Page 76 of Edge

“Wait until you have a kid in the club,” Phoenix said as he entered the room.

“Prez,” I started, but stopped when he held up his hand.

“I don’t want you worrying about this shit right now. We’ve got things under control for the time being. We’ll know if they head this way, and we’ll have plenty of time to get the Devil Springs chapter and the Manglers here.”

“What about Croftridge?”

“We’re on a light lockdown. The clubhouse is empty, and everyone who isn’t here is staying on the farm. Copper sent a few guys to Croftridge to watch over things, since most of our crew is here.”

“I’m sorry for all of this.”

“If you weren’t laid up with a gunshot wound, I’d smack you across the back of your head. This isn’t your fault. Just like it isn’t Evie’s fault. There’s nothing for you to apologize for.”

“I should’ve stayed in the diner instead of chasing after Snarl,” I admitted.

“You did exactly what anyone would have done. And you don’t know what would’ve happened if you’d stayed. You could’ve been killed instead of injured. Same goes for Evie. It happened the way it did for a reason. We might never know that reason, but I’m thankful as fuck that you’re all still here with us. Like I said before, you focus on getting better, and we’ll deal with the rest.”

“Thanks, Prez,” I said and closed my eyes. I meant to only close them for a moment, but it was hours later when I opened them again.

22

EVIE

Sounds were the first thing that registered to me. I could hear several, but they were all unfamiliar to me. I tried to open my eyes but couldn’t. Then I unsuccessfully tried to move my arms. When I couldn’t move my legs, I started to panic. Something was wrong. I just knew it.

“It’s okay, Evie,” Irene said. “You’re okay.”

I felt someone take my hand in theirs as Irene continued talking to me.

“There’s a tube in your throat helping you breathe,” she said. “Try not to fight it.”

As soon as she mentioned the tube in my throat, I became hyperaware of its presence. It was touching all kinds of things that shouldn’t be touched, making me want to cough and gag.

“Try to relax, Ms. Sinclair. We’re going to take it out,” a voice I didn’t recognize said.

I had no idea what was going on, but I couldn’t relax. Whatever was in my throat had to come out immediately. Somehow, I managed to move my hand to my mouth and yanked the offending tube from the depths of my body. Unfortunately, it did not bring me the relief I thought it would. Instead, it mademe cough, which caused pain to explode in my torso. It took me a moment to realize the guttural moans were coming from me.

“Do something!” Irene shouted.

“We’re giving her something for pain now,” someone said.

What in the hell was going on?

“Irene,” I croaked.

“I’m right here, baby,” she said. “Try to calm down so you don’t hurt yourself. You’re in the hospital.”

“Hospital,” I mumbled.

“Yes, the hospital.”

“Edge?”

“He’s in the room next door,” she said.

“Why?”

“It’s okay, honey. Just rest. We’re not going anywhere.”