Short doesn’t lie to me. “Yes.”
“Good,” I reply sharply. “Now can we go find Trip?”
He groans. “I thought we were going to get down and dirty.”
Rising on tiptoe, he accommodates me by leaning down, so I can speak directly into his ear. I respond, “I’d love to, but, Short, we’re parents now. We’ve got to at least make sure Trip’s happy before we think of ourselves.”
There’s another loud groan, but then he takes my hand and leads me toward the stairs, while explaining, “Saw Trix take him up a few minutes back. I expect he’s tired, and it is past his bedtime.”
They say it takes a whole village to raise a child, and though I’m trying to learn quickly, I’m happy to be surrounded by people who are ready and willing to help out. And the conversation I’d had with Short was definitely not for young ears. When I know he can truly understand, maybe I’ll tell Trip what happened to his father. Or maybe not. It depends on how much he remembers and which truth is the kindest for him.
It’s slow going as we navigate the room. It seems like every man wants to pat my shoulder or arm, offering their gestures of support and appreciation for the gratitude I’ve shown.
Bullseye stops us just as we’re about to ascend the first step. He gives me one of those piercing looks that used to make me shake on the spot. That I’ve grown more comfortable around these men is proven. I’m rock steady as I return his gaze with a weighted stare of my own.
“It had to be done, Bronwyn.”
“He betrayed the club. Worse, he betrayed his family,” I respond. “If you’d have let me, I’d have plunged a knife into his cold heart myself.” Closing my eyes for a second, I shake my head. “I broke free of his spell the moment I knew what he was going to do to Trip.” Though, as it turned out, what he intended was far worse than what I’d thought. “My sperm donor had no care about the children he’d brought into the world. He wanted me permanently out of the picture, and what he wanted for Trip…” My voice can’t even put it into words. “I don’t care what the real reason you got rid of him was. I’m just glad he’s gone.” I hesitate, then tentatively put my challenge to the prez of the Kings of Anarchy. “You are sure he’s dead, aren’t you?”
Instead of being angry that I’ve questioned his word, Bullseye barks a laugh. “Words put him in the cremator an hour ago.” As I turn to proceed up the stairs, he puts out his hand and stops me. “What do you want to do about your mom? She’s going to be raising questions when he doesn’t come home.”
Remembering how she hadn’t lifted a finger to save me, and it seems likely that at least part of my son’s problems are down to her, I say, “You know what, Bullseye? I don’t give a fuck. She can work it out for herself.” Then, a thought hits me. “If she reports him missing, it won’t come back to you and the club, will it?”
He chuckles. “Our arrangement with Doc was done on a handshake. Any relationship she implies between us will be ourword against hers. And, she knows she’s complicit in his abuse of you by covering it up, along with Trip’s birth. She’s got far too much to lose to come pointing fingers.” He raises his chin toward Short. “Can you get Bronwyn settled with Trip, and then come find me? I’d like a word.”
Short gives an up and down movement of his head in return.
Each step I take reminds me that both Trip and I are free of the man who’d made our lives a living nightmare. Sure, I only have to look down at the men preparing for war to know we’re not going to be safe to enjoy our new lives any time soon. Whatever is coming for us can’t be worse than what’s gone before. I can’t waste my time worrying about what-ifs and maybes, even when it seems to be the most appropriate question now. I’ve got my son to look after, and I’m going to protect him with everything I am, just like a mother bear.
I may be small, but woe betide anyone who crosses me.
