“I’ve got everything handled for now. I’m just being precautious. Viper must be rubbing off on me.”
“You sure?”
“I’m sure.” Trying to erase the worry in Lucky’s gaze, he changed the subject. “Going to Ohio on Friday. You want to tag along for the ride?”
“Don’t tempt me. I’m beginning to forget what my motorcycle looks like.”
Gavin could sympathize. When he left The Last Riders, not only had he given his jacket back but he had given up his motorcycle, the one he’d waited to buy until Viper left the service. He eventually bought a new one, but it didn’t hold the same meaning to him.
“Then come,” he urged. “Tell your parishioners you need a sabbatical or something for the weekend. You can stay at with me and Taylor if you’re afraid the club might be too much temptation for you.”
Lucky might be an undercover DEA agent, but the moment his friend had accepted the assignment and resumed being a pastor again, he had remained celibate. He took his vows seriously. That was why, when he had doubts about his ability to serve, he stepped away to give himself time to make his decision about a future without the church.
Gavin understood Lucky’s dilemma, being torn between his beliefs while wanting the freedom he wouldn’t have as a pastor. Gavin was torn between The Last Riders and Taylor. Neither fit together like he thought they should. As his wedding grew closer, he was doubting they ever would, especially if he healed the rift with Viper, which he planned to do. The Last Riders wouldn’t be the only ones he would have a straightforward talk with. Taylor had to be told that he planned to reinstate his membership, and that if she wanted to break off their engagement he would understand. Truthfully, Gavin didn’t know if it was last-minute doubts creeping into his mind as the wedding grew closer, or the truth of Rider’s words coming back to haunt him. He loved Taylor and wanted to marry her, but he wanted to be upfront that The Last Riders were going to be a part of their life together.
“I’ll see how the parishioner in the hospital is tonight and tomorrow. I’ll ride there with you, but I’ll have to be back by Sunday morning.”
“That’s cool. I’d ride back with you, but Taylor set up an appointment for a cake testing on Sunday. She’ll kick my ass if I don’t go. It makes our fourth go-around at trying to choose. I told her, if she doesn’t pick one this time, she’s going to get stuck making it herself from a box,” he joked, not showing any of his doubts to Lucky. “I’ll stop by sometime tomorrow to see if you want to go.”
“Sounds good. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Shaking hands, Gavin went out the back, staying out of sight until he was far enough away from the church to walk on the sidewalk.
The president of the local bank had arranged for him to stay with his mother-in-law. He jumped at the opportunity once Vincent Bedford had introduced him to Mrs. Langley. It was within walking distance of the church and the sheriff’s office, and about a ten-minute ride to the factory he was overseeing being built.
Letting himself in the large house with his spare key, he walked into the formal living room to see Mrs. Langley watching a scary movie.
“Want some company?”
“I would love some. Would you like something to eat?”
Gavin took a seat on a chair. “No, thank you. I just had dinner at the diner.”
Seeing the woman was engrossed in her movie, he made no attempt to distract her. His mind went back to the church before Lucky had appeared. Whoever the young girl was, he felt sorry for her at being on the receiving end of that woman’s anger. Troubled, he planned to ask Lucky about them tomorrow.
“Are you up for part two?” Mrs. Langley asked, pointing her remote at the television.
“You sure you won’t have nightmares?” he teased.
“I take a sleeping pill every night. It’d take more than a zombie to wake me.”
“Then go for it.”
* * *
Gavin wanted to rip the letter he was holding to shreds. Instead, he neatly folded it and put it back in the envelope that had he’d received by certified mail minutes ago. He had all the proof he needed to talk to the club now.
He had already figured out Memphis was the one transferring the patents stock into his name; what he hadn’t known was who was helping him. Gavin hadn’t wanted any doubts about who was truly responsible. He held the evidence now, and Crash couldn’t argue his innocence. The letter he’d received held the forged document of Razer signing one of his inventions over to Memphis.
Putting the letter in his glove box, he closed it so hard it sprang back open. Closing it again, he got out of his rental car, locking it behind him. He just left the factory. If anyone was watching, they would assume he was on his way to the diner.