Chapter 5
COPPER
‘Fuck me, it’s really happening,’ I think to myself. All these months of preparation are about to pay off.
Bella waves as she drives out of my work parking lot and turns right towards her office.
Anxiety claws at my stomach the further away she gets.
Taking my burner phone out of my pocket, I send Cahir a message with the information Bella gave me before burning the paper.
Once I’m sure no trace remains, I call Coal.
He answers straight away. “Cop, everything okay?”
He always knows it’s me, even though I use a different phone every time. Hearing his familiar voice steadies my heart rate. I didn’t realise how much I relied on my brothers until I took this assignment.
“Copper?” Coal barks over the phone, worry heavy in the tone.
“Sorry,” I apologise. “I’m here.”
“What’s happening, brother? It’s not your day to call. Everything okay?”
Coal’s concern pulls me back to business. “Everything is fine,” I reassure my older brother and club president. “Things are progressing, but I need to ask Thea a favour.”
“Hang on, she’s here. I’ll put you on speaker.”
A smile curls my lips. I should have known. Thea and Coal are never far apart unless she’s working. Even then, he finds ways to spend time with her.
‘Fuck, I miss my family.’
“Copper, it’s Thea. What do you need, deartháir?”
“Hey, Thea. Are you cursing at me?” I ask, amused.
“For feck’s sake, what is it with you Tins? I’ll tell you what I told your brother. You’ll know when I’m cursing at you.”
A chuckle escapes me as her accent thickens with every word. “I’m sorry, Thea,” I say, laughing as I apologise. I get myself under control so I can ask for my favour. “Things are starting to roll here, so I need a few trackers and some weapons.”
She’s silent for a minute. “Of course, Copper. Do you know what you’ll need?”
“Weapons-wise, I have no clue. I’ll let you decide, as you have more expertise than I do.
Something that goes boom won’t go amiss.
The order will need to fit in my saddlebags.
We can’t chance a brother delivering it.
As for the trackers, rings would be the best option.
A plain gold band for me and something a bit fancier for Bee.
I’ll get you our sizes tonight. And can you make her a necklace and bracelet as back-ups? ”
“You’re worried about her,” Thea says softly.
“I’m fucking terrified for her,” I tell my sister-in-law. “Bella is alone in that building with God knows how many traffickers. She’s agreed to wear a tracker, but only if I wear one, too. She’s concerned they’ll come after me if her cover is blown.”
“You care about each other,” Thea murmurs. “That’s not unusual, Copper. You’re living together under stressful conditions. You’re bound to care for each other but be careful you don’t get hurt.”
I’m quiet for a minute before I admit to Thea what I’ve never voiced out loud to anyone but Coal.
“It’s too late for that, Thea. I knew she was mine before I met her.
Living with her has only strengthened my feelings for her.
Bella thinks she can’t feel emotion, but she can; she’s just good at compartmentalising them to get the job done.
She’s kryptonite to a Tin man—strong, loyal, protective, loves to ride, and so damn smart.
She made a hard choice, blew up her entire life, and now she thinks she’s not worthy of love because she hurt someone she cared about deeply to take this job. ”
“She sounds like someone I’d like to get to know better,” Thea says, her voice ringing with approval.
“I think you’ll like her once she gets past her trust issues.”
“As long as she’s good to you, I don’t care about anything else,” Thea informs me firmly. “I’ll get everything prepped and packed. Get me those ring sizes so I can make them tonight. I have weapons in stock. I’ll give you back to Coal now.”
I hear her murmur to Coal and the click of a door closing.
“Where do you want to meet to pick up the weapons?” Coal asks.
“We’re coming your way tomorrow. Bella wants to put her past to rest, so I’m taking her to the wedding.”
“Come again?” Coal sounds stunned.
Chuckling under my breath, I reply, “I had the same reaction, brother, but I can only blame myself. I told her months ago that she’d never move on unless she put her past where it belongs. She took my words to heart, so we’ll be in the area tomorrow. Find somewhere we can meet with no eyes on us.”
“Fuck. Okay, keep this phone for a little longer before you destroy it so I can get back to you. Fucking hate this shit, Cop. Not being in touch with you sucks, brother. So does you not having anyone at your back other than your woman,” Coal grumbles.
I sigh. “I know. I miss the brotherhood, Coal. I’m not made for this lone wolf shit. Spice is a great woman to have at my back, though. Which reminds me, I’ve got a business proposition when all this is done.”
“Spice, huh?” Coal chuckles.
I smirk. “She didn’t like Sugar.”
“Figures,” he grunts. “Any clue how long this gig’s going to last?”
“No idea,” I admit. “Bee says it’s only just beginning, so your guess is as good as mine.”
“Fuck. Okay.”
“Everything okay at home?”
“Yeah, it’s all good. Business is booming, and Shea’s growing like a weed. Thea’s growing another Tin, and the paintball and Roadhouse are keeping us flush with cash. Everything is good, but none of us will relax until you’re back home.”
“Another Tin, huh? I’m stoked for you and Thea. Fuck, I miss you all. Give my niece a kiss for me. I’ve got to go, brother.”
“Bye, Cop. I’ll call soon.”
Coal ends the call, and I’m left with a sense of loss. The only good thing about today is that it’s Friday, which means it’s early closing. I pocket my phone and walk back to my bay to finish the oil change I started before lunch.
Tonight, I’ll get Thea the information she needs, and tomorrow, we’ll put Bella’s past to rest and pick up our merchandise. Hopefully, we’ll have enough firepower to keep us safe should shit hit the fan.