“The women have got her back.”
I glance up at Reaper and let out a heavy breath. I clear my voice. “It means a lot.”
“That’s not all. We purchased hot dogs, rolls, and some sauces, and we’ll grill some hot dogs for the people attending.”
“You didn’t need to.”
“My woman insisted. You know what she’s like.”
I hear a sob and peer up to see Zara holding Helen. Their arms are wrapped around each another. I look up at the sky, wondering why bad things happen to good people. Zara hugs her dad next, and I make my way to them. I peer over my shoulder to see the men following me.
When we reach them, Helen leaps into my arms. “Oh, Knox,” she says, and I wrap her tight. When she pulls back, she wipes her nose with a tissue, which she then puts back in her pocket. When she lifts her eyes, they widen at the men surrounding us.
Reaper steps forward. “We’re here for you. Whatever your family needs.”
Helen steps to Reaper and puts her arm around him. She looks so small next to him. He puts his arms around her. “Thank you,” she says, then looks around at all the men. “I’m thankful for all of your help.”
Viper puts his arm around her shoulder. “Bomber’s family is our family.” John introduces himself to each man, shaking their hands, then Ava and Elena fuss over Helen. I’ve never been prouder than I am today to wear the club’s vest and patches.
Kane makes his way to us and stands beside me. “Who did you call?” he asks with a raised brow.
I turn my back on everyone else and lower my voice. “Alec. I’m not settling for what we already know about Misty’s disappearance anymore. I’m looking into it myself, and Alec is going to help. The police might have missed something.”
Pain etches his face. “Are you sure you want to bring all of that up again? We would have found out when it happened with all the resources we had.”
“Actually, I do. The Pratt family needs answers, and I’m going to do whatever it takes to find out what happened.” I gesture toward the crowd. “Look at all the people here already. Her disappearance rocked our community just as much back then as it does now.”
Kane lets out a deep sigh. “Okay. I’m with you, every step of the way.”
My eyes land on our mom, who strides toward the Pratts. Helen lets out a squeal, and they embrace each other.
“Well, she showed up,” Kane deadpans.
“Mmm...” I grumble.
It’s not good enough. I lost all respect for her a long time ago.
Twitch steps to us. “Hey, I heard Helen mention needing to set up the sound equipment and projector.” He peers over at Zara’s parents. “I can do that for them.”
“I’ll show you where it is and help you,” Kane replies.
They stride toward the hall.
Mom’s eyes land on me, and I groan when she walks my way. Her arms come out for a hug, but I take a deliberate step back. She frowns and her arms fall.
“It’s good to finally see you.”
“Well, whose fault’s that?” I reply bluntly.
My once-confident Mom breaks eye contact and looks away briefly before glancing back up at me. She used to be covered in diamonds. Her hair was always tied back in a bun, and she wore the most expensive brands. She’s none of that now. Instead, she has black jeans and a long black shirt on. Her face isn’t full of makeup, and her hair is back in a ponytail.
I peer around her, seeing no guards with her. “Where’s all your security?”
Something flashes across her face but quickly disappears. “There was no need for them to be here.”
There was never a need for them. She’s just paranoid. “Is the one-million-dollar reward still applicable?”
She slowly bobs her head. “It is.”
