His hopes and dreams were never squashed if he hunted for her at night. Bear would take the money back to the clubhouse and church would be called when he returned. He would hand out the money, take some from the safe as well to give them all their weekly cut, and update them on their businesses.
In a few weeks’ time, he would have to cease all searches for Robin as he had a drug run which would take him from the docks and across state lines to delivery. This was another deal he’d struck in his search. The cartels monitored the docks and he’d organized a delivery deal with a reasonable cut in order to make sure that if Reaper tried to leave by boat, he’d be alerted. Unlike Reaper, he had the funds to keep the bastard on the ground. At least while he kept the cartels happy.
He also had men working for him at the airports. Actually, it was two computer geeks who had some outstanding warrants. He’d called in a few favors and they were no longer worried about getting their asses thrown into jail. They monitored the security footage for him, and any time an image showed Reaper or Robin, they called him.
So far, Reaper had been able to travel under the radar. There was no way for a computer to detect all facial features hidden behind a baseball cap and Reaper knew how to stay off the grid.
He arrived at Billy’s house. After parking his bike, he walked up the steps and banged his fist on the door. The moment he did, regret filled him.
Billy’s family would be there and he’d knocked like a fucking crazy person.
Billy opened the door. He wasn’t dressed in his uniform. “Preacher, what are you doing here?”
“I need you to make some calls for me. Check your database and find any clues—”
“Who is this man, Daddy?” a young blonde girl asked. She stood behind her father’s legs.
Preacher recognized her from some of the pictures. This was the young girl who’d been battling leukemia.
“I’m a friend of Daddy’s,” Preacher said, crouching down so he was at her level. He didn’t want to scare her. “I’m Caleb.” He held his hand out. He never gave his name away. To everyone else, he was Preacher, but this was a little girl.
“I’m Tillie and my sister’s name is Catherine.”
“Both of you have nice names.”
“Are you the person my mommy hates?” Tillie asked.
Preacher laughed. “No, sweetheart. She hates my job. Not this man. Go and finish watching the movie.”
“Billy, what’s going on?” Billy’s wife, Debbie, walked down the stairs, tying her robe.
This wasn’t exactly what he wanted today. He just wanted to get his information and get out.
Debbie stopped on the stairs. “Oh,” she said. “Hello, Preacher.”
“I just want to borrow your husband for a few minutes.”
“Taking him back to his work. I should’ve known I wouldn’t get two minutes to have a bath and relax.”
“If he’s got a computer in his office, we don’t need to leave,” Preacher said. The last thing he wanted was a pissed-off woman who hated her husband being away and ran her mouth off.
He liked Billy and his kids needed a mother. He didn’t want to have to take out his wife because she couldn’t keep her mouth shut.
At his suggestion, Debbie smiled. “I can handle that kind of business setup. Come in, Preacher. Would you like a drink?”
“Nothing, thank you. I don’t want to stay long.”
“I’ll deal with this and handle the kids,” Billy said.
“Good.” Debbie walked off.
“You notice how I didn’t get offered a hot beverage?” Billy asked.
“Are you in the doghouse?”
“I’m in one kind of fucking house. I used to have time to let her have her mom time, but lately, I’ve been staying late at work.”
“Should I be worried you’re building a case against me?” Preacher asked, joking.
“I’m trying to find Reaper. There’s nothing else going on in town and I’ve been trying to locate where he could be.”
Preacher entered Billy’s office. “I get you following up leads for me, but it shouldn’t be taking you away from your family.” Especially as he hadn’t been paying the man for the extra work.
“I know. I’m … I have to do it. Not just for the money either.”
“Then why?”
“You’ve seen Tillie and Catherine.”
“So, they’re safe at home.”
“And one day, they’re going to be out there in the big, wide world. I know you haven’t had a daughter yet, but … I can’t stand the thought of a man like Reaper being out there. I don’t want to think of him ever getting near my daughters.” Billy sighed. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean anything bad about it. I just, I know to some I’m a fucking shit cop, but I’ve got to try my best, you know. I’ve got to at least do something.”