When I reach the main street of the town, I slow down and my mood plummets. When I reach the police station, I park in an empty spot out the front, then climb off and hold my hand out to her. She stares at it for a couple of seconds, then places her hand in mine. I help guide her off the motorcycle. She pulls the helmet off, and it’s made her auburn hair fuzzy.
“You suit the helmet and leather jacket.”
Considering what she’s about to do, I see she still has a small smile on her face.
“Thank you,” she replies.
It’s a win in my books.
I put the helmets in the saddlebags. “Did you know you are the only woman who has been on my motorcycle?”
Her smile spreads.
It’s true, and it’s my way of telling her she’s different from any other woman.
I glance at the police station, then back at her. All I want to do is haul her ass back on my motorcycle and get back to the clubhouse. She’s been through enough already. But I had to make sure the police won’t turn up at the clubhouse because they think we kidnapped her or something overdramatic.
I stare into the distance. Is this guilt I’m feeling? I shake my head. She’s not even mine, and I’m going soft already.
With my hand, I gesture toward the police station. “I’ve got you. You only have to answer a few questions.”
I see her swallow, and that damned guilty feeling gets worse. We walk to the entrance and I open the door for her. She stands off to the side as I approach the front desk.
“I’m Reaper, and I’m after Parker.”
No need for pleasantries. I don’t like them, and they don’t like me. The MC has an arrangement with Parker—money for information.
The woman at the desk gawks at my cut as she picks up the phone. “Parker, you have a visitor.” She puts the phone down. “He will be with you in a moment.”
I glance at Ava, and she hasn’t moved. She’s nibbling on her lip.
“Hey, Reaper,” Parker says through a cheery smile as he walks to me.
I give him a sharp nod and turn to Ava. “Are you ready?”
“I am,” she replies and steps toward us.
“Hi, Ava. I’m Parker. If you follow me, I’ll lead you to the investigator who will do your interview.”
I step forward, but Parker shakes his head. “You can’t go in with her.”
I scoff. “I am if she wants me to.”
Parker chuckles nervously. “It’s a conflict of interest. She needs to be alone, or they may think you are interfering or that your presence will influence her answers, especially since her husband has made a complaint that she is being held against her will atyourclubhouse.”
Ava gasps.
“He has no proof she’s even there.”
Parker breaks eye contact. “Yes, he does. He sent in photos of her there, and I can tell you now, it certainly looks like your clubhouse from when I was there last.”
The thought of my men betraying my orders twists my gut.
“Ava, if you follow me.” Parker looks at me and lowers his voice. “I’ll meet you outside to have a chat.”
I gaze at Ava. “Is that okay with you?”
Parker isn’t calling the shots. She is. They’ve seen she’s alive. Every cell in my body is screaming to return home and demand answers.
