Chapter Two
Riley
As I hide in the shadows of the local park, I don’t know whether to scream, cry, or just give up. Who am I kidding? Giving up isn’t an option. Not anymore.
“Don’t worry, sweetheart,” I whisper, clutching the small bundle tighter against my chest. “I’ll keep you safe. I promise.”
The words feel hollow, even to me. Can I really keep that promise? My mind spins as I try to figure out my next move.
A motel? It’s risky. They might find me there. A homeless shelter? Maybe they wouldn’t think to look for me there, but that comes with its own dangers. Someone could steal the little cash I have, and I can’t afford that.
The hospital. The thought lingers, tempting. It’s the only place that feels remotely safe. I just had a baby less than forty-eight hours ago, and they might let me stay overnight. But would they look for me there? Is it too obvious?
I sigh, glancing down at Asher. The soft rise and fall of his breathing is the only thing grounding me right now. At least the hospital has security. I just hope there won’t be any police officers around tonight. But do the security guards work with the police department? It’s a risk I’m going to have to take.
Decision made, I adjust the carrier around my chest and start the long walk back to Palm Valley Medical Center.
***
The hospital’s emergency department waiting room is bright, sterile, and quiet.
“How can I help you?” the receptionist asks, her tone polite but distracted.
“I need to check into pediatrics, please,” I say, doing my best to sound calm.
She slides a clipboard across the counter. “Just fill this out, and someone will call you back shortly.”
Nodding, I take the clipboard and find a seat. Asher stirs in my arms, making those little noises that tell me he’ll be awake soon. Hungry. I need to be somewhere safe before that happens.
But then my eyes land on the first line of the form: Name.
My stomach drops. If I check in, they’ll know exactly where I am. Why didn’t I think of that before? Could I lie and put some random name? Would the staff on the pediatric floor remember me and know that I lied?
Panic rises, tightening my chest. I force myself to stay calm, plastering on a polite smile as I stand and return the clipboard.
“I left my purse in the car,” I lie smoothly. “I’ll be right back.”
The receptionist nods without question, and I turn away, my heart pounding.
Once outside, I pause on the sidewalk, staring into the darkness.
Now what?
The cool night air wraps around me, and the weight of the night presses harder on my shoulders. Asher’s head moves, a soft whimper escaping his tiny lips. He’s waking up. I bounce him gently, whispering soothing words, but my mind is racing.
The parking lot is nearly empty, just a handful of cars scattered under dim streetlights. I scan my surroundings, looking for anyone who might seem out of place. My heart beats faster when I spot a man leaning against a lamppost across the street.
He’s too still. Too focused.
My breath catches in my throat, and I clutch Asher tighter, trying to convince myself it’s nothing. Just a guy waiting for someone. That’s all. I’m just being paranoid.
Don’t panic. Keep moving.
I wrap my arms around the carrier and start walking down the sidewalk. Not too fast. Running would only draw attention. My eyes stay forward, but I feel his gaze on me like a weight.
He moves.
A quick glance confirms that he’s stepping away from the lamppost, his movements slow and deliberate. My stomach twists, and my grip on Asher tightens.
I round the corner, my heart pounding so hard I can feel it in my ears. I need to think, but the fear is blurring everything.
A gas station comes into view ahead, its fluorescent lights flickering. It’s not much, but it’s something. I quicken my pace, practically running as I cross the parking lot and push through the door.
The clerk looks up, a bored expression on his face. “Evening.”
“Evening,” I mutter back, heading straight for the small seating area by the window. I settle into a corner, facing the door, my pulse still racing.
Asher starts to fuss, his cries growing louder. I bounce him gently, trying to calm him while keeping my eyes on the door. If that man followed me, I need to be ready.
Minutes pass. The door doesn’t open. No one comes in.
I let out a shaky breath, relief flooding through me. But it’s short-lived. This isn’t a solution. I can’t stay here all night.
I glance around, my mind working through the options again. The hospital’s out. The motels are too risky. I need somewhere they’d never think to look.
The clerk clears his throat, giving me a pointed look. “You okay there?”
I nod quickly. “Yeah, just…waiting for someone.”
He raises an eyebrow but doesn’t press.
Waiting for someone. The words linger in my mind and an idea flickers.
Maybe I do need to find someone. Someone who can help me. Someone who isn’t tied to the people I’m running from. Someone they would be too scared to go against.
The problem is, I have no idea who that could be.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea, Butch,” someone says from somewhere in the store. “The last time someone crossed the Iron Shadows, they lost an eye.”
“I’m not afraid of those idiots,” another says. “That man lost his eye because he’s a fucking pussy. Let them try and come after us. I’ll shoot ‘em dead before they even park their bikes.”
“You say that now, man, but I’m serious. You don’t mess with that biker club. The President isn’t one to play games. He shoots and asks questions later.”
“You let me handle ‘em.”
I block out the rest of their conversation. The Iron Shadows. I happen to know a lot about them. I don’t think anyone living in Palm Springs hasn’t. But is it worth the risk to ask them for help? Would they even want to help? There’s never been mention of the Iron Shadows doing charity work for scared and hopeless women. But maybe they secretly rescue damsels in distress without letting anyone know. Probably not, but I choose to think otherwise.
This group of bikers is well known for their not-so-legal activity, although it’s never been proven. They’re rough, scary, dangerous, and are all over Palm Springs.
It’s risky, but maybe the risk is worth it.
I happen to know that they have a spy inside their club for the police department. Or rather, for one particular person associated with the police department, anyway. Maybe I can trade that information for a safe place to rest.
Asher’s cries increase, so I head to the restroom. Maybe if I nurse and change him here, he’ll sleep long enough for me to get us someplace safe.
***
They said no. They told me if I was having problems to go to the police. But I can’t do that.
Now what?