Meanwhile, Diesel and CJ were pacing, their footsteps a background melody to Rebel, Mattie, and Harley’s shame.
“Even if youhadconsented, you’re a minor. In another world, they’d face serious jail time. In ours? We have to suffer Ryan, but those other two won’t be alive long enough to even think about jail.”
“Do you think Ryan watched us, Aunt Meggie?” Mattie asked, her cheeks flaming. “Or do you think he had enough decency just to send those stupid videos to Willard?”
“I will pluck that fuckhead’s eyes out,” Diesel said.
“You will do no such thing,” Momma said in exasperation. “We couldn’t explain that to Zoann.”
“Is that the only reason you’re saying no, Mom?” CJ asked with a thread of amusement in his voice.
Momma nodded. “I wish there was some way to put the fear of God in him, so he’d never do something so treacherous again. No matter why he felt compelled to do it.”
A thoughtful look crossed Diesel’s handsome face. Rebel would’ve loved to know what idea popped into his head. Hopefully, something brutal and bloody. If Aunt Zoann asked why his teeth had been yanked from his head, they could always say Ryan fucked over a club member.
The perfect scenario for all the trauma he’d caused.
“What about my play tomorrow?” Harley asked, changing the subject to something normal even if no one had thought about the production in days. “I have worked so hard and it’s a major part of my grade.”
“As long as you’re up to it, we will be in the audience cheering you on, love,” Momma told Harley. “However, your participation is up to Bailey and Mortician.”
“I understand,” Harley said.
“Aunt Meggie, can you and I talk to Momma alone?” Mattie asked softly.
“While you’re talking to Aunt Kendall with Mattie, maybe CJ and Rebel can help me explain everything to Mommie,” Harley added. “If that’s okay.”
Rebel wrapped an arm around Harley’s shoulders. “It’s whatever you want, Harls. We want to help you. If you need me in there to help you talk to Aunt Bailey, then that’s where I’ll be.”
It wasn’t a place Rebel particularly wanted to be. She didn’t like Aunt Bailey any longer.
“I’ll allow you and your sister to talk to Bailey with Harley on one condition, CJ,” Momma said.
“I’m listening, Mom,” CJ said.
“If Bailey comes at you, stand up for yourself.” Momma gave him a small smile. “And then tell me.”
“Don’t respect anyone who doesn’t respect me.”
“I believe Ax’s quote is, ‘don’t respect no motherfucker that don’t respect me’,” Diesel said blandly.
“It is,” Rebel said.
“Do you need me for anything, Aunt Meggie?” Diesel asked. “I have an errand to run.”
“I don’t,” Momma said. “But your daddy might, so check in with him before you leave.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he said, and walked out.
Rebel wondered where he was off to. It also hurt her a little that he’d barely looked at her since she revealed what she’d been doing on camera. It probably grossed him out. The idea just added to her embarrassment.
Momma stood. “Come on, Mattie. We’ll go in Christopher’s office to talk to Kendall.”
“Okay,” Mattie said, getting to her feet and following Momma out, leaving CJ, Harley, and Rebel to wait for Aunt Bailey.
Hiding in the shadows of the forest near the Taylor log cabin, Diesel slipped from behind a tree at the approach of footsteps. The property wasn’t as well-lit as his family home, but he was just able to make out Ryan, ambling toward the house.
Just the motherfucker Diesel wanted to see.
