with a bike. He let me ride behind him a few times.”
Taking a slow slip of beer, he set the bottle down, picking up his fork. “Good. I won’t have to train you on riding procedure.”
“Nope. I’m good.”
“There’s supposed to be a BBQ at Wrath’s house in a couple weeks. I want you to go with me, introduce you to some of my friends. It’s on a Sunday.”
Her eyes glinted with excitement. “I’d love to go with you.”
Finishing his steak, he groaned at the sound of his phone. He looked away from her, spotting it on the kitchen counter. “Excuse me, Kat.”
Grabbing it, he saw it was Wrath. They’d already spoken since he’d walked out of the hospital. A second call couldn’t be good news.
“What’s up, Prez.”
“We need to talk.”
“Sure. When?”
“Now. At the clubhouse.”
Gunner closed his eyes. He had no desire to ruin what was turning out to be the best day he’d had in a long time. “I’ve got a friend over.”
“Tell her you’ll be gone an hour. I’ve received information you need to know. If you aren’t good to drive, I’ll send one of the men to get you.”
“No need. I’m on my way.” Murmuring a curse, he slid the phone into a pocket. Pursing his lips, he turned to face Katrina. “I’m needed at the clubhouse.”
Standing, she picked up her dishes. “Then I’ll pack my clothes and leave.”
“No. Wrath said it will take an hour. Stay, Kat. Don’t worry about cleaning up. I’ll do that when I get back.” Walking to her, he took the dishes from her hand, setting them aside to wrap his arms around her. “Stay. This won’t ruin our night.” Lowering his mouth to hers, she wrapped her arms around his neck.
“If you’re sure,” she whispered against his lips.
Deepening the kiss, he made his decision quite clear.
Gunner entered the clubhouse, surprised at the quiet. The front was their public face, including a bar, pool tables, sofas, and a few chairs. He’d usually find one or two of the men taking a break, drinking water or juice. The back rooms were secure, where no one entered without proper clearance.
Today, one of the newer members milled about. Raising a hand in greeting, the man nodded as Gunner headed down the hall to Wrath’s office. Giving a couple quick raps, he entered at Wrath’s invitation.
He’d expected to see Ghost, Rock, or at least a few Brethren. Instead, the room was empty except for Wrath sitting behind his desk.
“Take a seat, Gunner. This won’t take much time. Most of the men are training at the lake or at the ranges out back.”
Lowering himself into a chair, he waited.
Shoving a stack of papers aside, Wrath rested his arms on the desk. “How much do you know about Katrina Snowden?”
“She moved here several months ago and lives with her mother and brother. Works at the nursery. Her life is pretty quiet.”
“You know about the man watching her house?”
Lips thinning, Gunner nodded. “I heard Chaos ran him down and Bettencourt took him into custody. Is it confirmed he’s part of the Chicago Mob?”
“His fingerprints were in the system. He’s a soldier for the Mob. Tony Carparelli. His boss is Peter Vena. Vena reports to Salvatore Ricca, an underboss. Any of these names ring a bell?”
Gunner shook his head. “Should they?”
“No. Nothing in your background or training would’ve brought you up against them. Did Chaos explain to you about his past with Katrina?”
“Katrina did. She said they were friends growing up. He left for the Navy after high school, and she hadn’t seen him until spotting him in the hospital waiting room.”
“Anything else?” Wrath asked.
Brows furrowing, he again shook his head. “That’s it.”
“What I have to say stays in this room. Chaos and Grayson know what I’m going to tell you, but no one else.”
“Rock, Ghost?”
“Neither. At some point, they’ll be included, but not yet. Snowden is Teri’s mother’s maiden name. They changed it from Treager when they fled Las Vegas six years ago, ending up in Omaha.”
Gunner straightened in his chair. “Why did they run?”
“Teri’s husband walked out. He took up with some woman, and never came back. He also wouldn’t allow them to leave their house except to attend school or go to the grocery. Even had guards placed at the house to keep them from leaving. After a few months, when Teri accepted he wasn’t going to return or explain why he left, they escaped. Eventually, Teri divorced her husband.”
“Shitty situation, but how does this affect the Brethren?”
“Teri’s