“What do you mean he’s disappeared?” I demanded.
“Exactly what I said, prospect. He made bail and headed into the sunset. The address he gave was bogus; an old man lives there and has never heard of him,” Chance replied as I sat opposite.
“Seriously? The cops didn’t check? Fuckin’ typical half-assed job.”
Chance’s eyebrows rose, and I quickly amended my tone. “Sorry, Prez. It’s just I want to know why that fight was started.”
“So do I. I’ve got two injured prospects and no answers why. That doesn’t sit well,” Chance growled out. Pissed-off vibes filled the office from both of us. Easy to understand why. Jinx had also suffered a dislocated shoulder. Another asshole had decided to ambush me from behind. Jinx had intercepted that sneaky attack. That guy had been a local thug who’d not only been arrested but had experienced a severe beatdown since. But he’d known nothing, just seen a chance for a fight. The original attacker had disappeared into the wind, taking the reasons with him.
“Jinx was brave, that kid has a lot of balls,” I said, and Chance nodded.
“Prospect reminds me of Calamity from Rage MC. Calamity had more guts than brains in the beginning.”
“Jinx is all heart,” I defended.
“Don’t need telling that, Harlequin. I know what Jinx is. He’ll make a great brother one day. Okay, go back to your duties. Sunny is checking into this; he might discover something,” Chance said.
I cocked my head. Sunny hadn’t been around lately, having discovered who’d set him up. The lieutenant preferred beingwith his old lady. As the club’s hacker, Sunny had skills we needed. Sunny had declared that his hacking talents could be just as easily used travelling as staying here.
“Sunny’s going nomad still?” I asked, and Chance blinked. I’d overstepped; that was brother business and not a prospect’s. Surprisingly, Chance answered.
“Yes, but he’ll continue to help when required. Sunny will remain a brother.”
“That’s cool.” Honestly, I was surprised Sailor had been allowed to remain, as he’d been undercover for Sunny. Something Sailor had taken a turn in the ring to atone for. Sunny and Sailor both insisted that Sailor wanted to stay, and Chance had agreed reluctantly. Chance understood loyalty. But Sailor pulled the really bad scut jobs. To his credit, though, the man did them without complaint. Chance and the inner circle had seriously put him through the wringer.
“Get out. I’ll keep you updated,” Chance ordered, and I nodded.
Once outside, almost as if the caller knew I had just left Chance’s office, my phone rang.
“Son! Briar is home!” Mom squealed, and I smiled.
“I’ll pop over and see her tonight,” I suggested. Mom made a happy noise. “Is Briar okay?”
“Well, Briar’s not saying much, and looks pale,” Mom admitted.
“I’ll talk to her tonight. Don’t worry.”
“She might tell you,” Mom said hopefully.
“Mom, I’ll do my best. But we might need to give her some space. Briar can dig her heels in.” That was an understatement. If you looked up ‘stubborn’ in a dictionary, Briar’s picture would be under the heading. I could only hope that whatever shit was going through my sister’s head was easily resolved.
April
It had been a week since I was kissed and ten days since the suspension, which had been lifted today. The police had arrested Mahoney, and she’d been charged with reckless endangerment. I’d have been happier if it had been attempted murder, but I’d take whatever I’d get.
Despite the charge, Mahoney still worked at the hospital, although she was on a final warning. I’d given my statement about the hostile work environment with Clara’s lawyer at my side. In response, many other nurses and female doctors had now come forward with their own complaints. Reines was suspended pending further investigation.
That helped my case with Mahoney, but also aided hers. She’d used Reines not asking her out as an explanation for her behaviour. Mahoney claimed she’d felt inferior and unworthy when Reines asked out every woman apart from her. Okay, that was a massive exaggeration, but Mahoney played it brilliantly and had kept her job for now. We’d see what the court date brought.
“Are you sure you’re not dating anyone?” Teagan demanded approaching with a basket.
“Absolutely, why?”
“Because this is for you!”
My eyes widened. “What?” Curiously, I peered at the gift before I ground my teeth. The basket held a huge, pale purple teddy bear holding a balloon. It was wrapped in Saran Wrap with a massive bow. A card simply said, ‘Thinking of you xxx.’Stone.It had to be from Stone. What the hell was he playing at?
Temper igniting, I grabbed it and smiled sweetly at Teagan. “I’m going to burn this fucker in front of Stone, hopefully he’ll get the message.”
