“You know, manners never went out of fashion,” she muttered.

Harlow’s snort turned into a laugh and as she walked past us, she threw over her shoulder, “I think having you here is going to be fun, Scarlett.”

Scarlett and I glared at Harlow’s back before she finally gave me her brother’s address.

I typed it into my phone and then shot back at whoever the fuck was listening, “ I’m not seeing any fuckin’ joy in this situation.”

Women.

“Motherfucker!” I roared as we received yet another rejection. We’d spent the last four hours trying to call in favours around town and most had said they couldn’t chance giving Storm their support against Julio who had already found a way to blackmail them into taking his back.

Griff rubbed the back of his neck. “We’re running out of options here, brother. And when I do finally get the chance, I’m gonna take great fucking delight in making Julio feel pain for this.”

My phone rang and as I answered it, I said to Griff, “It’s Colt, hopefully he has some good news for us.” He’d also been trying to find support for Storm.

“Got some bad news for you, Scott,” he said, “Most of the guys I’ve spoken to today say their hands are tied, so at this point I’ve only been able to convince two crews to take our back.”

“We’ve had the same,” I told him. “You done with your list yet?”

“I’ve got one more to visit and then I’m heading back to the clubhouse.”

“Thanks, man.”

I hung up and eyed Griff. “He’s got two so far.”

“It’s fucked, but at least it’s better than none. Have you spoken to Blade yet?”

I shook my head. “No, but I will be.”

My phone sounded with a text.

Harlow : I know you’re busy but wanted to let you know that Lisa and Michelle are doing much better today. I checked in on them after you left this morning.

Me : Thanks, baby. You girls okay?

Harlow : Yes, but I’m disappointed.

Me : Why?

Harlow : You didn’t practice your proposal last night.

Me : It’s on my list for tonight.

Harlow : Good. Just wanted to make you smile. Hope your day isn’t too shitty.

Me : Trust me, you made me smile. See you tonight.

As I sent my last text to Harlow, Bourne called me.

“What’s up, Bourne?” I asked, keen to get this phone call over with fast.

“I’m wondering where you and I stand? I never did hear back from you after you left Adelaide.”

“I’m putting together a plan to deal with Julio.”

“Good. The sooner the better.”

“Let’s get one thing straight here, Bourne – once this is done, you’ll owe me, and when I come calling on that favour, you won’t hesitate to say no.” No need for him to know I was already working on this plan before he asked me to do it.

Silence for a moment, and then – “Agreed.”

“I’ll let you know when it’s done.” I hung up without waiting for his response.

“Just for the record, again, I truly despise that asshole,” Griff said.

I let the tension in my body go, and blew out a harsh breath. “I’m with you on that.”

After we left the last place we visited, we walked the block back to where we left our bikes. Reaching for his helmet, Griff said, “You wanna try Scarlett’s brother again?”

We had visited his place this morning and he wasn’t home. I nodded. “Yeah, let’s see if we have better luck this time. And then we need to check in with J and Nash to see if they have anything new on Julio.”

Surely we’ve gotta have some luck somewhere today.

Scarlett’s brother, Bailey, lived in what could best be described as a hovel. When we arrived there the second time for the day, it was clear someone had visited him since our first visit. Where his house had been closed up earlier, the front door had been kicked in since and the place had been trashed. And Bailey was still nowhere to be seen.

I called Scarlett. “Your brother still isn’t home. Do you have any idea where else he might be?”

“He mainly hangs out at a local pub when he’s not working, and sometimes he’s at his on-off girlfriend’s place. I’m not sure if they’re together at the moment, though.”

“Can you text me those addresses and I’ll check them out?”

She agreed and we ended the call.

Griff was poking around in the kitchen and looked up as I entered the small room. “This guy’s got a bad addiction. I don’t reckon Scarlett’s got a chance in hell of helping him kick it.”

I had to agree with him. Bailey’s kitchen counter was littered with used needles and other shit. Not only was he a junkie, he was a dirty fuck who didn’t like to clean up after himself.

My phone began ringing and Griff eyed it. “Jesus, your phone never shuts up.”

Blade.

“Tell me this is good news,” I said as I answered him.

“Sorry, can’t do that.” The tense strain in his voice was undeniable – Blade had more bad news for us.

“Fuck,” I muttered.

“It’s Rogue.”

The hairs on the back of my neck stood up at the way his words came out. “What?” I urged.

“Harlow asked me to look into him while you were away. She had an off feeling about him and she was right. He’s working against you, helping Julio. And on top of that, he’s wanted for multiple rapes. Seems he’s gotten himself into some shit while he’s been away from the club.”