Because You're Mine

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER FIVE

Spider

Two weeks later – May

Even though Ice had moved at the speed of light it had seemed as if time had dragged by. He didn’t know how his brother had managed it but he obtained a court order for a DNA test within the first couple of days of actively pursuing the case, and not just any DNA test. It was a priority test.

Today was the day the results would be heard in court. Ice, Genna and his parents had flown down to be by his side. He would be meeting the advocate who had taken on the case for the first time as well. Advocate Joan Bonthuys. All he knew was that she was highly respected and known to be relentless in her pursuit of justice for her clients.

Not that he had any doubts as to the outcome of the DNA test.

He knew to his bones the little boy was his, his son, his blood.

It was the possible response from the Rutherfords that was giving him sleepless nights.

BAM BAM BAM

A fist beating on his door ripped him back to the present. Swearing softly he unlocked and snatched the door open.

Dizzy and Sly stood grinning at him. “What the fuck? You trying to beat my door down?”

“Are you ready to go, brother?” Dizzy asked, then shook his head as he looked him up and down with raised both eyebrows.

“Why aren’t you in a suit, bro?” Sly frowned heavily.

Spider shook his head. “Not wearing one, this is who I am. This is who they get.”

Dizzy shook his head. “Hate to break it to you, bro, but you’re going to have to change. Your lawyer person called Kid and told him to tell you to wear a suit. Like you do when you go into work at the office. Apparently she said today was about the businessman and not the biker. Don’t know what that means, but orders are orders.”

“Fuck. I hate wearing a suit, the tie always makes me feel like I’m being strangled.”

Spider complained as he turned to do as instructed.

Put on a fucking suit.

A short while later he was dressed in a bespoke dark grey suit with a matching shirt and blue tie. His hair was pulled back in a bun with a dark grey scrunchie. Instead of his biker boots he wore a pair of ankle length leather designer boots Genna had given him for his birthday. His sister was also the one who had taken him to a tailor to have a suit made to his measurements. With as much as he worked out and how active he was he had found that buying a suit that fitted him was an impossibility.

He hardly ever wore the boots or the suit but today they fitted the look they were apparently going for.

Affluent businessman.

And he was that, affluent and a businessman.

His investments brought in a tidy sum and his salary wasn’t to be sneezed at either. When his club pay packet was added to the total sum he wasn’t just well-off he was filthy rich.

Not that his club money showed up in his accounts. It was kept under the table for the most part.

Some of his earnings weren’t as legal as the rest.

One last look in the mirror and he followed his brothers out, locking the door behind him.

Forty five minutes later he stood on the steps of the courthouse shaking the hand of his advocate, Joan Bonthuys.

She was not what he had expected.

She was tall. At a guess he would say she was close to six foot without her shoes, with them she was an inch or so over. Her steel grey hair was cut in a no-nonsense chin length bob, her make-up was understated but perfect. It complemented her gorgeous deep caramel skin. Her dark suit and crisp white shirt exuded money and class. Dark eyes filled with intelligence met his and he felt like she could see right down in to his soul.

A small smile crept over her lips. “Now I understand why my assistant described you as the best mix of Thor and Aquaman.”

Spider had no idea what to say to that so left it alone.

Not so his family.

“Please don’t tell him that.” Genna groaned. “His head is already too big to fit in the house.”

And of course Ice had to go where he wasn’t supposed to go. At least not in front of strangers, or the woman who was about to defend him in court.

“Are you wearing the surgical steel piercings today, little brother? We don’t want the metal detectors screaming as you step through.”

Everyone laughed, except the advocate and her assistant, they were checking out his face and ears.

Until it registered which piercings his bloody brother was talking about.

That was when the assistants’ eyes dropped to his crotch.

Joan smiled and winked but her eyes stayed on his. And for that he liked her even more.

She also saved him from killing Ice by changing the subject.

“You most probably won’t be called to give testimony but if you are I want you to stick to the facts. Say as little as possible. I will be laying our case in front of the judge and will answer any questions he might have. You are here today to show your intent and to give the court a look at you.”

She nodded in satisfaction as she did a quick scan of his suit to his boots.

“Our opposition has gone in heavy on your club affiliation and the fact that your club used to be outlaws. They are going to paint you as a criminal biker while I’m going to show the educated businessman. No matter what is said, you stay silent. I expect today to be about the DNA results but we are prepared for the opposition to petition the court to deny you visitation rights.”

Spider felt rage building until Genna and his mum stepped up on either side of him and slipped their hands into his, holding tight.

“I, of course, will oppose any such petition. We will then petition the court to acknowledge your rights as the father of the minor child. I don’t doubt after the results are read it will be a formality.”

He could only nod.

He hadn’t realised how much of his future was hanging on the outcome today.

“Don’t worry, Mr Walker, I’m very good at what I do and I’m motivated to win your case. It’s the kind of case that will set a precedent for future cases and hopefully make my job easier.” She smiled. “Now, let’s get to our seats before the doors close. We don’t want to walk in when the judge is already on the bench.”

Walking into the courtroom he was stunned to see the benches filled with his brothers. They silently gave him chin lifts as he walked past. Standing in the aisle he let his family file past into the bench before he sat down. At the table in front of him his Advocate and her assistant, or whatever the hell she was, sat with a couple of folders spread out.

He avoided looking to the opposing side.

His sister had no such qualms.

Leaning over him she stared at the bitch and her husband with narrowed eyes before she sat back and took his hand in both of hers.

Putting her head on his shoulder she whispered in a low hiss.

“The next time you think about putting your dick in some skank I want you to think about the slut sitting over there. Think about the way she looks, her surgically enhanced lips and tits, but look past those to her ice cold eyes. Then think about how many dicks have been there before yours. Imagine a line of men that stretches across the horizon. And if you still want to go there think about getting some therapy.”

Biting his bottom lip to keep his laughter from bursting out he shook silently. Genna did as well, her eyes sparkling with mirth.

Fuck, he was glad she was here today.

They had always been close as kids. Did everything together until he became a prospect. That was when everything changed between them. She had been vocal about his sudden change of lifestyle, the drinking, the club sluts and his attitude and started putting distance between them, and he’d allowed it. Prospecting had been hard and it was made harder by the fact that he was still at University and studying towards his degree.

And to be honest, he had been young and wild at the time.

It had been all about prospecting, his brothers, partying and pussy.

There hadn’t been time to spend with his sister. He now regretted those decisions.

Judge Molatse’s arrival pulled him from his memories. He looked like a man who didn’t take any shit and hopefully it would be good for his case.

The proceedings went off surprisingly quickly.

As expected the DNA results revealed he was the father of the little boy known as Robert Rutherford III. Poor fucking kid, that name was going to get him bullied at school.

But of course it didn’t end there.

The slut’s advocate then petitioned the court to deny him visitation on the premise that he was a dangerous criminal and a member of a dangerous gang.

Joan instantly objected.

“Your honour, my client is indeed a member of a well know motorcycle club, the Iron Dogz MC. A club that takes care of their community and raises and distributes thousands to charities around South Africa. In his capacity as Treasurer for the club it is my client’s duty to oversee and manage the money raised, and then distribute it to the charities they support. Mr Walker is in fact perfectly suited for the position as he has a B.Com degree and a degree in Financial Administration. Besides his duties to the club he is the Chief Financial Officer of the Iron Dogz Group of companies. As such I maintain that the allegations made by opposing council is spurious. There is no evidence that Mr Walker, or his club, are involved in criminal activities. I move that the petition be denied.”

Spider clung to Genna’s hand as the judge went over the notes in front of him.

When the man looked up and frowned at him he thought it was done, he had lost his son.

“I have to concur with Ms Bonthuys. The petition is based upon hearsay. Mr Walker has no criminal record and the petition has no supporting documentation of criminal acts by the club or criminal behaviour. The court therefore denies the petition.”

There were outraged gasps and mumbles from the slut and her man but their advocate shut them down very quickly when the judge glared at them.

He wasn’t done.

“I have spent time reading through the case and it is the opinion of this court that Mr Walker’s rights as the child’s biological father must be upheld. Therefore, the court orders that the minor child, Robert Rutherford, will spend time with him every Wednesday afternoon from 12 noon till 4 pm. In addition it is ordered that he visit with his father from 9am Friday morning to 5pm Sunday evening every second weekend. I urge all parties to adhere to the rules of the court. If the visitation cannot take place the court expects a written submission from the advocates of either party as to the reasons. This has to be done in a timeous manner in order for the court to make a decision on alternate arrangements. In the interim the court will instruct an agent of the Child Welfare Department to visit the homes of both parties to ascertain the living conditions of the minor child. She will also assess the child and report back to the court on his general welfare. She will do unannounced visits to both parental homes and report her findings to the court.”

Leaning across the bench the Judge seemed to study him and then the slut and her husband.

“My hope for the minor child is that both parties find an acceptable middle ground in their dealings with each other.”

With that he dismissed them, picked up his shit and left.

He had scarcely disappeared through the door when the bitch turned to them and started shrieking abuse at Spider and his family. Calling them killers and criminals while threatening to disappear with HER son.

She looked crazed as she stood spouting her evil.

He was ready to explode when Joan calmly stood, her phone held out towards where the slut was being restrained by her advocate.

“I take Mrs Rutherford’s threats as viable, and therefore I will be submitting this recording into evidence with Judge Molatse for immediate action. Expect to hear from us within the next couple of hours.”

Turning slightly she spoke softly to her assistant who called over the court orderly. He came to the desk and they had a short discussion after which he escorted her out the courtroom.

Spider hoped she was on her way to see the judge.

The orderly was back within minutes, he spoke to the Rutherford’s advocate and the man promptly followed him out.

“What shall we do?” Genna asked loudly.

“It’s best to wait on Advocate Bonthuys outside in the waiting area as the room needs to be cleared for the next case.” The assistant answered as she quickly slid the folders into a leather briefcase.

Most of his brothers left but some stayed. They spread out on the benches outside the courtroom and settled in to wait with him.

Brotherhood.

They had his back no matter what.

The same could be said about his family.

His parents sat on either side of him, his dad’s big hand on his shoulder while his mum quietly tried to reassure him. He tried to show no outward emotion but his bloody leg wouldn’t stop bouncing. It was as if it had a life of its own.

When the doors to the courtroom opened he was instantly on his feet only to sigh on seeing it was the orderly.

“Judge Molatse wants to see all parties in the courtroom. Immediately.”

Ice, as one of his lawyers, was by his side as they followed the orderly back into the courtroom. The judge stood in front of the bench, talking to the court reporter who was fiddling with a machine on her desk.

The man did not look happy, in fact he looked extremely pissed off when turned to them.

“I had hoped to settle this case amicably for the sake of the child, but it now seems to be not possible. It is the order of this court that Mr and Mrs Rutherford, their family and all employees, are hereby prohibited from interfering with the court ordered visitation of the minor child, Robert Rutherford, with his biological father. It has been brought to my attention that threats of kidnapping have been made. Therefore, it’s the order of this court that Mr and Mrs Rutherford report daily to their nearest police station accompanied by their advocate or a member of his staff. Failure to report will result in a warrant of arrest being issued.”

He slammed a hand down on the desk.

“I want it made clear that I view the kidnapping of children to avoid court ordered visitation as a violation of the rights of the parent, but also a violation of the rights of the child. I will not be lenient with anyone brought into my courtroom on those charges. I will hand down the maximum fine allowed under the law as well as jail time to the offender or offenders.” He glared at the advocate standing next to the bitch and her man.

“Court dismissed.” The orderly’s voice was loud as the judge turned, his robes swirling around him as he marched out through the door behind the bench.

Spider needed to get out of there. All he wanted was to get as far away from the slut and her asshole of a husband as he could.

Surrounded by his family and brothers he left the courthouse after thanking Joan for what she had done for him and his son.

She had given him a small smile. “We’re not done yet, Griffin. I’ll be in contact soon.”

Ripping the tie from around his neck he undid the top buttons of his shirt and climbed into his Jeep. Usually his family would have bantered all the way back to the clubhouse.

Not today.

Everyone was silent and deep in thought.

He parked in his spot in the garage but didn’t wait on his family. He had to get out of his suit and damned quick. It felt as if he was suffocating.

Yes, he had won the first battle for his boy, but it was going to be a long drawn out affair. He knew it the moment he looked in Ice’s eyes after Judge Molatse gave his judgement.

It couldn’t have come at a worse time.

The club was back into dark business and it only needed one slip up for his world to come crashing down. It was something he could not afford to happen.

Storming through the clubhouse he raced up the stairs before anyone could stop him to talk. He wasn’t in a place where he was able to talk, he was fucking pissed off to hell and back.

Slamming his door closed he ripped the scrunchie from his hair, got rid of the suit and dumped it on his bed. His shirt, socks and underwear went into the hamper before he stepped into the shower and turned on the cold water. The icy water hit the top of his overheated head and he stood with his hands braced against the tiles until he was shivering with cold, his dick and balls had long since retreated from the icy onslaught.

Opening the hot water he reheated his body, had a quick shower, stepped out and dragged a towel over his wet skin. Wrapping it around his hips he pushed his wet hair away from his eyes and walked out into his room.

His parents, Ice, Genna, Kid and Noe were waiting on him.

And of course his mum had hung his suit up. The tie was no longer a knotted mess but neatly hung over the small tie rack on the outside of his cupboard door.

“Get some clothes on then we’ll talk.” His dad ordered.

He knew that voice very well, it was his no-nonsense voice.

Gathering what he needed he retreated to the bathroom, got dressed, brushed his wet hair then went out to join his family.

While he was getting dressed more chairs had been brought in and one now stood waiting on his ass.

There was only one thing he could do, it was to sit down and listen to what they had to say.

He sat, leant back in the chair with his hands clasping the arms and his bare feet crossed. As ready as he could ever be.

“We’ve had a talk while you were in the shower. Ice filled us in on how expensive this is going to be.” His dad started the conversation. “Your mum and I will be putting money towards your legal fees to help in your fight for full custody of your boy. And don’t even try to protest, it is our grandson those fuckers has stolen. We want him as much as you do. He needs to grow up knowing he’s a Walker and that he’s loved. Those people wouldn’t know love if it walked up and hit them on the fucking nose.”

His dad was usually the voice of reason in sticky situations but by the look in his eyes Spider knew reason had nothing to do with their decision.

“I’ve got money, Dad. I’ve got more than enough to fight them for as long as it takes. I’d rather you put your money towards that world cruise mum is always talking about. You both deserve some time away from the club for a bit.”

“Stop trying to get the attention away from the problem you’re facing, Griffin.” His mum snapped. “We are here because you are our son, and we love you. Your dad and I would do anything on God’s green earth to help you get your little boy away from those awful people.” She gave him a sly wink. “We’ll be doing the cruise at a later date, when our boy is safe and settled here with you.”

Kid jumped in.

“And that’s where I come in, brother. I’ve allocated one of the family duplex units in our block to you. The refurb has just been completed so it’s good as new. All you have to do is furnish the fucker. It will give you a home to show the social worker when she comes for her inspection visit. And the fact that it’s separate from the clubhouse can’t hurt either.”

Spider’s mouth opened and closed but not a word came out.

“And that’s where I get my turn.” Genna reached over and grabbed hold of his hand.

“I’ll help turn your very empty duplex into a home. We don’t have to go trawling through shopping centres or malls for furnishings, it can all be done online. I do suggest we don’t do that with the couches or the beds, we need to test those before we buy.”

His family was the fucking best.

“You guys seem to have thought about everything. I don’t know what else to say but thank you. Thank you, Gray, for finding Joan and getting her to take my case. Thanks Mum and Dad for not freaking the fuck out when you heard I had a kid I knew nothing about. Thanks Kid and Noe for making sure I have a home where I can stay with my son. Gen, thank you for taking the time to help me sort my shit. I’m going to need you.” Spider cleared the lump from his throat and dragged a hand over his short beard.

“Oh I have more goodness to give you.” Noe winked at him. “Star is on the case and is furious about what’s happening to you. She swore she will not give up until she has everything she can find on those fuckers. According to her something stinks in their backgrounds and it smells of a cover up. So let’s see what she comes up with and how it will benefit your case.”

“Ziggy has teamed up with Star and Rico, he said to tell you they will be digging deep.” Ice said very quietly. “I will be keeping an eye on the legal side of the case and keep in touch with you and Joan. She’s one of the best in the country, little brother, she has a reputation for winning cases that seem to be unwinnable. I truly believe she’s going to get you your boy.”

There were nods of agreement from the others while Spider could only manage a slight chin lift. Seeing the way the bitch had acted in court had him worried. When he had seen them at the coffee shop the nanny hadn’t looked very comfortable around her employer, in fact there had been fear in her eyes.

Why?

What if the bitch was abusive towards the nanny and his kid?

How would they even find out if it was so?

“The nanny is scared of the bitch. I only saw them once but it was right there in her eyes. My boy was wary of his own mother when she raised her voice. We need to look into the possibility that she’s abusive.”

He had scarcely said the words when Noe had her phone out, stood at the far side of the room and had a quiet conversation with Star.

“We need to trust that the Social Worker will pick up on shit like that.” Ice growled. “But if she doesn’t we’ll be looking into it from our side anyway.”

Spider felt as if his body was collapsing around him. With his elbows on his knees he bent forward and cradled his face in his hands. His fingers wiping at his burning eyes.

“I always thought that one day I would find the woman I want to claim as my old lady and have kids with her. I thought they would be created out of love and not out of a base emotion like greed and lust.”

A hard punch to his arm had him jerking upright.

“Ouch! What the fuck?” He snarled at Kid.

“Asswipe, I was created out of lust.” He snapped. “When I first found out it was fucking awful but then I got to know my father and his family and the feeling eased. I can honestly say I love the man and his old lady, my brother is a great guy and my little sister isn’t too bad, she just has to be taught some hard life lessons.”

Kid patted his sore arm with a wide grin. “By the time your boy is old enough to start asking questions he’ll know that his father loves him and so do the rest of the family. You’ll do okay, I have faith in you.”

To hear someone he had always looked up to say he had faith in him meant everything to him. He knew Ice and Hawk had sometimes despaired that he’d never grow up and become responsible. It was part of the reason he transferred to Cape Town, to get out from under their massive shadows. And now his VP, who he fucking admired and loved like another big brother, tells him he has faith in him. It meant a lot, a hell of a lot.

“Thank you, VP. Not for the punch though, that fucking hurt.” He forced a smile and was glad when the atmosphere in the room lightened just a little.

“I need a beer and to sit out in the fresh air with my feet up for a few hours. Anyone else feel like joining me?”

And that’s what they did.

They sat around the fire pit until late, telling stories and laughing.

It felt like being on the back deck at his parents’ house on a Sunday.

Hanging out with family and friends.

It pushed the darkness away for a while. It would return, but not yet.

Not yet.