Page 82 of Smitty

“You have my word.” He stepped over and crouched down in front of me. “This will never come back on you. No one will ever know you were the one who got us these pictures.”

The knot in my stomach didn't loosen, but I found myself nodding anyway. “Okay. Go ahead and send them.”

He stepped away as he dialed the number. He was silent for a moment, and then I heard him say, “Hey, Shep. It’s Smit… I’ve got something you need to see.”

He listened for a second, then continued, “No, I’m not at the clubhouse. I’m over at Brooke’s. She found something during one of her home visits.”

His eyes met mine as he added, “She’s putting a lot on the line by showing us this shit, so I’m gonna need you to keep things under wraps.”

Another pause, and then he told him, “No, I don’t want to explain it over the phone. I’ll send it over the secured line. Just give me a minute.”

He was quiet while the photos uploaded. I’d known Brayden for years. I’d seen him interact with all kinds of people, and he’d always been pretty light-hearted and easy-going. Not tonight. I’d never seen him quite so reserved and intense.

I watched every change in his expression, wishing I knew what was being said on the other end of the line, but no such luck. After a few minutes, Brayden announced, “That’s the last of them.”

Brayden’s jaw tightened, and then he shook his head. “I can’t tonight, brother. The baby’s already in bed, and no way I’m getting her out of it. I’ll bring Brooke by as soon as we drop Anslee off at daycare.”

His face hardened for a moment, and I feared his friend might’ve pushed for us to come there tonight. But then Brayden nodded and said, “Yeah, I will.”

“What did he say?”

“He wants to meet you.”

“Why?”

“He has some questions.”

“He’s going to want to know about the father.”

“He will.”

My chest tightened with worry. “What is all of this, Brayden?”

“I wish I knew.”

“Do you think this dad is dangerous?”

“I can’t say, but it’s not looking good.”

“So, you think he is… and Shep does, too.”

A chill crawled up my spine when he said, “I know enough to say those pictures weren’t for a family scrapbook.”

“Are we in danger?”

"That’s not something you’ll have to worry about.” He took my hand in his. “Even if this was bad, really bad, nothing will touch you or Anslee. Fury protects its own, and now, that includes both of you.”

“How come?”

“Because I’m a brother, and you are my family.” He slipped his arms around my waist. “We protect our own, so whatever this is, we’ll handle it.”

“You sound so sure.”

“Because I am.” A crooked smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “I’ve got a club full of brothers who don’t know how to quit.”

“Sounds like a bunch of guys just like you.”

I smiled, and Brayden leaned in and gave me a quick kiss. “Let’s get you to bed. We’ve got an early morning coming our way.”