Chapter 21
Chapter Twenty-One
Serenity
Something’s ringing in my glove box. I lean over, popping it open, and my heart begins to race. It’s the phone Carson tried to give me, and that’s exactly who’s calling.
I let it ring for a full twenty minutes before I finally answer.
“You’re stubborn,” he says in greeting.
“I’m about two seconds away from tossing this thing out my window, so talk fast.”
He laughs. “Okay, jeez. There’s a building about twenty minutes from your current location. It’s just across the state line. I’m going to send you a pin. Meet me there.”
“No thank you.”
“Serenity, I know you’re headed toward Greeley. What is your plan?”
Of course he’s tracking me with this damn phone. “Well, if you all are correct, I’m on my way to see my brother.”
“Listen. I have an idea. Just meet me at the location I’m sending you.”
“Does Rage know about this?”
“He knows I’m tailing you, but he doesn’t know about this part. This is between me and you.”
“Why would you help me?”
“Why wouldn’t I?”
It’s not that I don’t trust Carson, I do. What I’m unsure of is why he has faith in me.
“Does this plan ensure Mila stays out of the system?”
“You know I can’t promise you that. That’s up to the judge, but I can assure you it will send the Scorpions back where they belong.”
“Fine. Send me the address.”
“Done. I’ll see you soon.”
“Okay, yeah, sure,” I say, hanging up.
I don’t know what his plan is, but if it goes against the Scorpions, it’s also going against my brother.
My stomach twists and turns more than the road leading to wherever I’m going.
How could Silas put me in such a dangerous position?
He knew I’d go to Cheyenne. He knew Rage would trust me.
It’s just like when we were kids and he would shove candy bars in my backpack, knowing the gas station attendant would never suspect me of stealing.
But this could have ended so much worse than a petty theft charge.
He could have gotten me killed. He doesn’t know what kind of men the Bastards are, and on top of that he does know exactly who his men are. They’re pigs.
I swallow hard, trying not to throw up in my mouth. I’d always hoped because of what our mom put us through when we were kids he would somehow protect me once he was an adult. I thought he loved me, but this isn’t love.
When I get to the address, I find it’s nothing more than an old barn. It’s literally in the middle of nowhere and hidden in a thick grove of trees.
Carson slides off his bike and heads to the passenger side of my car. Reluctantly, I unlock it for him. The second he’s inside, he pulls me close.
“Are you okay?” he asks.
“I’m fine.”
He leans away from me, his gaze bouncing over my face. “You sure about that, sweetheart?”
“Just another day in the madness,” I say, resting my head against the seat to stare at the building in front of us. “How is Mila?”
His hand wraps around mine. “She’s okay. My brother is there, and Shelly has been helping.”
I swallow the giant lump in my throat, not really understanding why I miss her so terribly. It’s like my heart is being ripped in two. “That’s good,” I choke out.
“But she needs you.”
My head rolls in his direction. “I will do whatever it takes to keep her safe.”
“And your brother?” he asks hesitantly.
“If he puts her at risk …” I turn back to look at the old barn. “I know you have no reason to trust me, but I didn’t know he was a Scorpion. I especially didn’t know he was Savage. They tricked me. He tricked me.”
“I believe you, Serenity. The club really fucked up on this one. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I understand it had to be this way for Mila. Even if they had let me explain, it wouldn’t have mattered. The Scorpions are dangerous, and I’m directly connected to one whether I like it or not.”
“So, you’d be willing to help me get rid of them?”
Mila’s little face comes to my mind, and then the threat Savage made about her hearing. “In a heartbeat.”
He nods and immediately begins to tell me his thoughts. “I’ve reached out to my dad, and the Skulls are on their way from Nevada as we speak.”
“What if I wouldn’t have agreed?”
“I knew you’d be willing to do what it takes because you look at Mila the same way my mother looks at me and my siblings.
My parents adopted my sister when she was a teenager, but you’d never know it.
My mother loves her as if she carried her in her own womb, no different than she did my brother and me. ”
“I can never be …” I begin to argue, but he puts his hand over my mouth.
“Let’s not think beyond taking care of the Scorpions. One problem at a time.”
He doesn’t remove his hand until I nod my head in agreement.
We go over the plan several times before we part ways.
“Do you have some place safe to stay? I can get you a room. It’s no problem.”
I hug myself around the waist. “I’ve got a place to stay,” I assure him even though I don’t.
Carson and Cole may look sweet and innocent, but they’re smart. For them to come up with this plan so quickly it’s almost hard to believe.
“You’re sure the Bastards won’t be suspected in any way?” I ask, nervously picking at my nails.
“I’m positive. It’s Frontier Days in Cheyenne. The club goes every year, and this one will be no different.”
The twins have thought of everything. I just need to do my part.
“Why would your family take this risk?”
“It’s what they do. They’re doing it for a little girl who deserves safety and stability. Same as you.” He hugs me close, holding onto me for a long time. “You deserve that too, you know?”
I laugh. “I’m afraid it’s too late for me.”
“It’s never too late,” he says, helping me into my car. “Call me after it’s done.”
“I will,” I promise. “But if something happens, make sure …”
He stops me. “You’re going to be okay. Positive thoughts only.”
Slowly, I take a deep breath. “I can do that.”
“Rage would never have let you leave under normal circumstances.”
I start my car, because I can’t think about him right now. “He doesn’t owe me anything.” I turn my attention back to Carson. “Will you be safe?”
He nods. “I’m headed back to Cheyenne now. I just wanted to talk to you in person. Can you do me a favor?”
“Sure.”
“Keep that phone on you.”
“I’ll try.”
Carson leans in and gives me one last hug. “I’ll see you soon,” he says before heading for his bike.
I glance around, sad that it has to end this way. But it does for Mila.
And maybe even a bit for myself.