and pastries from Rita’s café, and Rita delivered them herself, as she’s attending the meeting.

If Ava’s bakery were open, would Mom have ordered from there? Probably not, because the town is coming together to plot against the Steel family.

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