“Can you print screen the info and send it to Ganza? Then you can turn off the computer for now.”
I stare at him while taking a few sips of Baileys. His face doesn’t give anything away and I reluctantly place the glass on the table. I take a few print screens, write a quick note, and send the info to Ganza. Shutting the laptop down, I grab my glass again and keep my eyes pinned with his.
Archer stands and eventually says, “Woolerton is Sven Rucklands’ partner. This just turned into a fucking shitstorm since my gut tells me this is not a fucking coincidence.”
Holy shit. “You’re kidding me. Do you think this is somehow linked with Galen? Sven was with him the night he was murdered and now we found out Sven’s partner went through all the files of the men who ended up dead.”
His face turns grim. “Hence the shitstorm.”
Archer’s phone starts to ring at the same time someone starts to knock on our door. Archer answers his phone while stalking to the door. Wyatt storms inside but sees Archer is on the phone.
He heads toward me and whisper hisses, “Is it true? I was sitting next to Ganza when you sent him the stuff you found.”
I nod but can’t reply because Archer growls, “Galen was murdered, and not by that homeless dude. I just fucking know it.”
Wyatt rubs his neck. “How are we going to handle it?”
“My old lady and Ganza are going to dig deeper and get everything there is to find about the both of them.”
Wyatt nods at Archer’s words but there’s still something besides this I stumbled onto and I have to ask, “Archer, you know I asked to contact some people, right?”
His head tilts slightly. “You mentioned it but not the reason why you wanted to contact people. And who do you want to call? The people connected to them or those who were on the case?”
“Mainly because I read some of the transcripts and listened to interviews where three guys claimed to be innocent of the last crime they were charged with. And I know all about the irony of prisons being filled with innocent people, but it just snagged my attention. One can happen, two might be a coincidence…but three cases where they claim to be innocent and end up dead? It might be nothing and it’s not connected with Sven or his partner, or at least I don’t think so…I just–”
“Want to satisfy your curiosity,” Wyatt finishes for me.
I nod while Archer and Wyatt exchange looks. They don’t seem to need words and are in agreement when Wyatt tells me, “Sorry to say you’re only doing behind the scenes work. Me or one of the brothers will go over the shit you want to ask. Write down notes, make a list, and we will make the calls for you.”
Safety above all. I guess I should be happy I’m not completely pulled off the case.
“Okay,” I tell both men. “A drink anyone?”
“I could use one,” Wyatt grunts and plunks down in a chair.
Archer cups the side of my face and places a kiss on my lips before he murmurs, “I’d like another beer.”
I grab my glass and head for the kitchen. Returning with drinks for everyone, I join them at the table. I get a thanks from both as they fall back into the discussion. Reaching for my notebook, I grab a pen and while I sip my drink, I start to write down the questions I have while I wonder who will be the one asking them for me.
I guess it doesn’t matter, it’s exactly what Wyatt mentioned; I just want to satisfy my curiosity. These criminals who were killed were repeated offenders and in the end, it wouldn’t make a difference since it won’t bring them back to life.
Archer’s fingers slide over my forearm and it drags my attention away from my notebook. “Come on, time for bed.”
I glance around me and now notice Wyatt has left.
“I threw Wyatt out the door a few minutes ago.” Archer chuckles. “He said goodnight but you were engrossed in your work. I’ve locked up for the night and did my round. Let’s check on Queenie before we turn in too.”
I stretch my arms out above my head before I follow Archer up the stairs. He pushes the door to Queenie’s room open and silently strolls inside to glance into her crib. Coming up behind him I do the same. She’s sleeping so peacefully with her cute button nose and pouty lips. She has Archer’s chin and eyes but my hair color; a perfect combination of the two of us.
Archer laces his fingers with mine and gives a little squeeze to make our gaze collide. The love and affection shining right at me are as bright as the sun’s warmth on a hot summer’s day.
We silently walk out of the room and leave the door slightly ajar. The both of us get ready for bed and when we slide in between the covers we snuggle close. His dick is caged in between our bodies and yet there’s only comfortable intimacy we both enjoy before crashing into a deep sleep.
Waking up to an empty bed is a stark contrast, but hearing Archer’s voice along with Queenie’s giggles is a straight arrow into my heart. Dragging my body off the bed, I stumble into the bathroom and quickly handle my business. I change into jeans and a dark blue sweatshirt and follow the sound of the two people I love the most.
I find them in the living room. Archer is holding Queenie up in the air, letting her down quickly to his face where he blows raspberries in her neck before he lifts her in the air again. I could watch these two for hours on end.
“Should we ask mommy to join? I vote for asking her to make coffee. I might seem like a cheerful person but daddy needs some caffeine, and fast.” Queenie giggles at his words and a smile spreads my face.
“Why don’t I take her and let you make us some coffee,” I tell him and take our daughter off his hands.
“You love my coffee,” Archer murmurs and places a kiss on the corner of my mouth. “Good morning.”
“I love you,” I murmur in return and kiss the top of Queenie’s head.
“I know you love me, but it’s because I’m making the coffee.”
Laughter bubbles up. “I do, but not just for the coffee.”
He shoots me a wink and heads for the kitchen, leaving me to follow. I place Queenie on my hip and help Archer by grabbing the mugs.
“I called my mom, she’s going to pick Queenie up in about half an hour. I need you in church and working with Ganza. She’ll bring Queenie either to the clubhouse or we can pick her up when we’re done. Okay?”
Going from no work to a huge pile of things to do might be a lot to deal with, and yet it seems to fit how the both of us handle things. So, I simply reply with, “okay,” and take the steaming mug of coffee as I hold it safely away from Queenie.
Archer takes our daughter. “I’m going to put her in her playpen until my mom gets here. We’ve been up and running for about an hour, she can entertain herself while we drink some coffee.”
I take the mug in both hands to let the warmth seep into my palms as I watch the man I love handle our daughter. Exactly like Archer mentioned, Lynn shows up half an hour later to take Queenie and we head to the clubhouse a few minutes after they leave.
Most of the bikers are already in church. Cora is sitting at the bar looking like she just rolled out of someone’s bed. In fact, I’m sure she did since she didn’t even bother to button up her blouse and is showing off her peekaboo bra.