Page 121 of Animal's Reformation
“I heard that,” his mother said walking back to the table with a bag of chocolate chip cookies in her hand. “I can see that you’re your father’s daughter—you’re just like him.”
Lucy leaned further into Animal.
“You can have your cookie in here with some milk. When you’re finished, you can take one to your grandpa—the old goat.”
Even though his mom pretended to be annoyed, Animal saw warmth and love in her eyes when she talked about her husband. He didn’t pretend to understand his parents’ marriage or arrangement, but it was clear that they loved each other.
“Okay, Grandma.” Lucy scrambled onto the chair next to his.
As his daughter ate her snack, his mother described the guy who’d attacked her. Animal took mental notes, and each time his mother remembered another characteristic or physical description, licks of angers burned through him.
“And that’s about it.” Rena reached over and took out a cookie then nibbled on it.
“Grandma’s friend must look like Dr. Linney.” Lucy took a sip of milk.
His head jerked back. “Fuck,” he muttered as he took out his phone. He jumped to his feet then crossed over to the back porch while plugging in Olivia’s number.
No answer.
Again.
Voicemail.
“Fuck.” Every muscle in his body clenched with fury. The hackles on his neck rose and he sensed danger. He had to make sure Olivia was safe.
Animal called Hawk and told him what was going on, and the VP said he’d arrange for a group of brothers to meet Animal at the dental clinic stat.
Animal came back into the kitchen, ruffled Lucy’s hair, and let out a long breath.
“I gotta go. I’ll be back later,” he said to his mom. “Be a good girl, kiddo. If I’m late and you get hungry, Grandma will make you some dinner.”
“Okay. Can I bring Grandpa his cookie now, Grandma?”
“Yes,” Rena said standing up. “You be careful,” she whispered to Animal.
“Yeah. Later.”
He walked out the back door and ran to the SUV then sped away.
When Animal arrived at the building, the parking lot was empty except for Olivia’s car, a BMW parked in the far corner of the lot, and a small van with a sign that read “Sunshine Cleaning” on the both sides of it.
“Fuck,” he muttered under his breath as he leaned over and popped open the glove box, then took out his 9mm and got out of the car. He dashed across the parking lot and as he tried the front doors, the rumble of several motorcycles were like music to his ears.
Animal pivoted and saw Bones, Shadow, Smokey, Throttle, and Rock glide into the lot.
“Hawk said your woman’s in trouble,” Throttle said as he came over to Animal.
“She’s not answering her phone. I think her fucking boss is the serial killer.” Animal tugged at the front door. “Fuck! It’s locked.”
“We gotta get in there quick,” Shadow said taking out a small case filled with lock picking tools. “These glass entry door locks are a fuckin’ joke.”
Just then two women wearing bright yellow smocks and green plastic gloves appeared on the other side of the door.
“Open up,” Animal said. “We got an appointment.”
One of the women unlocked the door and smiled widely. “Hi, guys.”
“Hey. I’m late for an appointment,” Animal said brushing past her.
