“I didn’t see anyone, and the fire is spreading into the trees,” he said. “Too hot to get in. Maybe she left with Connie.”
“What about T-Rex?” Zane scrubbed his hands over his face. “He would never go anywhere without his bike.”
Two fire engines pulled up across the street and Zane ran over to the driver. “You got a spare suit? I worked for the fire department in Sioux Falls. There may be people inside. I’ll go take a look.”
“No extra suits, and even if we did, we couldn’t let you go in.” The fireman gave him a sympathetic look. “Legal issues, first of all, and it’s too far gone. You wouldn’t make it.”
“Gimme a fucking suit.” Zane grabbed the firefighter by the throat and pushed him against the engine. “I’m not giving up. I’m gonna go in.”
Strong hands clamped around his shoulders and Gunner and Cade pulled him away from the firefighter.
“C’mon man,” Sparky said. “Let him do his job. If he says they wouldn’t have made it …
“Fuck.” Zane fought their hold. “It’s my choice. I’m willing to take the risk.”
“But I’m not.” Jagger came up behind him. “I almost lost you once. I’m not losing you again. She was my friend, too, Zane, and T-Rex is our brother, but even I can see there’s no chance.”
As if on cue, the rest of the roof fell in, the building imploding in a burst of flame. The police arrived and cordoned off the area, forcing the Sinners back and across the street.
“I’m sorry, man.” The firefighter Zane had assaulted ushered him back from the raging inferno. “There’s nothing we can do.”
Noooooooooooooo.
Pain suffused Zane’s body, filling his lungs until he thought he would drown in anguish. Blind with panic, he stumbled across the street, feeling for his bike, his only port in the storm of regret and longing that swept through his soul. He slid onto the seat, clutched the handlebars, doubled over, and let himself go. If he could do it all again, he would tell her what really happened that night he left. He would tell her his feelings had never changed, not even when he’d seen her with Mark. He’d tell her that he’d never had a serious relationship because every woman reminded him of her—every face, every laugh, every smile. And if she was with someone else, he would win her back. Or die trying.
Maybe it wasn’t too late. Maybe he was giving up too soon. He’d made that mistake back in Stanton. He wouldn’t make it again.
He shot up in his seat, saw Jagger standing beside him. “I’m here, brother. Whatever you need.”
Zane drew in a ragged breath, forced himself to get it together. “Gonna drive around town in case we missed something. Maybe they found another way out, or they’re sitting at the restaurant down the road havin’ a coffee.”
“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…”