There is a pause. “You’re sure?” he asks, the theatrics stripped away, leaving genuine concern.
“Yes. I promise. I’m with people I trust.”
Another breath, shaky this time. “Good. Because, darling, these men were not here to borrow sugar.”
“I know,” I say quietly.
“They’re still downstairs,” Tony added. “I think they’re waiting for you. So wherever you are—stay there. Do not come back alone. And if you need me, I will absolutely scream.”
Despite everything, a weak smile tugs at my mouth. “Thank you, Tony.”
“Anytime,” he says fiercely. “We stick together. Call me when you’re back, and Zara?”
“Yeah?”
“Fashion Week better be worth nearly dying for.”
I hang up and turn to face three concerned people.
“Who was that?” Bush asks.
“My friend, Tony. We went to school together. He’s an American, but moved to New Zealand to attend AUT. Auckland University of Technology,” I add. “He was in the lobby when Menace and the others arrived. Tony overheard them asking the concierge about me. He said they’re still in the lobby. Waiting.”
Bush and Chrome share a look.
“Right. I think I’m going to gather up some guys and take a ride,” Chrome says. “You stay here and get Zara settled. I don’tthink it’s safe for her to return to the hotel until we’ve dealt with the bad element that’s moved in.”
“I should go with you,” Bush argues.
“No.” Both Chrome and I say the word.
Chrome flicks his eyes to me, but returns his focus to Bush. “We don’t know what they want. They may not know you’re here, so let’s keep it a surprise. I don’t plan on letting on that I know you or anything about the Bushrangers. I’m simply the President of the local club who heard we had guests. I’ll take Piston, Arson, and Ice with me.”
Bush shakes his head. “They’ll wonder why your SOA isn’t with you.”
“If it comes up, I’ll make sure they know we were just out riding when he heard we had guests,” Chrome says. “I’ll keep it casual.”
“Are you going to invite them here?” Bush asks.
Chrome rubs his chin as he considers the question. “I’ll play it by ear. If I don’t, they might get suspicious, but bringing them back here isn’t my plan. Let me see how it goes. We need to know if it is just the three of them or if there are more.”
Bush nods in agreement. “Good point.”
“I have a question,” Cicely chimes in. “You said they were all arrested and convicted in Australia. How did they get approval to come to the US? I thought CBP would refuse them entry.”
“Good question,” Chrome says. “How did they gain entry? You’re certain they were convicted?”
“Yes. I think. Well, shit. I don’t know. I left as soon as the cops arrested them. Did you follow the trials?” he asks me.
I nod. “Yes. Dad and I both did. Eight of them went to trial and received convictions.”
“Have Mode look into their records and see if he can find anything about their VISAs,” Chrome orders Bush. “If they’re here illegally, maybe we can get them removed with some helpfrom CBP. Make them do their job. Okay, I’m grabbing the guys and taking off. I’ll be back soon.” Chrome kisses Cicely before turning toward the door.
“Stay safe,” Bush says. “Don’t turn your back on them.”
Chrome chuckles. “I’m not new.”
Bush watches him go, and I can tell he wishes he were going with him. However, he shakes himself and offers me his hand. “Let me show you to your room, but first I’ll introduce you to our tech guy, Mode.”
