“There’s been whispers of a blooming war between the Blood Reapers and Devil’s Ride. Convenient that you couldn’t save one of Preacher’s enemies.”
Angel’s gaze sharpens slightly.
“Preacher’s men were the ones shooting?”
My pulse ticks up.
“I don’t know,” I say carefully.
And it’s the truth.
“I was working in a trauma bay with the doctor the entire time trying to keep a man alive. The rest is for the sheriff to figure out. I am a nurse, not a sergeant.”
Razor watches me for a second too long, then he smiles. That same thin smile he’s been wearing for too long.
“Right.” He mocks.
I don’t respond.
“Fuck, is that what this is?” Angel asks, his eyes scanning the standoff between two clubs in front of him. “I heard rumors that Spike stole from Preacher, and burnt one of his warehouses down.”
I turn slightly so I can keep my eyes scanning all the threats around me. The rumble of bikes coming closer.
“Do you think that has anything to do with what the DA is trying to pin on Four?” I ask.
Angel steps closer to me, as a line of bikes that I recognize pull up beside the staff parking lot. They are his men, Dawnbreakers. I look for Clutch’s bike, but don’t see it.
“You think Four is innocent?” Angel asks, an eyebrow cocked.
I give him the same look in return, focusing my whole attention on him now, asking, “You don’t?”
He gives me a soft smile and then taps the top of my car.
“We are here to escort you home.”
Home.
There are so many things I want to ask.
Why isn’t Clutch here if they were worried about me? If they didn’t know who was involved why did they come? Is this protection or a statement to me… to the clubs behind me?
But I don't ask… Instead I unlock my car and slide into the driver’s seat.
Angel steps back so I can pull out.
“Drive safe,” he says.
I nod once, but I don’t feel safe. Then I leave the parking lot, half of the Dawnbreakers leading me out and the other half following Angel and Razor behind me.
The drive back to the compound feels longer than usual. Every sound makes my shoulders tense. Every red light feels like it lasts too long. I keep replaying the conversation from before…
Preacher’s men were the ones shooting?
He said it like he already knew the answer. Like he wanted to see if I did.
By the time I pull through the compound gates, my nerves feel frayed and then I see Clutch, he’s standing outside the clubhouse waiting. Relief hits me so fast it almost hurts. I park and step out of the car and he crosses the yard immediately.
“You okay?” he asks.