What Goes Around (Bulldogs MC #3)

7: She's A Slave Driver

^^ George ^^

I wait until later that evening to speak to Robin about what the sheriff had told me. She's putting the clean dishes away when I join her in the kitchen and ask her to sit with me at the table.

"I need to talk to you about something," I tell her, and I can see the fear creep into her eyes. I grab her hand and squeeze it softly. "The sheriff came to see me earlier. The station got sent a missing person's poster from Atlanta. Apparently, it's been sent nationwide now," She goes to stand, and I know she wants to run. "Hey, sit down. Talk to me. We're in this together remember,"

She pauses but eventually begins to relax again, and I see her take a deep breath. "I ran way about two months ago. It was easy at first; no one was looking for me. I was gone for two weeks before I was even reported missing, and I bet that's only cos the school did it," I'm terrified of what she's going to say but I relax with her next words. "I wasn't like abused or beaten or anything. I was just forgotten,"

I frown. "What do you mean?"

"My dad died when I was tiny, I don't even remember him. When I was thirteen, my mum met a new guy. He's nice, I guess. Quiet. Anyway, she got pregnant pretty quick and as soon as my baby brother was here, they totally forgot about me. I'd cook for myself; get myself up in the mornings. I can't even remember the last time I had a conversation with my mum," She starts drawing patterns on the table with her fingers, and I think she's fighting tears. "I did all the normal stuff to get attention. I started skipping school, rebelling, wearing different clothes; I even came in drunk a few times. They still never noticed me. So I left," She shrugs, and when she looks at me, her face is blank. "Will they make me go back?"

I sigh. "I don't know. I hope not. The sheriff is looking into it and I'm going to speak to my boss tomorrow and get some advice. He's a good lawyer; he should be able to help. But you don't worry about anything okay? You let me do the worrying, and you just keep up with what you've been doing. If we can show that you're doing okay, and you're happy and safe, we should stand a pretty good chance," She nods, but she still looks scared. "How much did you earn today?" I ask, smiling when she looks up with a grin.

"Fifty bucks, plus tips,"

I whistle. "Not bad for your first day,"

She nods and her grin widens. "Shelby said I'm the first person she's calling next time she needs cover,"

I take a deep breath. "We need to sort something out for school soon," I pause when she groans and rolls her eyes. "I know. But it will look good to whoever needs to see that shit, and it'll be good for you. You're what, a junior?" She nods. "So you're almost done. It sucks, I know, but it's gotta be done,"

"Ugh. I thought you were cool," I'm almost offended until she sticks her tongue out at me.

"I'll drop you off on the bike every day?"

She pauses. "Fine. Just until I can afford my own though,"

"Deal," I laugh.

***

The next morning was manic. I'd gotten up extra early and been to check on Banjo already. He'd been settled since his seizure the day before and was fast asleep when I popped in. His usual nurse was there and reassured me that he'd be okay for a while until I could come back later. I know Skids and Philly were popping up soon, but I had to check in anyway or I wouldn't be able to concentrate on anything else. I'd called the high school first thing too and arranged to take Robin in for a meeting later. Hopefully, we can sort something out and get her started there while the sheriff is looking into everything.