“Let’s meet back here in an hour,” Shadow suggests.

Curious about how he plans to spend that time, but unwilling to ask, I nod.

Smoke lingers a little too long for my liking, but I ignore him and finally, he slinks off.

“How do you want to handle this, Z?” Steer asks.

“You comfortable riding in?”

“Yeah, got no reason not to.”

“You and Shadow take the lead.” I nod to Teller and Murphy. “I’m taking them in my truck.” I motion for Grip to join us. “You follow behind in the van, just in case. Jigsaw, Rooster, I want you in the van with Grip.”

They both give me an odd look, but don’t question me. “I think nine Harleys rumbling up might tip our hand,” I explain. “This adventure isn’t about being seen.”

“Gotcha,” Jigsaw says.

“The two of you out for a ride isn’t a big deal, right?” I roll my eyes at Steer. “Apparently, Shadow hangs out there all the time picking up waitresses.”

He frowns. “News to me. But I ain’t exactly in charge of his dick, ya know?”

“Christ, who’d want that job?” Rooster jokes.

I shouldn’t let my irritation with Shadow bleed into my interactions with the other brothers. If Shadow’s right, then the club’s about to have a serious issue.

“We all watch each other’s backs.”

Everyone agrees and then breaks to get ready for the night ahead. Murphy and Teller follow me down to my room.

“Are you sure about this, Z? It stinks,” Teller says as soon as we shut the door behind us. Even though I appreciate him not questioning me in front of everyone, I’m not in the mood.

“It’s bullshit. But I can’t afford to ignore it.”

“Z’s right,” Murphy adds. “You’re in a shitty spot all around. If Vipers show up tonight, we’re fucked. If they don’t, then you’ve got to deal with Shadow.”

“I’m aware.”

“I still think you should call Chaser and maybe feel him out,” Teller says.

“Let’s check this out tonight first. If nothing comes of it, I’ll call Chaser.” I turn, staring out the window at the back parking lot and the shed out back. “If it is happening, then Chaser and I need to have a whole different discussion.”

Chapter Eighteen

Z

“Tell Grip to stop right before the roadway to Malone’s. Have him pull the van to the edge of the woods,” I order Murphy.

“You got it.”

I do the same, slowly steering my truck off the shoulder and down a steep slope of grass.

“Maybe back it in?” Teller suggests.

“Good call,” I grunt, shifting the truck into reverse.

It’s dark and quiet as we slip out of the truck and walk over to meet the guys in the van. Steer and Shadow should already be in Malone’s parking lot.