Page 41 of Remiss

“Did you leave Outlaw?” Cash demanded. “You’re saying Zoann didn’t leave, yet Val can’t find his wife and I can’t find her sister. If you come back, they’ll return too.”

“I’m not holding anyone hostage, moron,” Meggie snapped. “That’s about as much of an explanation as you get from me. Refer to my response to Thumper.”

“You want me dead?” Cash asked, appalled. “What the fuck did I do?”

“You mean whatdidn’tyou do?” she asked. “No, wait. Maybe, you’re right. Whatdidyou do? Figure it out.”

“I cannot discuss club business with you,” Cash said stiffly.

“I didn’t ask you to discuss anything with me. What you, Johnnie, and all your friends fail to realize is the peace you’re after would be yours if you didn’t force Christopher to comply. The club enjoyed so many years of safety because Christopher actively kept order by working behind the scenes. Risking his life to protect everyone and this is how you repay him? If it was left up to me, I’d order all of you burned at the stake. You want to force my husband into a situation that can get him, you, and my childrenkilled,” she snarled. “You’re a pathetic little man with the audacity to ask me aboutyourgirlfriend when you turned your back onmyhusband.”

“We didn’t mean to, Meggie.” Cash sounded truly remorseful, although Mort didn’t bother turning around. He was enjoying his cigarette and a depth of calmness he hadn’t felt in hours. “It’s complicated.”

“You opened your mouth and voted against him. You very much meant to, Cash. And it isn’t complicated. As amazing as Christopher is, he doesn’t have superpowers. You and Johnnie had roles to play as much as Christopher, Mort, Val, Stretch, and Digger. Together, you were unconquerable. How dare you? How.Dare. You!”

“Does Fee know?” Cash finally asked.

“That you’re a coward?”

“Baby, you know it’s not a crime to call a motherfucker a motherfucker,” Mort said. Something she still couldn’t do, even though this situation called for it.

She didn’t respond.

“Prez didn’t know how to tell you Rule jumped out the fucking window, Meggie,” Mort told her, the smoke from his cigarette aggravating his sudden fatigue and burning his eyes.

“Tell us what Prez need to do, Meggie,” Narci called from somewhere in the crowd. “We’ll beg him to do it.”

“Yeah, Meggie,” Potter said, leaning against the display case with all the liquor. “If…if you…come back. I can only imagine Prez’s state. If we look at him wrong, he’ll shoot us.”

“Meggie, we swear if you come back, we won’t let anything happen to your sons,” Torrin swore. “If anyone looks at them wrong, we’ll kill them if that’s what you want.”

“I have to go,” Meggie announced.

“No!”

That one word cry from most of the motherfuckers didn’t move her. She hung up anyway.

“It’s a burner,” Stretch announced morosely, the moment she disconnected.

“She covered all her bases,” Cash croaked.

“Cash, watch over Digger until I get back. I won’t be long.” Mortician got to his feet and patted Val’s shoulder. “Walk with me.”

“Where are you going, Mort?” Thumper asked, all his steam evaporated.

“Away from all you motherfuckers,” Mort responded. Once Val stood, he led the way outside. “I think I know where Chester at.” Tossing his cigarette, he nodded to the pathway.

They were silent on the walk to Mort’s house. Even if Zoann wasn’t there, he was certain Bailey knew her location. However, he was just as certain not only wouldn’t she show herself if hejust walked into the house, she wouldn’t tell him the truth if he found her.

His house was as dark now as it had been hours ago. He’d been so panicked he hadn’t considered any other possibility, so he definitely hadn’t thought to slip into the barely seen turnoff at the side of his house that hid a door leading to one of his emergency bunkers.

As he punched in the code, Mort’s heart banged against his chest. If Bailey wasn’t in there, then maybe she was with Meggie and Axel had just spoken out of turn, upset by Meggie’s anger.

The moment the door clicked open and Mort walked down the steps, he knew he’d found his wife, sons, and nephews. Bailey’s fragrance hung in the air; the faint sound of even breathing hit his ears; someone stirring.

Mort waved Val in and flipped on the light. Her pumps sat on the living room table, while several pairs of shoes in various sizes were strewn over the plush carpet.

“Bailey?” he called, moving toward the hallway where the bedrooms were located. He opened the door to the biggest bedroom, expecting to find Chester with his wife. “Bailey?”