I SHOT OFF a text to Amy May that just said, Black Creek Towing, and she shot back, on it.
Bea didn’t stay much longer, she needed to get home to Shannon, who probably hadn’t seen much of her since she started on Cade’s case.
Luckily, she did not intercept Bran, who took longer because he stopped at McDonald’s and it was packed.
We sat around munching on fries and filled Bran in.
“The cops are looking into it, but have nothing? And you and Bea went to some random guy’s house, a paranoid prepper type, alone, and he showed you footage of Cade getting hit and taken by a group of guys. Rather than letting the police handle it like you promised Bea, you two have gone off on your own investigation, and Amy May is your woman behind the computer . . . Is that all correct?” he asked, and I have to say, his tone was quite annoying.
“Yeah, that sounds about right, and I’m guessing you don’t approve, even though you know this is my job,” I replied, shoving a hand full of fries in my mouth angrily.
Bran sighed.
“I know it’s your job, and that you’re capable, but there’s a reason why cops, lawyers, and private detectives shouldn’t take on cases when they’re too close to them. You’re thinking with your heart, instead of your head, which makes you more prone to falling into dangerous situations. And we both know, you tend to get yourself into those anyway.”
“Right, so why not keep doing what I’m doing. This is Cade, I’m not going to sit around and do nothing when he’s out there somewhere, being kept against his will. He’d do the same for me.”
“He would,” Bran agreed. “But I doubt he’ll thank you for doing the same. Do you think he’d want you to insert yourself into the middle of a turf war between two MCs?”
Yeah, Bran is probably right about that.
“Well, when we find him, he can be as mad at me as he wants.”
At that, my tears began to well up and I threw the fry box on the coffee table. Bran came and sat next to me and pulled me into his arms.
“Hey, I’m sorry. I get it, I really do. You’re not the kind of person who can sit back and let other people take control, especially when it concerns someone you love. I just worry about you, about both of you, and I don’t like you getting messed up with these obviously volatile men.”
I allowed him to comfort me for a few seconds, then I pushed back and gave him a watery smile.
“I know, and I appreciate that, but I’m not going to stop.”
Bran nodded, then gave me space. He sat on the loveseat next to Carmen and I enjoyed what a cute picture they made together.
“So, Bea said that they used Black Creek Towing and another Diablos named Cueball was mentioned. I gave that information to Amy May and she’s looking into it. Also, that dusk/dark business with Junior is bugging me. Why would he lie? Did they catch wind of us looking into them? Pay him off? I don’t know, but he seemed much shiftier today than the last couple times I talked to him.”
“Really? He seemed shifty every time, to me,” Carmen said.
I chuckled.
“That’s true,” I agreed, but something about the way he was acting that night didn’t sit right.
Just then, my phone started ringing and the theme from The Walking Dead made me jump.
I need to change my ringtone, I thought, then pressed the green button.
“What’s up, Amy May?”
“I got an address for Black Creek Towing in Copper Creek County, about forty miles away. I’ll shoot it over to you. Also, Mrs. Wilkes called and invited me to help her with the wedding feast, so I’ll be heading over there on Thursday to help with prepping. I’m so excited to meet her.”
“Oh, cool, I’m sure she’ll appreciate it,” I said, then asked, “Anything on Cueball, Scam, or the Diablos?”
“No, not yet, but I’ll keep checking.”
“Thanks, Amy May, now go get some rest. Put your feet up.”
“Yes, Mom,” she said, and hung up.
I chuckled as I disconnected and looked to Carmen and Bran.
“She found an address for the towing company, so we can go check that out . . .”
“Who’ll appreciate what?” Carmen asked.
“Huh?” I asked, my eyes on the text Amy May had just sent over with the address.
“On the phone, you said, I’m sure she’ll appreciate it, who were you talking about?”
“Oh, Cade’s mom contacted Amy May about helping with the cooking for the wedding,” I replied.
When I was met with silence, I looked up to see Carmen pouting.
“What?”
“Nothing, it’s just, Mrs. Wilkes didn’t call me, and I really wanted to meet them, and help out. I’m sure she thinks because Amy May’s a baker that she’d be more help.”
I was confused for a moment, then I waved my hand and said, “That’s because I didn’t give her your number.”
Carmen let out a little squeak of disbelief and asked, “Why not?”
I shrugged.
“I gave her Amy May, Bea, and Shannon’s numbers, but I didn’t think you liked cooking and stuff, so I didn’t give her yours. Plus, you’re working with me . . .”
Carmen crossed her arms and said, “I take directions well, and it’s not like we’re working twenty-four seven. I could at least go by and meet them, help and hang out a little bit.”
“You know what, I’ll give her your number tomorrow. I’m meeting them for breakfast,” I said, standing and crossing the room to gather my things.
“What are you doing?” Bran asked.
“Going to check out this address,” I replied, holding up my phone.
“Now?” he asked, looking at the clock.
Was he serious?
“That accident was weeks ago. Cade’s been going through God knows what. This is the best lead we’ve gotten so far, and I’m not waiting to follow it. You don’t have to come with me if you don’t want to, but I’m going.”