Okay.
“Well” —she smiled with a shrug— “Have a safe trip.”
Ghost rolled his eyes. “Ask to come with us.”
What?
“Why?”
“Because like I said, Olson’s place is only a few blocks from Inez. You come with us, we’ll leave you there while we go to the other meeting. You pay Inez a visit once we leave. He ain’t gonnastop you. Old bastard will be asleep before we even roll out of his driveway. I’ll make sure of it.”
Cleo was having a hard time following him. She wanted to avoid the club, especially Wraith. Why on earth would she ask to go with them? More importantly, pay Inez a visit? That wasn’t exactly how Cleo wanted to spend her afternoon.Inez hates me.
“I don’t understand. What does…”
Ghost abruptly cut her off. “You want Grizz’s place?”
That got her attention, and she perked up.
“The club said no.”
The corner of his mouth curled. “Inez didn’t.”
“Do you think she’ll say yes?”
“Only one way to find out.” Ghost inched forward. “But you’re not gonna tell her about Grizz’s place right away. Tell her you want to rent an apartment in her building.”
What? Cleo loved visiting, but she wasn’t cut out for city living.
“But I don’t want to live in Lawry.”
Ghost snorted. “I know that, and you know that. But Inez doesn’t. She’d never fucking agree to it anyway, but it gives you the chance to plant the idea of living at Grizz’s.”
This sounded like a great plan but flawed.
“But she’ll call Ace when I show up without the club.”
“Yeah but it’ll take us at least fifteen minutes to get to her place. Plenty of time to plead your case.” Ghost turned to the doorway when the voices in the main room got louder. “Listen to me. You’re gonna ask Cross. Not Wraith or Ace. Cross.”
That was a horrible idea. She snorted, shaking her head. If she had any hopes of getting to Inez, the VP was the last person she should ask. His demeanor with Cleo had always been standoffish and indifferent. Protective, yes. But Cross always kept his distance from her.Just like Inez, he doesn’t like me either!
“I think I have a better chance with Ace.”
“No,” Ghost snapped, sharpening his glare. “You ask Cross directly. He’ll say yes.”
Cleo trusted Ghost but she doubted him on this. “But how can you be sure?”
Ghost scanned her face, hesitating then shifted his gaze across the room. “’Cause he thinks he owes you something.”
Why would he think that? Cleo never got the chance to ask.
Ghost turned and walked out the door. Cleo only had a few seconds to gather what she’d say. It was important no one suspected anything. It was a decent plan, and if Ghost had faith in it? It might work. But she’d only have one chance.
Cleo walked to the doorway. Cue, Oak, and Cypher were grabbing their helmets from the shelf in the corner. Wraith was adjusting his cut. When he glanced up, she immediately looked away, turning her attention to the back hallway. Ace and Cross walked out, heading toward the front door.
Do it.
“Good morning.” She lifted her hand in a short wave and smiled. Both men stared back at her, Cross looking away first but sidled up next to Ace. She specifically eyed the VP. She always expected a tighter bond with Cross because he was so close to Knox. But he seemed to make an effort to avoid her. Especially after Knox died.Ah Ghost, are you sure about this?
