“Bentley Foster,” Tap said, punching keys on his laptop. “I’ll look into him.”
“Bentley?” I asked. “You know him?”
Tap gave me a wry grin. “Not personally, but I do have the power of the internet.”
Link nodded. “In addition, Havoc and Tap, I want you to contact Mercy and get some cameras installed at the preschool and outside her apartment door that we’ll monitor. Morse, send out a club-wide email encouraging all the brothers to increase activity in the area and keep an eye on shit. Eagle, it’s your job to find out how much the preschool needs for repairs and see what we can do.”
“What about me, Prez?” Rabbit asked.
“You organize patrols. If anything goes down, I want someone there immediately.”
“You got it.” Rabbit saluted him, but the gesture looked more mocking than official.
I stared at the bikers, amazed that they would sink such resources into protecting a preschool.
“What can I do to help?” I asked.
“With this?” Link shrugged. “Nothing. But be here bright and early Saturday morning.”
“For what?” If this motherfucker thought I was doing something illegal, he was in for a big surprise.
Link’s eyebrows rose. “Does it matter? We’re doing you a favor. Be here. And show a little appreciation.”
14
Landon
WHEN I PICKED Mom and Mercy up from work Wednesday afternoon, two Harleys were parked in front of the school. Tap and Havoc were near the front door and appeared to be working on the lights, but I’d bet money they were installing hidden cameras. Tap was the one doing the actual work, while Havoc watched the neighborhood, his expression menacing until a mom and a little boy walked up to the school.
“Put her there, big man,” Havoc said, uncrossing his arms and dropping his hand for the kid to slap.
I expected the kid to shy away in fear, but he jumped and gave Havoc a high five.
“Good man,” Havoc said, before dipping his head in greeting to the mom. “Ma’am.”
The woman fucking blushed.
Two Latino men without cuts were working on the door, and they held it open for her and her child to enter.
Havoc caught me watching and elbowed Tap. “Beth’s son’s here.”
“Landon,” I said, approaching and extending my hand toward Havoc. “Good afternoon, Havoc. Tap.”
Tap nodded in greeting but kept at his task. Havoc gripped my hand and shook, squeezing until my bones creaked.
“You’re not just given a name, Prospect. You earn it,” he said.
Resisting the urge to shake the feeling back into my hand, I slid it into my coat pocket and discreetly stretched the digits. “I’m grateful for all your club is doing to help the preschool, but I won’t be prospecting with the club. I’ll be heading to Africa soon.”
He stared at me like I was the stupidest motherfucker on the planet, but since arguing with him promised to be hazardous to my health, I dropped it and headed inside the school.
A brunette who looked like she was barely out of high school was sitting behind the reception desk. Her gaze roamed over me before settling on my face. “Can I help you?”
I’d been taking Mom and Mercy to and from work every day for almost two weeks, but I’d only gone inside during the break-in, when nobody else was in yet. Flashing my most disarming smile, I said, “I’m Landon Welch. I’m here to pick up Beth and Mercy.”
Recognition lit up her face as she stood to shake my hand. “Beth’s son. I’m Adina. It’s so nice to meet you. Your mom should be out any minute.”
“Actually, I’d like to talk to Mercy if she’s available.” I pointed at her open office door, hoping to put her at ease with the confirmation that I’d been there before.
