Hellion (Southern Rebels MC)

“It’s annoying.”

“It is,” he agreed, “But the less I know the better.” He gave me a sideways glance. “You too for that matter.”

I pouted. “Doesn’t mean I have to like it.” He pulled into the parking lot of Crew’s garage. “And what about those investigators? You can’t put them off forever.”

“A few more days,” he replied cagily and I crossed my arms and twisted in the seat instead of getting out.

“What’s going on? What difference will a few days make?” He looked evasive and I frowned. “What aren’t you telling me?”

He exhaled, shifting the car into park. “Johnny’s looking for a fall guy.”

“A fall guy,” I repeated, not sure I understood what he meant. “A fall guy for what?” His eyes were somber and suddenly I understood. “For your uncle. Johnny doesn’t want me accused of murder. Of course.”

“I don’t either,” Noah retorted. “But without a suspect, you are the primary suspect.”

“The gun powder residue test,” I reminded him.

“Isn’t enough,” he concluded. “Not for these guys. They need a conviction. And you currently have a felony warrant out on you.” He frowned. “Is Nico really worth that much?”

I nodded distractedly. “More on the black market,” I answered, flopping back against the seat. “Even if Johnny finds a fall guy, he’d need a freaking smoking gun for these investigators.” Noah glanced at me, his lips tilting up halfheartedly. “You’ve got to freaking be kidding me. He’s got this all worked out, doesn’t he?”

“For you, yeah.”

“Geez, I’m starting to feel like a burden.”

“And yet, it’s the happiest I think I’ve ever seen Johnny,” Noah revealed, leaning over to kiss my temple. “You bring him joy. Me too.”

“You sure it’s not just the opportunity to kill people?” I grumbled, opening the car door.

“That too,” Noah acknowledged ruefully. “You don’t mind hanging out with Crew for a while?”

I shook my head, ducking down to look at him. “Are you going to tell me what this mystery errand is you have to go to alone?”

He held up a finger. “Eventually,” he promised.

“It wouldn’t have anything to do with me?”

“Maybe.”

“Which is yes,” I remarked. I gave him a concerned glance. “Don’t do anything stupid on my behalf, okay?”

“Okay.”

“Or illegal.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Or dangerous.”

“Absolutely not.”

“Or stupid.”

“You already said that one.”

“I felt it needed to be said again.”

“Nothing stupid. Scout’s honor,” Noah swore.

“You were never a Scout,” I reminded him.

“Damn town gossip.”

“Bye. I love you. Don’t do anything stupid,” I shouted again as he backed up. Crew came out the door, wiping his hands on a dirty rag.

“Normally, I’d say you wouldn’t need to tell Noah that, but where you’re concerned….”

My stare was unamused. “Thanks for that.”

“Just keeping things honest.”

I scrunched my face. “How about we just keep things to ourselves? Hmm’kay.”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “I’ve got your tire.”

“And here I am with no wheels.” I snapped my fingers. “Darn it.”

Crew looked around. “I’ve got time now if you want me to put it on?”

I stared at him. “The RV isn’t here.”

“Duh.” Crew grimaced. “We’ll go to Noah’s and do it.”

“I thought I was supposed to stay here.”

Crew shrugged. “I’m pretty sure they just want you to have a babysitter. Here, there, don’t make any difference.”

“They?”

He gave me a look.

I sighed. “Yeah, Leroy wanted me to wear a bullet proof vest. Johnny wanted me to stay at the clubhouse and Noah insisted I carry a gun.”

Crew eyed me. “I’ll let you drive.”

“Deal,” I answered instantly and he grinned.

“It doesn’t do a hundred in 10 seconds but she’ll get us there.” He pointed to an old green pickup truck and I wrinkled my nose.

“That thing is older than both of us….” I looked at Crew. “Combined.”

“That may be, but she’s got a V8 under the hood and an all metal frame,” he replied, tossing a tire in the back like it was an inflatable ring. He winked. “She won’t do a hundred in 10 seconds, but she’ll come damn close.”

I hopped in and she started right up with a nice rumble. “Oooh, I like that.”

“Thought you might,” Crew said, clearly amused, one arm propped in the open window as I popped the clutch and drove us out of the parking lot. “Take it easy until you see the ‘Thanks for visiting Friendly’ sign, alright?”

I nodded eagerly, already anticipating hitting the highway. It wasn’t long until we passed the sign and I wasted no time, pressing the gas to see what she could do.

Wind whipped through the window, tangling my hair as I laughed, the old pickup giving everything she had as we raced along the highway. It wasn’t long before we’d gotten to Noah’s and I reluctantly slowed down.

Crew glanced at me and started to laugh. “It’s a good thing you’re with the Chief of Police. Otherwise, there’s no telling how many speeding tickets you’d rack up.”

“To date,” I threw him a grin. “Over six dozen.”