“Always.”
The three of them climbed into the truck and, with Noah at the wheel, drove to Red Rock. They parked in front of Katie’s Deli, which had just opened for the day.
Elias walked up to the counter and placed a large order of breakfast sandwiches and wraps.
The worker stared at Elias. “Preparing an order that size will take a few minutes.”
“No problem. When you have a minute, bring us some coffee.”
The operatives sat in an empty booth to wait for their order to be prepared.
Soon, the young woman returned with a full coffeepot and three mugs, which she set in front of them. “Can I get you anything else?” she asked as she filled their mugs.
Noah shook his head. “This is perfect. Thanks.”
She blushed and hurried away to take another table’s order.
When the woman was out of earshot, Iona smiled at Noah. “I think she’s sweet on you.”
His lips curved. “Doesn’t matter. She wouldn’t survive a confrontation with Violet. My wife has a thing about knives, and she’s very possessive of me.”
Iona’s gaze shifted to Elias. “I understand.”
Minutes later, their order was ready. They carried the food to the truck, then drove back to the compound.
Elias sent Seth a message, telling him they were at the clubhouse with the food. “Let’s go. Seth and the others will be here soon.”
They carried bags filled with food into the clubhouse and unloaded them onto empty trays Iona scrounged up from somewhere. After that, they brewed coffee and set out paper plates and napkins and the juice they had picked up, plus to-go cups.
“How do we tell them about the food?” Iona asked.
“Don’t worry. They’ll know.”
Sure enough, ten minutes later, burly bikers stumbled downstairs into the dining area and stared at the spread of food on the tables. One by one, they grabbed a plate and filled it with breakfast burritos and sandwiches. After dropping their plates on a nearby table, they returned to the drink station to fill coffee mugs or glasses. A few of them picked up a napkin. A couple of bikers dropped them back on the pile.
Soon, Dutch strolled in. When he first walked in, his facial expression resembled a thundercloud until he took in the food and drinks and the quiet and contented bikers stuffing their faces with food and beverages. He studied the crowd until he caught sight of Elias, Noah, and Iona.
Dutch crossed the few feet between them and held out his hand first to Noah, then Elias and Iona. “What’s all this?”
“Food to repay my debt to you,” Elias said.
“That’s unnecessary.”
“I disagree. You’re putting yourself and Blackthorn at risk to offer me sanctuary. I won’t forget that.”
The leader of Blackthorn’s expression was one of discomfort. What was up with that? Granted, not everyone liked to accept thanks, but this seemed like more than discomfort. It was more like guilt.
“It’s the least we can do for a brother.” He motioned toward the table in the corner. “Join me for breakfast.”
“Our friends are joining us soon.” As Elias finished his statement, the rest of Echo and Artemis joined the crowd of diners.
Seth and Teagan walked up to them. “Everything’s set?”
He nodded. “No problem.”
Dutch motioned to the tables. “This was a surprise.”
“We wanted you to know we appreciate the risk you’re taking for us. We won’t forget it.”
