Page 62 of Exile & Lula

Nova’s gaze turned soft and curious. “I never thought Dan would get silly over a woman. That’s why I knew he wouldn’t come home like he promised.”

“Exile will be happier with you here. We can all get to know each other.”

When Nova wrapped her arms around me and held on tight, I was startled to find her trembling. Stroking her hair, I hoped to soothe her fears.

Exile and Nova had been each other’s safe place for years. I couldn’t imagine what she must have thought when he rode here to see me and didn’t return. Now, though, our two families could find a way to become one.

EXILE

Zodiac became fascinated by the dogs out back. I wasn’t sure how soon Clint Reed would show up, but I knew his appearance was a given. I walked Lyric to the bedroom where Nova stood with Lula. My niece didn’t want me to let her down.

“My pack mule,” she mumbled, hugging me tighter.

Smiling at Nova, I asked, “Did you teach her that?”

“No, Zodiac did. He said he wouldn’t be her pack mule like you were.”

Skylar shuffled into the room and climbed on the bed. “Sleep now.”

“There’s a second room with small beds for you two,” Nova explained.

“Sleeping,” Skylar mumbled, removing her sunglasses and falling face first onto the pillow. “Can’t move.”

After Skylar ignored Nova’s poking, we left her in the first room. In the second guest room, Lyric chose her preferred bed and reluctantly got down.

Lula glanced at her phone. “Clint’s on his way over.”

“Figured he’d ride in to deal with Zodiac.”

Lula gave me a weary glance. “Is he staying in Little Memphis?”

“Tonight? Yeah, but he wants to stay at a hotel.”

“I’ll leave those details to Clint,” Lula said and asked Nova if there were more bags.

Ten minutes later, we had finished moving everything from the SUV. I stood outside with Lula when Clint rolled up the block with his tiny girlfriend riding bitch. The motorcycle stopped at Ford Reed’s place two houses down. While Ivy went inside, Clint walked down to Lula’s place.

“You got here quick,” I said, trying not to sound hostile.

“I was on my way over to have dinner with my family when I got the message,” Clint said and smiled at Lula. “I see you have more visitors.”

“Exile’s sister and nieces.”

“And Zodiac,” I said, since I knew that was the reason Clint had shown up. “He wanted to make sure Nova got here safely.”

“Is he leaving now?”

“Not tonight.”

“Does he want to chat with me, or is he feeling sleepy after his ride up?”

Something about Clint Reed always rubbed me the wrong way. He had a friendly demeanor, but I also sensed he wasn’t a straight shooter. He played with people’s expectations, leaving me unsure where he really stood.

Right now, Clint teased me as if he weren’t bothered by Zodiac riding unannounced into Little Memphis only days after I did the same thing. Sure, the Crimson Guard were happy for our help, but they had a precarious alliance with the LM Jokers, who viewed us as the enemy.

“Look who’s here,” Zodiac said, strolling out of the house. “Didn’t happen to bring your pretty sister along, did you?”

“She’s helping her son with his homework,” Clint replied in a casual tone, yet I sensed he was irritated by Zodiac’s interest in Elle.