I didn’t see anyone when we pulled up, but as soon as she parked, her phone rang again.
“I don’t see you. Where is your–?” She trailed off as Anthony emerged from beneath a pavilion in the center of the park and gave a modest wave.
His tall frame was unmistakable.
“There he is,” Joplin announced, throwing her door open.
“Jop–” She was gone before I could tell her to hold back.
“I’m not sure what is going on, but I don’t think all is well… And I expect it has to do with those Disciples. They’re always involved in foolishness and outlawry. Nothing good will ever come of that club, watch and see if I ain’t right. I don’t know what you got going on, but it can’t be worse than this. Marry him and get him to leave.”
I blinked at her blunt request, but she merely smiled and started toward the pavilion as if she’d said nothing at all.
I started after her, giving a glance over my shoulder when I heard the distant rumble of a motorcycle that never appeared.
“Hey,” I greeted, unable to take my eyes off the red blotch over his brow.
“Afternoon, Baby.” He wrapped me in his long arms, ignoring my concerned gaze, and kissed the side of my head. “Come eat with me.”
I nodded, only because Joplin was staring at us.
“I want to grab a bite to eat and look for houses, you think you can make time for me?”
“Houses?” Joplin squeaked.
“Yeah. We have to live somewhere, right?” Anthony’s tone carried a hint of laughter in it.
“Right.” I quietly agreed, as he kissed my knuckles.
“You eating pizza, or knuckles?” Daisy teased.
“Ate enough of those for breakfast.” Anthony snorted, giving my hand a squeeze.
“I can see that,” Daisy returned, the tension evident in her brow.
“You think you can take little sister, while Crystal and I meet up with the realtor?”
Daisy gave a nod that made it seem like she was annoyed that he’d bothered to ask.
We weren’t there long, but I noticed the way he searched the distant streets any time a loud motor passed.
“What’s going on?” I whispered, once Daisy and Joplin were safely out of earshot.
He flashed an unconvincing, tight smile, “Nothing, baby.”
I planted both feet, refusing to budge.
He dropped his head, giving an odd little laugh before meeting my gaze, “I’m sorry they did that to you, I didn’t know they did it… but I made sure they understood how I felt about it.”
“And they did that to you for voicing your discontent?” I asked, unable to keep the horror from my voice.
The laughter that bubbled from him nauseated me.
“No. This is what happened when one of them admitted to tearing up the license. Then I knocked out the president and broke on them when the club came outside to his defense. I’m sure I have a lot worse than this coming when they get their hands on me.”
He moved quickly along a street that was off the beaten path, a residential neighborhood with landscaped lawns. I inadvertentlysqueezed his hand when I detected a nearby rumble. Unlike the ones before it, this one grew louder and nearer as time passed.
“Anthony.” I panicked, picking up my pace.
