Page 44 of Lost Lyrebird

I don’t need saving.I can take care of myself.Yes, I may have trusted him once, but I’ll be damned if I let myself be that vulnerable a second time.I wait until later in the day to text him back.When I finally bring up Finn’s number, I type:

Thanks for the offer, but I think it’s best to find somewhere else.

It takes him a minute to reply:

You sure?

Yes.

Ten minutes go by before he replies again:

Okay.Let me know if you change your mind.

CHAPTER 12

Pick your moments with care.

MAY 2007

I’m almost finished adding all the recent expenses in the club’s ledger, when another text pops up on my phone from Bodie.Before reading the thread, I massage my temples and pop some aspirin, attempting to fight off today’s migraine that’s been gnawing at the front of my skull.

Yo, the boys and I are headed over.We’re bringing the party to your place tonight.

We’re here.Where you at?

Are you dead or ignoring me?

The only voicemail is from Dozer.“Hey, brother.A couple of the boys wanted to head your way.See you in a few.”

I shove the phone in my pocket, lock my office, and head to the main floor.It doesn’t take long to find Raven and check in.It’s a pretty slow weekday night, so I don’t expect anything out of the ordinary.After giving me a rundown, she says, “You know, I am quite capable of handling everything in your absence.”Before I can respond, she adds, “You look like shit.Rough day on the books?”

“Migraine.”

Her lips press into a line.“I’d say head home and get some sleep, but I know you won’t.”

She’s right.If I left, I’d just spend my time worrying about shit going wrong.

“Why don’t you take the rest of the night off?I can handle things ’til close,” she offers, her tone soft, almost sympathetic.

My first instinct is to tell her no—that I’m fine and can handle it—but putting up a front for the rest of the night and staying on my feet?I don’t have the energy.My body feels like it’s been hit by a truck.

Raven pats my chest lightly.“Don’t worry.If something big comes up, I’ll come get you.”

I nod, grateful for once to let someone else take the reins.

I find my brothers at their usual table

“Where the fuck you been, man?”Bodie hollers the moment he sees me.

“Here.Workin’.Where else?”I slap hands with Dozer.Griz stands to clap me on the back, and Mav and Stone give me chin nods from across the table.Taz tips his beer in my direction before his eyes flick back to the stage.Stone follows suit with a nod.

Bodie’s stare lingers on me.The smile he had a second ago fades as he takes me in.He shares a look with Dozer.

“What?”I ask gruffly.

He simply shakes his head and takes a long pull of his beer.

I hike my thumb over my shoulder.“Gonna go out for a smoke.Ya’ll good?Need anything?”I flag down Gina, one of the waitresses.I ask her to take good care of them before I head out for fresh air and a break from the music and lights.