NINETEEN
GHOST
Later that night,
We had booked a flight from northern California to Southern Louisiana, not willing to risk Pavlov disappearing from us again. We had agreed to the flight, though we weren’t thrilled with leaving our bikes. This was the only way to quickly get to Pavlov. Besides, there was Mia to think of. Though the brothers who were part of her rescue were all in agreement as to the health and welfare of Tyrant, I wasn’t so sure.
The whole flight, I couldn’t stop thinking of the ramifications of that night with her. What could have come of it? Though the dates matched up, it was the only thing that made sense in my mind. But I refused to believe it, not until there was definitive proof before me.
“Wanna let me in on why your so quiet?” my brother Shadow asked. “I mean, I get it. It’s Mia, but it’s almost been five years, man.”
“Four years and three months to be exact, and that’s what’s bothering me.”
“Why?” Shadow whispered when his eyes got wide. “No.”
“Shut up, Ezekiel.”
My brother grabbed my arm and moved me away from the others, getting in my face. “Please tell me you wore a raincoat that night.”
I just shook my head no.
“Fuck, Baltazar!” Shadow roared, causing a scene, then quickly lowered his voice. “You do realize with what everything Viper said.”
“I know,” I whispered.
“Do you think it’s possible?”
“That’s what I’ve been wracking my brain with. Why would she do everything she’s done—the shaman, living alone, attending college remotely, jumping from country to country. And as much as I hate to admit this, I would bet money Mia allowed herself to be taken by this asshole. But why? That was what bothered me the most, then it all started to make sense. It was right there before me.”
“So, there is a good possibility I may be an Uncle?”
“Yes.”
Shadow grinned, then added, “Are we fifty percent sure, sixty, seventy, come on man, give me the odds.”
Growling, I replied, “You’re a dick.”
“Yes sir, I am, but I like knowing the odds before I go into anything, and if my niece or nephew is up there with your baby momma, I want to know the probability of this situation before I go in guns blazing.”
“I’m not sure. It’s the only thing that makes sense.”
“Well, I’m going with seventy percent, considering our dad fucked anything with two legs and got several of them pregnant.”
“He did not,” I groaned. “He only got mom and Shirley pregnant.”
“Exactly. Mom had the three of us, and Shirly has four. Seriously man, our cocks are locked and always loaded. That’s why I wear a jacket every time I fuck, unlike you. There won’t be any little Shadows following me around.”
“Keep talking, and there won’t be any of you left in the world, period.”
“Did you discuss this theory with Malachi?”
“No.”
“Well, Baltazar, get your head in the game because we are about to test that theory of yours, and if it’s correct, you better pray Reaper is forgiving.”
Walking away, Shadow whistled as he rejoined Massacre and Hammer. Reaching for my phone, I sent off a text.
Me:How’s Reaper?