“Murphy?”
“Yeah, his real name is Dillon James. She fell for him hard. He was the Prospect who saw her to high-school and was her date for the prom. I think Tiny only kept him a Prospect for so long because Tate liked him. Once you’re a member you don’t do babysitting duties unless you have to,” Lash said. “They grew close, and there was a time after he left when Tate went a little crazy.”
“Crazy, how?”
“She wouldn’t eat and tried to push everyone away. I prefer the attitude to the tears and pain. She’s fighting now whereas before she was letting go.”
“Poor Tate. I knew something had gone on between her and Murphy from our time at the mall, but I didn’t think it was that.”
Lash shrugged. “Tiny does what he can, but he can’t fix her broken heart.”
They finished off their shower, and Lash took her back to bed.
“So can I go and see her?” Angel asked.
“I’ll talk to Blaine and arrange it.”
“Thank you.” Angel kissed him and then settled down. Within seconds she was asleep, and Lash took the time to watch her sleep.
He knew it was only a matter of time before the Lions made their move, and he hoped to God that Tiny knew what he was doing.
Chapter Twelve
After seeing Lash off to the club Angel had finished her breakfast while Blaine made some calls on his cell phone. She was going to see Tate today, and she was waiting for Blaine to be ready to take her.
Sipping her hot coffee she watched the other man talk in the cell phone. He looked relaxed and was smiling. When he was finished he turned back to her, smiling.
“Are you ready to go?” he asked.
“Yeah, who were you speaking to?” She cringed at the invasion of privacy. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked.”
“No, it’s okay. I was talking to my daughter,” he said, smiling. He pulled a wallet out of his back pocket and handed her a photo.
“You’re a father?” she asked, taking the photo and seeing a smiling blonde looking back at him. The little blonde was in the arms of a raven-haired woman.
“Yeah, that’s my baby girl, Darcy, and my woman, Emily.” He cleared his throat. She handed back the wallet. “They’re both beautiful women.”
“They are. Emily won’t let me see my daughter at the moment. I’ve had a rough few years. The club has really helped me out. I know I’m an old Prospect at twenty-five, but they’re my world. I’ll do anything for them.”
Angel smiled. “I hope you figure things out soon.”
“So do I. Are you ready to go?” Blaine asked.
“Yeah.” They headed out to the car. “Do you mind if I ask how old Emily is?”
The woman in the photo looked young.
Blaine went red. “She’s eighteen in the photo, and she’s just turned twenty.”
“Did you…?” She couldn’t finish. Had he slept with a minor?
“No, Emily was eighteen when we were together. I would never do that. I f**ked up, not Emily. She needed me, and I wasn’t there. It’s my fault, no one else.”
Angel nodded. “I’m sorry. You’re the first person to give me any details of their life.”
“No problem. I’ve been told I need to talk about my family.”
They climbed in the car, and Blaine headed toward Tate’s home. Angel pressed the button to call Tate to let her know they were on their way.
Tate didn’t answer the phone, and Angel tried her number again.
“I’m pleased you’ve told me. It must be hard having a family and not seeing them.”
“It can be,” Blaine said, agreeing.
“Do Emily and Darcy live in town?”
“Yeah. She doesn’t want anything to do with me. I can’t do anything about it. She’s got full custody and is an amazing mother.”
Angel smiled. When she couldn’t get Tate a third time she left it alone, figuring her friend was too busy to answer the phone.
The rest of the drive was peaceful. Blaine talked about his little girl and how advanced she was. Several times Angel rested her hand against her stomach wondering if she was pregnant. Lash never wore a condom with her. She probably should make him and get tested or something, but she trusted him.
Shaking her head, they pulled into the driveway of Tate’s home. She saw Steven’s bike and was thankful Blaine would have someone to talk to.
They walked around back. Tate had told her to always walk around the back. She let herself in the back door. The kitchen was silent.
“Tate, honey, we’re here. I finally talked Lash into letting me come.” They rounded a corner, and Angel froze.
Steven was on the ground, a pool of blood around him. Tate was stood with her arms out in surrender. Tears were spilling from her cheeks as she looked at the man in front of her. Angel didn’t recognise him, but she saw Murphy at the back of the group.
Blaine tried to pull her out of the way. He was pulling a gun out of his pocket. It was too late.
Two shots were fired, and Angel felt his grip loosen. He fell to the floor at her feet. Tate screamed, and Eva was jerked. Angel stared at the man at her feet. She’d been getting to know him. He was a father and turning his life around.
Going to her knees she stared at his chest and stomach. Blood was oozing out of holes. Tears sprang to her eyes.
“No, this can’t be happening.” She pressed her hands to the wound trying to stem the blood flow.
“Please,” he said, coughing.
Someone grabbed her arm tugging at her.
“Leave me alone!” She screamed, pulling away and going to Blaine.
“I’m sorry,” Blaine said.
Tears spilled down her cheeks. No, it was so unfair. He was making his life better. The club would fix him, and he’d get his happily ever after.
“Don’t be sorry. This is not your fault.” She applied more pressure to the wounds and cried as she felt the blood pooling out of the wound.
He reached in his pocket. “Tell … Emily … I’m sorry … I … was trying.”
“Don’t talk, Blaine. You’re going to see her.”
His eyes closed, and Angel didn’t have time to check before she was pulled roughly to her feet.
“Get the f**k away from him. He’s dead, bitch.”
Angel didn’t feel the pain from being pulled. She couldn’t tear her gaze away from Blaine or from Steven. They were both Prospects, and yet they were dead at her feet like they were nothing. She’d gotten to know them both, and now they were dead.