Sinner's Steel (Sinner's Tribe Motorcycle Club #3)(45)

“They think they found a body—”

Zane cut Jagger off with an abrupt shake of his head. “It wasn’t her. Or T-Rex.”

“Neither of them are answering their phones, brother. When has T-Rex ever failed to answer a call from the club?”

Zane’s hands tightened around the handlebars. “What does Viper gain by killing them? He wants Evie. And they’re not gonna kill T-Rex for no reason because they know we’ll retaliate and take one of their own. There’s gotta be another answer.”

“Never thought of you as an optimistic man.” Jagger flicked the kickstand on his bike. “But I’ll follow you to hell and back. Just like you did for me.”

“I’m a desperate man,” he said.

“Well then let’s ride, desperado, and find your girl.”

*

Evie slumped against the passenger door of Connie’s vehicle, physically and emotionally drained. How did Zane do this for a living? One week of bikers and her life had been turned upside down. In the last hour, she’d been threatened with sexual assault and physical violence, witnessed the murder of the man who had been like a father to her, owned and lost a business, and poor T-Rex … She groaned and scrubbed her hand over her face.

“They’ll kill him, Connie. And all because of me.”

Connie reached over and squeezed her hand. “You can’t think like that. Jagger will find a way to get him back. You heard what T-Rex said. The Sinners have Viper’s old lady. It’s all about posturing. They’ll do the trade—”

“He doesn’t want her.”

“I’m sure he was just saying that to make himself seem tough.” Connie took a sharp right and Evie fell against the window, hitting her shoulder so hard she winced. Viper hadn’t even flinched when she stabbed him. He wasn’t human. Or maybe he’d been stabbed so many times he didn’t feel it anymore.

“Of course he wants her,” Connie continued. “Look what he’s gone through because he wants you, and you’re not even in his club. She’s his old lady.”

“He won’t want me now that I stabbed him,” she said, following Connie’s line of thought. “That was probably a deal killer.” And a T-Rex killer. “Oh, God.” Her stomach twisted in a knot so fierce she doubled over. “I’m not worth it, Connie. I’m not worth his life.”

“Don’t talk like that.” Connie’s voice rose in pitch. “You are worth it. And Ty needs his mother. Viper was right about one thing. You have to respect the sacrifice T-Rex made. You need to take Ty and get out of town before the day is up. Look after your son and let the Sinners look after their brother.”

“I need to call Jagger and tell him what happened.” She fished around for her purse and froze. “My purse … It was in the shop. And my phone was in it.”

“Then it’s gone.” Connie dug her phone from her pocket. “I have Tank’s number in there. You can give him a call and he can give a message to Jagger … and Zane.” Her voice softened. “I think he’ll want to know you’re okay.” She pulled up at a red light and handed Evie her phone. “His name is under “T” for Tank, although his real name is James. He likes Tank, though. Says it fits him better.”

“Why do you have Tank’s number?”

“He’s hot. He’s cute. He’s a biker. And he spent last night in my bed.” She bit back a grin.

“You and Tank? Why didn’t you tell me?”

Connie shrugged. “You were a little preoccupied running away from the man you’ve been lusting after for the last nine years, while being chased by the biggest baddest biker in town.”

“Not anymore.” Evie called Tank and he promised to get a message to Jagger and Zane to call as soon as they could.

“I think you’re right. I need to get out of town,” Evie said. “Ty’s at home. His best friend’s older sister, Moira, is babysitting today. We’ll have to pack, pick up some supplies, rent a car…”

“I don’t think you should be making any public appearances.” Connie hit the gas and accelerated through the intersection. “If you haven’t already noticed, Vipe’s not one of the good guys. He’ll probably show up and say that in his world, one day means one hour.” Her chin wavered and Evie mentally chastised herself for forgetting how Connie often hid behind false bravado. No doubt she was shaken, too.

“You don’t need to be involved. This is about me and Viper and the Sinners. Turn the car around and I’ll call a cab to take me home.”

“If I didn’t have to have two hands on the wheel, I’d give you a slap.” Connie lifted one hand and gave Evie a soft thud above the ear. “Oh look. I can drive with one hand and slap you around with the other. I’m your friend. That means when the chips are down, I don’t run away. Plus, my life was gettin’ kinda dull and I was hoping something like this might happen: murder, arson, assault, my best friend being fought over by two outlaw bikers, me meeting the biker of my dreams, Bill getting…” She choked on her words, wiped a tear from her cheek.

“Connie…”

“Shush.” She drew in a ragged breath, forced a smile. “I’m thinking about what to wear when Tank takes me for a ride through the mountains. Do you think they make red leather biker trousers?”