“Damn.”
“Yeah, it was pretty insane.”
“But you made it through. You both did.”
“True, but I still hate that it happened.”
“I hate it, too.” A concerned look crossed his face “So, you think Cat’s gonna have to see him?”
“Not if I have anything to say about it.”
“Good. Then, just make sure she knows that, and you’re good.”
He stood, then picked up our plates and carried them over to the sink. When he started to open the dishwasher, I immediately protested. “I’ll get that.”
“You cooked. I’ll clean.” He motioned his head towards the living room. “You go make yourself comfortable.”
I watched him rinse off the plates and put them in the dishwasher, and it was about the sexiest thing I’d ever seen. “I think I’m good right here.”
“Suit yourself.”
He cleaned the various pots and pans before arranging them in the dishwasher; then, he put the leftover dumplings in the fridge and wiped off the counters. By the time he was done, the kitchen was spotless, and he’d done it in a matter of minutes. “Wow, a man who’s good in bed and can clean the kitchen. That’s quite impressive.”
“Glad you think so.”
“You up for finishing that movie?”
“You gonna stay awake this time?”
“I will if you will.”
“You’re on.”
Thatch followed me into the living room, where we watched the end of Rocky. While it wasn’t my favorite movie of all time, I did enjoy it, the company even more so, especially the time upstairs after the movie was over.
We made love once again and fell asleep tangled in each other’s arms. I couldn’t imagine a better way to spend the night. I was looking forward to spending even more time with Thatch in the morning, but then he got a phone call—a phone call that seemed to change everything.
9
VIPER
I was sleeping soundly, something that didn’t happen often, when my burner started to ring. It was the second time the damn thing had interrupted a morning with Rebecca, and I was tempted to throw it out the fucking window. Unfortunately, that wasn’t an option.
I eased Rebecca’s arm off my chest, then reached down and grabbed the phone from my jeans. “You got Viper.”
“Morning, Prez. Just wanted to let you know I got that information on Camden.”
“Good. What’d you find out?”
“I could tell ya, but you’re gonna have to see this shit to believe it.”
“I’m on my way.”
As soon as I got out of bed, Rebecca asked, “Are you leaving?”
“Yeah, I’ve got something I need to see about.”
“Is everything okay?”
I pulled on my boxers and told her, “Nothing for you to worry about.”
She leaned up on her elbows and smiled. “That really didn’t answer my question.”
“Sorry, babe, but it’s the only answer I’ve got.” I pulled on my jeans and boots. “Just got some things I’ve gotta take care of.”
“Okay.” She watched as I put on my shirt, then asked, “You want me to make you coffee?”
“No, I’ll grab some when I get to the clubhouse.” I walked over and kissed her on the forehead. “I gotta get going. I’ll call when I can.”
“Okay, I hope everything works out.”
“It always does.”
Without saying anything more, I put on my cut, walked out of the bedroom, and headed outside to my Harley. I was eager to find out what Menace had on Camden, so I drove straight to the clubhouse. I had no doubt that he was about to hit me with some news I didn’t want to hear, especially since he wouldn’t discuss it on the phone.
As soon as I walked into the clubhouse, I sent Menace a message to meet me in my office. I’d barely sat down at my desk when he stepped through the doorway. “Morning, Prez.”
“Morning.” I motioned towards the folder in his hand. “Show me what you got.”
“I started with his phone records. The rest kind of just fell into place.” Menace handed me the folder, then sat down in the chair in front of my desk. “Your brother’s been a busy man.”
I opened the folder, and bile rose to the back of my throat when I saw everything Menace had uncovered. I’d barely skimmed it over when I looked over to him and asked, “Is this for real?”
“Afraid so.”
“Goddamn it.” I slammed my hand down on the desk. “I’m gonna rip his fucking head off.”
“Well, he’s there now if you wanna go hash it out with him.”
“What I want is for my brother not to be a fucking douchebag, but clearly, it’s too late for that.” I stood up with a grumble. “Damn, I don’t want to deal with this bullshit today.”
“Is this something you gotta deal with?”
“Unfortunately, yeah, it is.”
I charged out of my office and headed back out to the parking lot, and as soon as I was on my bike, I started driving to the address that was listed in the folder. As I got closer, it was one cookie-cutter brick home after the next with kid-hauler vans or Toyota Corollas parked in the driveway.