Fuck, that’d be nice.
“Then once a month,” she continues. “And if things go well, I’ll see if I can get you discharged early.”
“I didn’t realize that was possible.”
“It’s up to my discretion. I’m here to supervise and guide you in your rehabilitation. But if you’re making progress, it seems counterproductive to continue dragging you in here. There’s no reason to keep you from moving forward with your life.”
This took an unexpected turn. I swallow hard and nod. “Appreciate that.”
Her jaw clenches, like she doesn’t give a fuck about my appreciation. Despite her hard-ass demeanor, I like her. All business and no games or bullshit. So far. We’ll see how it goes. But Grillo had been nonstop assholery from day one. Already, Ms. Lewis is an improvement.
“I don’t give the most attention to the squeaky wheels, though,” she adds. “You should still be prepared for me to drop by your apartment or workplace unannounced.”
“Not a problem.”
“Good.” She stands and walks around the desk. “Is there anything you need from me? Or any issues you’d like to discuss?”
Grillo never gave a shit if I had any issues. “Not that I can think of.” I jerk my thumb over my shoulder. “You need me to go take a test now?”
She cocks her head and stares at me for a second or two. She’s a tall woman and wearing heels so we’re almost at eye level. I maintain eye contact while waiting for her answer.
“Not today, Mr. Lock. Next visit. I’m just trying to touch base with Hank’s people today.”
“All right. Thank you.”
Her eyebrows jerk but she doesn’t say anything, just leans past me to open the door, motioning for me to exit. I feel her at my back as I navigate the office. The waiting area is considerably more crowded than it was when I arrived. No chairs left. People nervously twitching and looking around. Thank fuck I got here early.
“Next week, same time, Mr. Lock,” she says. “Does that work for you?”
No one ever asks what works for me. “Yes, this is fine.”
“All right.” She holds out her hand again and I give it a quick shake. “Next week.” She dismisses me and calls for her next appointment.
I shove the heavy glass and steel door open and step onto the sidewalk. My eyes squint at the sunlight and I slip on a pair of shades. It’s the first time I’ve left here not feeling like a piece of shit or ready to murder someone.
Early discharge. That’d be nice if I could be a completely free man by the time my kid gets here.
I pull out my phone and send Z a text as I walk to my car.
Got a new PO today.
He answers a few seconds later.
Interesting.
Yeah, it’s interesting all right. Did the club have something to do with the switch? Or did Loco make a move on Grillo? If Grillo had been murdered, Ms. Lewis would’ve said he was dead, right? Not just “on leave” like he might pop in at any time.
I hoist myself into the truck cab and start the engine. My hand rests on the gearshift but I don’t put it in drive. Instead, I stare out the windshield, not really looking at anything in particular. Could Grillo’s bosses have figured out he was dirty? If he’s suspended, fuck knows what stories he might tell to save his own ass. People came after Serena once before because of Grillo’s big mouth. I can’t have that happen again.
Especially now.
Chapter Thirteen
Grinder
Mid-week, Rock calls me up to the clubhouse. When I arrive, the parking lot is full. I spot Z’s bike, then Rooster’s. Looks like downstate came to play too.
“How’s it going, brother?” Wrath greets me right inside the door. I slip off my coat and hang it in the closet before answering.
“Not bad.”
“Sully still treating you well?”
“Yup. Even gave my P.O. a glowing report, which was a big help. Got a new one and I think the recommendation from my employer impressed her.”
His eyebrows shoot up. “That’s good.”
“Thanks for going out of your way to get me the job.”
He cocks his head. “Don’t gotta thank me, brother. Happy to help any way I can.”
“What’s going on today?”
He shrugs. “Rock just misses everyone.”
“Bullshit,” I grumble.
The door opens and Rock steps inside. He nods at me. “Thanks for coming up.”
“No problem.”
He stops and says a few words to Wrath.
Everyone takes their time getting to the table. But the chatter dies down quicker than usual. Rock doesn’t even have to bang his gavel.
“First, the new dancers from Loco’s harem start Thursday night. I’d appreciate a volunteer—”
Several hands shoot in the air before Rock finishes the request. His gaze narrows and he studies the guys, then turns to Dex. “Your choice, brother.”
“I’ll take all the help I can get.” He pins Rav, Stash, and Hustler with a hard stare. “I need you to stay on ’em.”