The guys crack up, which eases some of the tension from the morning’s events.
Z lifts his chin at Rooster. “That’s a thing, isn’t it? Swatting? Someone makes a prank call to emergency services about a serious threat taking place, just for shits and giggles?”
“That’s slightly different.” Rooster taps his fingers against the table as if he’s considering all options. “They would’ve battered down our front gate and door, not patiently waited to get a warrant and explain it to our lawyer.”
“I can’t decide if that’s better or worse,” Z says.
“You think it’s possible Tawny was pissed about the ban and orchestrated this?” Jigsaw asks.
“She’s a bitch but she’s always been loyal to the club,” I say, even though defending Tawny feels unnatural. “Her tricks are the kind of stunt she pulled with Serena. Not bringing in law enforcement.”
“It couldn’t have been her,” Z says. “Steer and I didn’t have a chance to talk to Sway before the cops showed up.”
“She got arrested with Sway,” Hustler says. “Even Karma doesn’t work that fast.”
“Besides,” Steer adds. “Getting that warrant and showing up the way they did, that takes time and planning. They didn’t do that on a whim.”
“Our officer buddy found out about it,” Z says. “But he only gave me fifteen minutes’ notice.” He lifts his chin at me. “At least it was enough time to get you and Shelby somewhere safe.”
“Thanks, brother.”
“I think they’ve been freezing him out,” Rooster says. “We’re probably lucky he found out at all.”
“Or he’s playing us.” Jigsaw slams his fist against the table. “I’ve never trusted that prick.”
“Same, brother,” Z says.
Someone taps on the closed doors. Dex is closest, so he jumps up to answer.
Lilly’s anxious face comes into view. “Sorry to interrupt. But we just buzzed in Priest and his crew.”
“Fuck.” Z stands and braces his hands on the table. “All right. Let’s try not to show him that we’re rattled. Keep working on getting the place cleaned up. He’ll probably want to have a long chat, so I’ll keep him busy for as long as I can.” Z’s gaze strays to me. He lifts an eyebrow but I’m not sure what he’s asking.
As the room thins out, I approach Z. “You need me, brother?”
“Stay close. I know Priest wants to speak to you, personally.”
“Where’d you think I was gonna go?”
“After this morning, I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to go the fuck home, G.”
“Shit happens. We’re fine. Nice little bunker you guys carved out down there. Thank you for making sure I got out in time.”
He stares at me for a few seconds. “I’d go to prison myself before I let you go back inside.”
“Let’s not get extreme.” I clap his shoulder. “You got a wife and son who need you out here.”
He opens his mouth to say something else, but Rock stops next to us. “You trying to avoid Priest?” he asks Z.
Z smirks. “Like the plague.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Grinder
“Grinder.” Priest’s low, gravelly voice hasn’t changed much.
I turn, and a slow grin spreads across his face. “So glad you’re on the outside, brother.” He holds open his arms and gives me a slow, respectful embrace, as if he’s concerned I turned feral in prison and might give him rabies.
Since there were many days inside I felt closer to a wild animal than a human, I’m not insulted. I accept the embrace and pat his back. “Damn good to see you, brother.”