Page 18 of Broken Deeds MC: Second Generation #12

Archer’s gaze lands on mine through the rearview mirror.

“The evidence will eventually point us in the right direction.” His gaze goes back to the road in front of him when he continues.

“Austin didn’t have much to say about the body.

Ganza is guarding the scene until we get there while he’s watching Della. ”

It’s a good thing Austin is watching Della. Austin used to be Areion Fury MC. Pokey, his father, is one of the first generation. I’ve known Austin all my life and some might say he’s a bit weird. Those who really know him see his brilliance.

Austin has what they call a photographic memory.

The guy only has to look at something once and can pull the image from his mind to remember all the damn details.

He used to have his own private investigator business, but after he claimed Jersey, Ramrod’s daughter who’s Broken Deeds, he patched over.

Smart move since Broken Deeds also used to hire him for some cases.

And in this case? “Definitely a smart move to put Austin on her. He will be able to give us his unsalted opinion on Della.”

Unsalted opinion because Austin never spices things up or brings delicate issues carefully to give thought of other people’s emotions. Austin never lies and tells it like it is. A smile tugs at my lips again, feeling as if I belong as well. Austin, Bee, even Lynn all have ties to both clubs.

“He will, and we need it too ’cause if Della is the serial killer?

We’re gonna need everything we got to bring the sneaky, slippery bitch to justice.

” Archer throws a quick glance at Pax. “Did you check the blueprints? Bee couldn’t find any record of renovations.

I’d say we knock down the wall as soon as we get there.

I’ll fill out the paperwork later since we have enough reasons to be suspicious with a dead body at the hotel. ”

Pax bobs his head. “I agree, knocking down the wall would be the best option to see if there’s a body hiding behind it.

We could get a cadaver dog or use aerial imagery, but it’ll take time to get them there.

And who fucking cares at this point? My gut tells me Della is hiding something and we gotta start somewhere.

Even if there’s nothing behind the wall, it might still put some pressure on her. ”

“For sure,” I muse. “We questioned her and then boom, a few hours later we’re returning due to a body being found at her hotel. Coincidence? Fuck no.”

Bee hums. “On the other hand, a dead body found at the hotel would be bad for business. Not only for the clients staying at the hotel, but also long-term. If she did kill Samuel? Why not dump the body somewhere else so the hotel reputation wouldn’t be harmed?”

I choke on a laugh. “Oh my freaking shit, Bee. Didn’t I mention a moment ago about the many scenarios running through my head?

Talking this through feels like everyone has a bat in their hand and we’re bouncing around a ping-pong ball that can go in every direction, including out the freaking window. ”

Bee chuckles. “Did you really just compare Della with a ping-pong ball?”

I shrug and pull out my phone to go through all the information involving the case once more while Archer keeps driving. The first person I focus on is Della. She was sixteen when her mother went missing. It’s also the age when she dropped out of school and started working full-time at the hotel.

There’s no indication she’s had a relationship and all her social media involve posts about the hotel.

Interesting. Food pictures are in overload including the meat pastries.

The comments are all random, meaning I don’t think she has friends.

Digging a little deeper I’m starting to think this woman is a loner, one who only has a few people working for her because she can’t run a hotel by herself.

I’m deep in thoughts when Archer suddenly pulls me back to the here and now with his loud voice, “We’re here. Let’s check the body first. Lyla, you want Bee to stay with you here or are we all going?”

“We’re all going,” I state. “You guys pulled me into this and I’m seeing it through. These crime cases are similar to solving puzzles and I need to see every damn piece because I want to damn well solve it.”

Archer chuckles. “Like I said, she fits in, Pax. Hell, maybe she’ll give up her day job and help us solve cases full time instead.”

I stay quiet ’cause if I’m being honest? Working alongside Pax sounds pretty damn good instead of poking holes into people. Besides, with what Bee told me...the easy promise of always having caring people around who can help or babysit? Yeah, being a part of Broken Deeds sounds pretty damn sweet.

We all get out of the SUV and without thinking I suddenly blurt, “I took a long leave of absence, and basically quit my job. Well, Heath and Hayden found someone else to take over after Lynn filled in for a day or two. So, I’d like to help out with cases.

It’s easier to do with the baby coming and all.

Piercing folks isn’t exactly a working from home gig. ”

“There’s a lot of stuff you can do while being on maternity leave,” Bee tells me. “Going out in the field with a huge belly is not exactly safe. Being behind a computer, doing paperwork, research, whatever groundwork necessary in a case would be a great help.”

“I don’t mind paperwork or doing research,” I instantly agree.

Archer points at Pax. “An old lady who doesn’t mind doing paperwork is fucking amazing in my book.”

Bee rolls her eyes. “You still need to fill out most of the paperwork. Some forms are your responsibility and need your signature.”

Archer pulls his old lady close. “Are you sayin’ you can’t forge my signature like my mother does?”

Bee’s voice turns husky. “You know I’ll do anything for you, even crappy paperwork.”

“Best motherfuckin’ old lady in the whole damn world,” Archer murmurs and kisses her deeply.

These two have been in love since they were teenagers. Both standing on opposite sides from different clubs. They held strong, chose each other, and created a solid foundation where decades later they still are fiercely in love as they were when they were young.

Withstanding difficulties, relationship struggles, children, jobs, everything life throws at you. Seeing Archer and Bee together is an inspiration for all.

“Prez, do you need the room Lyla booked here? Or are we going to check out the dead body?” Pax grumbles.

Archer slows down the kiss and throws a smirk in Pax’s direction. “If the room wasn’t rigged with a camera I would.”

Pax shakes his head and we all head inside the hotel.