“We have Jeannie,” he said.
My breath caught. “Where? Here? I thought she got away?”
“No. She was hidden while they investigated in case they snooped around. And I wanted you healed up so you can do what you want. But I understand if you need me to–”
“Take me to her now,” I demanded as my pulse raced.
The others all followed. Hawk led us to the shed at the back of the property. I’d never gone over there. I assumed it held lawn equipment or something but I was starting to realize itwasn’t that kind of shed.
Two members stood at the door and tipped their heads. “First Ladies,” one of them said.
“Open it,” Hawk said. “It’s a tight space, so you go on. She’s bound.”
I took a deep breath then walked in. My nose scrunched as I walked inside. The other ladies came in behind me, coughing lightly. The smell of urine and copper burned my nostrils.
My eyes landed on her. She was in a chair, hands and feet bound well. She didn’t appear to have been abused in any way, though. Still, Jeannie’s hair was oily, her face sullen and sunken in, her lips dry and cracking. Her clothes had been soiled.
“Finally,” she said.
My heart was thundering in my chest. I wanted to do so many unspeakable things to her. I didn’t know where to start. What to say. Rage burned in my veins as my mind raced.
Daisy, though, was more sure of herself. “You’re the reason I was held by Romano. The reason I was used like a toy. And you’re the reason I was kidnapped.” She walked over, slamming a closed fist to her cheek.
Daisy hit her so hard, she fell from the chair. Mama Hen hustled over and grabbed her stringy blonde hair.
Jeannie smiled as she was put upright on the floor.
Lacy stepped closer, looking down at her. “You pretended to be my friend. I made you a bridesmaid.” Lacy’s voice was high. “Eagle almost died, and I almost got kidnapped. All thosewomen.” Lacy’s lip trembled. “How could you?”
“No harm was going to come to you, Lacy. I really do like–”
Lacy’s arm whipped through the air as she leaned down. A loud pop sounded as her palm connected to her cheek.
Jeannie rolled her neck, but acted unbothered.
Shiv stepped closer. “I took a vow to do no harm, but I’m sure these ladies willmorethan make up for my share.” She spat at her then stepped back.
“Some shrink you are,” Jeannie said as she tried to rub her cheek on her shoulder.
I grabbed Shiv’s arm as she started to lunge for her.
Kristie stepped up to her, her full brown waves swaying as she walked. “You’re a disgrace to all women. I can’t believe I shared a table with you.” She delivered a closed fist. I was impressed. I’d pegged her a slapper, which is fine, but she really went for it.
Sugar was shaking, but I didn’t think it was from fear. She was holding in her anger. I grabbed her arm. “It’s okay. Now’s your chance.”
“And what’s her problem?” Jeannie said, rolling her eyes.
“She knows it was you. Or that you ordered it,” Mama Hen said. “Weallknow what you did.”
“Oh, yeah. I almost forgot about that whore being your mother. So sad. Especially since you got nothing from her to even show for it.”
Sugar lunged forward, a streak of blonde flashing before they both tumbled to the ground. Sugar got a few good hits in and Jeannie bucked and squirmed, then screamed, “Get her off!”
I went to grab her but Mama Hen stopped me. “Your shoulder.” She leaned down and grabbed Sugar’s arms, pulling her away.
Tears streaked her face but she sneered as she looked down and spit on Jeannie. “Trashy bitch.”
Jeannie rolled to her side, then gave a watery laugh. “That’s like the pot calling the kettle black.” She spat out some blood. “And you’re all so tough with me tied up.”
