Page 73 of Edge

“There are three cameras in the main part of the diner,” I added.

“Got it. Give me a few minutes,” he said and started typing. His fingers flew over the keyboard in a way that would make Byte proud.

We waited in silence until he finished. “Show me the one with audio,” Phoenix said.

Flint handed his laptop to his dad. “Click right there when you’re ready to play it.”

“Prez,” I said hesitantly. “I don’t think I can do this.”

Flint held out a pair of earbuds for Phoenix. “Here.”

“Thank you,” I said sincerely. Just the thought of having to see or hear that video was making me feel sick. I experienced all of it firsthand and would likely spend the rest of my life trying to erase it from my memory. I wasn’t used to dealing with crises of such a serious nature because, thankfully, things like that didn’t happen often.

After Phoenix watched the video, he passed the laptop and earbuds to Badger. When Badger returned the items to Flint, I exhaled in relief.

Phoenix turned in his seat. “First, I want you to know how proud I am to call you my brother. The way you and Ink handled the situation is beyond impressive. You neutralized the threat, provided lifesaving help, and maintained security.”

I looked down at my hands, unsure of what to say. I didn’t feel like the hero he was making me out to be.

“Evie’s confession stays between the four of us until we can have church and make some decisions. Like I said before, whatever did or didn’t happen with her roommate doesn’t change the fact that Snarl shot three patched members. I’m sure we’ll be hearing from the Mad Dogs when they get word of Snarl’s death, but we have some time before they’ll be able to do anything.” He paused and directed his attention to Badger.“I think we should lock up the clubhouse and send everyone in Croftridge to the farm. If it comes down to it, they can wait this out in one of the underground bunkers.”

“Yeah,” Badger agreed. “I think that’s a good idea. If the Mad Dogs do come for retaliation, the first place they’ll go is the clubhouse.”

“I have something you might want to see,” Flint said and handed his laptop to Phoenix. “It’s a police report from Evie’s roommate’s murder.”

Phoenix took the laptop and quickly read the report. “According to this, an anonymous caller reported the murder. The victim’s throat had been slashed. The investigators found fingerprints belonging to Snarl and Muzzle in the apartment, and they found Snarl’s prints on the murder weapon. Evie’s fingerprints were also on the murder weapon, but it was a kitchen knife, so it makes sense that her prints were there.” Phoenix turned in his seat and looked at me. “Didn’t she say that she didn’t have a relationship with her father or brother?”

“Many times,” I confirmed.

“If she didn’t have a relationship with them, then their fingerprints shouldn’t have been in her apartment.”

“What are you thinking?” Badger asked.

“She showed up in Cedar Valley with a busted-up face, right?” Phoenix asked me.

“Yeah. She had two black eyes and a swollen nose. She told people she’d just had sinus surgery.”

“I’d bet money they made her do it,” Phoenix said.

“Makes sense,” Badger agreed.

The shrill ringing of Phoenix’s phone abruptly interrupted our conversation. “Phoenix Black,” he answered. “Okay. We’ll be right there,” he replied and ended the call. “The police are here.”

With that, we went back inside to answer their questions.

21

EDGE

Iopened my eyes and looked around in confusion. It only took seconds for me to realize I was in a hospital room, and then I remembered why. All of it returned to me in a single moment.

Pulling my gun and going out to look for Snarl.

Hearing the flurry of gunshots coming from inside the diner.

Running back inside and seeing Evie fall to the ground.

A bullet ripped through my chest before I could fire a shot.