26. Morgan
MORGAN
I look over at Judge and the other men at the table. Creed guides me to sit on his lap, his hand possessively on my hip.
“I don’t have any other information other than the folder.”
Gage leans forward. “No worries about that. We actually wanted to ask you something else.”
I swallow roughly, and Creed’s thumb rubs against my skin in comforting circles.
“You want to press charges against your father?”
Sucking in a sharp breath, I wince and then stare down at the table. “No one will arrest him.”
Judge taps his knuckles, dragging my attention back to him. “If you want him arrested, he’ll be arrested. Don’t worry about the logistics, just tell me what you want.”
I reach down, holding on to Creed’s hand. “I want to forget about it, but if it will help Creed, I’ll do what you want.”
The men exchange a glance and then Judge shrugs.
“I’ll see where Scottie is heading before we make a plan.”
Gage sighs. “She’s going to try to hang your ass just like she does every time.”
Judge grins. “Nah, she has a soft spot for women, and the daughter of the chief? Oh that wouldn’t be a good look, would it?”
Creed squeezes my hand. “I gotta head up to Washington for Cowen. Is this a good time to skip town?”
The man behind the laptop screen groans.
Gage looks at him sharply. “What’s in Washington? The next time I find something out second-hand, I’m gonna beat your ass.”
“Didn’t your father and his new wife move up there?” the bald-headed one asks. I glance at his patch. Viper.
I settle into Creed’s chest, my eyelids feeling heavy.
Dodge shakes his head. “I thought you got over that little crush.”
My ears perk, suddenly interested in the conversation.
“Are you seriously sending me to spy on your little obsession?”
The laptop slams shut, and Cowen glares at all of us. “Unlike you bastards, I’ve mastered the art of patience. I’m sending you to Washington because her digital footprints are all over hiding Morgan’s connection to the chief. If she’s back to hacking, that means one thing.”
Gage groans, rubbing a hand down his face. “It means your father didn’t leave town like we thought.”
Cowen shakes his head. “I can bet his money is fueling some portion of Red Shore. It’s why they’re so focused on the town. It makes sense.”
“Also a bit convenient,” Viper adds.
“It’s the only lead we’ve got though,” Dodge admits.
I frown. “Why would your father want to run the club out of town?”
They all look at me and Cowen gives me a pitying smile. “Darlin’, you’re not the only one with daddy issues.”
“Hold the roadtrip—at least to Washington. We still need to look into the other properties they’ve bought up, and now the connection to your father as well,” Gage says.
Dodge sighs. “And we’ve got to figure out what Bear is up to. Never good when my dad disappears, at least not when Shaw isn’t there to reel him in.”
A memory nags at my aching brain. “Wait, I—I think I know a Bear?”
Dodge stiffens. “What about him?”
“That’s what the nurse called him. Jason? He’s in the hospital. A stab wound. I forgot to mention,” I trail off, looking at their tight expressions.
Creed squeezes my hips. “Tell me what happened.”
I nod, wincing. “I’m not sure if I can remember everything right now. We got called, an unconscious man found lying behind the dumpster at Coastal Cove. The nurse identified him. I meant to check in with him again, but…”
“But everything got out of control,” Creed says.
Dodge’s fists curl. “When was this?”
“I’m sorry. Uhm…a while ago.”
He shakes his head. “It’s not your fault. You have no obligation to the club.”
I swallow, coating my drying throat. “I would have told you. He was transported to Western Med.”
Creed squeezes me again, and Gage looks over at me warmly.
“So you’re claiming her? You gonna put on a show like Dodge?” Razer quips. The man has been quiet the whole time.
Viper reaches over, smacking him against the back of his head again. “She’s gotta black eye, and you’re talking about Creed fucking her. What’s wrong with you?”
Razer scowls. “I only meant in jest, but also, what’s happening to our traditions?”
My stomach turns at the mention, remembering Bri’s words.
Creed lets a frustrated growl. “You should worry about keeping your old lady instead of how I’m claiming mine.”
Razer looks up at me. “Sorry.”
I give him a hesitant smile. “It’s okay.”
Gage laughs, shaking his head before turning to look at me. “Morgan, I’m sure as a police officer you understand how important it is that information doesn’t get in the wrong hands, or told to people who can do nothing but worry endlessly. Anything we discussed in church has to stay there, got it?”
I nod, sinking a little into Creed. “I understand.”
Creed holds me tighter. “We good?”
Gage nods, glancing at Judge and Cowen. “Don’t leave the club unless we give you the go ahead.”
My man stands, cradling me bridal style with ease as I wrap my arms around his neck. “Oh we don’t plan to leave at all.”
A few snickers cause a warm blush to work over my cheeks and neck, but I ignore them, resting my head on his shoulder as he carries me back up to the room.