Something must’ve happened.
“Is… everything alright?” I hesitate, the words feeling flimsy. I’m the stranger here, the one who doesn’t belong in their closed circle.
Her lips purse, her brows pinching together as if physically holding the words back. “Hammer told me not to say anything to you.”
Of course he did. The mention of his name creates this lump in my stomach, a mix of warmth and frustration. He’s been too caring for me, there’s no denying that. So, if I’m not meant to know, then I’m involved one way or another.
That means it involves Crimson Road. “What did they do?”
Her shoulders sag, a sigh leaving her lips as the secret breaks. “They burned down Diesel’s shop. Hurt him and his girlfriend. I heard it’s because they let those women—” She halts, realizing what she’s revealing. Her grimace returns, but her apology isn’t necessary.
So, I’m not only involved, but I’m a part of the cause.
I don’t know who Diesel is, but the news is a cold stone in my gut. Another victim. Another act of violence that feels like it’s circling closer, a storm I can hear on the horizon.
She chews on her lip, a fresh wave of nerves rolling off her. There’s something else, something heavier she’s not voicing.
Do I push? This club’s business is a maze; I have no map for it. I’m just a temporary resident as far as I’m aware. The best I can do is offer my ear, a sounding board for a woman who seems as adrift as I feel, even in her own home.
“Are you hungry? I can throw something together.” Her smile is back, a bit forced, but present as she changes the subject.
I’m the one who grimaces this time. “Aren’t you tired of tending everyone? Every day, it’s always you or your sister. Why don’t you have help? There are plenty of people in this club, from what I’ve seen. Too many to be taken care of by just two women.”
Her face relaxes as she shakes her head. “I can’t speak for Raven, but I don’t mind one bit. Funny enough, I enjoy making their lives a little easier.” Her gaze grows distant, softer. “I mean, if it weren’t for Judge taking us in, who’s to say where we’d be today?”
So, she’s another person who’s been saved. Another soul tethered here through some means. The similarities make it easier for me to lower my guard around her.
Getting off the stool, I abandon my glass. “Well, I don’t want to add more to your tasks. If you don’t mind, how about I make my own breakfast?”
Her laugh is a light, pleasant sound, but it makes my ears burn with a strange embarrassment. She doesn’t stop me from rounding the bar, though. Instead of treating me like an intruder, she simply shows me around, her movements easy and familiar.
The kitchen is a study in utilitarian chaos. It has a deep freezer and a fridge filled with supplies. The industrial fryer stands out, large enough to belong in a restaurant.
“They really like onion rings with their beer.” Following my gaze, she gestures to the monstrous appliance. “Anyone can help themselves back here, if they want. But these guys have their own lives, their own families. Most of them are coming and going. Those in that meeting are the members who have dedicated their lives to Judge’s cause.”
Judge. What a name. A title that promises finality.
“Is he the leader in this whole thing?” I’m curious, but I can’t help but notice the way her cheeks flush, a delicate pink spreading under her skin.
“He’s one of the reasons this town is so peaceful.” Her mouth curves into a soft, private smile. “Always putting himself at risk in the shadows, never demanding recognition… He’s more than just the leader. He’s the reason Steelwood thrives.”
This woman’s either been completely brainwashed by the guy, or she’s in love with him. I don’t think I could ever surrender myself so completely to another person.
Hammer comes to mind, unbidden.
Is there a possibility of feeling something for him? It could be because of his efforts, for everything he’s done for me. Something like that shouldn’t feel so deeply rooted.
Moving toward the fridge, I snag a few eggs and accept the bowl I’m handed.
Mixing them up, I make more than I need without thinking.
Did Hammer eat before slipping off with the others? Now that I think about it, he’s always making sure I’m the one with food in my stomach. He’s never trying to put himself first.
Deciding that it can’t hurt to cook him something, I can always eat the extra if it’s not something he wants.
Penelope uses our time together to get to know me a little better. I can’t blame her for not wanting to return to the bar, not when most of her company is men twice her age.
She asks me about my hobbies, and what kind of things I did before everything happened. I’m almost embarrassed to tell her how mundane I am. Invisible enough to go missing without anyone batting an eye, I guess.
