Page 145 of Menace

“Joaquin, did they do this to you?”

“No, Papa, it was Carmella’s men. I think the bikers might have killed them.”

“Good, then I don’t have to kill anyone.”

“Papa, give him his son. It’s not right, this thing you do, it’s not right.”

Lucky listened to their conversation, all in Spanish, his eyes riveted on his boy. He was asleep and looked clean and taken care of.

Walking up to him Pablo stopped and tilted his head to meet Lucky’s eyes. His voice was soft so as not to carry towards those listening.

“You have my gratitude for not hurting my son. He’s the most important person in my life.” He was silent for a beat. “I apologise for not treating your woman with the same care. I follow orders, same as you, but unfortunately I am not as good a man as you are. I know you want my life but I have something better to offer.”

He gave a slight almost imperceptible shake of his head when Lucky opened his mouth to answer.

“No, don’t say anything. I owe you a life debt. As long as I’m alive I will honour it. You and I, we are enemies but maybe, one day, if you need me I can help you.”

Lifting the carrier he handed it to Lucky then gave the bag to Rider.

“I bought him some things and I’d like it if you accept it as a gift from Joaquin and Magdelena, his grandmother. I know you won’t accept it from me.”

Once his hands were free he stepped up to his son, pulling him into a tight, hard hug. Joaquin instantly put his arms around him and it was clear to see he loved his father. Letting the boy go he moved to the old lady and hugged her as well. They murmured to each other then stepped away.

Pablo looked at Lucky and nodded.

“Thank you for saving my son and his grandmother. I will not forget this.”

With that he put an arm around each of their shoulders and walked them to the SUV he had climbed out of.

Carlos and Jorge watched them go then turned to look at Maniac.

There were nods between them

Lucky didn’t give a shit. All he wanted was to get his boy home.

Nothing else was important.

Nothing.

FORTY

Harper

When I opened my eyes I found myself being watched by a pair of black eyes and a pair of brown ones.

Lucky and Rider.

They sat on either side of my bed like those statues of male lions you find outside the entrances of palaces. Protecting those inside. These two were my lions, my protectors.

Tired looking protectors.

“Have you two slept at all?” I asked, my voice husky.

Lucky rose, bent over me and kissed my lips softly. “We had shit to do while you slept, sweetheart. We’ll sleep soon, don’t worry.”

Rider grinned, pointed a thumb at Lucky. “What he said.”

My eyes went from one face to the other before returning to Lucky. “Did you find Ry? Where is he?”

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