“Ready?” He slides his finger under the seal.
“As I’ll ever be.” I inhale a sharp, painful breath, preparing for emotional turmoil.
Damon pulls out the letter and unfolds it. As soon as I see my father’s handwriting, I cry.
“My darling Liv,
If you’re readingthis letter it means I have finally met the Reaper. Hopefully, on good terms.
My life has been a series of crazy events. I wasn’t always the best man or husband. I made a lot of mistakes and a lot of bad choices. I hurt many good people. People who didn’t deserve it. And I have a lot of regrets.
One thing I will never regret, though, is you. You were always my shining light, and you’ve brought me the greatest joy. I’m so proud of the woman you’ve become, and I know your future will be filled with success and happiness.
I know I could be a ballbuster at times, but I always did what I did out of love.
I love you, honey. Never forget that. Never doubt it. No matter what.
I will always be there walking by your side, holding your hand, cheering you on. Neither Heaven nor Hell could keep me from that.
Keep chasing your dreams no matter what. No matter the obstacle. There’s always a way. You just need to be creative sometimes. I’ll take all the credit on teaching you that.
Love your sisters, love yourself, and make sure the man you end up with loves you more than his Harley.
Your mother was the love of my life. I know I never told you that, but it’s the truth. Our circumstances tainted any happiness we might have had. It’s my fault, and it’s my biggest regret. It’s also my greatest failure. But even through all the mess, I got you, so I will never be sorry. Ever.
You are my life, my world, my everything.
Don’t miss me. Just remember me, and how much I love you.
One last thing.You’re the only person I trust enough to share this information with. Griller left Damon in a bad way. You need to reach out to him immediately and make sure he’s okay. If his debt is still substantial, and his life is in danger, go straight to the FBI. Contact Agent Harris. I have included his business card. He’s been sitting on Pony for years, just waiting for an opportunity to take him down, and I have been the smoking gun.
Give him the address on the back of the card. Don’t tell him your name. Just tell him you’re a friend of the Bowman. It will be enough. And don’t be sloppy, use a burner phone.
Also, don’t be so hard on Damon, he’s a good kid. A little lost, maybe, but I just think he’s still holding a candle for you. Maybe you can help him find his way. Every man needs the love of a good, strong woman. And I can’t think of a better, stronger woman than you.
A kiss,my love,
Your father, your protector,
The Bowman”
Damon is shaken oncehe finishes reading, and I’m a complete mess.
He searches the envelope and pulls out Agent Harris’s card.
“The smoking gun?” He flips it in his fingers. “Was your dad an informant?”
I wipe my wet eyes and sniffle. “I have no idea. He was mysterious, you know that. Who knew what he did in his private time?”
“A lot more fucking shit than any of us were aware of.” Damon stuffs the card back in the envelope, visibly pissed off, and hands me the letter. “Do you want to read it yourself now?”
“No.” I push it away and wrap my arms around him. “Don’t be mad at my father. I know he had his reasons for not flipping on Pony sooner.”
“I’m sorry if I’m a little sore about spending the last three years in poverty, getting my life threatened, and my ass kicked over and over. He’s probably laughing his balls off at me right now.”
“He isn't. I bet he just didn't want to put his family or the club in harm's way. You know the kind of man Pony is. He’s dangerous. He’s a killer. And he won’t just go after you, he’ll go after everyone you love.”
“I know. He’s a motherfucking scumbag,” Damon bristles.
