Hacking the Biker's Code (Dogs of Fire Savannah Chapter #6) - Piper Davenport
Parker
Two years ago…
I WAS STANDING at the front counter of my store when my cell phone buzzed, and I saw it was Willow calling, so I picked it up with a smile. “Well, hi there, bestie numero uno.”
Jasmine was bestie numero dos, but only because I’d met her second.
“Hi, honey. You need to get Stevie to watch the shop.”
I owned a local flower shop, Parker’s Petals, that I’d opened three years ago to booming success. It was a good thing it worked, because I’d sunk almost my entire trust left to me by my grandmother, along with blood, sweat, and a shit ton of rose thorn induced tears, into it.
I was painfully shy, and it had been a personal challenge to work closely with the public to build a business with exemplary customer service and kindness, along with kickass flower designs. So far, I was happy with the results, partly because I’d proved my naysayers wrong, but mostly because it was forcing me out of my shell.
“Sounds intriguing,” I said, trimming the stem of a rose. “Why?”
“Rabbit’s been hurt.”
My heart stopped and I dropped my shears. “What do you mean, ‘hurt’?”
“There was an explosion—”
“What the fuck?” I squeaked as I yanked off my apron and headed to the break room. “Where?”
“Parker?” Stevie said, mid-chew, interrupting my conversation while her face scrunched up in worry.
“I need you to watch the front,” I said, grabbing my purse from one of the lockers, before focusing back on Willow. “Where is he, Willow?”
“He’s at Memorial,” Willow said.
I hung up and grabbed my purse, making a run for my car.
I defied every speed law as I rushed to the hospital, and probably parked totally illegally, but I didn’t care. I ran into emergency, saw several of the Dogs milling in the lobby and made my way to them. “Where is he?” I demanded.
Alamo, the club’s Sergeant at Arms and Jasmine’s husband, walked over to me. “He’s being evaluated right now. Doc’s in with him.”
“I want to see him.”
“They’re not letting anyone see him, sweetheart.”
I scowled up at one of my closest friends. “I swear to God, Alamo, if you don’t take me to him, I will never speak to you again.”
He studied me and I scowled deeper.
“Would the threat be worse if I told you I’d follow you around jabbering about nothing?” I demanded.
Alamo’s lip twitched and he turned to Badger standing close by. “Cover us.”
Badger nodded. “You got it.”
Alamo slid an arm over my shoulders and guided me through one set of double doors, then another, while Badger distracted and flirted with the nursing staff. His wife, Quin, wasn’t here, so he had a little more freedom, although, she probably would have sanctioned the plan.
We walked down a hallway surprisingly empty, other than Doc’s woman, Olivia, sitting in a chair against the wall. As soon as she saw me, she jumped up and closed the distance, pulling me in for a hug. “Hey.”
“How bad is he?” I asked, forcing back tears.
“Not sure. Doc’s in with him now.”
Doc was the club president, but as his club name would suggest, he was also a doctor, and a damn fine one so if he was in with Rabbit, he was in good hands.
Alamo checked his phone and gave me a squeeze. “We’re gonna head back to the barn. Doom’s got Lyric settled there with Willow. We need to meet.”
Olivia nodded. “We’ll see you soon.”
Just as Alamo walked away, Doc stepped out of Rabbit’s room.
“How bad?” I whispered.
“He’s got second and third degree burns up and down his side and is going to require a series of grafts over the next six months or so. He also got his bell rung, so he’s got a concussion,” Doc said.
“Is he going to die?” I asked, then covered my mouth with my hands to keep from screaming.
“He’s a tough motherfucker, sweetheart, remember that.”
I nodded, tears streaming down my face, and swallowing convulsively. “Can I see him?”
“He’s heavily sedated, but you can sit with him for a bit.”
I pushed into the room and forced myself not to crumble. Rabbit’s right side was bandaged, but he otherwise looked perfect. I dragged a chair close to his bed and took his good hand in mine, careful not to jostle the monitor on his finger.
“You’ve got about twenty minutes,” Doc said. “Then we’ll head back to the club. You’re locked down with everyone else.”
I nodded and he left me alone.
“Hey, Rabbit,” I whispered. “So, a funny thing happened on the way to the hospital. I