Hero snorted. “Not like you don’t know what I’m talking about.”
“Yeah, but it’s different talking about someone who isn’t my woman. And I wouldn’t talk about Angel with any of you anyway.”
“No joke, Prez. You never mention Maddy.”
“Because she’s mine.” I shot him a look that said,don’t fuck with me. “No man needs to know what my woman’s dealing with but me.” My MC brothers knew I didn’t like talking about womanly issues. The only person I could tolerate the topic with was Angel.
“Possessive much.” Hero shook his head, but he was grinning.
“Asshole, you know I am.” I was over-the-top possessive when it came to Angel and Birdie. They were my whole universe. I made no apologies.
I raised my hand to greet Hendricks as we entered the dining room. Sugar’s back was to us. When she turned, her eyes widened as if she hadn’t been expecting us.
“Storm, good to see you.” Jim extended his hand and we shook.
I sat in the vacant spot beside Sugar. Hero went next to the sheriff.
I looked sidelong at my confused aunt. “Did you all order already?” I casually took a chip, dipped it into the salsa, and put it in my mouth.
“No, we only got here a few minutes ago.” She glanced at her dad, then back at me. “Why are you here? I mean, it’s fine. I just wasn’t expecting to see you.”
“I asked him to meet us here,” Jim replied in a low voice. “Why didn’t you tell him about the meth house?”
Understanding crossed Sugar’s face. “Oh my gosh. I… Well… I guess—”
“You guess what, Eve?” Jim leaned forward. “How could you forget to tell him?”
She turned toward me. “I’m sorry, Storm. I’ve had a lot on my mind.”
“Clearly,” I muttered. Now wasn’t the time to chew out Sugar. I needed to know about the drug dealers trying to set up camp in Bastion Township. I’d get my aunt alone at the clubhouse, where we could talk privately. “So, what do you know, Sheriff?”
“Not much, which is why I’m disappointed you haven’t been working on this issue. At least, there haven’t been any arrests or deaths.” He shot a displeased look at Sugar.
Maria approached the table. “Are you ready to order?”
I welcomed the interruption. The tension Sugar emitted couldn’t be ignored as she munched on chips and sipped her ice tea. Jim kept cutting his gaze at her, and I didn’t like it. He might be her father, and I respected him, but Uncle Matt wouldn’t have allowed him to shoot dirty looks at Sugar. I wouldn’t either if he continued.
After placing our orders, Jim gave us the location of the “supposed” meth house. The whole while, Sugar fidgeted with the hem of her shirt.
“We’ll investigate tonight. Grizz will do his thing. If they’re cooking, we’ll shut them down.” I made eye contact with Hero. He nodded in agreement.
“I appreciate it, Storm. You know how I feel about drugs in my town.” Jim reclined in his chair, seemingly more relaxed. “How’s Maddy and Birdie?”
“Good.” The conversation shifted from business to personal. I had no complaints about it. As soon as we finished eating, I’d get back to the clubhouse and call church.
“Oh gosh,” Sugar said in a panicked tone. “I forgot I’m supposed to babysit in—” She checked the time on her cell phone. “In ten minutes. I gotta run.” She elbowed me. “Let me out, please.”
“Who are you babysitting?” I stood so she could slide out of the booth.
“Nova.” She put her purse over her shoulder. “Can you take my food back to the club? Or just have them toss it. See you, Dad.” Sugar rushed out of the building like her ass was on fire.
I returned to my seat. “Okay. I guess it’s just us.”
“She’s been strange lately.” Jim stared after her. “It’s not like her to be so forgetful.”
“No, I suppose not.” I drank my beer.
I planned to get to the bottom of Sugar’s weird behavior later. Something told me it had to do with Jack and Justin. The paternity test would unnerve anyone, but it especially messed up Sugar because she hadn’t told her dad about the possibility of him having another grandson.