Fanatic (Hellfire MC: The Prospects #1)

Chapter Fourteen.

Willow

I sat comfortably in the chair on my first day back at work and stared Richards down. The little asshole had pounced the moment I set foot in building and gleefully invited me to a meeting with Markin and HR. I knew exactly what Richards was planning because he was so obvious.

Not bothering to reply, I headed to the second floor and nodded at Jimenez. He joined me, and we went upstairs to the third level.

“You’ve heard?” I asked, leaning against a desk.

“The whole building has. Richards returned, cursing you and saying you’d murdered those two men. Little prick ran straight to HR, filed a complaint, and repeated his actions with Markin. Markin’s held back from calling in the DOJ and OPR until he’s spoken to you both,” Jimenez said.

“Okay. Not a problem. Now Richard’s gonna hang himself.”

Jimenez looked concerned. “Are you sure?”

“Do you believe I murdered those two men?”

“Nope. I didn’t have the angle you did, but murder… no.”

“And that’s why you’ll remain my SAC. Let’s finish this.”

Jimenez followed me up to the floor where Markin’s office was.

Richards was already in a meeting room with Jenna, Markin, Ray Hubbard from HR, and another agent I didn’t recognise.

“Come in,” Markin demanded, looking angry.

“Planned to,” I replied and took a seat. “I know everyone apart from you.” I pointed at the stranger.

“I’m from the OPR, and I was made aware there was a complaint. SSA Richards informed me that due process might not be followed,” the guy said, and Richards choked as Markin shifted and gazed at him.

Oh fuck, messing with an AD is not a good idea!

“My name’s Clive Ventor. I’m here to determine if there is a case to investigate and what steps are required,” Ventor concluded.

“Nice, this is my first day back at work, and I’ve been dragged into a potential disciplinary meeting. Clearly everyone else has had time to prepare apart from myself. So, I’d like to lodge a complaint of harassment and bullying against SSA Richards,” I said.

Ray sat up. “This is an informal gathering, ASAC Ware.”

“Sorry, but that’s bullshit. We’ve a notetaker, Jenna. HR, yourself. OPR, Ventor, and the assistant director present. The fuck this is an informal anything. I’ve been blindsided and I’m appalled at the behaviour here today. And we’ve not even started, and my rights have been ignored. It’s a good job I brought Jiminez as a witness because nobody has offered me representation.”

“Murderers don’t get considerations,” Richards bitched.

“And now there’s slander. Jenna, I’m hope you’ve got everything down. But if you haven’t, I’m recording this as well as you,” I said, eyeing Ventor.

“Fair enough, ASAC Ware.”

“What’s the problem?” I demanded.

“You invaded my hostage scene and ruthlessly killed two men,” Richards erupted.

“No, the issue is, you wanted my job and didn’t get it. Richards, I’m fully aware of your comments concerning my competence, which is another complaint I will be lodging,” I said calmly.

“ASAC Ware, you shot and murdered those two suspects. I’ll have your badge for this,” Richards hissed.

Serenely, I held Richards’ gaze for a few moments. “And if I can demonstrate I fired to protect innocent life, then what?”

“I’ll resign,” Richards sneered. “But that won’t happen.”

“SSA Richards, you’re saying, if I prove your incompetence, then you’ll quit? You’re certain of that?”

“Give me a bible, I’ll swear on it,” Richards hissed confidently.

“This isn’t appropriate,” Ray interrupted.

“Maybe not. But when I’ve proved my innocence of these claims, and I’ve levelled my list of complaints, it will save you the rigmarole of disciplining and firing the fool.”

“This meeting needs and should be made official,” Ray insisted.

“That what you want?” Markin spoke to Richards, who’d puffed up on self-importance.

“Ware’s a murderer, and I’ll prove it. I’ve got nothing to lose, but you’re about to lose an ASAC,” Richards hissed.

Pissing off the assistant director was a mistake.

“Let’s continue then. State your case and present the evidence, Richards,” Markin demanded, his eyes narrowed.

Richards leapt into his spiel and walked right into my trap. He showed a video of the attack and me firing on the first man. I already had this, but I didn’t need to show my own now. Richards ran his mouth as I sat calmly. At the end of his statement, we heard the exchange between me, him, and Jimenez. Then, footage played of me shooting the second perp. Richards wound up, looking triumphant.

“As you can tell, ASAC Ware identified herself and then shot immediately both times. Neither time did ASAC Ware give the suspect time to put their weapons down,” Richards concluded.

“Done? Good. My turn.” I picked up the remote-control Richards had used and wound back to where the first guy burst out with the female hostage.

“Ready for this?” I asked. I zoomed in on the perp’s hand and pressed slow motion. Everyone leaned forward as the suspect’s finger tightened on the trigger. Then he squeezed, but before he completed the action, my bullet took him out.

“That’s bullshit!” Richards exclaimed, sitting up straight.

I replayed it several times, and each time, the perp squeezed the trigger to shoot the hostage.

Unconcerned, I sped up to the second shooting. Once more, focusing on the gun hand, we all saw the Fang jam the nozzle harder into the hostage’s head. Moments later, his finger began squeezing, and the bullet jammed.

The Fang snarled and yanked on the trigger again.

A split second before the weapon fired, my bullet took him out, and his shot flew high and wild.

There was silence as Richards ground his teeth. To rub shit in, I replayed the video twice more to ensure everyone saw what I had and turned and stared at Richards.

“My presence isn’t needed. That’s a lawful shooting.” Ventor stated and gathered his files together.

“Well, Richards. I expect your resignation in the next hour,” Markin said.

“No, I’m not resigning! What I said can’t be held up in a court of law!” Richards exclaimed.

Amused, I stood up and turned to Ray. “Perhaps you’d like to explain what grievances I can lay on him and that he’ll be fired. Richards either resigns, or I’ll push my complaints. Considering Richard’s been bad-mouthing me as a murderer to hide incompetence… Shit, don’t look good!”

“You can’t do this!” Richards cried.

“Ray, I suggest you suspend Richards immediately and take statements from those below. I bet half will confirm he’s been slandering me and making accusations,” I said and rose to my feet. “You ready Jimenez? We’ve got interviews, which we’re now late for.”

Markin remained impassive as we left the meeting room. Richards’ voice rose, and I heard shouting as we hit the lifts.

Jimenez looked at me.

“Problem?”

“Nope. Glad you had evidence.”

“Me too.” “You’d have still found a way to shoot them,” Jimenez said.

The elevator door pinged, and I stepped out and placed my hand on the doors to stop them from closing. Quietly, I leaned into Jimenez, and he stood his ground.

“Over two thousand of those assholes attacked my home. Venomous Fangs had no right to. Greed, ambition, a lack of morals, ethics, and a disregard for the law drove them. Fangs took my fiancé, my future, family, friends, allies, and colleagues from me. Damn straight, I want them dead and will do whatever is necessary to ensure justice is served. You and I might not see eye to eye on that, Jimenez.

“There’s no shame, and you’ll still be promoted if you wish to leave. This time, I was justified. But make no mistake, I’m of the firm opinion those vermin should be eradicated. If you can’t work with that, Jimenez, walk, and I’ll ensure you get the role you want. Yes, I believe in justice and the law. Just not where Venomous Fangs are concerned,” I murmured.

“Officer Sally Kenner. We were dating. Boss, I planned to ask Sally to marry me. Kill as many of those fuckers as you like. Because I’ll have something in my eye each time,” Jimenez said. “No, I don’t want to talk about it either. Now, can we interview Worrell?”

“Sure thing, Jimenez.”

Fanatic

Gladys had Danny today, as Willow had hired her as a childminder. Danny adored the woman, and neither of us saw the point of upsetting Danny and leaving him with strangers. Several times Gladys had sent videos and Facetimed me when I called her at lunch. Gladys was doing the same with Willow.

I hoped Willow’s first day was going okay. She’d been a bit distant Saturday evening and Sunday, almost as if she was working things out in her head.

When Willow had returned to Hellfire, Mum and Dad left, but Willow had clearly been through something emotional. She’d headed straight for my arms and clung to me. Quietly, Willow had asked to go home, and I’d obliged.

I’d sat with my back to the bathroom wall in her bedroom as I played with Danny and Willow soaked her stress away and ranted. At first, I’d been ready to kill Wild and Cowboy, but she said their actions had brought her a sense of closure.

Willow had got irate at my arrest and threatened to castrate Lio and Gold. Willow had given her statement and made several scathing remarks to Hope and Morris. It was amusing at how annoyed she was with Lio and Gold.

I wasn’t happy either, and living with this hanging over my head was driving me insane. But luckily, I’d listened to my gut and could prove I was at home. I’d sent our private footage to Adeline, who confirmed receipt. My Harley had also been under a camera, which covered the drive and my two cars, which proved I’d not left the house.

But even so, knowing I was innocent didn’t stop the feeling of heading to the gallows. Whoever had beaten April had seriously hurt her badly, and she was also claiming rape. The SPD needed to press April properly and discover the culprit. Because it wasn’t me. I felt sorry for April but hated her too, because of the stress she was causing. Luckily, Willow and my family knew I was blameless and were standing by me.

Now, it was the next day, and things didn’t seem as dire.

Jinx entered the bay, and I glanced up.

“Fanatic, I thought a fallen brother’s Harley was off limits?”

“It is, you’re not wrong. Why?”

“Clark asked about Willow’s man’s bike. Clark seemed to think he could buy it.”

“Clark’s mistaken, and I’ve told him it’s not for sale. If Clark’s running his mouth, let me know,” I said.

Jinx nodded and stepped inside. I tensed because Danny wasn’t here to neutralise the Jinx effect.

“I saw Vampire outside earlier. He was lurking but didn’t approach. That struck me as strange.”

“Thanks, Jinx. Keep an eye out, yeah?”

“Sure thing, Fanatic.” Jinx strolled out and headed towards the gates, even though he was on bar duty in a bit. There was a loud crash as someone’s toolbox fell over in the next bay and an agonised cry.

“Jinx!” came the expected yell, and Jinx jauntily waved over his shoulder.

“Should have stacked that properly!” Jinx yelled in return.

That amused me. Ever since his chat with Willow, Jinx had come into his own. Everyone was commenting on Jinx’s increased confidence.

Chuckling, I returned to work.

◆◆◆

An hour later, I took a break. Something seemed wrong.

A sudden, intense headache had struck, and my hands shook. There was a sense of distance from everything, accompanied by light-headedness and a shuddering weakness. I dragged my phone out to call Chance when I felt myself going down. Blackness surrounded me, and it didn’t matter how hard I fought, it swallowed me.

Willow

I was just finishing some notes when my phone buzzed. At first, I ignored it, but then it began silently ringing. Chance’s name flashed up. I let it ring out, but it started up again. Jesus!

“Chance, I’m at work.”

“Fanatic’s unconscious. He collapsed at the garage, he’s being rushed to the ER,” Chance snapped.

“Which one,” I demanded, standing. Jimenez looked up as I gathered my items together. Chance spat out which hospital and hung up.

“Jimenez, I have to go. Fanatic’s collapsed.”

“Go. I can handle the last interview and inform you how it goes,” he said.

“Thanks.”

I headed for the lift at speed. With my SUV being a write-off, I had Fanatic’s, which meant I wasn’t stranded. Fanatic actually owned two cars and his hog. He’d given me his SUV, not trusting me with his 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda.

I merged onto the road, weaving in and out of traffic quickly to reach him. I could have done with the muscle car right now. Fanatic had seemed fine this morning when we’d left for work. What on earth could have happened?

In record time, I reached the hospital and jumped out. Running into the ER, I approached the nurse and flipped my badge. “Micah Michaelson was brought in as an emergency.”

“Bay three, Agent Ware,” she replied, checking my credentials and admitting me.

I rushed through the doors and ran to bay three. When I arrived, Jinx and Big Al were there alone.

“What happened?” I demanded. “Where’s Fanatic?”

“Having some tests. He’ll be back soon. Chance is with him, girl,” Big Al answered.

“What do we know?”

“Nothing. Chance and I saw him go down. Fanatic looked disorientated and appeared to be reaching for something. Then Fanatic just hit the floor hard,” Jinx said, looking distressed.

“This isn’t on you,” I stated, sensing where Jinx’s mind was.

“We don’t know that. Fanatic’s been good to me, Willow. I’d not wish him harm,” Jinx muttered.

“Jinx. This isn’t the Jinx effect,” I reassured.

I paced back and forth as we waited for Chance and Fanatic to return. Big Al announced that Hellfire was arriving about thirty minutes later, and he went outside to update them.

An hour later, Phoe rushed in, wild-eyed, with Drake on her heels. Both of them were pale and scared.

“Any news?” Drake asked.

“Nothing yet. They took him down over an hour ago for tests and haven’t come back yet,” I replied.

“Can I get you anything?” Jinx inquired, looking awkward.

“I’m fine, Jinxy. Go wait with the brothers if you wish,” I suggested.

“Fanatic would want me to stay with you,” he said, eyeing Drake.

“Jinx, it’s okay. Honest. I’m good.” “Thanks, Willow,” Jinx muttered and scarpered.

“Loyal, that one,” Drake murmured and wrapped his arms around Phoe.

I needed that. An Uncle Drake hug, but I wasn’t sure I was entitled to ask after our last meeting. Drake rested his chin on Phoe’s head and stared until I squirmed.

“Come here, Willow.”

I didn’t hesitate but burrowed into him as Phoe moved a little and Drake embraced us both.

“I’m so sorry, Uncle Drake. Those words were awful. I blamed everybody and was furious at the world.” “Don’t worry, kid, I’ve heard worse.”

“No, I owe you this, Uncle Drake. Please listen and accept my apology,” I begged.

“Willow, you’ve already been forgiven. I understand your emotions. When Da died, I fucked with everyone because I held them responsible. You used words, I used fists. Grief makes us react in ways we’d never consider usually. Let it go, Willow, and move on. Even if it’s with my son,” Drake said, and I jolted.

“We’re not stupid, Willow, sheesh. It’s obvious how you two feel about each other,” Phoe murmured.

“Hellfire couldn’t ask for a finer old lady. They better treat you right, or Rage will ride,” Drake threatened, and I choked on my laugh.

“Isn’t that the threat Chance gave you when you started dating Phoe?” I asked.

“Yeah, and you’ve got no idea how great it will be to say it back to that smug fucker.” Drake grinned, and then it faded.

Minutes ticked past as we stood in silence, praying for a positive outcome.

◆◆◆

Another forty minutes passed before Fanatic was wheeled back in. He was awake but had massive bags under his eyes and was pale.

“What is it?” Drake demanded.

“Seems fuck boy here hasn’t been taking his anti-rejection drugs,” Chance snarled, glowering at Fanatic.

“Willow, tell him. Chance doesn’t believe me,” Fanatic said weakly.

“You’re wrong. He takes them at the same time daily. I’ve been watching him,” I interjected.

“Willow, don’t cover for him,” Chance snapped.

“I’m not,” I insisted. My mind began making connections, and I stiffened. “Get somebody to my house and collect them.”

Chance and Drake exchanged glances, and Drake yanked his phone out. “Harley. Go to Fanatic’s and pick up his anti-rejection drugs. Someone will meet you there with the keys. Don’t let anyone else touch them, son. And put them in a bag and use gloves.”

“What the fuck,” Harley burst out.

“Do as you’re told.” Drake cut the call and looked at Chance.

“What are you two thinking?” Phoe demanded. I’d already guessed what they were considering.

“Somebody has swapped out Fanatic’s anti-rejection drugs for a placebo,” I replied when they didn’t speak.

“What?” Phoe gasped.

“I watch Fanatic take them. Yet the hospital says he’s not been using them. Somebody tried to hurt Fanatic,” I explained.

“Who would do that?” Phoe demanded.

“Someone who set Fanatic up for rape?” Chance muttered.

“Your stalker is fucking with Fanatic?” Phoe’s eyes narrowed with anger in them.

“Don’t know. But Fanatic is fanatical about taking those meds. He’d not forget them, and I’d remind him, anyway. Either the hospital tested wrong, or someone messed with the medication,” I said.

“I am awake, guys,” Fanatic interjected, and we looked at him. “Get the docs to test them because I picked up a new prescription ten days ago. The pharmacy might have made a mistake.”

Somehow, I doubted it, and so did everyone else in the room—Fanatic included. He closed his eyes as his loved ones surrounded him, and I tried to puzzle out who could have swapped them.

Unfortunately, it could have been anyone. But I vowed revenge for this. I’d lost Grey, and how dare a perp threaten my second chance at happiness? Somebody would pay for causing Fanatic harm.

And I’d make it hurt. Nobody would steal Fanatic from me like Grey had been stolen. Not happening.