Page 13 of The Beast

“Perhaps you could tell me this information as an old friend?”

“It’s the same damn thing and you know it,” I grumble. “But this doesn’t just affect the Cammareri empire. Now that we are running for you, it affects the Gypsy Bastards too.”

“Well, then, out with it. Neither of us has all day to stand here chatting.”

“Vice has someone planted in your organization,” I say flatly. “Heard it was a woman, but that’s all I know. These fuckers are getting increasingly creative in their pursuit to try to snuff us out.”

“Thank you.” He nods. A myriad of emotions scrolls across his features before he schools his expression. “I’ll bring this to the attention of my brothers. If there is a rat, we will weed them out.”

He walks away quickly and jumps in beside Alceu. By the anger radiating from him, I’m sure he knows who the rat is. The problem should be taken care of soon. Pulling my phone from my pocket, I find the missed call: Irene.

Kaiya had us all save her number in case there are any problems while she’s with the club.

My heart is beating a mile a minute. She has never called me before and I’m not sure what this could be about. She still hasn’t told any of us what brought her to us in the first place. Could her problems have caught up to her? Taking a deep breath, I hit “redial” and press the device to the side of my face as I walk over to my brothers.

“What’s wrong?” I ask before she can speak. Everyone’s attention is instantly focused on me, waiting to hear what the problem could be.

“I overacted. A man showed up and Hadley started crying,” Irene talks a mile a minute. “I called the first number I pulled up. I feel so fucking stupid.”

“It’s fine,” I tell her, feeling my entire posture relax. “You did the right thing. Do you know who the guy was?”

“He says his name is Sparrow?” She sounds unsure if she should trust him. “He’s still here,” she adds in a lower tone.

“Don’t worry about it. We’ll be there in less than an hour.”

I end the call and stare at my cell for a long time before looking at my brothers. I don’t want to build up any hope in them if I’m not sure, but with everything Irene said, and Hadley crying, it all points to one thing.

“Sparrow is home.”

Chapter Ten

The Return of a Ghost

Irene

I watch Sparrow and Hadley carefully after speaking to Beast. There was something in his voice before he hung up that has me a little edgy. He didn’t sound worried but there is something off about the situation.

“Look at how big you are?” Hadley hugs the boy to her chest.

“Hadley,” he complains loudly.

“Don’t even.” She glares at him. “It’s been over two years since I’ve seen you. I’m allowed to be mushy.”

Sparrow chuckles at their interaction but the laughter doesn’t reach his eyes.

“Are you back then?” Hadley asks, her tone hopeful as she takes a seat at the bar.

“Yes.” Sparrow nods, joining her. “We needed the time away to heal. But we both miss everyone here. This is our family.”

Before anything else can be said, Storm, Kaiya, and all the kids come through the door. Both women hug Sparrow in turn, and I realize my fears were unfounded. He is clearly someone they all know. Everyone is talking a mile a minute trying to get as much information as they can.

The kids are loud and busy. Just as happy to see their friend and introduce Rose to the young boy.

“Guys,” Kaiya calls out. “Why don’t you go play out back? You’re going to wake Ainsley.” The words barely left her lips before all the children were running out the back door.

Pope and Mad Dog have set up a play area for when the club has family barbeques. They even have a tree house out there. Sparrow watches his son carefully but doesn’t stop the boy from joining his friends.

“Do you guys want something to drink?” I ask casually.

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