Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 80982 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80982 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
I could feel the heat of the flames as we made our way back out front, and the smoke nearly choked me as we came up next to Preacher. He looked anxious as he ordered, “Move out.”
By the time we made it back outside, the entire clubhouse was a ball of flames, just like the warehouse across the street. Goose and the others came over to join us, and together, we stood there watching one explosion after the next.
We continued to monitor the exits, making sure there was no further sign of movement, and once we were certain all was clear, Preacher ordered, “Let’s get the hell out of here.”
Without a word, we headed back to our vehicles and made our getaway long before the police and firemen arrived. We left there knowing that we might’ve succeeded in our plan, but the job wasn’t done. Not even close.
This was a small battle in a war that was just getting started, so there would be no celebration, no party, or hurrah. It was a time for the boys to gather their resources and start planning for what came next, and I had a feeling they would have a hell of a battle on their hands.
When we pulled up to the clubhouse, it was after midnight. We were all ready to call it a night. Before we went inside, Preach called us all over to him and said, “You boys did good tonight, but this thing isn’t over. You need to be prepared for potential lockdowns and extra guard duty. We need to be prepared for backlash, because it’s coming. You can count on it.”
24
RAELYN
When Walker suggested going to Grim’s place for dinner, I was more than a little hesitant. His name alone was enough to give me pause, but Walker assured me that it would be a good time and that I would like his ol’ lady. That was another term that took me off guard, but I didn’t question it.
I didn’t care where we went or who we were with. I just wanted to spend time with him, so I agreed. And I’m so glad that I did. Not only was Grim friendly and welcoming, but his wife and daughter were absolutely precious. And their home was beautiful.
It was my favorite kind of house. It was older, with three or four bedrooms, and it had tons of character. It had flowers at the front door, a porch that wrapped around the front, and a fenced-in backyard. They had a beautiful, large patio and furniture to match. There was a new swing set and a little girl's bike parked right where she left it.
I’d never been there before, but I felt right at home.
Skid, Grim’s son, and his girlfriend, Laken, were there with her daughter, Baylor. Goose and Presley, too. And they were all so friendly. In fact, I’d never met a more welcoming group of people, and I was so glad Walker had brought me to meet them.
After we each made a drink, Walker and the guys claimed their spot by the grill while I joined the ladies in the backyard. I’d barely sat down when the questions started rolling in. Laken gave me a warm smile as she asked, “So, what do you do?”
“I’m a librarian over at Clairmont Elementary.”
“Oh, that’s over by us,” Jenna gasped. “I’m hoping Luna will be able to start there in the fall.”
“That would be great. It’s a wonderful school. She’ll love it there.”
“I hope so. It’s hard to believe she’s almost ready for kindergarten.”
“It happens so fast. I feel like I just blinked, and my two went from toddlers to teenagers.”
“Goose said you had two boys. Is that right?”
“Yes. Thomas and Lucas. They’re with their father tonight.” I wasn’t sure why I said that. I was nervous and divulging too much information, so I asked, “What about you? What do you guys do?”
“I work downtown at the Black Crown,” Laken answered.
“That’s the new casino, right?”
“Yeah, that’s it.” Laken glanced over at Skid as she said, “Thatch knows the guys who own it, and I’m pretty sure he called in a few favors to get me the job. But I really like it there. It’s good money, and they even have on-site daycare, which is almost impossible to find these days.”
“It’s a super nice place,” Presley added. “If you guys haven’t been, you should definitely check it out.”
“We will. I look forward to it.”
“I work at a daycare a few blocks from here, and Presley is a hairstylist. She has the cutest salon down on Main.”
“You should come by,” Presley suggested. “I’ll give you a wash and cut on the house.”
“That would be amazing.” I ran my fingers through the ends of my hair. “I can’t remember the last time I actually went into a salon for a haircut.”