“You’re worried about her,” Thea says softly.
“I’m fucking terrified for her,” I tell my sister-in-law. “Bella is alone in that building with God knows how many traffickers. She’s agreed to wear a tracker, but only if I wear one, too. She’s concerned they’ll come after me if her cover is blown.”
“You care about each other,” Thea murmurs. “That’s not unusual, Copper. You’re living together under stressful conditions. You’re bound to care for each other but be careful you don’t get hurt.”
I’m quiet for a minute before I admit to Thea what I’ve never voiced out loud to anyone but Coal. “It’s too late for that, Thea. I knew she was mine before I met her. Living with her hasonly strengthened my feelings for her. Bella thinks she can’t feel emotion, but she can; she’s just good at compartmentalising them to get the job done. She’s kryptonite to a Tin man—strong, loyal, protective, loves to ride, and so damn smart. She made a hard choice, blew up her entire life, and now she thinks she’s not worthy of love because she hurt someone she cared about deeply to take this job.”
“She sounds like someone I’d like to get to know better,” Thea says, her voice ringing with approval.
“I think you’ll like her once she gets past her trust issues.”
“As long as she’s good to you, I don’t care about anything else,” Thea informs me firmly. “I’ll get everything prepped and packed. Get me those ring sizes so I can make them tonight. I have weapons in stock. I’ll give you back to Coal now.”
I hear her murmur to Coal and the click of a door closing.
“Where do you want to meet to pick up the weapons?” Coal asks.
“We’re coming your way tomorrow. Bella wants to put her past to rest, so I’m taking her to the wedding.”
“Come again?” Coal sounds stunned.
Chuckling under my breath, I reply, “I had the same reaction, brother, but I can only blame myself. I told her months ago that she’d never move on unless she put her past where it belongs.She took my words to heart, so we’ll be in the area tomorrow. Find somewhere we can meet with no eyes on us.”
“Fuck. Okay, keep this phone for a little longer before you destroy it so I can get back to you. Fucking hate this shit, Cop. Not being in touch with you sucks, brother. So does you not having anyone at your back other than your woman,” Coal grumbles.
I sigh. “I know. I miss the brotherhood, Coal. I’m not made for this lone wolf shit. Spice is a great woman to have at my back, though. Which reminds me, I’ve got a business proposition when all this is done.”
“Spice, huh?” Coal chuckles.
I smirk. “She didn’t like Sugar.”
“Figures,” he grunts. “Any clue how long this gig’s going to last?”
“No idea,” I admit. “Bee says it’s only just beginning, so your guess is as good as mine.”
“Fuck. Okay.”
“Everything okay at home?”
“Yeah, it’s all good. Business is booming, and Shea’s growing like a weed. Thea’s growing another Tin, and the paintball and Roadhouse are keeping us flush with cash. Everything is good, but none of us will relax until you’re back home.”
“Another Tin, huh? I’m stoked for you and Thea. Fuck, I miss you all. Give my niece a kiss for me. I’ve got to go, brother.”
“Bye, Cop. I’ll call soon.”
Coal ends the call, and I’m left with a sense of loss. The only good thing about today is that it’s Friday, which means it’s early closing. I pocket my phone and walk back to my bay to finish the oil change I started before lunch.
Tonight, I’ll get Thea the information she needs, and tomorrow, we’ll put Bella’s past to rest and pick up our merchandise. Hopefully, we’ll have enough firepower to keep us safe should shit hit the fan.
CHAPTER 6
BELLA
It’s Friday, which means we get to leave work early. I deliver all the discrepancies to the slimy toad before I leave. I’m not sure what to make of his surprise when I hand him not only the list but also the ledger. I’ve balanced it as much as possible and shown him how I’d done it.
I know we won’t be able to move on all the numbers without blowing my cover, but now I know what to look for. I’ve noted which colleagues have the same ledgers and where they’ve stored them. Most are in locked drawers, but they can be easily accessed if you know how to pick locks.
I’ll pass that on to the Skulls because while I can easily pick the locks, stealth isn’t my strong point. They’ve had centuries to perfect sneaking into different places. I’ll draw them a floor plan and send it to Ramzi in a secure email.
