Camden's Redemption (Gloves Off #4)(2)
“Because,” he thundered. “The people in your life are people I care about. And I know you don’t want your niece and nephew used as pawns. We’re getting close to figuring this out. Just give me a little bit more time.”
I huffed. “All right, but I’m not running forever.” We hung up the phone and I started the car. I had one night left and it wasn’t going to be spent cowering in the shadows. If Scar’s people found me, I’d be ready. I wasn’t going to go down without a fight.
“WHY HELLO, MASON,” I answered my phone. As soon as I’d watched Camden get in his car, I knew it would ring.
“Are you all set for the move?”
I glanced at the floor at my packed bags. “Yep, ready to go. I guess my babysitting duties are still in effect.” The beach would’ve been a nice vacation if I didn’t have to hold hands with a certain fighter. Actually, I hadn’t even been close enough to hold his hand, thank God. It was my job to watch over him and make sure he stayed out of trouble.
“I thought you wanted this assignment? You’re not only qualified, but I seem to recall you needing this time away.”
I snorted. “You know I’m qualified, you trained me. But why Charlotte? You’re taking me right back to my problems.”
“I know you don’t want to go back, but it’s a must. With everything going on, I want to make sure you have protection as well. I know you’ll have that with your brother by your side. I’m half tempted to take you off this mission.”
“I’m as capable as anyone to keep idiot fighter boy safe,” I growled. My brother was probably the one pushing for Mason to take me off the case. If so, I was going to have a chat with him as soon as I got home. He was none too happy when Mason agreed to let me on.
Sighing, I opened the front door of my hideout across the street from Camden’s and marched to my car. “This is all I have keeping me sane right now, Mason. You know I need this.”
“I know you do and that’s exactly what I told Jason. Blake wanted you off this mission too. But running away isn’t going to bring your sister back. You need to go home and move on.”
Fuck moving on, and f*ck Blake. I wasn’t going to listen to a damn thing my ex said. “She was my sister, Mason. My best friend. I’ll never forget watching her slip away. It’s something that’ll haunt me for the rest of my life.” Tears blurred my vision, and I angrily swiped them away. I had to catch up to Camden so I started my car and headed down the road. “I have to go. He’s on the move.”
“All right, B. Just be careful.”
“I always am.” I knew where Camden was going to be and I couldn’t wait to get there. I needed a drink . . . or twelve. It was just a shame I couldn’t get wasted on the job; it would be nice to escape.
Dressed in a pair of really short shorts and a tank top, I was actually overdressed compared to the clientele of the seedy bar Camden liked to inhabit every Friday night. Not to mention, I had a shit ton of makeup on my face, making me look like a two dollar hooker. It was the only way I could get backstage to the action. Camden might tell people his life here on the beach was boring, but it wasn’t true. Knowing tonight was his last one here, I could only assume he wanted to leave with a bang.
The bar was only two miles away from the rental house and when I pulled up, the parking lot was packed. Camden’s red Jeep Wrangler was right up front like always, as if he was royalty. Locking my car, I pulled out my license and had it ready to show the bouncer at the door. The guy recognized me and smiled, winking at me as I walked past.
“You gonna let me buy you a drink tonight, baby?” he called in a husky, southern drawl.
I turned around and giggled even though I wanted to gag. “I’ll think about it, sugar.” Hurrying past, I found Camden by the bar and decided to stick to the shadows, taking a seat at a corner table. It was sticky and I dreaded putting my hand down.
The back room was where all the action took place. Camden always drank a shot of whiskey before venturing back there. VIP’s were allowed entrance and the only reason I’d garnered admission was because I had caught the eye of Hank, the bouncer. I wasn’t looking forward to our shared drink later on this evening, but I owed him.
After about an hour of sitting in the shadows, trying not to draw the attention of unwanted guests, the bar owner went up to Camden and whispered in his ear. Camden nodded and followed him until they disappeared around the corner.
“You gonna be my date tonight?” Hank sidled up, sitting down beside me.
If he brushed his grimy teeth, combed his greasy hair, and lost the beer gut, he might not look so bad. Well, that, and he desperately needed to take a shower and do some laundry. The odor coming from his pit stained T-shirt was putrid.
“By being your date, do you mean watching the fight tonight?” I countered. I usually watched the fights from the back of the room, but with Hank by my side I might actually be able to watch up close. He put his arm around my shoulders and I cringed. I had to hold my breath to keep from gagging. My shoulder was going to smell now, I just knew it.
“If that’s what you want. It’s gonna be a good one tonight.”
“Oh yeah, how’s that?” I asked, feigning interest.
He nodded toward the back hallway and got to his feet. “The fight’s between ol’ Ivan and Big John. I have a lot ridin’ on John boy. You ready?”