“The musicalHair?”
“That’s what I just said.” She threw up her hands and made to turn around.
“No, stay. I’m sorry. I’m just...I thought I’d have heard from Cherry before now.”
Her chin lifted, expression sharpening. “What’s he doing that’s put him in danger’s path?”
“What? I didn’t say anything like that.”
“Evidence exhibit one, you’re still here at eleven o’clock at night. Lately if you’re here until five it’s rare. Which is a good thing and I’m not complaining. Better work and life balance is good for everyone.” She tilted her head to the side. “Exhibit two, you’re seriously on edge. You forget I can see your reflection in the windows. I was watching you for five minutes before I announced myself. You spent the entire time looking at your cell. Exhibit three, you haven’t said you’ll call him, but that you should have heard from him by now. Ergo, he’s put himself in harm’s way for some reason. Probably club business, and don’t I know better than to ask after that.”
“You are incorrigible.”
“I’m incredibly flexible. Just ask Jinx.”
Denis stared in horror at his aunt, his office manager, the woman who’d been mothering him for decades. “I do not want to know. Nope. I don’t. Don’t tell me.”
“Jinx—”
“Nope,” he interrupted whatever she’d been about to tell him. “Go home, Carole. Get some sleep for both of us. But for God’s sake, I never want to know what happened between you and Jinx.”
“What about Doodle? Did you know he’s a legit artist? He’s got two paintings in a local show right now.”
“How do you find out about all of this?”
“I listen, child. Something I’d encourage you to do.” She nodded at his hands and he realized his phone was ringing. “Tell him you love him already. I’ll see myself out.” The door closed behind her as he connected the call.
“Hey.” Denis rolled his eyes at how lame that was.It’s Carole’s fault, dropping that little bomb without warning.“All well?”
“Now it is.” Cherry pulled in a heavy breath. “I called, I mean I wanted to call and let you know I’m probably not going to make it home tonight. We’re in the midst of a meeting that looks to be going on for a ridiculous amount of time. We broke for a few minutes so everyone could call their significant others.” Heaving out a huge sigh, Cherry said, “I’ll see you tomorrow, babe.”
“Yes, tomorrow. Keep yourself safe for me.”
“Will do. Yeah, I’m coming.” That last was louder and carried a tone of irritation. “See you tomorrow.” That last was said in a soft whisper.
The call disconnected and Denis was frozen in place staring at the phone in his hands.
“I’m his significant other.”
***
Cherry
“Busk,” Cherry called out as they headed back into the meeting room, air still thick with smoke. “Brother, why is Mother against us hitting them again? I thought Wildman was all for it.”
“Not sure, but this next portion is gonna be restricted to officers only. Members will be asked to hang in the main room. Hopefully Mother is a little bit more open.” Busk pulled a palm over his face, scrubbing at his five o’clock shadow. “Junebug isn’t happy about being home alone with the kiddos.”
“Your kids are six or seven now, right?”
“Yeah, Todd is nearly eight and Landry is six. Then there’s Willy, he’s five. So she’s got her hands full.”
“Willy? You mean Ruger’s boy? Or are you guys fostering or something?”
Busk froze in place, his eyes darting from Cherry to something behind him. Cherry turned to see Ruger on his way towards them, his expression matching Busk’s.
“I...uh...” Busk couldn’t get a word out.
“What’s going on?” Ruger asked as he closed the distance with long strides.
