As much as I resent my father’s warning, I needed to hear it.
Too bad, I still get in the truck and head to downtown Kodack. I suppose it would’ve been easier to break into our warehouse and “borrow” what I need, but I’d never steal from my club.
Nope. I’ll roll into the city and purchase my coke like every other addict. Even if I were an active member, I wouldn’t want to use any Devil Demons MC contacts for this particular endeavor. Which means, it takes a while to locate a trustworthy looking fellow who isn’t offended when I only want to purchase a quarter gram. Bad sign. Whatever I’m about to buy has probably been stepped on so much, it’ll be more cornstarch than cocaine. Maybe that’s a good thing. I can wean myself off the shit instead of this insanity of stopping cold.
“See you tomorrow.” He grins at me.
“Nah, I’m good. Thanks.”
Tomorrow. Fuck that. This is all I need. A little bit to get through this first day and then I’ll be fine.
No more after today.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Mallory
For the third day in a row, I wake up alone.
Maybe it’s time to book a flight back to L.A.
I promised Chaser I’d help him through this.
Except he won’t let me help him. So far, he’s disappeared every day and returned high. I can’t decide whether I’m annoyed that he thinks I’m too stupid to notice or flattered he’s making an effort to pretend everything is normal.
We barely speak. I’m afraid if I open my mouth, I’ll start screaming and never stop. This has to be the lowest point in our relationship. While I’m aware our lives can’t always be sparkles and rainbows, it doesn’t mean I enjoy him lying and sneaking around.
On the outside, I smile and help out around the clubhouse as much as possible.
Inside, I’m boiling over with fury.
Underneath my anger, I’m scared.
What’s he doing all day? Is he in danger? Who’s he with?
Worst of all, what if Chaser can’t beat his addiction?
How long do I stay here and help someone who doesn’t want to be helped?
After breakfast, Stump summons me into his office.
“Chaser’s not here.” I stall. Being alone with Stump still scares me.
“I ain’t looking for him. You and me need to talk.” Clearly people don’t often say no to Stump. Guess that explains where Chaser gets his bossiness from.
Feeling like a naughty kid in trouble, I follow Stump through the clubhouse into his office.
He motions for me to take the seat across from his desk. “How you doing, princess?” he asks after he settles into his chair.
“Okay.”
Kicking back, he thumps his boot-clad feet on the edge of the desk and clasps his hands behind his head. “I want you to be straight with me. This isn’t a protect-your-man sort of chat we’re about to engage in here.”
“Uh, what do you want me to say?”
“Where you at with my son?”
“What do you mean? I left work behind to help him get better.” I stare him straight in the eye without flinching. “I’m here.” I’m tempted to add “but not for long if your son keeps lying to me.”
He seems relieved, so I guess he believes me. “Good. That’s what he needs.”
No, what your son needs is a kick in the ass.
Now that he’s figured out where I stand, he turns more businesslike. “What’s he been up to?”
“He doesn’t tell me.” I hate tattling on Chaser, but I also think being honest with Stump benefits Chaser in the long run. And frankly, I’m beyond pissed Chaser dragged me here only to ditch me and score drugs every day. “He’s still getting high. He’s careful not to do it in front of me, but I can tell.”
“Fucker,” he grumbles. He shakes his head and stares at the closed office door. “You two need your own space. I’m having the house cleaned up, so it’s more suitable.”
I’m not sure what he means by suitable. From what I remember, their home was lovely. Maybe a bit dated but still several steps up from where we live in L.A. “You don’t have to go to extra trouble for us, sir. We have money—”
He tips his head down and lifts his hand in a “stop” gesture. “Don’t need your money, girl. What I’m asking isn’t fair to you. You two ain’t been together that long. Fuck, he hasn’t even put a ring on your finger yet. You don’t owe him shit. Yet, you’re here.”
“I—”
“Don’t interrupt me.” He waits to see if I’m going to open my mouth again, so I keep it shut. “Nothing in this world I respect more than loyalty. Need it in this life.” He taps his pen on the desk a few times. “How long’s he been doin’ coke?”
“I…I’m not sure. I think he started when they went into the recording studio.”