Chapter 261: Cat and Mouse 17

Cat

I didn’t hum on the way back to the Shack. In fact it was like any happiness I’d felt only a few hours ago had disappeared. I white knuckled the steering wheel, each turn was jerky so by the time I pulled in and was confronted by the sight of Copper and Killian's bike and the two men leaning against the wall, I was a jerky mess.

And it made me feel stupid because I couldn’t be sure I had been in any danger and hadn’t just over reacted.

I didn’t think I had though, not deep down.

The last time I had felt so deep down uncomfortable had been the night my husband had died. I had woken up in a panic, not realising until much later that I had woken up the exact time he had lost his life.

I shook the thought away, pushing out of my car to greet them.

“Thanks for coming guys, I’m pretty sure I’m just over reacting but-“

Copper moved in for an awkward hug just as another bike pulled in.

Psychs bike. Yanking down the bandana from around his mouth he frowned. The confusion was clear on his face. There was something else there as well and if I didn’t know better then I would say it was jealousy.

Jealous because I was hugging Copper? That was just madness.

Awkwardly I pulled away from Copper.

“You called, we came.” He said with a grin. “It’s what we do. I’m sure the others will be here soon.”

“Others?” I raised my eyebrows, just as two more bikes pulled in. My little guards had finally caught up.

“Yeah obviously Gunner and Rancher, and us to.” Coppers grin slipped an inch. “And Psych. You got here quickly brother.” Suddenly ignoring me, he strode passed me and the two men hugged like old friends.

Psych threw me a confused look. “Yeah.” He slapped the bigger man on the back.

“Glad you finally got your messages." Copper grinned. “Cat any chance we can get some cold drinks on the go. It’s hotter than the devils arm pit out here. The others should be here soon and then we can see what the hell is going on.”

“Yeah.” There was no happiness in my life. In fact I was begining to regret calling anyone. Because I knew what was going on, my place was about to be taken over by the  Lost Reapers. They would lounge and drink. And I wouldn’t get any of my errands done.

Not that I could tell them I had made a mistake, not now they were all here. Like knights in weathered leather anyway.

Sighing, I opened the door and they shuffled in. Psych came last and as he passed, he touched my hip. Letting his hand slide across my stomach to the other one.

What the hell was he doing? Touching me like that in front of everyone?

I stepped back out of his grasp and closed the door behind me. I didn’t lock it though. There wasn’t much point if others were due and anyway. If some scary enemy came through then I was more than protected.

“I’ll grab some drinks.” I said to no one in particular. I just needed a second to catch my breath. I loved the Lost Reapers like they were family but they suffocated me.

Filling several pitchers I was soon back at the table. Sliding into a spot on one of the benches. My leg pushed against Coppers.

“Lottie filled us in.” Killian said. “Do you really think you saw her?” He asked without thanking me for his drink. So we were getting right down to business which was great because I wanted them gone.

I shrugged. “No idea.”

They all turned to me. Confusion pinching their eyebrows together.

“She gave me the creeps. Not at first.” I added quickly. “At first she was really friendly. But she kept staring at me and grinning. It was probably my imagination. I was distracted and ran into her. I’ve probably got you all here for no reason whatsoever.”

Copper's head snapped around. “Why were you distracted?”

My eyes darted to the end of the table where Psych was watching me from beneath his lashes.

“I just was. That’s not the point here, is it?” I snapped and watched my friends' eyebrows lift in surprise.

“What did she look like?” Killian asked.

“Was it like this?” Yanking his phone out, Copper passed it to me. Waving it in front of my face. The men around me squeezed in.

“How did you get that?” Gunner asked.

Copper shrugged. “Dana, she had some files copied before she got sacked from the force. Is this the woman you met at the grocery store?”

I stared at the picture. It was grainy and not the best but there could be no mistake.

“Yeah.” I whispered. “Yeah that was her. Do you think-“

“Yes.” Three men answered at once, taking me by surprise.

“Yeah Cat.” Copper said slowly. “I don’t believe it was a coincidence that she just happened to run into you. And neither do you.” He added firmly. “She’s pulling you into her game and we just have to figure out how.”

I stared around at their worried faces. “How would she even know I am involved-“ my eyes flashed towards Psych who so far hadn’t said a word. “Connected.” I amended quickly. “With the Lost Reapers?”

Silence met my question.

“We don’t know.” Rancher said honestly. “But we have to figure it out and quickly if we want to get ahead of this.”

“I don’t want to be part of this.” I said honestly. I had heard what the women had gone through and I didn’t want to be another victim. I wasn’t strong like they were. I would survive it.

“I think it’s too late.” Killian said softly, his face full of sympathy. “You’re already in it Cat. You’re in it so deep that you might be the only one who can get us out of it.”