Page 52 of Smitty

“Just calling it like I see it.” Ace smiled. “Good to see ya, brother.”

“You too. Wish it were under better circumstances.”

“You and me both.”

Drifter looked over to me and said, “This is Smitty. He’s one of the new Little Rock crew.”

“Good to meet ya.”

“You too.”

Drifter wasted no time before asking, “How’s Stone?”

“He’s hanging in there.” Ace glanced down the hall. “Still in and out, but Coop says that’s to be expected.”

“How bad was it?”

“Bullet missed his heart by a damn miracle.” Ace blew out a slow breath. “Second one got his shoulder. Collapsed a lung and did some damage on the way through, but the doc said his numbers have been improving since they brought him in.”

“That’s good. Relieved to hear it.” He paused for a beat, letting the relief set in before asking, “You got anything on who did it?”

“Not yet. Mercy’s been digging since we got word of what happened. He’ll get what we need, but it’ll take some time.”

“That’s something we don’t have.”

“I feel ya, brother, but we’re all hands on deck. We’ll find them and make ‘em pay. You have my word on that.”

“I’m here. Just let me know what you need me to do.”

“Why don’t you start by going in to see him?” Ace answered. “I know it’d mean a lot to him to know you were here.”

Drifter nodded and followed him into Stone’s room. I hung back. It wasn’t my place to join. These men had history that stretched back longer than I’d been old enough to ride a bike. Drifter didn't need me hanging around while he saw one of his best friends and his former president after he was almost murdered.

I walked into the waiting room and slipped my phone from my pocket before sitting down in the corner. I pulled up Brooke’s contact and stared at it for a moment. I wanted to say something to her. I just wasn’t sure what. So, I decided to test the waters and keep it simple.

Me:

Thanks for meeting me today.

It was late. I wasn’t sure she would even respond, and then I saw the three dots.

Brooke:

It was good to see you and finally get the chance to talk.

Me:

Yeah, it was.

Can I ask a favor?

Brooke:

Of course.

I hesitated. It suddenly felt stupid even to ask, like it was too much, too soon. Then, I reminded myself that she was my daughter, too.

Me: