There were several unfamiliar bikes parked out front when we arrived. Connie, Sophie, and I set to work unloading groceries from the back of their SUV.
Wes stalked determinately ahead of us.
We got several chin lifts and a few lingering glances from the various unfamiliar bikers hanging around the main room, shooting pool and drinking.
“Why is everyone so uptight?” Sophie whispered when we entered the kitchen. “I thought these guys were here to help?”
“They are,” I nodded. “But they’re also a bunch of horny men away from home. Our guys don’t like us being without a Knight member when other clubs are in town,” I explained while unloading groceries into the refrigerator.
“That still doesn’t explain why Axel would care,” she sighed, shaking her head.
“It might explain it perfectly,” Connie winked.
“Ladies,” Scarlet greeted us, swinging into the kitchen with Gracie on her hip and Chief at her heels. Her presence confirmed Cole must be nearby.
“Is there any news?” I murmured quietly, hoping she’d heard something.
“I think the phone number was a dead end,” she responded just as quietly.
“Damn,” I groaned. “Sal’s completely fried,” I admitted.
“Cole, too. All the guys are.”
“Is there anything we can do?” I wondered aloud, biting my thumb in thought. It had been almost two days, too long. I was exceedingly worried for my friend. Ettie was so bubbly and sweet. I couldn’t even bring myself to think about what might have happened to her, what could be happening right at that very moment. I felt helpless and desperate to do something.
“I have an idea,” I shared. It was something I’d thought about ever since Stu mentioned the few places where Parker might hang out.
“I’m scared, but go on,” Scarlet replied skeptically and I smacked her lightly.
“I want to help find those shitheads,” I said simply.
Her head tilted with interest. “How would we even do that?”
“Well, you aren’t a part of this,” I scoffed. There was no way I’d let her in on this plan with Gracie and all. “But, Connie might just be crazy enough,” I mused.
“Connie might be crazy enough for what?” Connie asked carrying over a large bowl from the other side of the kitchen and standing alongside us.
“Kat has an idea of how to help the guys find Ettie,” Scarlet shared.
“Let’s hear it,” Connie requested, nudging me with her shoulder.
“All right, well, I say we hang around at a couple of the bars Stu mentioned, act like we’re having a girls’ night, see what we stir up,” I shrugged. “All our guys know Parker, but they don’t know the other one. I could point him out,” I told her, my eyes lighting up as I saw a clear way to help.
“That’s kind of nuts, even for you,” Scarlet sighed loudly.
“Not really,” I argued. “It’s just hanging out at a public place that just so happens to be a common hangout for Parker and his buddies,” I stated matter-of-factly.
“I’m in,” Connie nodded decisively.
“I could help too,” Sophie volunteered.
I wrapped my arm around her and squeezed lightly. “I appreciate that, but I think Sal will be pissed enough. If I drag you into it his temper might reach critical mass.” I wrinkled my brow at the thought.
“Right,” she agreed.
“The guys would never go for it, not in a million years.” Scarlet shook her head.
“She’s right,” Connie agreed.