mobile out from the charger and take a deep breath. I haven’t spoken to him in eight years. I have no idea how this phone call is going to go or if he will even answer, but I have to try—for our son. Swiping the screen and entering the pin code, I dial up Mad Dog’s number. I know it off by heart even all these years later. My heart’s racing in my chest as a cold sweat runs all over me. Hearing his voice will be difficult. I miss him every day, but I did what had to be done for my sanity. It rings and with every high pitched tone my heart skips a beat at the thought of him not picking up.
“Amelia? Are you in trouble?” His deep voice booms down the line at a fast rate like he sounds panicked.
My shoulders tense and I clench my eyes tightly shut hearing his voice. It tears at my heart and my breath hitches imagining his face.
“No, I’m fine.”
He exhales and groans. “It’s been eight years, woman. Why are you calling me?” His tone is gruff and clipped, now he’s gone from panicked to angry. Maybe hurt?
My fingers dig into the bedsheets and fist into a ball, the silky sheets feel like sandpaper against my skin. “Mad Dog, how could you let our son leave like that and go on the run?”
“He’s come to you?” he asks desperation in his voice.
“I need to know he’s safe Frank—”
“Don’t call me that, Millie… and yes, he should be—”
“What do you mean… should be? Is he or isn’t he? It’s a simple question.”
He exhales and I chew on my bottom lip. “I called church the day after Dylan left. Told everyone he went nomad and took Willow with him. Everyone was asking questions, but I told them all that Steel was gone for good. I told them no one was to go looking for him or his Old Lady, and that she had proved herself loyal to the club by not going to the cops. I made my point to Chops, in particular, that Steel is still a brother and therefore his Old Lady is not to be hunted down and in no way harmed. Any harm that came to him or Willow would result in immediate depatching and they would meet with wreaking havoc.”
Taking a deep breath, I slump my body against the headboard of the bed and relax slightly. “So Chops won’t be coming after them?”
“No! He knows wherever Dylan and Willow go she will be protected. I just hope they find somewhere safe.”
Shaking my head, I sigh. “I don’t think that’s going to happen. Our son is lost. He doesn’t know where to turn or what to do for sanctuary. I’m asking you for help. Please Frank, please find somewhere for them to go.”
There’s a pause and then I hear him exhale. “Okay. Leave it with me. I’ll make it happen. By the morning, they’ll have a place to go. But Millie, don’t tell him, just let the call come.”
Nodding even though he can’t see me, I smile. “Okay… How have you been?”
“Really? You really want to ask me that?” His tone clipped and deep.
Shrugging, I tilt my head and wince. “Sorry, it’s just been a long time. Hearing your voice again—”
“If you tell me you miss me, I’m going to fucking crack the shits woman.”
Huffing, I swallow hard and nod. He’s still angry. “Okay, sorry, I get it. Just keep safe.”
He grunts and I try not to laugh at that, I know what that means.
“Frank—”
“Don’t call me that Millie!”
Giggling, I smile and nod. “Mad Dog, thank you for helping me with Dylan. Thank you for calming the hound, and thank you for answering the phone.”
He scoffs. “I nearly didn’t. I almost threw the phone against the wall when I saw your name light up. Then I thought you haven’t called in eight years, so I knew something was up.”
“So you do still care about me?”
“Fuck woman, don’t be a bitch. You left me remember.”
Nodding, I frown. “Hardest day of my life.”
He groans. “I can’t do this with you. Millie, look after Dylan. Make sure he answers his phone tomorrow and takes the offer. I can’t talk to you anymore. Have