Page 147 of Remorseless

Chapter Twenty-Six

Now that the dust was settling and it was sinking in the kid would survive, Mortician waited for word that CJ had opened his eyes.

Meggie girl refused to leave CJ’s side and Prez was about to lose his fucking mind. Mort stepped in to take charge as best he could, considering how fucked in the head he was.

Once Outlaw left and ordered Mort to stay by his phone, he excused himself several times, unable to bear the devastation of the other Caldwell kids. But he didn’t stay away long.

With all the children, Mortician doubted Bunny alone could handle them under the circumstances. She was suffering, too. She’d protected CJ when Digger kidnapped them, and she’d helped care forhim from a young age. Ophelia opted to bring the younger kids and all her children home on Cash’s orders. Doc Will—Jordan—was assuring CJ got the best possible care. Although her specialty was obstetrics and gynecology, she always helped coordinate medical teams for the club, especially when it had to do with Meggie and her family. Zoann worked with Jordan. Roxanne tapped Kendall, Gypsy, and Danicka to see to everyone and make sure food and coffee stayed on hand.

It was only Mort’s wife and daughter who showed their asses, both crushing him and deeply disappointing him. Worry lines creasedCharlotte Redding’sbrow. Knox’s parents showed their concern.Bunny’sparents got the next flight out of Phoenix, who Mort called right after he arrived with Diesel and CJ at the ER.

Another break from the misery led Mort to check on Jo in NICU, where Georgie Mason planted herself as soon as she arrived with Sloane and Grant.

Now, needing to move again, Mortician buzzed the ICU nurse’s station to check on Meggie and CJ.

The kid was hooked up to oxygen and IVs. But Meggie truly broke Mort’s heart. She was resting her head near CJ’s feet, sobbing softly.

“Open your eyes, CJ. Please, please, please.”

Mortician swallowed.

“Who’s going to call Axel big head? He loves you so much. He looks up to you. All your brothers love you. Rebel adores you. Jo does too.” Her voice broke. “Your daddy…Christopher’s eyes aren’t big enough to see you.”

CJ didn’t respond.

“Please, son. Please, please, come back to me. Please.”

Nothing.

“Ilove you. You have brought me so much joy. From the moment I held you in my arms. You have always been perfect. The best son. The bestbrother. Our light and our pride. Our blessing. Me and your daddy’s.”

A mother’s pain should’ve been private, but Mort couldn’t move, wishing for Bailey’s comfort.

“You’re my precious boy,” Meggie said tearfully. “My potato. Being your mom has been one of the greatest joys of my life. Please, don’t leave us. Come back. Please.”

Mort heaved in a sobby breath. Meggie lifted her head, tears filling her eyes.

In that moment, he didn’t only think of his own kids but remembered CJ when Meggie and Prez arrived at the clubhouse with their newborn son. As tired as she was from delivering a baby the day before, she’d known the brothers wanted to see Outlaw’s son. Only a select few were allowed to hold him—Johnnie, Val, and Mort. CJ had been a beautiful baby and an adorable kid.

“Thank you, Mortician,” Meggie said, swiping at her cheeks. “I can never repay you for saving his life.”

He smiled gently, not knowing what to say. It surprised him how muchheneeded comfort. He looked at his boots, then glanced at her again.

Meggie stood and stumbled to him, hugging him tightly. “I know I’m not Bailey,” she said, perceptive as always. “But I’m your friend. I know this has hit you hard. I can see it on your face.”

He just wanted CJ to open his eyes. His guard down, Mort hugged her back. Although he wondered why CJ hadn’t awakened yet, he didn’t want to ask her and further upset her.

He glanced at the bed again, envisioning Harley…

Lou…

Kaleb…

Remembering the moment he found out his father killed Tyler, Mort’s oldest son. The one Sharper and Charlemagne stole from him.

Mortician shuddered. Meggie hugged him tighter.

“I’m sorry. I’m so fucking sorry.”