Page 89 of Haze

“I had Sawyer call me and I’ve been working on that case for you the last few hours.”

“Don’t tell me you have something already.”

“Well, I got a hit on family members for this Bolt guy, do you wanna come by the office?”

I glance at the time on my phone, then put it back to my ear. “Sure thing, I’ll head right over.”

“See you soon.”

I need to cool off, and the only place I can do that is at the gym. But that’ll have to wait.

A few seconds later, my phone chimes again. It’s Willow. I end the call without answering. She can wait. I don’t wanna have a fight, so it’s best to cool off before any more words get thrown.

I shove my phone into my cut inside pocket and walk to the curb where my motorcycle is parked. I look up the street and see the unmarked van: the club’s van containing the prospects.

I let them know earlier to be less fucking conspicuous. Luckily, it was Bella’s studio, and they used that as a backstory. If it weren’t for that, I’m fairly certain Willow would never have fallen for it. I flip them the bird, then mount my motorcycle, revving it louder than is necessary. It earns me a few sideways glances from pedestrians, but I don’t care. I don’t give a fuck. I need to let it go, but I’m also pissed Willow jumped straight on the defense of her dad, without really even giving it a second thought. To prove to her that I’m worthy? What do I have to do?

It isn’t as if I wanted to hit her dad. I didn’t think through the repercussions until now, and that isn’t like me. But I stand by what I did. He was being a dick, and I don’t give a fuck what he thinks about me, or Willow, and if that’s a problem for her, she’ll have to deal with it.

I’m not gonna let him rule my life ever again. I sat on my hands for so many years, taking the hits because I loved Willow. I’m a different person than I was back then. His approval was never what I wanted, and it never will be, though allowing us to live would be a good start.

I shake my head, gripping the handlebars as I take off down the street, screeching my tires as I go.

I smile. Straight pipes for the win.

When I get to Star’s office, it’s almost eleven.

I’ve had three more missed calls, and a text from Willow.

Wife

I’m sorry, Haze. Don’t leave mad. I wasn’t taking his side. You know how he is

Wife

Don’t ignore me

Wife

Fine, if you want to act like a child, do that. But I would do the same if someone had punched you. I just wanted to know what happened

I don’t want to text her back. What I want is to let her sweat it out, but then I realize Max’s words about nothing getting solved from acting like little kids.

Me

I’m fine. I’m busy. Talk later, I’ve got business to take care of

When I get upstairs to Star’s swanky office, Laurel, Hawk and Jas’s kid, looks up from the desk. I didn’t know she was working here. She’s probably eighteen by now, but she looks much younger.

“Hey, kiddo,” I said. “How long have you been workin’ here?”

She smiles. “Hey, Haze. I’m filling in three days a week in between classes until Halo is back full-time.”

I grin. Halo and Riot have a toddler, and she keeps the pair of them on their toes day and night.

“Good for you. If anyone isn’t polite, you come see me, okay?”

She nods. “Okay.”