Epilogue
Hyde, later that fall
The skin on the back of my neck tingles when Anvil catches my eye from across the bar. After whispering an excuse into Le-Lee’s ear, I follow him out to the parking lot.
Heat and Lock are already waiting out there when I make my way through the crowd. A look among them tells me they don’t know what’s happening, but once I see Jasper coming around the side of the building, the knot in the pit of stomach expands.
“I just heard from Royce,” Jasper says, lighting a joint. “Trinity’s father’s house just burned down. They’ve recovered three bodies so far.”
“But not Trinity,” I interject when he pauses for a hit.
“That bitch has more lives than any cat that ever walked this planet,” Anvil growls out the words that I’m thinking.
“All things being equal, it’s a shame Le-Lee didn’t end her when she had the chance,” Lock contributes with a wry chuckle.
While the guys that grew up with Leslee love to give her shit about the escapades she was responsible for, I never consider getting in their way—God knows she gives it back as good as she gets it. Knowing my Ol’ Lady the way I do, I’m certain she wouldn’t have actually killed Trinity at any point.
At least, at any point in the past. If it comes down to Trinity versus anyone in our circle, my money is on Leslee. My woman loves hard.
“Royce finished his job in Chicago, he’s riding down to Indiana now and will let me know what he can find out,” Jasper tells us. A shift in the shadows at the corner of the building catches my attention, but I stay quiet. “If it doesn’t turn out to be faulty wiring, I’m going to assume that Trinity’s responsible, albeit indirectly. I’ve notified the other Chapters to keep their guard up.”
“What about the run that’s set up for tomorrow?” Heat questions him.
“I’m going to change the meeting place,” Jasper replies, and we all nod in agreement.
We all knew that once we registered on the Navaja’s radar, they wouldn’t simply walk away after their product was returned. As expected, all of our Chapters have experienced more tails and drones in their areas. They’ll eventually approach us about an alliance, but until they do, we’ll have to stay one step ahead of them.
Jasper quickly tells each of us what he expects from us before he heads back inside.
“Chris,” I call out to Jasper’s oldest as everyone starts to drift away. He lets out a loud breath, looking like he’s dreading whatever I’m going to say, not that that stops me. “Your dad doing alright?”
“It’s Mom,” he softly replies. “Her mammogram was concerning. Nothing to be done until the next round of tests take place.”
“Anything I can do, you let me know,” I say, feeling the blow of that news especially hard.
It was Emma who spent long hours, not just with me, but with anyone who needed to prepare for the GED test. Once she dragged me over that finish line, she tried to talk me into taking college classes, but I never felt that was where I belonged.
“Just keep it between us, and hope it blows over.” With a nod to me, he turns to head back inside.
Once I’m alone, I click my tongue against the roof of my mouth.
A double click immediately reaches my ears.
“You can’t do that again, baby,” I tell Leslee when she steps from where she was eavesdropping in the shadows. “You’re wearing my cut now.”
“Will you tell me when you hear more?” she asks, instead of instantly promising me that she’ll respect her position.
“Yes and no,” I say, opening my arms as she comes to a stop in front of me. I kiss her to keep her from further questioning me. “Yes, about Trinity since you tazed her ass and she isn’t going to forgive that anytime soon. No, about the Navaja, unless I think you’re in danger.”
“Hmph,” she grunts, before reaching into her pocket. “I got you something.”
The lights from the parking lot reflect off of the silver chain that Leslee holds up, giving me a tentative smile. “I think this one is stronger than the original one I had. I mean, if you want to wear the pendant again?”
“Yeah, I do,” I answer before kissing her. “I got you something, too.”
“Oh! Can I see it?” she immediately asks, looking excited.
“Nah, this time I’m gonna talk to your dad first.” I answer, giving her the mother of all hints.
Leslee lets out a squeal of excitement before jumping up and wrapping her legs around my waist.
There’s no disguising the happiness on our faces when we reenter the clubhouse and all I can do is hope this feeling lasts.
Even though I know nothing’s guaranteed.