Roman's Vow (Riley's Pride #4) - Sandra R Neeley Page 0,55
was a shifter of some sort, and a big one at that. “I’ll watch over you until you can be with him. It’s all gonna work out. You’ll see.”
“Thank you, Sheryl,” Talie said. “Want another peanut butter cup?” she asked, as she placed all her new things back into the box they came in and moved it beneath her bunk after taking out the letters and the stationery.
“Well, since you’re offering,” Sheryl said, grinning when Talie tossed her another.
~~~
“So when you want to head up?” Riley asked.
“He said he was planning on striking tomorrow night. I’m leaving in a few,” Lucas said.
“He certainly didn’t give much notice, did he?” Riley asked, not really expecting an answer.
“That’s Laz. ‘I’m doing it. You want to be close, this is your notice.’” Lucas said, quoting Lazarus’s last text.
“He may not even call you in. You know that?” Richie asked.
“Don’t matter, man. If he tried to and I don’t make it for him because I’m too far away, I’d never forgive myself. I’m driving up,” Lucas said.
“Don’t say anything to Roman. I don’t need to have to hogtie him,” Riley said.
“Naw, I wasn’t planning to. He’s under enough stress,” Lucas said.
“Where you hanging until you hear from him?” Riley asked.
“First truck stop I find once I get into the city limits. I’ll wait to hear from him, and gradually move in closer to the inner city. I figure a couple hours in a few different truck stops or diners won’t make me as obvious as six or eight hours in just one. Have a bite to eat or a cup of coffee in each, and just wait,” Lucas said. “Once I get the all clear text I’ll head back home. Or, if I get something that calls me in, that’s even better.”
“Alright, give me a minute, don’t leave yet,” Riley said. He got up and left the table, then was back a few minutes later. “Here,” he said, handing Lucas a Beretta 9 millimeter pistol. “Take this just in case. It’s not in my name so don’t worry about it if you have to use it. And take this,” he said, handing Lucas a wad of cash. “Don’t use your credit card, or debit card, pay for everything in cash.”
“Got it,” Lucas said.
“Be safe, check in when you can. If you end up not needed, just head on back,” Riley said. “He’s not coming back with you, he’s already made it clear he’s gonna hang for a while after he handles things to be sure nobody’s watching him.”
“Alright. I’ll let you know something as soon as I can,” Lucas said, standing up and preparing to leave Riley’s house.
“I’m just glad he called to have you nearby if necessary,” Richie said.
“You and me both,” Lucas answered. “See ya’ll,” he said. “I’m out,” then he walked out of the kitchen and a moment later they heard the front door open and close as Lucas went through it.
Chapter 13
Lucas threw his duffle in the backseat of the pickup truck he, Roman, and Lazarus used to share when they were all home. It was the vehicle he was taking to Ohio to be on standby for Lazarus. He knew it wouldn’t be a problem though, since Roman had just recently bought an SUV for his own family, and Richie had bought his own car for Yvette to use after she had the baby, which should be any damn day now. The woman was ready to pop!
He turned the key and put the truck in gear. He backed out of the parking place the truck was kept in and started toward the front of the trailer park, only he didn’t make it that far. A very large male stepped right out in front of the truck, stopping his progression. Lucas slammed on the brakes and huffed a sigh. He rolled down his window and forced his face to go expressionless as he watched the male approach him.
The big, brooding male walked around to the driver’s side of the truck. “Where you headed?” Roman asked.
“Laz sent a text,” Lucas confessed.
“And?” Roman asked.
“That’s it. He said it’s going down tomorrow night, be close. So that’s what I’m doing,” Lucas said. He knew Roman was having a hard time allowing Lazarus to fight his battles for him, as he watched Roman stare out into the distance.
“Hold down the fort, Roman. I’ll be in touch as soon as I can,” Lucas said.