He exhales. “I shouldn’t be telling you this, but we had a tip from a high-profile officer, who sent in word that Mr. Walker was in danger. We had extra guards posted keeping watch just in case. We don’t always see eye to eye with your club, but I won’t stand by and watch inmates being attacked or dying in my house for the sake of it. No matter where they come from.”
“Well, I sure as hell appreciate you looking out for one of our own, Sergeant. Can we come see him?”
He mumbles something under his breath. “Don’t mistake my protective actions for breaking the rules. I’m aware you and your men came in here before the reception time was over for Mr. Walker. I don’t know how you got into my house without me knowing, and I assume it’s from a favor. I won’t stand for it. So, no, you can’t see him, but I will keep you updated on Mr. Walker’s condition. You can call me anytime you like, I won’t deprive you of that.”
I guess we were lucky to see Zero when we did.
But, because of that, he was stabbed, and I thought he was going to die.
Luckily, someone warned the guards. I’m not sure who it was, but I sure as shit need to thank them.
“Okay, I understand, Sergeant. Please, keep me updated. And can you tell Zero we’re cheering him on.”
“I can do that.”
“Thanks.”
“Done! And Wraith?”
“Yeah?”
“Tell your informer to choose a side. They’re either a cop or working for the criminals. He can’t be both. While his actions saved a life, it put his loyalties in question.”
My eyes automatically shift to Kevlar. “Right,” I reply, not really knowing what else to say.
“Talk to you tomorrow.”
“Thanks, Sergeant.”
“Yeah,” he grunts, then ends the call abruptly.
Kevlar and Neon’s eyes are transfixed on me as I place my cell on the table.
“Well?” Neon begs.
“He was shanked by the sounds of it, in his abdomen, but he’s in recovery in the medical ward. The Sergeant has him under guard. I’m guessing Damir is the one who shanked him. That asshole’s in isolation.”
Neon and Kevlar both relax their posture.
I shift my eyes to Kevlar. “The Sergeant said something fucking weird, though.” They both raise their brows. “He said they were tipped off. They knew Zero was going to be targeted, and that a high-profile cop alerted them to put extra guards on his cell.”
Kevlar rubs the back of his neck with obvious guilt, so I focus in on him. “Know anything about that, Kevlar?”
Confusion lines appear on his forehead like he’s trying to figure something out in his mind. “I went to see the kids after we went into the jail. I needed to be near them. After being there, it puts shit into perspective.”
“Yeah, it does.”
“I let slip to Ethan what happened during the visit. He could tell I had shit on my mind. We talked it out. He knew I was concerned at the thought Zero could get hurt. But I never once told him to do anything about it. I didn’t even know if he could.”
“While he’s done the right thing for us, which is shocking as hell, I might add, he might have shoved himself in hot water.”
Kevlar frowns. “What do you mean?”
“Sergeant said it has people questioning Ethan’s loyalties. He put in the call to protect a criminal. Cops don’t look too kindly on other cops doing that shit. With his connection to you being in the club, his loyalties might be appearing to be on the wrong side.”
Kevlar scoffs. “Ethan’s the most straight-down the line cop I know.”
“We’re aware of that, but maybe his pig buddies don’t. Either way, let Ethan know I appreciate what he did. The entire club does. I know he did it for you, but the club won’t forget it either.”
Kevlar frowns. “I’m in shock, honestly. Ethan hates the club with a fiery passion, so I have no idea why he did this.”
“Well, let’s not look a gift horse in the mouth. Thank him. He’s saved Zero’s life.”
Kevlar nods as he stands, then walks off.
Neon slides over to the seat Kevlar just vacated and exhales. “You think Ethan is playing some kind of game?”
I shrug. “Not sure. He might be angling something with Kevlar, but I guess we will have to wait and see. In the meantime, I have some people I need to tell about Zero.”
Neon’s grin widens. “I don’t think I’ve ever been happier to hear someone’s been stabbed before in my entire life.”
I chuckle. “Yeah, me, too. Zero must’ve put up a fight. Because if I know Damir like I think I do, he wouldn’t have been aiming for Zero’s abdomen.”
“My thoughts exactly. Zero’s a strong bastard. Damir probably wasn’t counting on that. Then the guards must have come in at just the right time.”
“That was not the phone call I was expecting, but I will take the outcome.”
“Fuckin’ yeah. You wanna call a club meeting to inform everyone?”
“Can you tell Texas and Chains? Get them to gather the brothers together in the chapel and let them in on what’s happening. I’ll be there as soon as I can. I have to tell Prinie and Cherry. If they hear it second hand…”
“I get it. Go. Let me handle the brothers.”
I grab my Tylenol quickly drinking them down with my coffee that I so desperately need. A couple of sips will have to do. “Thanks, brother.”
I stand, giving Mack a scruff on his head, then walk over to Cherry who’s sitting with Chills and baby Kobe. “Cherry, can I grab a moment?”
She lowers her coffee cup, eyeing me suspiciously. “That phone call looked intense.”
“Can we go find
