Page 37 of Heresy

Thankfully, Tanner, Gabe and Mason were able to smooth that shitshow over, and Damon and I have zero marks against our record for the lesson Paul was taught.

However, and in the time that has passed, Emily is now firmly with Ezra, and we just planted the twins’ father in the ground a few hours ago.

Unfortunately, William’s death hasn’t taught the rest of our fathers a damn thing. Mason just called to let me know his father moved up the deadline for his wedding to Emily. They couldn’t wait for William’s body to grow cold in the ground before starting their shit again.

Which means each member of the Inferno still has a job to do to continue our hunt for the missing servers.

That includes me.

And it’s the last thing I want to be doing.

Priest’s not wrong to be cautious and concerned, though. When it comes to the twins, their father’s death didn’t do them any favors. They were able to keep their shit together for the funeral, and I’m assuming they’re doing all right at the funeral reception that’s occurring right now. I haven’t received any calls or texts to let me know otherwise.

I couldn’t handle it, though, so instead of attending another bullshit get-together with people’s fake smiles and rubbing elbows, I ditched the black suit I’d worn at the funeral for my greasy coveralls at the shop.

“Don’t know,” I answer, my voice gruff. “They’re both at the funeral reception now. More than likely, Ezra will be with Emily later, and I think Tanner and Gabe want to keep Damon in sight.”

Priest laughs, not his usual boisterous sound, but something lined with sympathy. He’s as worried about Damon as I am. Except he doesn’t know the secrets that I do and why we should all be worried more than most people realize.

William didn’t end up in that grave by accident. And the details of that night are still firmly in mind. Priest knows that much, but what led to the necessity of William’s death? Yeah, he’s as clueless as everybody else outside of the Inferno.

Thankfully, he doesn’t mention what I’m thinking about and instead attempts levity.

“Let me guess… They still don’t trust the two of you going out together? Afraid you’ll take on twenty guys this time?”

Shaking my head, I meet his eyes again.

“You can say that. Not because of the fights. More because they’re sick of having to get our records expunged.”

He grunts. “Guess it’s good to own a law firm.”

“It’s convenient,” I admit, “but dealing with Tanner’s bullshit afterward isn’t.”

More laughter from Priest.

“Don’t even get me started on that guy. You all still abducting women left and right, or is that shit over with now that the other three convinced their chicks not to press charges?”

I can’t argue with the question, at least when it comes to Luca and Ivy. Technically, Tanner and Gabe took them against their will, but it was just to gain control of them. I refuse to take a woman against her will. But I’m not making any promises that I won’t take her without her knowledge.

Those are two entirely different things.

Semantics and all.

Sometimes these decisions are necessary. I’m praying to everything holy that won’t be the case tonight.

“Two chicks. Not three. Emily was extremely willing from what I remember.” On a groan I add, “With both twins.”

Rubbing at his jaw, Priest grimaces, his eyes running over the work I’d already completed on the repair I was making on a piece of shit Kia that a customer brought in.

“Yeah, about that. Ezra is supposed to bring his girl’s car in tonight, from what he said. Vehicles tend to get fucked up a lot around you all.”

On that, he’s not wrong either. By my count, we’re up to three totaled and one simply damaged. And that doesn’t include the four cars with slashed tires, courtesy of Ivy’s escape from Gabe’s house.

Still, I’ll defend the group about one of those cars. “Ava’s car getting mangled wasn’t our fault.”

Pushing to his feet, he glares down at me.

“They ever catch the kid who did it?”

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