“He can represent whoever he’d like in the club, except your husband.” She smiled. “Unless Kendall returns to the firm.”
“That’s not happening.”
“Then I guess your husband doesn’t need my husband’s services. He’s the reason my sweet Kendall is suffering so deeply. Him and her husband, who had the audacity to give her an ultimatum.”
“Kendall is very fragile. How dare you do this to her.”
“I’m not doing anything to her, but reminding her she’s better than a bunch of filthy bikers. Smarter than a little two-bit hussy like you. How dare me? How dare any of you think you’re good enough to order her around. You should be kissing her ass for even deeming to talk to you.”
Meggie got to her feet. “It was a mistake coming here.”
“At least you’re bright enough to figure that out.”
“Right.” Meggie stared at Stretch.
Sympathizing with her desperation, he shrugged, not knowing what else to do.
Shoulders slumped, she started forward, then halted. “How much do you love Brooks?”
“Very much. Not that it’s any concern of yours.”
“Would you say you have a decent lifestyle?”
Lifting her brow, Charlotte glanced around. “More than decent.”
“Brooks must have huge policy on himself. By not representing Christopher, he’s betraying the club. You see, as uneducated and filthy as we are, we live by a code. One your husband’s familiar with since he readily accepts the retainer my husband pays him. I don’t recall you telling him to decline that money unless Kendall returns to work. Sooo, I guess you’ve betrayed the club, too. And, since Christopher is locked away, I’ll just have to bring my grievances to Johnnie.” Meggie smiled at her and narrowed her eyes. “Do you really want that?”
“You wouldn’t.”
“I would. You either pick up that phone and tell Brooks to drop everything to get my husband out of jail or I’m going to Johnnie.”
“What makes you think he doesn’t already know? How did you find out?”
“Kendall bragged to me,” Meggie answered simply.
“I must have a word with her.”
“Do that. Thank her for saving your lives.”
“Get out.”
“Call Brooks.”
“No.” Charlotte grabbed her cell phone from the table and dropped it in her lap. “Kendall will rejoin that firm.”
“And Brooks will get killed,” Meggie returned. “Kendall has had offers that doubles her pay. You’re the one blocking her. If not for your bad advice, she might be happy somewhere else right now. All you’re doing is bringing out what’s in the back of her mind. Nothing that’s good for her. If you really care about her, back off.”
“I care about her as if she were my daughter. There are times when women have to take a stand against the injustices of their husbands. I’m merely instructing her on how to do that.”
A look of annoyance crossed Meggie’s features, then she indicated the phone in Charlotte’s lap with a sweep of her hand. “Call your husband.”
“We can go through this all afternoon for all I care. Until you tell me your husband will give in to Kendall’s demands, I’m not budging.”
Stomping back to the couch, Meggie plopped down and folded her arms. “Stretch, please call Johnnie and explain the situation. Then call Cash and ask him to talk to Sloane. His attorneys might agree to represent Christopher at such short notice. Charlotte, start thinking about the outfit for your husband’s funeral.”
As she spoke the last sentence, she turned her head, allowing Stretch to see how much she hated to make such a threat. At any minute, he expected her to apologize and make a hasty exit.
“Call Johnnie,” she said in a shaky voice.
“Are you sure?” he asked. Essentially, she was ordering Brooks’ death.
Swallowing, Meggie sidled a hopeful glance to Charlotte. Seeing Meggie’s paleness, Charlotte sat unmoved. Nose reddening and panic in her eyes, Meggie waited. After a couple of minutes of silence and Charlotte smirking, Meggie’s chin wobbled and a tear slid down her cheek. “Send Johnnie after Brooks.”
Admiring her determination, Stretch nodded and got his cell phone.
Charlotte widened her eyes and straightened. “Fine! I’ll call Brooks! But know this. I don’t intend to lose where my family is concerned, Meggie.” She dialed her husband’s number, then sniffed as he answered. “Brooks?” she began.
“Speakerphone,” Meggie ordered.
Huffing, Charlotte put the call on speaker. “Are you there?”