Page 22 of Bayou Knights

“Why? He ruined my bike,” the man glares at his president.

“He’s my grandson,” and immediately Gage is dropped.

I rush over to see Gage crying.

“Gage?”

“My mom,” he can barely get out.

“What about your mom?”

“Someone took her.”

CHAPTERNINE

Zion

I feel like I’ve been hit by a train when I roll out of bed. Last night I had a nightmare, one that I’m glad I woke up from. I shower and dress and realize I’m in my room at the clubhouse. Why am I here?

I head down to breakfast to see sullen faces and Gage, who looks like shit. Then it hits me. That wasn’t a nightmare.

Everything comes rushing back.

As soon as Gage said someone took his mom, I think I lost it. No, I know I did. I’m pretty sure I picked up a bike and threw it like I was the hulk. Someone said “grab him” and I remember hands on me, but then everything is a blank.

“Gage,” I rasp, knowing he’s going through hell right now, “we’re going to find her.” He looks away, he doesn’t believe me. The last guy in his life lied to him and hurt his mom. Yeah, he doesn’t believe me.

“Where is everyone?” I bark at some of the men. All of them look worse for wear and hang their heads, They’re taking this as bad as I am.

“Out looking. Canvasing the area. Bones called in favors and other chapters, sending men to California. He rerouted Ziggy and Cupid to Plum’s old house, just in case.”

Well, fuck.

“Get Jace in here,” I yell, stomping out of the office. I fucked up.

Dixon heads me off at the pass before I can get to my other solace place.

“You look like hell,” he remarks.

“Well, I feel like hell,” I retort.

“You need to get your head on straight,” he says as he follows me to my office.

“I know.”

“What does my daughter mean to you?”

“I don’t know yet. We were figuring it out, but I pushed her away, avoiding her in case shit went south. But my rule is if someone is in trouble, we help. If a little old lady went missing, we’d be looking. If a man was robbed, we be out looking for the perps.”

“I like that about you. But this is different,” he adds.

“I agree. There’sa son out there missing his mom and feels like we’re going to fail, like his dad did. How are you so calm?”

“It’s an act that I put on. If I fall apart, I’ll never be any good, like you were yesterday. My grandson needs me. His grandma is on her way down to look after him.”

“Plenty of room at the inn,” I mumble.

“Prez?” I hear a knock at my door.