Total pages in book: 61
Estimated words: 57726 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 289(@200wpm)___ 231(@250wpm)___ 192(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57726 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 289(@200wpm)___ 231(@250wpm)___ 192(@300wpm)
“Why did these two lose their jobs on the same day? Are they connected in some way?” a woman called, interrupting the silent communication.
“I am not at liberty to discuss that. I can assure you the district has already started the process of locating a new visionary superintendent and a skilled elementary principal,” Mr. Finney stated before changing the subject. “We’ll move next to the second item on our agenda, the selection of a new library media system. I will recess for five minutes to allow anyone in the audience to leave quietly after hearing the announcements.”
Immediately, people streamed out of the gathering area, eager to gossip outside the meeting. A few tried to approach the board, but a security guard prevented them from passing the decorative barrier dividing the board from the on-lookers. When Becky and Abby stood, Winnie joined them. She and Scythe retraced their way out to the parking lot. Pockets of people stood around outside discussing the announcements.
“You need to go home, Chipmunk. You’re dead on your feet. It’s time for you to rest,” Scythe told her.
Scythe took her keys from her hand and unlocked her car. “Are you okay to drive?”
“I’ll make it. Can I follow you, so I don’t have to stop at the gate?”
“Of course. The guards have treated you well, haven’t they?” he asked in a pointed tone.
“Yes. They’re wonderful. I’m just peopled out,” she explained.
“Gotcha. Climb in and buckle your seat belt. Wait for me.”
“Always, Daddy,” she whispered.
Chapter 24
Poor Little girl. She’d exhausted the last of her energy, driving home. He’d helped her shower and brush her teeth before tucking her under the covers. Winnie held out until she had Chippy and her blanket in her arms and he’d read two pages of a bedtime story. Her sniffly snores charmed Scythe.
How did I get so lucky?
Some of her clothing already hung in the closet. They’d go this weekend and pack the rest of her things. She needed to have one place to settle into, and that would be with him.
Tearing himself away, Scythe made the rounds of his home to ensure he’d locked the house for the night. As he reached the front door, his phone buzzed with an incoming message.
In your driveway.
Scythe had heard the motorcycle engine while he was in the kitchen but had dismissed it. Rumbles around here came with the territory. He opened the door and discovered Lucien standing by his bike. Immediately, he joined the MC president. Other members also appeared from their cabins.
“What’s up?” Scythe asked when everyone had assembled.
“The Ravagers are threatening vengeance on our club,” Lucien shared.
“What’s different today than their approach before?” Wraith asked.
“The arrest of three of their members for smuggling seems to be the motivation,” Lucien said with a smirk.
“You mean they actually went to the airport, even with the sirens and flashing lights?” Scythe asked, shaking his head in disbelief.
“They had the idea of arriving early as well, it turns out. You must have scattered minutes before they showed up. At least the first three,” Lucien guessed.
“Did they get away with any of the ammo?” Razor asked.
“I don’t know. It’s possible, but the timing would have been incredibly tight for more Ravagers to have arrived, loaded their bikes, and taken off as the cops approached. How long after you left did you hear the sirens?” Lucien asked.
“My group was the last out. Maybe ten minutes?” Scythe guessed.
The entire group shook their heads. Their success could have come with the price of a shootout with the Ravagers. The Devil Daddies didn’t shy away from anything. They would have beaten the other MC’s ass. The close call made the seizure of the ammo glorious.
“All hail the Devil Daddies,” Lucien said with a rare smile of satisfaction.
“Devil Daddies!” the MC replied.
Scythe celebrated with his brothers. They’d just struck a significant blow to the Ravagers. Amidst the backslapping and congratulations exchanged, Scythe caught sight of a sleep-rumpled blonde wrapped in a blanket, standing in the cabin doorway across the street. He nudged Wraith. “Caroline’s searching for you.”
Scythe turned to check his entrance and spotted gray material poking through his barely open door. Without saying anything to the group, he walked to the cutie who waited for him. Winnie retreated to allow him to enter.
“Daddy? What’s the celebration for?”
“Just some good news, Chipmunk. I think you’re supposed to be in bed,” he said, looking at her sternly.
“Chippy woke me up and told me I was missing a party.” Winnie rushed to explain.
“I’m sorry we were loud, Little girl. Let’s get you tucked under the covers.”
“You never told me why you joined the Devil Daddies,” she said.
“It’s late and that’s a long story.”
“I really want to know, Daddy.”
He sighed and nodded. Scythe hugged her close and explained, “I’ve told you that I came to town when my mom lost the family farm. The Ravagers decided to target a young country guy in an old pickup. They beat me badly and only stopped when Lucien and the MC intervened.”