Page 48 of Matrix

“It has chicory in it,” Matrix says.

“I hate to say it,” I whisper, “but I’m not a fan.”

“That’s okay, babe. I’m sure the club will have real coffee too. Personally, I like the taste of chicory, but maybe that’s because I’m also bitter.” His tone is playful, but I wonder if there’s something darker hiding behind his self-depreciation.

“The weather’s perfect.” I’m wearing jeans and a T-shirt. It’s funny to watch tourists pulling their jackets tighter. Clearly, they don’t live in the frozen north the way we do. The temperature is in the mid-sixties, which is shorts weather in Montana. I’d be wearing a pair if we weren’t riding.

“Sometimes I think about moving back,” Talon says softly.

“Really?” Matrix asks.

“Were you born here?” I ask.

“Yeah, and yeah. But the club’s the only home I ever had, so I’m not leaving any time soon.” He slaps Matrix on the back.

“Good to hear it, brother.” Matrix gives Talon’s shoulder a rough squeeze. “Because if you ever thought about leaving for real, I’d have to send you to the basement with Reaper so he could talk some sense into you.”

“Wouldn’t need to talk,” Reaper says in a dark tone that sends shivers down my spine.

“Hey now,” Talon holds up his hands in surrender. “I said I’m good.”

“Better be.” Reaper sips his coffee, but his eyes never leave Talon’s face.

“You guys remind me of my brothers,” I murmur.

“Brothers?” Matrix sits up. “You’ve got other siblings?”

“Three brothers and one sister, Angie.”

“No shit,” Talon says. “Where are they?”

“Montana. They’re scattered around the state. I don’t get to see them much because I’m working all the time.” I shrug. It is what it is.

“I imagine it would be hard to see them, especially when you’re undercover. That would make it nearly impossible.” The sharp edge in Matrix’s tone catches me off-guard. Obviously, he doesn’t like the line of work I’m in, but it’s all I ever wanted to do. He should know that by now.

“It’s my job. You know that. I’m going to find a restroom.” I push back from the table just as Scar returns with several packed white pastry bags.

“We ride in five,” he says. “Eat up. Drink up. Enjoy the treats because once we get to the clubhouse, it’s back to work.”

“Got it,” Matrix says.

Reaper nods while Talon shoves an entire beignet into his mouth. Powdered sugar dusts the front of his vest. In fact, everyone has a fine layer of it on their clothes.

“I’ll be back by then,” I say before leaving.

“Where’s she going?” Scar asks Matrix.

“Bathroom.”

“Okay.”

I wait until I’m out of sight to pick up my pace. The SAC running my office will be furious I went to New Orleans without his permission, but I didn’t have time to ask. I pull out a burner phone I’ve kept hidden from the guys and use it to make the call.

He answers immediately. “Thank God you called. I was about to send in an extraction team.”

“I’m fine. In fact, I just had my first beignet.”

“You what?” He’s furious. Crap.