I pull my phone away from my ear to see that it’s five thirty.
“Who’s that?” Kane asks.
“Reaper,” I mouth to him.
“Oh... Tell him they should allow everyone to come in for free now for the vigil.”
“Did you hear that?” I ask Reaper.
“Yes. See you soon,” he replies.
“We’d better get going,” Zara says, her anguish obvious. “Mom is probably already here.”
Kane’s shoulders fall. I wish I could take their pain away from them. I know I need to look into Misty’s disappearance again, for everyone’s sake. “You two go ahead. I need to make a phone call.”
They pause. Zara nods. Kane searches my eyes, interested in who I’m calling.
“I’ll tell you later,” I say quietly. I wait until they leave, then I call Alec.
He’s my cousin on my mom’s side. He practically manages all his father’s businesses in Crown Village, and if anyone can get the ins and outs, he can because nothing happens in this town without my uncle and Alec’s say so.
“Hello, Alec speaking,” he says in a professional, monotone voice.
“It’s Knox.”
“My apologies for today. I might be late to the vigil, but I’ll get there when I can.”
I’m grateful my family is coming. “I appreciate it. Can I ask a favor?”
“Anything.”
“Can you investigate Misty’s case for me? I’m going to try to get more answers tonight, but I want to go over everything again. Something has been missed. Someone knows more than they are letting on.”
“Sure... It’s been playing on my mind since Helen approached me about having the vigil. Ten years, I can’t believe it. The vigil is all everyone’s been talking about. Everyone’s going, so be prepared for a crowd. All my family should be there soon to pay our respects—even Sophie traveled for it.”
Having the family back together with Mom and Dad, just like old times... I wish it were under different circumstances.
After we hang up, I search for everyone. When I see men with cuts on huddled around the carousel, I walk toward them. They all turn to look at me when I arrive.
Reaper squeezes my shoulder. “The women and some men are getting the supplies from Zara’s mom’s car. What do you need from us?”
I tip my head. “Thanks, pres. When they get back, I’ll ask Zara’s mom, Helen.”
Viper steps toward me, gives me a bear hug, and slaps my back.
“Did you want me to check the crowds?” Demon asks. “See if there’s anything suspicious or watch out for anything out of the ordinary?”
“Yeah, actually.” I’ve got my hands full with Zara. At least I have the men to fall back on. They will step up if I need them to, especially Demon. He nods and leaves us as he strolls. A woman pulls her child closer and gives Demon a wary stare when he walks around the back of them.
Rage, Cash, and Axle walk to the tables with big brown boxes in tow, women trailing.
“What’s the boxes for?” Viper asks me.
“I have no idea.”
The men put the boxes down and make their way to us, while the women open them. Zara pulls out a pamphlet. She studies the front of it. Her fingers trail over the image. When she opens it, she wipes away tears. I step toward her, but both women dash to her side. Elena puts her arms around her waist, pulling Zara to her, as they all peer down at the pamphlet.
I’ve appreciated the women helping around the clubhouse, but I’ve never truly valued their kindness and support until now. They’re there for Zara, when they don’t even know her.
