Renegade - Kristin Coley Page 0,9
my thighs. “It’s about the fact that I got released early.” He nodded, not that I needed the confirmation. “I didn’t sell out the club,” I said, needing him to know, my chest not easing until he nodded.
“You don’t need to tell me.”
I lowered my head, stalking across the garage, impotent anger spurring me. “But is Johnny going to believe me? He’s gonna take my word for it?” Cord rubbed his hand over his jaw as I paced. “And the rest of the club….they’re just gonna fall in line?”
“It might help if they knew why you got released early,” Cord suggested hesitantly and my stride faltered. “You haven’t talked about it.”
“Good behavior,” I muttered, sounding unconvincing to myself, even though that had been the official reason listed on the paperwork they’d handed me.
“Might want to work on your presentation there, Champ. Colt lies better than that and he’s three,” Colt mentioned idly as the garage wall blurred in front of my eyes, remembering the moment when I’d been told I was getting out.
A constant beep dragged me out of unconsciousness and I blinked blearily, uncertain where I was or how I’d gotten there. “You’re awake.” Footsteps drew closer and I willed my eyes to remain open. “They tell me you’ll live, and thanks to you, so will the doctor you protected.”
Hard eyes met mine and I sucked in a startled breath when I recognized him. “Warden,” I managed hoarsely, my voice barely there and as he stared down at me I realized I was in a hospital bed.
“Chance or as I understand, you prefer Clutch?” I nodded, wincing when I shifted to try and sit up. “I’d hold off on moving around if I were you. Nasty little cut you have there.” My hand went instinctively to my side as bits of memory returned, namely the white hot burn as the shiv had entered, and I took a shaky breath. “Yeah,” the warden nodded to himself as he spoke, “Nasty little cut. Could have been worse though, would have been if it had gotten Diane.” My forehead wrinkled as I tried to work out who Diane was and what she had to do with anything. “Anyhow, the way I see it, I owe you.”
That grabbed my attention and I stilled, staring at him. I noticed for the first time that he wasn’t wearing his normal suit and it looked like he’d raked a hand through his hair a few times.
“I don’t,” I paused, clearing my throat so I could speak. “I don’t understand.”
He sucked air between his teeth. “I don’t like owing favors to anybody, so I’m going to go ahead and do you a favor.” I started to shake my head and he held up his hand. “No arguments. The paperwork has already been submitted.” My face must have shown my confusion because he gave me a tight smile. “Your release papers,” he clarified, seeming to enjoy my suddenly stunned expression. “Good behavior.” He dipped his head, murmuring, “Have a nice day, son,” as he left the room, leaving me staring after him in disbelief.
***
“I don’t know what to tell you, Cord,” I shrugged, spinning around as I came back to the present. “Truth is stranger than fiction.”
“I won’t deny that, but Johnny might want a better explanation.”
“I wish I had one to give him,” I admitted in a low voice, not entirely sure why I was so reluctant to tell him about the actions that had spurred my release, except I didn’t want to talk about her. Cord wasn’t wrong about my tendency to rescue damsels in distress, but saving her felt different and I couldn’t explain the difference to myself so I wasn’t about to try with Johnny and the club.
“I guess he’ll just have to take your word for it then,” Cord murmured, accepting my reticence without question. “You ready for your party?” He asked abruptly, dropping the discussion of my release. “Sloan’s been planning it ever since we found out you were coming home.”
“Yeah, I figured. It’s all good,” I muttered automatically, almost missing his next words.
“Just act surprised, a’ight?”
“Surp-” I was cut off when a dark headed tornado came running through the door.
“Uncle Cord!” He shouted, making a beeline straight for Cord until he spotted me. The little boy froze, his eyes growing huge as he took in the sight of me. I tensed, afraid my presence might scare him since I was essentially a stranger. A woman strolled in after him, shoving sunglasses