Walk the Line (Kings of Chaos 5)

“Why does anyone attract a person? We don’t make sense on paper, but together none of those differences matter. We click. She makes me…want to be a better man. It cliché as fuck, but that’s all I got.” I shrug. “I’m not going to be without her.”

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nbsp; “I’m getting this. Whatever comes from her falls on you, so be sure and be thorough with your lessons. ‘Cause the world she comes from, and ours are nothing alike. We’re finally getting order around here. I won’t have that interrupted any more than it already was with the attempted robbery.

“I get that,” I say. “You find anything else about the robbers?”

“Local criminals looking for an easy score. They have no ties to any other M.C.’s that we could uncover.”

“That’s a good thing.”

“It should be, but I’m going to keep my eyes peeled just the same. Coincidences are rarely cut and dry.” He rubs his temples, and I know he’s feeling the pressure. “You should probably think about patching in here before you ask her or there’ll be problems when you’re sent to another charter.”

“I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that. Are you up for taking me on?”

“Hell, yeah. You’re a good brother. I would’ve asked you to stay before now, but I could see you had too much love for the road.”

“That’s changed. When can we get me in for a vote?”

“I’ll bring it up at church next week.”

“Sounds good.”

“You know I’m not busting your chops about your girl, right? I don’t want you thinking I dislike her. ”

“I get it. You have to look out for everyone.”

“Good. ‘Cause family drama aside. I know a woman in love when I see one. She came to a crime scene in the middle of the night scared out of her mind over you. That told me everything I needed to know. She didn’t give a damn how she looked to others, or if she was breaking the rules, all she cared about was getting to you. Not many women out there would be willing to lay it all out on the line. Hold on to this one. She has the makings of a fine Old Lady.”

“I plan on it. You need me for anything else?”

“Nah get out of here.”

I stand and walk to the doorway. I freeze. The one thing about growing a conscience is the inability to silence that tiny nagging voice inside that wants you to do things for other people.

“When you feel that pull toward a woman, it’s best not to ignore it. ‘Cause there’s nothing worse than regret, and for what it’s worth. I think it’s mutual.” I walk out before he can comment. What are you doing to me, Blanche? Used to be a time when I minded my own business just fine.

Chapter Nine

Blanche

Crawling back to someone on your hands and knees is never a fun experience. I smooth the invisible wrinkles out of my crisp black pants and toy with the button on the sleeve of my pink blazer. I kept things business casual, but we’re both aware of what this lunch is really about. I haven’t talked to Lisa much since I retired. Calling her out of the blue isn’t normal or taken as a social request by either of us. I spot the tall blonde with bright blue eyes coming inside Pat and Oscar’s and wave. She grins widely, and I admire her. The years have been kind. Her frame is lithe, in her blue jeans and white tank top, and her heart-shaped face looks ten years younger than the forties we’ve just entered.

I stand, and she hugs me tightly.

“I was so happy when you called. I wanted to reach out to you for months, but I wasn’t sure how well I’d be received. We aren’t as close as we used to be and people can be rubberneckers in the face of tragedy.”

“I’d never think that about you, Lisa. You’ve always had a huge heart.” We part and take a seat.

“So. How are you?”

“I’m good, and getting better every day.”

“How’s Whitney?”

“She’s fabulous actually. She started college in Virginia, and she loves the change of pace, her roomie, and her core classes.”

“That’s excellent, but hard. Emmy started college last year, and I’d like to have died. Never mind that’s she’s just in Santa Barbara. The distance can’t be easy.”