Epilogue.
Callie
“We’ll not discuss illegal rocket launchers because of what you guys accomplished here this week,” Detective Maines stated with a smile. Relieved, I nodded. “Don’t bring Magic back to my state, though!”
“Deal. I don’t think I want Magic attending another investigation!” I replied.
“Can’t blame you. Thank you for the two journals you handed in. Having Sin authenticate them will go a long way. She worked hard,” Maines said.
“Authenticating them ensures that the powers that be couldn’t disappear them. Plus, the funding’s been authorised for the excavation to continue. Did you take the job offered to you?” I asked Maines.
The funding had been confirmed, and Grandma was waiting for an acceptance.
She had also requested, at my urging, that Maines be in charge of the excavation.
Already, individuals had attempted to close the excavations because of their links to those who’d harmed so many.
With money behind her, Grandma wasn’t having any of it.
“I’m still considering it, but probably will. After the other night, I’m highly invested.”
I nodded. After Friday, Saturday had been peaceful, and Magic had been relegated to watching the monitors. Maines had ignored the explosions after we’d ensured Magic was locked down. Lucky for us.
“Where are you off to next?” Maines asked.
“We’re staying in the state but heading away from here. There are two places we’re investigating: one is the famous movie-based house, and the other is a cemetery. I can’t say their names because of secrecy,” I said.
Maines nodded. “If it involves blood dripping down the walls, a priest and flies, good luck.”
“Yeah! At least we’re not dealing with Magic this time.” I laughed.
“Thanks, Callie, for everything. Justice was avoided for decades in this place, but it’s happening now. You did great!”
“Look after yourself, detective!” I said and shook his hand. He walked back in the direction of the cemetery, and I headed to the tour bus. Pyro and Bunny had packed up, and Magic was already on his hog.
“Want a ride before we head home?” Magic asked Sunny, and he paused before nodding.
“Borrow my bike; it’s not a hog, but it’s cool,” Connor said, tossing Pyro the keys to his Indian.
“You don’t want to come?” Sunny asked Connor.
“Nah, you need to ride with your brothers. Go have some fun.”
Sunny looked at him gratefully, and the three of them headed out.
“That was kind,” I spoke to Connor, who shrugged.
“I know Sunny is a nomad, but he still needs that bond with his MC. Might be worth buying a second-hand Harley for his brothers to ride when they’re here,” Connor suggested.
That was a good idea.
“Come on, let’s get lunch ready for when they return,” Bunny said.
As I entered the tour bus, I heard a phone ringing. It was Sunny’s; he must have left it by accident. I picked it up when I saw it was Chance.
“Hey, Callie here. Sunny’s gone for a ride,” I greeted.
“Are you okay?” Chance asked, sounding subdued.
“Now we know Magic is heading home? Yes.”
“Sorry, Callie. He was checked when he left here,” Chance said, and I made a non-committal noise. “Anyway. I know you’re heading out to the next place today, and I’m calling to let you know that Fanatic and Willow are coming.”
“Oh, good. Sane people,” I teased, and Chance began muttering apologies again.
“Can I ask something?” Chance inquired finally.
“Yeah,” I replied, on guard.
“Would you mind if other family visited?”
“Like who?” I asked, instantly wary.
“Unwanted Bastards, Rage, Hawthorne’s, Washingtons, and so on. Those we call family,” Chance answered me.
“Can I think about it? Hellfire is enough right now,” I responded.
“Sure. Take all the time you want, because, you know, Hellfire comes first,” Chance said.
Not always, I thought to myself as I ended the call. For Sunny, as much as he loved the club, he’d put me first, and I was totally happy with that.
Magic
My phone rang on the way back, and I hit the answer button. My helmet had a speaker, so I was hands-free and safe. Or so I believed when I heard Alice’s voice.
“Magic,” Alice said.
“Baby girl,” I replied, happy to hear from her.
“There’s a lady here. Says she knows you and needs to talk,” Alice whispered.
“Okay, tell her to come back.”
“Magic, she called you—”
“Jefferson Lincoln Carter, get your ass back here,” a woman ordered me, and I nearly came off my bike. Sunny sent me a sideways glance, and I waved a hand.
“What’s her name?” I gritted out.
“You know who I am, asshole,” the woman retorted.
“What’s her name?” I roared.
“Jody Srock. Now get your ass here!”
Ah fuck! Trouble had just found me.
“Alice, baby girl, get Diesel to lock her down until I get home. That woman doesn’t escape me this time!” I said, and I heard a scuffle.
“Nobody is locking me the fuck down, Jefferson, so get your hairy butt to South Dakota.”
The line cut, and I glared at my phone.
“Jody fuckin’ Srock!” I growled out and turned my bike back to The Asylum. I was going home.