I can see the piece of paper tucked under her windshield wiper from here.
"Show me," I say, and she follows me outside.
I approach carefully, using the corner of my cut to lift the paper without touching it directly. Unfold it.
The message is printed. Block letters. Simple.
PAID FOR BUT NEVER DELIVERED. TIME TO COLLECT.
Grace makes a small sound behind me, and I turn to see her face has gone white.
"What does that mean?" she whispers.
But I know exactly what it means.
Someone knows about the deal.
About the four million dollars Bronco's family paid for her.
About the arrangement that died when Bronco did.
Someone thinks Grace still owes them.
"Get in your truck," I say, my voice calm despite the rage building inside me. "Follow me to your cabin. We're not staying here."
"Shadow, what?—"
"Now, Grace."
She must hear something in my voice because she doesn't argue. Just gets in her truck and waits while I start my bike.
My phone rings as I'm about to pull out. Rogue.
"Tell me," I say.
"Your plate traces back to Copperhead Kings MC. Houston chapter."
Everything clicks into place.
Bronco's family’s club.
"You want me to tell Phantom?" Rogue asks.
"No." My grip tightens on the handlebars. "I handle this."
"Shadow—"
"I said I handle it." I end the call and look back at Grace in her truck.
She has no idea what's coming.
But I do.
And I'm going to end it before it starts.
Grace's cabin is quiet when we arrive.
Charlie greets us at the door, tail wagging despite the cone still on her head.
