“The one from the club... The stripper with a switchblade.”
“Oh, you mean Misty.”
“Yeah, that’s her. How’s she making it?”
“Better,” Viper answered. “She’s been seeing a counselor—one that seems to know what the hell they’re doing, and she’s stepping away from stripping and has been working out at the nursing home with Delilah.”
“Glad to hear she’s doing better.”
“Yeah, well, she’d have been in a hell of a mess if it hadn’t been for you.”
“I’m sure you would’ve figured something out.”
After a quick farewell, I left the clubhouse and drove over to Hop’s.
I wasn’t there long. I simply informed him of my plan to pass the business over to him, and he was quick to accept. He knew that I was setting him up with a sweet deal and was beyond grateful for the opportunity. Tripp, on the other hand, needed a little convincing.
He looked genuinely wounded as he asked, “So, you’re just gonna walk away?”
“Never said that.” I’d always thought a lot of Tripp. In some ways, he’d been like a son to me. I’d done what I could to be there for him and give him some direction when he needed it, but he’d grown into a fine man who no longer needed my guidance. He just didn’t know it yet. “I’ll still be around if you need me.”
“You know how intimidating the Renegades and the Ruthless Sinners can be. You really think Hop can handle them?”
“I think he can handle them just fine. You both can, but as of now, you won’t be dealing with the Sinners anymore. I’ll be taking care of them on my own.”
“And when you have a big job like a few weeks back? There’s no way you can take on a job like that by yourself.”
“I won’t have to. I’ll have them to give me a hand.” I gave him a slight shrug as I added, “And I can always call on you and Hop, and you guys can call me.”
“Sounds like you have it all figured out.”
“No, but I’m getting there.” I could see that he was still troubled by the idea, so I stepped over to him and placed my hand on his shoulder. “I wouldn’t do this unless I thought you could handle it.”
“I just wasn’t expecting it to end this way. You’ve always been like a father to me, and now....”
“You know where I live. My door is always open.”
“You mean that?”
“Absolutely. I’d be hurt if you didn’t drop by now and then.” I gave him a fatherly pat on the shoulder, then headed back over to my bike. “Take care of yourself, brother.”
“I’m gonna try.”
He gave me a quick nod, then watched as I eased out of his driveway and headed home. By the time I got to the house, Everleigh had dinner ready and was setting the table. I went over and gave her a kiss on the cheek as I asked, “How did it go today?”
“Really good.” Her eyes lit up as she explained, “I got those new clients I was telling you about.”
“I’m not surprised.”
“I know, but I am.” She turned to face me as she said, “No one has ever heard of me, and my portfolio is basically a joke.”
We both knew if she decided to go back to work, she’d face some struggles, but Everleigh insisted. She’d done the work and had gotten her degree, and it was only fair that she got the career she’d worked so hard for. Unfortunately, DeLuca had screwed her. He’d made it look like she’d been in an accident and died, so she had to start from scratch.
It would’ve been easier if she’d moved off where no one knew her.
Since that wasn’t an option, I provided her with a name that would cover her in case someone recognized her. She was now Leigh Freeman—Everleigh Freeman’s twin sister. Her license, passport, and even her degree had been altered with her new name. To me and everyone close to her, she would always be Everleigh, but I wanted her to be covered if she happened to cross paths with someone from her past.
The change in her name had kept her safe, but it came at a cost. I tried to reassure her as I told her, “Just give it time. You’ll be knocking their socks off before you know it... Hell, you already are.”