“He isn’t! He was released early this morning. He…Oh my God!” Collapsing into a chair, Kendall placed a hand on her belly.
“My brother’s home?”
“Fuck you! Don’t pretend you don’t know. You were probably right in with them because I called Counts and told him about Daphne. You and Meggie are in this together.”
“Fuck off,” Fee growled, her momentary happiness at finding out Christopher had been released evaporating at Kendall’s belligerence. “I’ve been recovering. I haven’t known what’s been going on, especially with Counts. You gave yourself away.”
“Oh, please! I’m too smart for that.”
“Get over yourself! You’re still alive. If I’d mentioned you and Counts, you’d be dead.” What didn’t Kendall realize about that? “Being Johnnie’s wife wouldn’t save you. You betrayed the entire club!”
“I didn’t,” she whisper-yelled. “I told Counts about Daphne to get him in line, not to betray the club. I certainly didn’t know his name was Noah.”
Fee searched her memory, vaguely recalling Kendall’s tearful words to Charlotte, when they’d thought Fee asleep.
“I’d never jeopardize you like that. If I could get my hands on him myself, I’d fucking kill him, Ophelia. Believe me. I’m your friend. You could be mine! You could protect Charlotte and Brooks. They’re homeless and penniless and ruined! Kyler’s dead!” she repeated again.
“Christopher isn’t responsible for every ill that befalls the world.” And if he was responsible for the things Kendall claimed, then they all deserved it. Especially Charlotte Redding. “You have extra bedrooms. Put them up at your house.”
“Johnnie won’t let me.”
“I can’t believe you woke me up for this. The Reddings have their bank accounts. They’ll be fine.”
“No! No, they won’t. There’s no way they’ll ever afford the lifestyle they had with the losses they suffered overnight. It’s all over the news. Reports that Kyler had mob ties that got his father-in-law’s law offices destroyed, are everywhere. The house fire is under investigation but initial reports point to an electrical fire.”
“Christopher isn’t responsible for that, Kendall.”
“Of course, he’s behind all of it.”
“I know you’re distraught, but think of the baby. You need to rest. Go home. Stop blaming Christopher for things that he’s probably innocent of.”
“Fine, then I’ll blame Meggie. It’s her fault,” she spat and stalked out.
Watching as Kendall departed, Fee knew more trouble was on the horizon. As long as Noah lurked and Kendall felt so victimized, nothing would be settled. At this point, only more death and heartache would settle the numerous scores.
Who would survive and who would die was anyone’s guess.
Unable to sleep after Kendall’s visit, Fee slipped on a pair of jeans and a top, then brushed her teeth, washed her face, and combed her hair. Knowing Christopher was home lifted her spirits and she had to see him. Expecting to find him and Meggie at the table, she bounded down the stairs.
Instead, Stretch and Diesel engaged in arm wrestling at the breakfast room table. Otherwise, it was quiet with none of the usual morning sounds and breakfast smells.
Stretch grunted as Diesel gritted his teeth. Not wanting to break his concentration, Fee stood back, rooting for Stretch. For several minutes they battled, until his stronger arm prevailed and she squealed.
Both of them glanced in her direction. She beamed at Stretch, who smirked in return at her.
Seeing their interaction, Diesel frowned between them. “Hey, Fee.”
With her brother home, she had to remember to school her features and not show the pleasure she took in Stretch’s presence. “Where’s Meggie and Christopher?”
“Asleep,” Diesel answered.
Fee wasn’t used to this silence. “CJ?”
“Probably in his parents’ room,” Stretch guessed, stealing glances at her. His beautiful eyes tugged at Fee. In them, she found everything she was searching for.
“Yeah, along with Ryder, Rebel, and Rule.” Diesel stood and loped toward the door. “I’m going back to bed. I thought Bunny would be awake cooking breakfast.”
“Bunny is awake,” Stretch said. “She’s just with Digger.”
Diesel rolled his eyes. “Yeah, whatever. See you two later.”
Just like that, Fee found herself alone with Stretch, and they grinned at each other.
“What are you doing here so early?”
“I’ve been awake for awhile and I thought everybody would be up having breakfast. Outlaw hasn’t taken me off Meggie’s guard detail, so I reported to duty.” He winked at her. “Take my chances that you’d join us. We could send longing glances to each other from across the table,” he continued.