“Yep. You’re a dumb fucker, Venom,” I murmured to myself. She must’ve heard me in her sleep, because she mumbled something into her pillow, then was still.
As I let myself out, I dug out my phone. I hit the last number I’d called after letting my brothers know I’d made it safely.
“Hey, Venom, everything okay? It’s late as fuck,” Snow, my good friend and the president of the local Demented Sons MC, muttered.
“You sleeping? Figured you boys would still be partying,” I said as I climbed into my truck. When I told him I’d be up for Grams’s appointment, he’d been thrilled. They’d invited me to their clubhouse for their Friday night party, but I’d declined, planning to spend the night with Grams.
“We are, but I was a little busy,” he said with a chuckle followed by a grunt.
“Jesus, did you actually answer the phone while you have your dick in someone?” I couldn’t help it, I out-and-out laughed.
“When the president of the Bastards calls you after midnight, you answer,” he said as I backed out of Loralei’s driveway and pulled over into my grandmother’s guest spot. I could’ve walked, but I didn’t want to explain my truck over there to Grams.
“I need a favor,” I told him. He didn’t owe me anything, but he and I went way back. We’d been best friends, graduated high school together, and then joined the army together. After the military, our paths separated, but not completely.
“What do you need?” I liked how he didn’t automatically kiss my ass and tell me he’d do anything because of who I was.
I explained about Loralei’s car and the porch light. It was evident he wanted more information, but he was wise enough to let it lie.
“I’ll have the boys on it first thing in the morning. That all?”
“Yeah, bro. That’s all. Oh, one more thing. Thanks for keeping an eye out for Grams. I really appreciate it, but after meeting with her doctor this morning, I finally convinced her to move to Ankeny with me. Thing is, we’re leaving ASAP. She doesn’t know it yet, but it’s happening. I’ve got some things I need to get back to.” I didn’t get into the details of my business, and he didn’t ask.
“Not a problem. You know that. I love that woman like she’s my own grandmother. Don’t be a stranger though.”
“I won’t. Maybe we can ride to Sturgis together next year,” I offered.
“Fuck, I better see your ass before then,” he grumbled.
“I’m sure you will. You know you boys are welcome in Ankeny anytime, too.”
“Appreciate it, brother,” he said with more than a little emotion. Though we weren’t in the same club, he’d forever be my friend and my brother-in-arms—and he damn well knew it.
“Travel safe,” he said.
“Roger that,” I replied before ending the call.
I cast one last glance toward the house across the road. For a split-second, I wished I was younger, or she was older, or that I had a heart to give her.
Where the fuck did that come from?
With a resigned sigh, I pushed those thoughts away and went inside.