A map of Pelican Bay hangs on a large piece of corkboard, taking up one wall in what Dom affectionally refers to as his war room. Six of Dom's most trusted brothers sit around the table in leather chairs. I climbed off his bike not more than ten minutes ago and he marched off, dragging me behind him with only a brief explanation of visiting the war room. I can say it's not what I expected.In my mind there was more... leather... blood... ladies' underwear.I didn't spend many hours at the club in Colorado where Dom's father led his crew, but I do not remember a war room.A few colored photographs of various men I've never seen before are tacked to the edges of the map, and the only thing missing to make it a prop straight from a true crime documentary is short red thread connecting the pictures to various locations in Pelican Bay. To compensate someone numbered each picture and then in thick black permanent ink marked a space on the map to coordinate.As I watch my brother stal
He lifts his mask just above his mouth. "No, I'm Bennett." There's stubble on his chin, but before I get a better look, he drops the mask again."Listen," I try to get his attention by grabbing onto his arm and widening my eyes so he understands the importance of what I want to say. "Where is Elliot? I have to tell him something."I've been so concerned with keeping my secret I left out the most important part to my story. It was stupid to believe I could keep it hidden and tell Elliot at a better time, but it's obvious now I've waited too long. If my secrets get anyone injured today, I'll never forgive myself.It's my fault these two groups of men have come together in what can only be described now as a rescue for a woman who doesn't need a rescue.Shit.Balls.Fuck.Now I'm in a mess. As if getting weird mail and seeing a man get shot wasn't enough, now I have to work myself out of this shit. Shit of my own creation. Why did I lie?Just like the men before, he doesn'
Elliot slams his foot on his gas pedal and his truck fishtails out of the motorcycle compound, the gates barely parting in time to let us pass. My brother ushered Elliot and Ridge's men, including some of his own, into his war room packing the space with pissed off males. When I tried to gain entry to the room, a reasonable request in my opinion considering the things that happened tonight concerned me, they closed the door right in my face after telling me it was men talk.Both of the men in my life were damn lucky I wasn't holding a gun at the particular moment.I thought Dominick and I had grown since he was thirteen and told me I couldn't join the club he'd made with a bunch of other boys from his father's club. In retaliation I stole and threw away the laces to his favorite motorcycle boots. All eight pairs.I kept the same strategy tonight, but more devious. Rather than steal his shoelaces I tossed his leather jackets in the oversized freezer they keep in the compound kitch
Elliot sits on the couch staring, but his eyes are glassy as if I've stunned him."I should've told you. There aren't enough words for me to say I'm sorry. I didn't want to ruin my life here."He nods, but it doesn't seem like he agrees.The silence freaks me the hell out, so I keep going. "I wanted to start over in Pelican Bay and I knew once my brother found out people discovered our connection, he would think it wasn't safe here anymore." I can guarantee Dominick never planned on me witnessing a murder. Did these things happen to normal people? I've never wanted to be a part of club life and he vowed to never force me into it. It would devastate him if moving me here brought me in after all these years."Why were you at the bait shop to begin with today?"Now it's my turn to laugh in a non-funny fashion. "I wanted to get a thank-you gift for the laptop."He stares more, and under the intense scrutiny I swear a bug crawls up my arm, but when I swat it away, there's nothin
Nobody understands family drama until you try to explain to a literal superhero the guy who runs your local motorcycle club isn't a horrible guy. But it's the truth. Dominick and I grew up together. I know the best and the worst in regard to Dominick. Sure, shit goes down behind closed doors, stuff I don't even try and guess, but under the thick skin and hard exterior, Dominick is hiding a heart of gold.Elliot scoffs. "Yeah, he comes off as a real altar boy."I laugh, the sound light and breezy because we've reached the point of talking about Dom where Elliot can joke. It's progress, enormous progress considering we've spent the last few days not mentioning his name once. I tried at dinner the first night of my house arrest, but Elliot ground his teeth together so hard at the mention of his name I heard the click from the other side of the couch.Twice a day Elliot took a call where he grunted into the phone and his longest response was "she's fine," so I had confirmation my bro
Watching kids can't be any worse than protesting outside a building while Pete hunts me before making me swim with the fishes.Josie's eyes widen behind the counter and she holds her hands up, waving them back and forth until Katy spins on her."Are you sure? Emma is in the terrible twos right now. Kids, man. This could last hours. Days."I've never protested anything before, but I don't think they last days. Katy didn't mention a camp-out. "It's no problem. I used to babysit all the time in high school," I lie.Katy bounces back behind the counter, eager with the recent development. "See, it will be fine and you can come. Harley will be a wonderful babysitter. The best."Not so sure on the best part, but it can't be that hard. I've kept a plant alive for six years, and Rocky doesn't have any complaints — none he's made heard, anyway.Also how has she figured out my name? What other info on me did Stella give everyone? We've never even had proper introductions, but still it
"Emma!" I scold half terrified of the mess and half relieved I found her.Stella perks up quickly. "Oh good, you found her."I found her and now I have to deal with her. Dred skates up my spine as she turns with a smile so large she could be the Joker's offspring. In her arms she cradles Rocky, who stares at me with wide eyes pleading for me to rescue him."I've got to go." I hang up on Stella, not giving her more of an explanation.Quickly, as if she senses her time of shenanigans is nearing an end, Emma turns and drops Rocky in the toilet. Water splashes over the edge and he yelps with the splash. I sprint into the bathroom, saving the wet pissed off dog at the exact second Emma finishes pressing the lever to flush the toilet.I clutch Rocky to my chest, the toilet water soaking my shirt. "No, Emma. We don't flush puppies."Emma claps, the powder caught on her fingers launching into the air in thick dust bubbles.Holy hell. What should I do?The back door opens and I
The sun hasn't risen. I check by lazily peeking open one eye a smidge. Elliot rolls over and places a soft kiss on my lips."Shhh. Not yet, too tired." Babysitting wears a girl out and even though Josie and Anessa relieved us of our baby duties by seven p.m., I fell into bed by nine and slept like the dead. But the sun isn't up yet, which means I don't need to be either. I'm a bank forensic accountant, I keep banker hours.Elliot laughs. "So, you forgive me for you misunderstanding my words?"I roll my eyes unable to keep up with the way he changes the sentence, but knowing he's twisted it. We had a long talk last night while the kids are watching a movie, and for a few minutes it felt like that could be our life. We could stay home in the evening, eating dinner together, and watch a family movie. Until Emma made another mad dash to the bathroom and had half the roll of toilet paper in the bowl before I got there. Kid is obsessed with toilets."Don't press your luck," I say cur