“You have a better idea?”
My heart pounds like I’m sprinting. I guess I might be about to. “Even if I make it to the building, then what?”
“Call the police?”
“What can they do?” I keep an eye on Symphony as she approaches the motorcycles.
“I don’t know! Message Merrick then. Maybe he can call them off.”
“I don’t have his number!”
She checks her phone. “It’s after three. The bar is open. Call the bar.”
That’s not a bad idea.
I switch to sitting on my knees so it’s easier to get up and run as I Google the bar and press the number listed.
Symphony peers up at the men. They nod as she gestures wildly.
The line rings. I’m completely relieved when Merrick’s voice comes on. “Leaky Skull.”
“Merrick? It’s Marietta.”
There’s a pause before he says, “You okay?”
What was the pause? Does he know something? “Two Wild Hair are at my college!”
Another pause.
“Merrick! What are they doing here?”
Symphony keeps talking to the men, waving her arms toward the parking lot. Maybe she’ll get them to leave.
“They’re watching out for you,” he says. “They decided that at church.”
“Church? Like with a pastor?” What the hell?
“No, that’s what we call our meetings.”
Oh. “Why are they watching out for me?”
“You’re under the protection of the Wild Hair until you decide if you’re going to become property of the club.”
“Property?”
“It’s an expression. It means you’re one of us. Part of the family.”
“Why are they doing that? I haven’t said I’ll be a club bunny or a house mouse!”
“They’re looking out for you. Making sure you’re…” He trails off.
“Merrick! Why do I need protection?”
“It’s club business,” he says. “I’m not at liberty to talk about it. Just know they aren’t there to scare you or snatch you. This order comes from Iron Jack, and nobody is going to cross him.”
“They are on the quad with their motorcycles! The campus police are going to come!”
“They can handle themselves around cops.”
