Page 23 of Talon

“Hey there. What’s going on?”

“Did you sleep okay?”

“As well as I could, considering everything. Thanks for letting me stay here last night.”

“You and Loki can stay as long as you want. I sent a prospect out to get more dog food. He should be back with a whole setup soon.”

“Oh, but I’m not staying.”

“What?” I cock my head.“You sure as hell can’t leave.”

“Why not? I’ve got to get to work.”

“We’ll talk about that later. Right now, I need you to come with me. Normally, non-club members aren’t allowed in our meeting room, but Scar’s making an exception for you. Bones has some information about the voodoo doll that could help us crack this case.”

Her eyes widen with excitement and a hint of fear.“Really? That’s amazing.”

“Come on.” I gesture for her to follow me.“I’ll introduce you to the other guys.”

As we walk back to the conference room, I can sense her growing anxiety. We probably look like a bunch of scary bikers to her, which is partially true, but we’re also here to help her. Hopefully, meeting the others will put her at ease.

When we enter the room, all eyes turn to Jessica. I stand tall beside her, offering my support, so she won’t be intimidated by everyone.

“Guys, this is Jessica,” I announce, locking eyes with each member in turn.

“Welcome,” Scar says, standing to shake her hand.

“Scar’s our club president. That’s Nitro, our vice president.” I point him out.“Matrix, our secretary and computer expert.”

“Nice to meet you,” Matrix says.

“And you already know Reaper.”

“Yes.” She gives him a tight smile.

“Good to see you again,” Reaper says.

“We pulled a chair in for you,” Scar says, gesturing toward the open seat beside mine.“Please, sit.” After we’re settled, he turns his attention to the screen.“Bones, fill us in on what you know about the doll.”

I sense the room fill with anticipation. Jessica slides her hand into mine. I give it a soft squeeze and look deep into her violet eyes. Warmth floods my chest because she doesn’t look away. It’s a clear sign of trust.

“Voodoo dolls are used to bring illness, suffering, and death to a specific person.” Bones pauses for a moment, allowing the weight of his words to sink in.“They’re usually made by tying two sticks in a cross shape to form a human body, but yours is much more elaborate. Now that I can see Jessica in person, the resemblance is clear. It’s shockingly accurate.”

“Yeah,” I mutter.

“It is,” Nitro agrees.

“Fuckin’freaky,” Reaper says.

Jessica shudders. I tighten my grip on her hand, trying to offer some comfort.

“Decorations like sparkles and lace aren’t necessary, but the dolls are usually stabbed by pins,” Bones continues.“The pins create pain and sickness in someone. Have you been ill recently?”

“No,” she whispers.

“That’s good. It means it’s not working.”

“This one doesn’t have any pins,” I point out.