“What?”
“Too early still.”
I slip my sunglasses on and give him a lopsided, go-fuck-yourself grin. “Think I can’t handle myself still?”
“Where that pretty lady is concerned? No.”
I start my bike and give the throttle an angry twist to drown out anything else Shorty has to say about Starlet. I did what Eagle expected, left with Shorty. Not my fault our business didn’t keep us away long enough to avoid running into Silver and the Devil’s Crusaders. Besides, I regret leaving Starlet behind. As I back out of my parking spot, I tilt my head at Shorty. “Coming?”
I take off before he has a chance to answer.
***
Starlet
I wake upin a bedroom, Angel and another old lady whispering to each other. My head is foggy but I feel better.
“You’re awake,” Angel says with a smile. “Gave us all a scare.”
“What happened?”
“How long has it been since you’ve eaten?” she asks.
“I-I don’t know.”
“You threw up quite a bit. Add in stress…”
Oh. My. God. I jerk up, but quickly decide against it when my head starts to swim again. “I-is Silver here?”
Angel nods, and my heart sinks into my stomach. Why did I have to wake up? Maybe I should go on a hunger strike. Judging by the way a day without food affects me, I’d be dead within three days, problem solved. “Has he been in here?”
“No. Eagle asked him to let you rest.”
“How many other Crusaders are with him?”
“Three.”
“Checkers?”
“Yeah.”
I settle back on the pillows again and close my eyes. Checkers is my arch enemy, I think. He used to tail me all the time, keeping watch for Sammy. Never liked or trusted him. “Can I get my things?”
Angel points to the dresser across the room. “Over there, sweetheart. Thought you’d like a change of clothes, too. Something nice to wear for your old man.”
Old man. That title should be reserved for someone I love. Not Silver.
The other old lady starts for the door. “Where are you going, Bridget?” Angel asks.
“Promised Eagle I’d get him when Starlet woke up.”
“Okay.” Angel waits for her to leave before she turns and takes my hand. “Sometimes I’m not trusted enough, see?”
“I don’t believe it.” She’s just emotionally invested in my situation, that’s all. Eagle had the foresight to know she’d prevent my reunion with Silver as long as she could.
“From what I heard, Eagle requested a formal sit down with Silver.”
“Really?” I lean up on my elbows. “Why?”
