by Nicole James
I know exactly who lives up on Cotton Road. Goddamn it. I’m making the call before he even finishes, striding out to my bike as I do.
I hear North shout, “Call us if you need backup, brother.”
I lift an arm in acknowledgement as I push through the door. Bethany picks up on the first ring.
“Hello.”
“Babe, it’s Sly. Talk to me.”
“Oh, thank God you called. She’s gone off the deep end. She made me drive her up here. She’s going to try to break into Arthur Stanfield’s house.”
“What the fuck for?”
“She’s got it in her head there’s evidence inside that will prove he killed her father.”
“Jesus Christ.” I run a hand down my face. I can’t ride the bike and talk. I’m itching to go, so I’m short with her. “Tell me where the fuck you are.”
“I’m parked at four ninety-three. Stanfield’s gated driveway is supposed to be just over the rise. She jogged off that way about ten minutes ago.”
“What kind of car you got, Bethany?”
“Silver Nissan Sentra.”
“I’m headed your way.” I disconnect and roar out onto the highway. I roughly know the location of Cotton Road. There’s a turn off at that restaurant where I spotted Michaela with Stanfield. It leads back around the golf course. I’m pretty sure it’s all one big, long road, so I hope it’ll be easy to find.
Thirty-Two
Michaela—
I find Arthur’s gate and glance around. I jog past twenty yards, and then double back, checking the area. I see no one. So I stop before I reach the gate, bending over like I need to catch my breath, and then scan the area. There’s a buzzer box and a camera high up on a post aimed at the drive. The fence is a six-foot-high black wrought iron; bushes run along the front. I walk in a circle, cooling off, then duck into the shrubs.
I hesitate, stalling as I reconsider this whole plan. Maybe Bethany is right. Maybe this is crazy. If Arthur catches me, what do I say?
If he were capable of killing Da, what would stop him from doing the same to me? If he thinks I’m getting suspicious …
Just how dangerous this all really is finally sinks in. But if I can’t prove my father was murdered, I’ll lose the bar. I’ve got to do this. I have no choice.
Shit, just do it, Michaela. Don’t chicken out now. I grab the top rail between the vertical bars and hoist myself up. I get my foot up and then vault over, landing in a squat. I’m in! I glance around, wondering if he has any guard dogs. The land is made up of rolling green grass with tall pines and magnolias. A row of azalea bushes lines the drive up to the estate home. Perhaps if I use them for concealment, I can make it up to the house unseen. I dash forward, hide behind one, and scope out the place. I can’t see the tennis courts from here, but I hear a ping-ponging ball sound, followed by a mechanical sound. I bet he has an automatic ball server. Good. That means he’s alone out there.
I think I hear a motorcycle in the distance, but the sound fades and is gone. I start nibbling on my bottom lip. Should I try the front entrance? No, if any door is going to be open, it’s going to be the back door, the one he used when he walked out to the courts.
I study the home and wonder how many servants he has? God, I wish I’d paid more attention at dinner. I remember him saying he was lonely with his wife gone. But would he have a cook? A housekeeper? Someone who lives in? I don’t see any service vehicles—no maintenance repair van, no brightly painted maid-service car.
I hear a twig snap behind me, and turn, practically jumping out of my skin when I see a figure squatting in about the same spot where I’d climbed the fence.
“Michaela,” I hear a voice hiss.
“Sly?”
“Get your ass over here.”
“No. Go home, Sly.”
He bends over and shuffles quickly to my spot behind the bush.
“What the fuck are you doing, woman?”
“None of your business. How did you know I was here?”
“Bethany.”
“Bethany? She doesn’t have your number.”
“She called Savannah. Savannah called Bash, Bash told me. I got on my bike and raced over here to stop you from doing something fucking stupid like breaking and entering. A felony, by the way, which carries prison time if you aren’t met with a Smith and Wesson in the hands of the homeowner first.”
“Sly, I don’t need your help. I know what I’m doing.”
“Kitten, you so don’t know what you’re doing.”
“I’m doing this, Sly.”
“I’m here to help you, Michaela. Tell me what the fuck’s going on.”
I explain to him about finding the burner phone with the two missed calls and the unsent text to North on it.
“Holy fuck. None of us talked to him that night, Michaela. I swear it. If North had heard from Cullen, he would have hit me up immediately.”
Then I tell him about the missing coins.
“And you think the coins are in there?” He nods to the house.
I shrug. “I don’t know, but if they are, that’s proof, right?”
“Maybe.”
“Maybe?” I snap. “Look, you don’t have to help me, but I’m doing this.”
He studies my stubborn face and blows out a slow breath. “Fine. If you’re determined to do this, let’s do it right.”
It’s a small thing, but it has me getting choked up. He had nothing to do with my da’s death, and I need to let him know I don’t believe he did anymore, because right now he’s laying a lot on the line for me. “Sly?”
“Yeah.” He’s texting someone. I put my hand out and cover his, and he looks up. “I was wrong … about you, the club, everything. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have doubted you. I’m glad you’re here.”
He smiles, and it’s the sweetest thing. He cups the back of my neck and pulls me in for a soft kiss. Then he bumps his forehead to mine and looks in my eyes. “You’re a lot of work, you know that? But babe, that right there was worth it.”
I roll my eyes and shove at his shoulder. “Don’t expect a lot of apologies in the future. They’re pretty rare for me.”
“Not tellin’ me anything I don’t already know, babe.” He goes back to texting.
I may put up a front and protest his help, pretending I don’t need him—that I don’t need anyone—but deep down I know I do, and I’m so glad he’s here with me.
Thirty-Three
Sly—
We slip in through a set of French doors that overlook the terrace in the back. I can hear Stanfield down at the tennis courts; at least, I assume it’s him. From what Michaela told me, that’s his routine. The room we enter is a sitting room. I put my finger to my mouth. Michaela nods and we silently make our way down a hall.
I peer around a doorway to find a study. There’s a big desk on one side, a wall of bookcases and some reading chairs on the other. Opposite from the door are floor to ceiling paned glass windows with tall drapes.
We slip inside and Michaela immediately moves to the desk. She starts searching through drawers while I check around for some kind of wall safe. I’d bet money he’s got one somewhere.
There’s a painting on the wall behind the desk. I lift it, but there’s only wall behind it. I search the bookcases, wondering if he’s got a hidden panel. If he does, I can’t find it.
Michaela stands, finishing her search of the desk, and shakes her head. I spot a fancy chess table and check it out. I lift the board, revealing a hidden compartment. There’s a blue velvet box inside. I take it out and open it, then motion Michaela over. Inside is a coin collection.
She peers over my shoulder.
“This it?” I ask.
“Yes! I remember that blue box.”
“Turn around slowly,” a voice says from the doorway. I jerk my head around. Stanfield stands in his tennis whites, but it’s the gun in his hand I focus on as I shove Michaela behind me.
He smiles. “Well, this is a surprise.”
“Why do you have my father’s coin collection? Did you steal it after you killed him?” Michaela bites out, her voice filled with venom.
I can feel the tension in her body and put my arm out, half afraid she’s going to lunge at him. “Babe.”
“I know all about your development plans and why you needed my da’s bar so badly. But he wouldn’t sell, would he? And that pissed you off.”
He chuckles. “Your da was a very stubborn man, couldn’t see it was for the good of the community.”
“Well, I see all too well, you fucking jerk. I know exactly what you did.”
“Yes, I killed your father. He was a fool who stood in the way of my plans.”
“It’s just one building. What could that matter?” Michaela cries.
“It’s a billion-dollar development, dear. The first phase is the Main Street resurgence. That block is key.” He grinds his teeth, his gaze flicking over her. “But I didn’t count on you coming home and throwing a wrench in my plans. No, I sure didn’t count on you.”
“Well, too bad. I’m here and I’m staying put, and I’ll never sell to you!”
He grins evilly. “You won’t have to. The bank will own it shortly. I’ll buy it from them. Your block will be demolished before the year is out.”
“You have connections at the bank, too, I suppose.”
“Of course, Michaela. I have connections everywhere.”
“Why did you have to kill him?” Michaela pleads, her voice breaking. “He was a small-time business owner. What possible harm could he do to you?”
I hear her heart breaking all over again, and I want nothing more than to take her in my arms, pull my gun, and put a hole in Stanfield’s forehead. But that revolver in his hand is still aimed at us; I’m not taking any chances with her life, so I bide my time.
“He was a thorn in my side, Michaela. He wouldn’t listen to reason. I could have made him a rich man. He was a fool.”
“Why’d you have to make us think it was suicide? Why not a robbery gone wrong? Do you know how devastated my mother was? My brother and sisters? The pain you caused us all, the guilt we’ve felt … I’ve thought the worst of him.”
“I couldn’t let you collect any life insurance policy he might have had. Then you’d be able to pay off the loan and keep Mooney’s afloat.” He shakes his head. “That wouldn’t do at all, my dear.”
“Fuck you! I’m not your dear.”
He smirks, his gaze moving to me. “No, I suppose you’re with this filthy biker now. I saw your act up at Centerfolds. Chastity, is it? My how far you’ve sunk. If your sweet Da could see you now. Tsk. Tsk. If I’d only known how cheap and easy you were—”
“Shut up, dickhead,” I snap. I’ve had enough of his mouth. He turns his attention to me and aims the gun at my head.
“Or what?” He chuckles as I plan which ribs I’m going to shove my knife between.
“If you’re wondering how I knew you were in here, it was the silent alarm you set off. The police will be here shortly.”
“Good,” Michaela snaps. “I’ll show them this coin collection you stole.”
“You mean the one you brought with you to plant here?”
“That’s not true. When I show them everything, they’ll arrest you.”
“I wouldn’t count on it. I’ve got Officer Pepper in my hip pocket and on speed dial.” He looks at me. “You’re going back to prison, and this time she’s going with you.”
“Funny thing about that—you’re not the only one with someone on the take in the sheriff’s office, dumbass,” I inform him.
At that moment, North steps around the doorframe and presses his Glock to the back of Stanfield’s head. “Drop it.”
I pull my weapon and aim it at his head as well. His revolver thumps to the expensive oriental carpet.
“You get all that?” I ask North.
“Recorded it all.”
I grin in Stanfield’s face. Then I glance to the doorway as Sheriff Davis steps into the room and into Stanfield’s line of sight. He shakes his head at him.
“You’ve really fucked yourself this time, Arthur.” He pulls out a set of cuffs and jerks his arms behind his back.
Stanfield’s face flames as he stares at Michaela and me. “You set me up? You think this is over? You think I don’t have friends in the governor’s office? I’ll be out on bail within the day.”
I get right in his face and give him an evil smile. “And when you do”—I arch my brow—“me and the rest of the Kings will be waiting for you.”
The bravado fades from his face and his eyes dart to Davis. “Did you hear that? He threatened me.”
Sheriff Davis shakes his head. “I didn’t hear a thing.”
Thirty-Four
Sly—
Sheriff Davis takes the coins into evidence and drags Stanfield out to his squad car. We follow and stand on the front steps watching. I turn to North. “Took you long enough.”
He grins. “Hell, he was spilling so much dirt, we didn’t want to interrupt. I had to put a fist in Davis’ sleeve twice and yank him back to keep him from stepping into the room too soon.”
Michaela starts to cry. “Is it over? Is it really over?”
I pull her into my arms. “You did good, babe. Got him to confess everything. They’ll reopen the investigation, rule it a homicide, and you’ll get that insurance money.”
“Oh, thank God.”
“Come on, let’s get out of here,” I say wrapping my arm around her shoulder, and we all walk down the drive.
North turns and looks back at the mansion. “Think the club could afford a place like that? It’d be nice with the pool and shit.”
“You lookin’ to be the next Hugh Hefner?”
He grins. “Lay around in my bathrobe all day?”
“Actually, I think it was a smoking jacket.”
“Even better.”
“You could hire Bad Bunny to wear her ears and feed you grapes.”
“Yeah, don’t think Aspen would go for that.”
I chuckle. “And just like that— your dreams are shot to hell.”
We reach the gate and the squad pulls past us and heads off. I see Stanfield through the back window and flip him off. He’ll get his. I’ll make sure of it.
“You come alone?” I ask North.
He snorts. “’Course. Think the two of us couldn’t handle this dickhead?”
“Well, I knew we could, but sometimes the guys get bored and tag along.”
He grins. “Bash is waiting by the that chick’s car with the bikes. If we needed him, he would have had our backs. ’Course he’d have to vault that fence, so who knows how long it would have taken him.”
We both chuckle at his joke.
We make it to the car. Bethany is sitting on the hood talking to Bash, but she slides off and bolts toward Michaela, slamming into her for a bear hug.
“Oh, my God, you had me so worried. Don’t ever do that again!”
She pulls back and Michaela smiles. “Thanks for calling in the cavalry.”
“What are best friends for if not to rat you out to your boyfriend?” Bethany glances over at me. “He is your boyfriend, right?”
I look at Michaela, leaving that answer to her. She bites her lip and I arch a brow, the stubborn little minx. Finally, she answers.
“Oh Bethany, he’s so much more than that to me. He’s everything.”
I feel a flush of warmth fill my body at her answer. “Took you long enough to admit it, woman.”
She cuddles to my chest and tilts her head up to me. “Well, I had to make you earn it, didn’t I?”
“Well, if this didn’t do it, I’m screwed.”
“Michaela, don’t give him a big head, he’s already full of himself,” North cracks.
I drop my mouth to hers and give her a thorough kiss. My brothers hoot and clap. When I break off, Bethany is fanning herself with her hand.
“I’ve got to get myself a biker.”
“Bethany, you’re married,” Michaela reminds her.
“Oh, right. Damn.”
My brothers shake with silent laughter. We mount up and Bethany follows in her car. When we get back in town, Michaela taps my shoulder and points to the florist. I break off from the others and pull into the parking lot.
“What are we doing, babe?” I ask over my shoulder.
“Wait here. I’ll only be a second.”
“You sure?”
“Yes.” She scrambles off the back and dashes inside.
I do what she asks and wait. Good to her word, she’s back out the door in minutes, a bouquet of flowers in her hand.
I’m confused by the flowers and she fills me in. “Could we stop by the cemetery?”
“Sure, babe.” We ride the short distance and I park the bike at the curb. After we dismount, I follow her over to Cullen’s grave.
It’s quiet and peaceful here, with just the sound of bird’s chirping.
She lays the brightly colored bouquet down against the headstone and runs her fingers over the carved name. “I’m so sorry, Da. I thought such awful things, such wrong things about you. You did love us all, so much. I get that now. I gave you such a hard time the last few years. I never appreciated anything. But I did it, Da. I saved the pub. And I promise you, I’m never letting it go.”
Michaela stands and I put my arm around her. We stare down at the grave for a long while, and as she wipes at her eyes, I squeeze her shoulder. “Let it go, kitten. Let go of all that guilt. He was always so proud of you. And I know it ate at him that things went bad between you two the last few years. But he always knew it wouldn’t last. He used to talk about you, saying ‘when my oldest comes home.’”
“Oh, Sly. Is that true?”
“Got my oath on it.”
She wraps her arms around my waist and buries her face in my chest. I cup the back of her head and kiss her hair. “I know this is a strange place to say this, but maybe not, with your dad here and all.”