“I guess that makes sense. Frankie was the guy that attacked you. I heard his name dropped a few times that night at your house, but I didn’t ask any questions. I was told by Red that I needed to be there, but only as moral support. If I needed to know any details it was up to you to tell me, not anyone else. So, I never asked. I was also confronted by Maddie who told me that everything was being handled, and there was no need for me to relay this information to anyone else. Her tone let me know that if I did, there would be consequences. It’s a damned good thing I know how to keep my mouth shut,” she said, a little accusatory toward them sharing the information with her.
“They didn’t see you as a threat. You took over my company with no questions asked. I’m sure they kept an eye on you to make sure you wouldn’t say anything. I guess they thought if I trusted you then they should too. You don’t seem very surprised at any of this new-found knowledge,” I said, with a raised eyebrow.
“I’m not. Anyone can see the connection Luke has with you. I knew something was up when they all showed up to provide their support. No way could you become that big of a deal on your own. I knew that there had to be an underlying cause. I figured the club had something to do with it. You didn’t seem to blame them, so I didn’t either.” Lindsey knew a lot about clubs, considering she had dated a man who prospected for one. He later left her once he became a member, but she learned a substantial amount of information the year she was with him. Even though her knowledge excused the nonchalance she showed, my need to get a reaction other than disinterest from her was growing.
“Maddie is my sister.”
“What?” she asked in complete disbelief. Her stature had not changed, but I watched several emotions cross her face and smiled in satisfaction. I had known that would get a reaction.
“I was also kidnapped and held hostage for two days in Texas.” I found the shock on her face comical. I fought hard to prevent a smile. I had gone this far, I might as well go all the way.
“I killed a man.” This had Lindsey off her ass, and on her feet. Maybe I should have kept that one a secret.
“Are you fucking serious?” she shrieked, pacing the floor, crossing and uncrossing her arms over her chest, as she struggled to find words. I watched her reaction in silence, my face free of any emotion. If I saw that this was going to end badly, I would play it off as a joke.
“Why didn’t you call me? I could have done something! Like been a lookout or some shit! What if you would have gotten caught?” I would not be telling Lindsey that it was just a joke. She would be the outside source to help me figure this shit out. A friend. A real fucking friend, who was willing to be my lookout and was downright pissed that I had not called on her for help. She wasn’t judgmental or accusing. She didn’t tell me I was a bad person. She didn’t make me feel insecure about being the newest addition to the Devil’s Renegades. I didn’t have to share her with anyone else, or feel threatened by her position. She never hid things from me, or made me feel inferior. She was the only person in my life who had never lied to me. Now, more than ever, I was thankful to have her. “I want to know everything. I mean every-fucking-thing. All the good details. Don’t leave anything out. My lips are sealed.” She sat back down and ran her fingers across her mouth, as if she was zipping it shut, not that I needed the confirmation.
“You wanna go have a drink?” I asked, thinking even the most popular bars would give us some privacy, considering it was a Monday night.
“Hell, yes. I know the perfect place.”
Chapter 7
Dallas
Lindsey’s idea of the perfect place was none other than The Country Tavern, a bar where Luke and I shared our first encounter and was a business owned by the club. However, I didn’t see anyone from the club as we made our way to the back patio, and found a seat. We placed our drink orders with the waitress, and no sooner had she left, than Lindsey was leaning over the table in anticipation.
“I guess the best place to start is at the beginning,” I said, thinking maybe I should have ordered something a little more potent than a glass of wine. “Luke offered to take me to the beach one day a few weeks ago. As I was digging through his closet to look for my suitcase, I found a box full of pictures and information on me that dated all the way back to my days at Tennessee College. Of course, I lost my shit wanting to know where it had come from, and Luke took the easy way out, because he didn’t know how to tell me the truth. He accused me of going through his shit, and told me to get out. I left, and that was the night I was attacked by Frankie.” I paused when the waitress returned with our drinks. I eyed the cigarettes sitting on her tray and considered buying a pack, but she was gone before I could make my decision.