Page 105 of Matrix

“Of course. In fact, there’s something I’d like to speak with you about privately.” Matrix motions for him to go out onto the patio with him. They leave the rest of us in the kitchen, and I watch them through the window. They’re standing at the rail, looking out over the river. Their mouths are moving, but the glass is soundproof, so I can’t hear a word.

“What’s Matrix up to?” I ask, not speaking to anyone in particular.

“Probably asking your dad if it’s okay to propose,” Mom teases.

“No way.”

“And if he asked you to marry him, would you say yes?” Mom arches a brow.

“Um … have you had lunch yet?”

“Just like my daughter to avoid answering a question by asking a new one. We stopped and had lunch on the way. Angie, finish your meal, please. We’d like to get back on the road before the rain starts.”

“I’m ready.” Angie clears her dishes, rinsing them in the sink before loading them into the dishwasher.

“Wow! These boys taught you a thing or two while you were here.” Mom grins.

“It was Nina.” Angie runs to her and wraps her arms around Nina’s waist.“I’ll call you when we get home.”

“You’d better.” Nina pulls a bedazzled, sparkling pink phone from the back pocket of her tight jeans.“I would have wrapped it, but I didn’t have time.”

“A new phone!” Angie grabs it.“This is awesome! You’re the best.”

“Who doesn’t like presents?” Nina asks, laughing.

“Thank you for everything.” Mom embraces Nina.“I’d love to talk too if you ever have the time.”

“You’re family now. I’ll always have time for you.”

Dad and Matrix stroll back in from outside. They’re both wearing huge, conspiratorial grins. They’re definitely up to something.

“What’s going on?” I ask.

“We were just talking about your career,” Dad says.

“What career? You realize I was fired, right? I told you on the phone. As soon as I get a chance, I’m burning my old badge in the firepit.”

“I don’t blame you one bit. They treated you like trash. Assholes,” Mom mutters.

“Bureaucracy at its finest,” Reaper says.

“We’ll figure out a job for you later. Right now, all you need to do is rest,” Matrix says.

“Exactly.” Nina smiles at him.

Dad slowly looks around the room before clearing his throat.“Before we go, I want to let you all know how much I appreciate this club. You guys helped get my youngest back, and in a weird, roundabout way, you saved Daisy too. She doesn’t know it yet, but leaving the FBI will be one of the best things that ever happened to her.”

“Why would you say that?” I ask.

“Because you’re smarter than anyone I know. They weren’t making good use of your talent and computer skills. I know you tried to bring Blackstone to justice legally, but now, it’s time to take another approach.”

“Dad, you’ve never believed in vigilante justice before—why now?”

“Because that piece of shit hurt my daughters.” Dad’s jaw goes rigid.

“But the club saved them. We’ll be indebted to you forever for that,” Mom says.

“If you want to join these guys, your mother and I will support your choice. I never thought I’d say it, but this group of men has shown their loyalty to you in a way the FBI never did. You know the world’s messed up when the law is corrupt and motorcycle gangs are the ones actually bringing people to justice.”