Page 18 of Rebel (The Royal Harlots MC #7)

He blamed himself, of course, because if he had just driven her to Heather's OB appointment, his family might still be intact. But he was an idiot and insisted that he couldn’t miss work.

He was stressed out about having to get everything that the baby would need before birth.

Plus, he was saving every penny, wanting to make sure that his family would have financial security for anything that might come up in the future.

But it had all been for nothing, because now, he had no family, and yeah, that was all his fault.

“She’s being held by Child Protective Services until I can figure out what to do next. My grandmother offered to take her in, but she’s eighty-five now. Josie would end up taking care of her, and that’s no life for a kid,” Drifter insisted.

“She’s three hours away from here, and I’m feeling pretty hopeless,” Drifter admitted. “You have any advice for me?”

“It’s not funny,” Drifter shouted. “I need advice right now,” he said, “not someone who is going to laugh at me.”

“You’re right, I’m an ass,” Monster insisted.

“Correct,” Drifter agreed, “you are an ass, but that still doesn’t help me with what to do about Josie.”

“What does CPS say? Did they offer any help?” Monster said. He honestly had no idea what to tell his friend.

“They say that I should take her in because a girl her age should be in a safe home with a relative rather than a group home where anything could happen.” Drifter ran his hands through his short, dark hair, making it stand on end.

“I guess I know what to do, I’m just terrified to say it out loud.

” Monster nodded and gave his friend his best sympathetic smile.

“You know that the club will back you, Drifter. Whatever you need, just ask.” “Thanks, man,” Drifter said. “I know that I can always count on the Toxic Monsters, but it’s good to hear you say that, man. I guess I’ll call the woman back and tell her that I’ll take Josie in.”

“I think that you’re doing the right thing,” Monster said. “As someone who grew up in the system, I know how tough it can be. Josie is a strong girl, but even she might have trouble in the group homes that they stick kids in now.”

Drifter nodded and pulled his cell from his leather jacket.

He held the phone up to his ear, as if trying to drown out some of the noise.

“Hello, I’m trying to reach Miss Blitz. This is Daniel Simmons—Drifter.

We talked earlier about my sister, Josie.

” Drifter listened to whoever was on the other line and smiled.

“Okay, I’ll just call you Blitz then. I’ve thought about everything, and I’d like to move Josie here to live with me.

” He was quiet for a few more minutes, and the scowl on his face didn’t bode well for the happy ending that he was hoping for.

“I can’t just move there,” he insisted, “I own a business here and can’t move.

She will have to come here to live, or I’ll have to come up with plan B.

Hold on a sec.” Drifter nodded back to Monster's office, and he nodded, following his friend.

They went into the quiet room, and Drifter put the call on speaker.

“Sorry, it was noisy out where I was. This is much better. What were you saying, Blitz?” Drifter asked.

“I was asking how you’d feel about me sticking around town for a few weeks to make sure that Josie is safe and happy.” Monster could see Drifter’s anger ramp up—his face turning bright red. He put his hand on his friend’s arm, trying to stop him from doing or saying something that he’d regret.

“Suit yourself,” Drifter growled. “I can’t stop you from sticking around town.

But I can assure you that my little sister will be safe and well cared for.

As for her being happy, I have no clue if she will be.

How happy would you be if you grew up without a father and a mother who just took off on you for no good reason? ” he asked.

Blitz sighed into the other end of the line.

“I understand, I didn’t mean it the way that it sounded.

I was once in Jodie’s shoes, and for some reason, your sister reminds me of myself when I was her age.

I’m just trying to help her, Drifter,” she insisted.

“I’ll drive her to you myself. We’ll leave in the morning, and we should be with you by lunchtime.

Text me the address where you’d like to meet. ”

“Shit, I have a funeral tomorrow. Can you meet me at my funeral home?” he asked.

Monster motioned to him to put the call on hold.

“Hold on for just a minute, Blitz.” He cupped his hand over the phone and shot Monster a look.

“Don’t be upset, but are you sure that it’s a good idea to meet your little sister at your funeral home?

Shouldn’t you work her up to the fact that you work with dead people? ”

“I guess you’re right,” Drifter admitted.

“Good, then have them come here and I’ll entertain them, give them lunch, and make sure that they stay here until you are done with your funeral,” Monster offered.

“You think a bar is going to work out any better?” Drifter asked.

“Than being surrounded by dead people and mourners—yes,” Monster said.

“Fine,” he mumbled, removing his hand from the cell. “Blitz, change of plans. I’ll text you the address and you’ll meet with my friend, Monster,” he said.

“You all do have some pretty strange names down there,” she teased. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” Blitz said, ending the call.

“What now?” Monster asked.

“Now, I try to find stuff to outfit a bedroom for a teenage girl,” Drifter said. “Any ideas?”

Monster held up his hands, “Don’t look at me,” he insisted.

“I don’t have kids.” He immediately put his hands into his pockets and looked at the floor.

Every time he denied his daughter’s existence felt like a betrayal, but telling people about her and Heather usually led to a very long story and a pity that he didn’t want.

“Damnit,” Drifter breathed, “I forgot that it’s October. I’m sorry, man. Here I am laying my problems on you, and you have enough on your mind right now.”

“Actually, it’s a good distraction, helping you and Josie. How about if I close up early and go with you to pick out some things for her? I have to warn you, though; I’m not much of a decorator.”

“Me either, but between the two of us, we can probably figure it out,” Drifter insisted. Monster wasn’t sure if that was the case or not, but he was willing to do anything for the friend who had helped him out of his darkest times. How hard could outfitting a teen girl’s room be after all?