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We tag the tree to indicate it’s the one we want, then Baxter and I go to find someone to dig it up for us. Thankfully, it’s all part of the service and we don’t have to lift a finger beyond handing over the roof straps, as the workers do it all for us. I go to tip them and realise Nix still has my wallet. Baxter takes care of it for me.
“You have to stop giving Nix money,” he says, shaking his head.
“Why?”
“She had over £600 in her jar at my last count!”
“So?”
“So she’s not even four. She has no concept of money.”
“Does she need one?”
“She will eventually.”
“Pah. Lighten up, you sound like Jax.”
“What’s she going to do with that money?”
“She can save up for something that she wants.”
“Like a pony?” I groan. “Did you know Raven hates horses?”
“Yep. Suggested taking her riding once and she nearly stabbed me.” He chuckles.
“Thanks for the head’s up,” I grumble.
“Well, if you will be secretive and do shit on your own, what do you expect? I’m assuming you have a backup plan.”
“Sort of. Know any good carpenters?” I joke.
“Yes.”
“You’re kidding?”
“Yeah, I’m a real practical joker,” he deadpans. “You should know by now I know everyone.”
I shake my head.
“You should let me join your little club.”
“Hard pass.”
“Well you should at least mention it to the others. Jax and Ace have desirable skills, surely?”
I’ve known about Baxter’s involvement in his secret little boy’s club for years. Probably since he got that stupid tattoo like some wannabe gang member. I’ve teased him whenever our paths have crossed but he’s always been tight-lipped about it, regardless of our past. I’d consider him a friend. I always did, but I’m not sure he’d do the same. Hopefully that’s changing now.
“They do. Which is precisely why I’ll keep everyone away from it. It’s not a place for you. For any of you. For now Raven knows it exists and what my role within it is, and that’s enough for me. I don’t want any of you guys getting interested and thinking of joining. It’s a shit life and I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone. Not to mention the danger it would put our girls in. You don’t want that.”
I have to admit he has a point, though he certainly seems to have enough resources at his disposal that makes me think he can protect the girls. Our girls. I like that. I let it go for now.
My phone rings and I step away from Baxter to answer the call. It’s the garage. I arrange to visit tomorrow to pay by bank transfer and sign all the paperwork. It’s amazing how fast things can move when you're rich.
By the time I hang up, the others are back, Nix proudly leading the way with a posse of tree carriers behind her. The tree she’s chosen for her room doesn’t look that much smaller than the downstairs one but the grin on her face is priceless. Who gives a shit if it doesn’t fit? I can just cut a hole in her ceiling if I have to.
Once the trees are taken care of, and Nix returns my wallet, I pay for the trees on my card and ask what the plan is.
“I’m going to take Baxter’s car—” Thorn begins.
