Steel:Hey, baby. I’ve fucking missed U.
Breanna:Sooo good to hear from U. Was worried.
Steel:I’m good. Have U heard from Chenoa?
Breanna:Not today. Y?
Steel:She’s not answering her phone.
Breanna:Probably with friends. I know she hangs with a couple of girls.
Steel scrubbed his hand over his face.Why the fuck isn’t anyone getting this but me?
Steel:Ya.
Breanna:So sorry but with a client. Call U later?
Steel:K. Let me know if U hear from Chenoa.
Breanna:K. Love U. xxoox
Steel:Me too.
A car honked and he looked over and saw Hawk motioning him over. “Ready to head out?” Steel asked as he climbed inside the vehicle. Hawk nodded and Diablo pulled back onto the freeway.
Steel watched the evergreens, aspens, and pines race past him, but his mind was a million miles away. He leaned against the door and rested his head on the window. The strains of AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell” startled him. He took out his phone and saw Chenoa’s name. A burst of adrenaline surged through him.
“Sunshine. I’m calling you back. When you called me earlier, I didn’t have any fucking reception. What’s going on?”
“I just wondered when you’d be home. I’m good. Real good.”
“Your mom said that you’re with a friend working on a project for school. Who’s your friend?”
“School? Oh… yeah. Uh… it’s Josie. We got this thing going on.”
She spoke slowly, drawing out her words, and heaviness crushed down on him. “Why’re you talking so funny?”
“Oh… I’m just super tired. I’ve been studying so much.”
“You using?”
“Dad, how can you ask me that? No. I can’t believe you asked me. Don’t you trust me?” She acted miffed, insulted, and he didn’t believe her act for a minute.
“It’s not about trust. I know this is hard for you. Addiction always is. You can tell—”
“Dad. I’m good. Okay? Leave it alone. I’m so tired. I just wanna go home and sleep. I’m good. Really. I’ll see you when you get back.”
He clenched his jaw. “I love you, sunshine. Don’t do anything stupid. I’m gonna be home real soon. Wait for me.”
“Sure, Dad. I gotta go now.” The phone went dead. He stared at it.
“Everything okay?” Hawk asked.
Steel shook his head. “She’s using again. Fuck! I don’t know what the hell to do.” He pounded the window. “Fuck! I can take down rival clubs, lead my brothers, and keep the brotherhood strong, but I can’t fucking help my little girl.”
Banger turned around and gave Steel a joint. “That’s fuckin’ hard, dude. I know Belle and I been trying to get Emily straight. She’s on and off with the drinking. She’s been to three rehabs. She’s good now, but there’s always the fear and distrust for us. You feel helpless, and that’s the worst part of it. I fuckin’ feel your pain and worry.”
Steel jerked his chin up in thanks, then lit the joint. They rode in silence for a long while.She needed to talk to me, and I wasn’t there for her. I let my sunshine down. The minute I get back, I’ll check for track marks, and she goes back to rehab. We can do this. Just hang on until I get home, sunshine.
He breathed in deeply and slowly exhaled. He couldn’t wait to get back to Alina.
