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“Thanks,” I say, scanning what looks like an invitation. Someone must be getting married.
“See ya,” he says to the two of us, and then leaves.
Cara brings those inquisitive brown eyes to me. “So hanging out with my family wasn’t the first time you’ve hung out with bikers, huh?”
I grin. “Something like that. You heard of the Knights of Fury MC before?”
She shakes her head. “Nope. The only other clubs I hear about are the ones that I have to avoid because they will try to kidnap me and use me against the Wind Dragons.”
My eyes widen. “Seriously?”
She nods, wincing. “I’m afraid so. There are times we have to go into a lockdown and all stay together, because if they know who we are, the other club will use us against our parents.”
“And this was just your life growing up?” I ask, wondering what that must have been like. It’s definitely not a normal upbringing. No wonder she’s so different from all the other women I have met.
“Yeah, I mean, not all the time. Most of the time it was just a normal childhood, but we were all trained from a young age so we could defend ourselves. When shit hit the fan, we had to all look over our shoulders, and would sometimes have members of the MC escorting us everywhere so we would be safe,” she explains, giving me an insight into her world.
“Would you want your kids to grow up like that?” I ask, curious.
“No. I mean, there are some aspects that I would use with my own children—like I’d like them to be capable and learn self-defense, and all of that. But I’d like a more quiet life for them, I think. And one where I would never have to worry about their safety. Probably impossible for someone like me, but a girl can dream. How about you? What was your childhood like?”
“It was good,” I say. “My mom was a nurse, so she worked hard and we were often left to fend for ourselves, but we always had everything that we needed and were always well loved. My dad walked out on us when I was about ten, so it was just me, my mom and my baby sister, Simone. My mom died a few years ago, so it’s just me and my sister now. We are really close. She owns a dog-grooming business not far from here.”
“I’m sorry that you lost your mom,” she replies, reaching out and touching my hand. “She sounds like an amazing woman.”
“She was. Some people say a woman can’t raise a man, but she did just that with me.” I clear my throat, getting emotional just thinking about her. “I think you and Simone would get on like a house on fire.”
She smiles. “That’s good to know. I’d love to meet her.”
Fuck. Now we’re talking about meeting family.
But we’re friends, right? And friends do that shit all the time.
“Felix was telling me about some memories about when you two were partners. Did you not like being a cop?” she asks, leaning her cheek on the inside of her palm and staring up at me.
She never looked so beautiful.
“I did love being a cop at the time, but once I became friends with the Knights of Fury MC, the lines started becoming a little blurred and people noticed. But to be honest, I was tired of watching criminals walk away on technicalities. I’m aware there’s nothing I could do about it, but knowing a murderer would just be let go for nothing other than an administrative error started to get to me. It was just the change I really needed,” I explain. “I also felt a lot of frustration over being reprimanded for finding true justice for a murder. There’s a lot to it, but I feel right about my decision.”
She looks pensive before replying. “I mean, no disrespect, but how does becoming a private investigator change that? Or are you running around in a bat suit acting as a vigilante?”
A laugh bursts out of me. This woman gets me. “I wish I could have all the cool gadgets Batman has, and the idea of chasing bad guys is a fun one. But no, I’m under no illusions—now I get paid to find evidence of cheating spouses and I’m not doing anything to help the problem. I just... I at least know what I’m getting into with the PI work. It’s like all the best parts of being a cop without the paperwork and political BS. And I still help put bad people away. It’s not just chasing infidelities.”
“I get it.” She looks around the office. “This place is pretty cool. And it would be an interesting job. And yeah, the biker ties wouldn’t affect you here. How close are you to the Knights?”
“I know the Knights through Nadia,” I explain. “Nadia is engaged to Trade, who is the brother of the Knights’ president, Temper. I’m on good terms with them all and consider them friends.” I realize I don’t quite know the etiquette or rules about MCs and whether she’s allowed to associate with me since I am friends with the Knights. I’m assuming she is or else she would’ve said something.
“Good to know you aren’t opposed to some biker ties. It’s definitely a biker-friendly zone here. Even if you are a Wind Dragon.” I give her a wink.
She laughs. “Wonderful,” she replies, lip twitching. “So, I actually did come in here for a reason...”
“That’s right, you did.”
“I was going to ask Felix to help me with this, but work is hectic for him right now and I felt bad asking. I want to trade in my car and get a new one. I was wondering if you knew anything about cars. I just need someone to come in with me who knows what they are talking about so the car dealer doesn’t take advantage of my lack of knowledge.”
She rushes the words out like she hates asking for help, and knowing her personality, I imagine that she does. I want her to feel comfortable asking me for help when she needs it, so I make sure to answer her gently.
“Of course, I’d love to help. And yeah, I know a thing or two about cars,” I say, smiling widely at her. “When do you want to go?”
