“Yeah. Guys don’t stay at the clubhouse much anymore. It’s fine.”
I lay Tucker on the bed and tuck him under the covers. Multipaned frosted windows high up in the brick wall cast a soft glow from a nearby utility light.
Cody turns on a small lamp across the room at the desk.
He pulls out the chair for me. “Here. Sit.”
I rub my upper arms but make no move to sit. My face crumbles, and he wraps me in his arms, pulling my head to his chest.
“Tell me what happened.”
“There was this guy. Back in Alabama. He’s the reason I ran. I told you that.”
“Yeah?”
“He showed up at Sonny’s tonight.”
“You think he followed you out here?”
“He had to have, but I don’t know how he figured out where I went.”
“Your abusive boyfriend tracked you here. Son of a bitch.”
“I saw him a couple of times, then realized it was a mistake, but he wouldn’t take no for an answer. He acts like I belong to him. I don’t. I don’t belong to anyone. No one owns me.”
“Shh, it’ll be okay.”
“I’ve been afraid this would happen.”
“You should have told me.”
I nod. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I thought I’d put it all behind me.”
“We’ll deal with it. I’ll deal with him. Don’t worry.”
“Cody, he’s violent.”
“Let me make a call. See if he’s still up at Sonny’s. I’ll wake up Billy, and we’ll go handle this right now.” He paces and calls up there.
The last thing I want is for him to leave me or to confront Snake. The man’s dangerous.
I can’t hear everything Cody says, but he shakes his head at me and covers the phone. “He’s gone.” Then he speaks into the phone. “Did you see what he was driving?” Pull the security tapes and look at them. See if you can get a tag. Thanks, Ronnie.”
When he disconnects, he sits me down on the bed. “Tiny said he left in a black Chevy pickup. They’re gonna pull the security tapes and see if they can get a plate.”
I nod. “I just can’t figure how he found me. I was being so careful.”
“He could be tracking you. Your car. Your phone.”
“No. I checked my phone. He was tracking me on it, but I turned that off and a friend found the tracker he put on my car.”
“Christ, babe. You never told me this guy was seriously stalking you.”
“I thought I took care of it.”
“Have you used your bank card?”
“Yes, why?”
