Total pages in book: 41
Estimated words: 38800 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 194(@200wpm)___ 155(@250wpm)___ 129(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 38800 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 194(@200wpm)___ 155(@250wpm)___ 129(@300wpm)
“Good. ‘Cause if I get my ass handed to me by a twelve-year-old, Lemon will take my man card.” As I hoped, that got a small giggle from her. “Well, it isn’t much, but I’ll take it.” I smiled down at her, relieved that maybe I could see this through without hurting Evelyn any more than she’d already been.
“I love you, Knox,” she whispered. “You’re a good man. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.”
“If anyone else hears that, it’ll ruin my reputation.” I grinned. “But you’re the only one who really matters. You and Luke and Aneshya.”
“Let’s get this over with. I want to move on with my life. And I want you in it.”
“That’s my girl.” I pulled her close and kissed the top of her head.
We got back in the truck, and I drove deeper into the fenced area of our territory. I knew where Rocket was with Danny. I didn’t dread this as much as I simply wanted it to be over. What I wanted to know was why. Why all of it. Why hadn’t he left his wife? Why hadn’t he told Evelyn about the other woman? Why had he not changed something when Evelyn became pregnant? Why had he let it all continue and built a separate life with Evelyn when he already had a woman he obviously didn’t want to leave?
If he’d had something to do with the attack at the house, why had he done it? And yeah, that possibility was something I couldn’t let go of. In my heart, I was sure he at least knew about it. But was it him or his wife? Or someone his wife knew, like her father or brother or anyone other than Danny. Because if he’d had no idea it was going to happen, he might get to live. If he’d had anything to do with it or knew it was happening and did nothing about it? Yeah. He wouldn’t survive the night.
Grim Road had a two-room, partially underground building constructed into a large knoll. We used it for storage, but in cases like this, it doubled as an interrogation room. There was already a gathering of officers outside who needed to preside and offer judgment recommendations. Rocket had the final say, but this was a serious gathering of members outside of church.
Rocket and Dom leaned against the door talking, while Spike, Leather, and Mace strolled in our direction to greet us as we got out of the truck. Evelyn had slid to my side, because she’d folded up the console and sat next to me in the middle of the front seat. She hadn’t spoken during the short ride, but had gripped my arm and laid her face against my shoulder.
I helped her down just as the trio reached us. Evelyn had met nearly everyone in Grim Road over the weeks since the fire. She’d made an impression with them all as a kind woman and a wonderful mother. I was proud to have her for my old lady.
Mace gave Evelyn a warm smile. “Though I’m glad to see you, Evelyn, I didn’t think you’d want to come to this. You know, you already told Lemon what happened from your perspective. You don’t have to be here.”
“I know,” Evelyn whispered. “I need to see this through, though. I want some answers, and Danny is the only one who can give them to me.”
“You can tell us,” Leather coaxed. “We’ll get you any answers you need. You won’t have to be anywhere around him.”
Evelyn shook her head. “No. This is something I need to do. I lived with him for thirteen years. I want to look into his eyes when he’s questioned. See the truth for myself.”
“I know you don’t want to hear this,” Mace continued, “and understand I mean no disrespect, but you didn’t know he’d been lying to you all that time. Are you sure you can tell when he’s lying now?”
Evelyn gave a small smile. “I know I can, now. I think I always could, I just chose to ignore my gut.” She shook her head slightly. “I didn’t want to admit to myself he had another woman, but I think I knew the whole time. What I didn’t know was that I was the other woman. Not her.”
Yeah. Danny was a dead man. I could see how this hurt Evelyn. How embarrassed she was. Humiliated. Even if he had nothing to do with the shooting at our old house, I’d probably beat Danny to a fucking bloody pulp on principle.
“I’m sorry he put you through this, Evelyn.” Mace held out his hand for Evelyn to take. “You’re a good woman. I’m glad Knox found you.”
That seemed to take Evelyn by surprise. She gave him a startled look, then the ghost of a smile formed on her lips. “Thank you. I appreciate you saying so.” She took his hand and shook it firmly. “I’m so glad he has this club. I love the way you have each other’s backs.” She looked up at me, and her smile seemed more relaxed as she did. “Everyone needs someone.”