He nods toward the seat across from him.“We got intel from Nitro about some movement on the outskirts.Russian ties.”
“Again?”I ask sharply.
“Splinter groups,” he says.“Nothing direct yet.But enough to keep eyes open.”
My pulse ticks up.
I think of the dark truck at the hardware store.
“You see anything off today?”Chux asks, reading my expression immediately.
“A truck,” I admit.“Tinted windows.No plates.Driver was watchin’ me.”
“That’s somethin’,” he says.“You follow him?”
“No.”
“And why the hell not?”
I clench my jaw.“Had shit on my mind.”
His stare is cold disappointment.“Get it off your mind.We don’t miss details.Not now.”
I nod, shame burning hot under my skin.Because he’s right.I fucked up.
Kelly’s face flashes again—hurt, confused, trying to hide the way her voice cracked.My chest caves a little.
I don’t want to picture her alone right now.
Don’t want to imagine her thinking I didn’t care.
Don’t want to think about her walking to her car feeling like she wasn’t worth fighting for.
But the image won’t leave.
Chux studies me for a long moment.“Go home.Shower.Clear your head.Then get back here ready to work.”
I nod and stand.But before I reach the door, he adds, “And Riot?”
I pause.“You ended things with her.”He doesn’t say it cruelly.Just matter-of-fact.“But don’t lie to yourself.You care.And you’re gonna have to face that sooner or later.”
I don’t answer.Can’t.Not without something in me cracking open.I head out of the clubhouse, boots heavy on the wooden floorboards.I’m halfway across the lot when my phone buzzes again.
This time, it’s Ally.
Ally:Hey.Have you talked to Kelly since you left?
My gut twists.
Me:Why?
A long pause.
Ally:She left work early.Didn’t look good.Just checking on her.
My chest pulls tight.
Me:I’m sure she’s fine.
