His Other Half (Patches: Tarkio MC Book 3)

suspicions on where she was from her mom and dad because I didn't want to disappoint them if I was wrong."
Banks looked at Paco. "Did you know this?"
"Not until afterward." Paco leaned his hip against the waist-high filing cabinet.
"That's not true. I told him I wasn't leaving without my friend when he came to the casino, and he made me leave." She glared, not letting Paco fabricate what happened.
"Josie." Banks sighed, running his hand over his jaw. "The risks—"
"She's my best friend. If it was Paco in danger, wouldn't you do anything to save him?" She raised her chin. "I'm going back. If I can have two days off, I swear I'll make it up to you. You can dock my pay for the days I missed. I don't want to lose my job, but I have to go."
"If they catch you, and they will, they'll ship you to Mexico, drug you up, and let men use you for their pleasure. If you're still alive after your first night, you'll wish you were dead." Paco crossed the room in three strides and stood in front of her. "Trust me. Death would be the easy way out."
Banks stepped in front of her and put his hand on Paco's chest, backing him away from her. "Keep your head, brother."
The two men squared off in silence. An unspoken argument passed between them. She crossed her arms, pleased that Banks was viewing what she'd put up with since yesterday afternoon when Paco forced her to stay at his house.
Secretly, she was thankful for his company. Being held against her will at the casino, not knowing if she would accomplish getting Cami away from Askook, had frightened her more than she wanted to admit. The last couple of hours before Paco showed up, she'd contemplated her reasons for risking her life.
A part of her had wanted to run away and hide. Self-protection was a weakness. A person was only as strong as their bravery.
No man was born evil. She had to remember that when she was afraid of going against those more powerful than her. Including Paco.
Banks turned to her. Paco walked out of the room.
"Despite what he says, I am going back," she said.
"You don't understand what happens to a woman—"
"I do." She inhaled deeply. "The thought of Cami going through what those men will do to her will kill her. I understand perfectly, and I will do whatever is possible to make sure that doesn't happen. She could be gone already. Paco wouldn't let me leave his house to go back. This is the first chance I've had to tell someone else."
Banks shook his head. The whiskers on his face moved as he tightened his mouth.
"I know the men involved." She asked for patience. "If I can get through to them. If I can make them back down. I might be able to save her."
"Josie..." Banks rubbed the back of his neck. "That isn't a good idea."
"The tribal police won't go up against Askook and his men. Missoula police won't go onto Blackfoot land." She swallowed hard. "I've gone up against him before and escaped."
"Ass-koo?"
"Askook." She glanced over at the large single-pane window to the garage where Paco had gone, ignoring the workers around him. "While I appreciate you sending Paco after me, he's no better than Askook, holding me against my wishes."
"Paco's doing what Paco does," muttered Banks, picking up the receiver of the phone on the desk. "I'm calling a meeting. Until I talk to the others, you're not leaving our sight."
"A meeting for what?"
"You're right about one thing. Neither police department will help you, but there's someone who can help you."
Hope filled her. She moved to the desk. "Who?"
"Give me an hour, honey." He turned his back to her and talked into the phone.
Whoever was on the other end of the call obviously held more power than Banks. Her boss had asked permission to call a meeting.
She assumed it had to do with his motorcycle club. There were other times she'd overheard him on the phone and then was informed he and the other bikers who worked at the body shop needed to leave.
Banks got off the phone. She looked to him for answers. At least he'd listened to her. Maybe he could see that she was the answer to getting to Cami and bringing her home.
Before she could ask him any questions, he went to the window and rapped his knuckles on the glass, motioning everyone into the office. Her gaze went straight to Paco in the garage. He stared back at her.
Her stomach quivered, already planning on fighting him to make sure she could attempt to rescue Cami. She refused to back down.
Finally, he looked away and headed toward the door. She inhaled deeply, knowing in thirty seconds he'd be in the office.
No man had ever set her on edge that she lost control of her temper. Her reaction must come from lack of sleep and the strain of being held by Askook, plus her worry for Cami. She'd admired Paco's looks before yesterday and enjoyed it when he visited the other bikers because she could watch him from the office.
But he took her senses away, deafening her to his ways. Blinding her to his intent. Numbing her from the situation.
When he was around, it almost seemed as if the last week hadn't happened. That he was some trick of her mind. Alluring and distracting, he appeared to show up to block her journey to help Cami.

Chapter 5Paco
Priest shoved back from the oblong table and stood. On his feet, Paco planted his hands on the back of the chair and slammed it against the floor.
"You heard it from Josie's mouth. She gave you all the proof you need to come down on the casino." Paco walked away from the table, wanting to bust heads, and came back, determined to convince Tarkio's president to help Josie. "We've gone into the casino before to shut them down."
"Temporarily," muttered