Mace’s Madonna (Pagan Souls of Cherokee MC #5)

Mace Chapter 15

The clubs dove deep into tracking the missing women after the success on Monday with the list Wire sent us. Between him and other club hackers, we had information flying around. Jessamy recognized a couple more women. However, with those additions, my woman’s abduction made less sense than it had with the first few names.

The ones she identified were coming from the north in a southern descent. She didn’t recognize any of the ones taken from the West and South as being with her. That didn’t mean they weren’t the same group and ended up in different trucks, but Jessamy was the odd one. Why take her from Arizona and put her in a truck from the north? If they had trucks coming from all over, why not put her in one that would have women and girls from that part of the country?

Between reviewing pictures, she and I kept busy. I worked at the garage, and she helped Eliana at the clinic. I welcomed the breaks to prevent her from becoming overwhelmed by the sheer size of the task and how impossible it appeared. Thankfully, she seemed to be enjoying her time with the kids, even if she’d only done it for a few days last week and then again this week.

Seeing how much she loved it, the smiles and excitement in her voice when she talked about them, I encouraged her to apply for her teaching credentials in North Carolina. It could take her a while to get them, but hopefully, by next summer at the latest, she might be able to find a teaching position, even if it was as a substitute. I didn’t say anything, but I checked with Knight and found out Cara’s teacher wouldn’t retire until the end of the school year in the spring. I had him put in a word for Jessamy, asking them to consider her when the time came. I didn’t want to get her hopes up, so we were keeping it quiet.

My club and I were taking turns keeping our eyes open for signs of the Black Outlaws. Our town was small enough, and we had enough friends that anyone who saw unknown bikers would alert us. It made us wary that it had been almost a week since the poker run, and no one had come searching for the three men we had taken out. If they assigned those three to grab Pagan women, it wasn’t a leap to assume we had something to do with their disappearance.

To help us out, the Warriors and our Oconee chapter sent a few of their men over to be extra eyes, to help stand guard over the compound, and to escort the women when needed. In addition, we were having guys hang out at the Pagan Depot. We were confident that the trucker Jessamy escaped from wouldn’t risk coming back around, but that didn’t mean others who were a part of that operation wouldn’t.

Twisted’s staff reported they hadn’t seen any of the suspicious truckers they’d noted before Jessamy’s escape. Mere weeks before they found her in the bathroom, his guys had told him about a new outfit that was stopping at the Depot but weren’t talkative. That behavior raised questions when most truckers were a very talkative lot. They didn’t mind saying who they worked for or where they were coming from or going. Some would even say what they hauled. That group had been closed-mouthed and standoffish. Since Leland’s truck was red and silver, every semi with those colors got extra scrutiny.

Last night, we met for church. Agony shared with us the latest news Bull had gotten from Grinder and his guys about the Black Outlaws. At this point, any information was being treated as a good thing. The hope was that with enough dots, we’d soon be able to connect them to give us a picture we could act on.

“Grinder’s men checked out the place between Spartanburg and Greenville. It’s an old, abandoned house. Our information says it seems a trust estate is the owner, but the trustee lets it sit there empty. Why, no one knows. It has been that way for several years. The Warriors said there are signs that it had been used recently based on the tire tracks and the weeds being beaten down along the old road. It’s out where no one would see it. The place was empty when they first checked it out. However, they’ve been watching it. There have been no signs of any women being brought there, but they saw the Outlaws coming and going with trucks. They carried in and out crates.”

“Any chance someone could get inside or do it to see what’s in those crates?” Dare asked.

Agony shook his head. “Not without giving away that the place is being watched. The Outlaws seem to have a couple of guys out there standing guard at all times. One is always inside, while the other patrols the perimeter outside. I told Bull to hold off trying to get someone inside. We don’t want to expose our hands unless we have to. In addition, the guys watching their clubhouse report that there are a lot of people coming and going. Again, no sign of women there against their wills. Lots of partying. It doesn’t seem like they do any legit work.”

This update earned mutters from all of us. I know I was hoping for more definite answers, not that I blamed the Warriors for not getting them. Lying low made sense. I was just impatient to remove the risk to my woman. It wasn’t that I didn’t care about others. I did, but it hit home with Jessamy being at risk. I knew we couldn’t relax with the potential for her to be targeted again, whether it was the Outlaws or someone else. I knew my brothers with families felt the same.

I was still thinking about it on and off today. I had a growing restless sensation, and I wasn’t sure why. At least I didn’t have Gerry driving me crazy at the garage anymore. After our talk a couple of weeks ago, he’d decided we weren’t the place for him. Jimbo felt terrible, but we reassured him it wasn’t his fault. We were actively considering someone who struck me as a great addition who would actually work.

I know the guys who already worked for us had been questioning Dare and me after they saw the mechanic come in for an interview today. The reason was it wasn’t often they saw a female mechanic. And even when you did, they didn’t look like her. I swear, their tongues were hanging out. The only ones who weren’t were mine, Dare, and Ollie’s since we had women. However, we had eyes and could acknowledge that Lynzi was beautiful.

She answered our various technical questions appropriately and thoroughly, and her personality clicked with ours. Plus, as we checked her references, which were where we were at in the process, they came back glowing. We’d asked her why she wanted to work for us, and her answer surprised us.

“I moved here to be closer to my younger half-sister. She’s attending community college over in Bryson City. I saw you were advertising. I did my homework and found that you have an excellent reputation. People come from miles around to have you work on their bikes and vehicles.”

“They do. We’re very proud of that. I’ve gotta ask. As you can see, we’re part of a motorcycle club. Is that going to bother you or be an issue?” Dare asked.

She smiled as she shook her head. “No, that won’t bother me. When I heard that an MC owned this place, I did my research into your club, too. I grew up around bikers. My dad was one and part of a club in South Carolina, where I’m originally from. While his club isn’t choir boys, they aren’t abhorrent bastards. Of course, tell that to my sister’s momma. She hated everything to do with Daddy. She kept my sister away from me and him.” She paused before continuing.

“Daddy died two years ago. He went down on his bike. He was living for the day when my sister wouldn’t be controlled by her mom anymore. She kept us apart as much as possible. My sister wanted to spend the time with us. He made me promise as he lay dying that as soon as Courtni was eighteen that I’d have a closer relationship with her no matter what her bitch of a mother said. This is me doing it.”

That got our attention. “Sorry for your loss. What club was your dad with?” I asked.

“The Celtic Heathens MC. His road name was Frost because his hair was the same color as mine,” She pointed to her white-blond hair. It was unusual to see an adult with that hair color naturally. “I know how you all can be, so here’s the information so you can check me out with them. The president’s name and number are on there. My daddy was his best friend and sergeant-at-arms.”

That openness had only combined with her skills to make us want her even more. If the references and the club checked out, which Wire would make sure of, then we’d be offering her the job. The guys panting in the garage would be put on notice not to mess with her. They should know, but a reminder wouldn’t be remiss.

Lynzi had left a couple of hours ago. I counted the minutes until the workday ended, and I could go home. It was Friday, which meant the start of the weekend, and I’d have two full days with Jessamy. I had about a half-hour left at the most on the job I was working on. As I worked, I let the drone of the others’ conversations wash over me. They were full of plans for the weekend. Hearing that, I got an idea.

So far, other than the poker run and going to see my family, I hadn’t taken Jessamy on any outings. Dad, Mom, Bridgit, and the kids were planning to come up for the weekend in a few weeks. They’d been in touch more than a couple of times since our disaster of a visit. Bridgit kept apologizing for the way she acted. Jessamy was very forgiving and told her she understood. My family wanted to be sure, so they were coming to see us. They’d get to meet Zari, Aliya, and Arif when they came. They hadn’t attended the wedding because they all had work last weekend.

The first text I sent went out to my club brothers.

Me: Taking Jessamy to dinner. Afterward, taking her dancing at the Watering Hole. Anyone wanna go dancing?

Without waiting for their replies, I sent one off to my woman.

Me: Hey, babe. I’m taking you out tonight. Dinner and dancing. Wanted to give you time to get ready. Hope that works for you.

I tightened a bolt or two before she replied. In between, my brothers messaged me, saying they’d let me know or, yes, they were going.

Jessamy: ?? OMG, I’d love that. What should I wear?

Me: Dress for comfort. We’ll be going to the Pagan’s Watering Hole to dance. Dinner will be your choice: Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Bite Me, or something else.

I was cleaning my hands when she got back to me with her answer.

Jessamy: I’m feeling Mexican.

Me: Then Mexican it is. I’ll be home by five thirty.

I was in luck. No one was working past closing time. Dare and I left together after locking up. It was only a few minutes after five when we did. The ride home was a quick one. When we arrived, the guys at the gate waved as we came through. It was Rune and Atticus. Dare and I split up. His house was on the opposite side of the clubhouse from mine. I zoomed into the garage. A shower and clean up my beard, and we would be off.

???

I took Jessamy to the club’s favorite Mexican restaurant, Mexicana Loca. The Herrera family owned it, and the manager, Luis Lopez, had managed it for them for years. All of them took pride in what they made and gave the customers. Luis was working when we entered. He greeted me, and I introduced him to Jessamy. She charmed him like she had everyone she’d met since coming to Cherokee. He mouthed I like her , to me as we were shown to a table by our waitress.

As usual, the food was outstanding, and Jessamy raved about it. After we finished eating, I drove her around town, showing her some other great places to eat and where I liked to shop. By the time we pulled into the Watering Hole, it was after eight-thirty. I saw several bikes and other vehicles belonging to the club already there.

She’d dressed in jeans, a pair of boots that gave her a bit more height, and a top that showed off her tits without being too revealing. She didn’t want her hair to be messed up, so we didn’t ride the bike. As we walked in, I couldn’t resist placing my hand on her ass and giving it a squeeze. She smirked at me but didn’t tell me to remove it. The fact she had no problem allowing me freely to touch her in public made me happy.

The place was already pretty packed. Until the recent expansion, we’d only served bar food items. Since that was finished, we’d added to the selection, but it was still not a full restaurant menu. Maybe one day it would be. A glance showed numerous people were eating and drinking.

As I scanned further, I saw my brothers. They had several tables set up. Twisted and Zari were there. The other couples either couldn’t come or might come later. The DJ would be setting up soon. I guided Jessamy through the tables to the back, where our bunch was.

Per usual, we garnered attention. Some would be tourists who loved coming to Cherokee to go to the casino or just to see the local Indian attractions. They seemed fascinated with bikers. Others came to relax and kick back. Those I knew who smiled or waved, I acknowledged—the rest I ignored. Everyone greeted us as we got to the table, and I pulled out a chair for Jessamy. Rather than wait for someone to come to the tables to get our order, I went to the bar to get us something to drink.

After returning, we sat there listening to them chatter about everyone’s work week or this and that. No one was stressing anything, and we relaxed. After the music started and more brothers and Joli joined us, our three women got up to dance. I was willing to slow dance, but that was as far as I went.

Jessamy and I had a great time, and she even met some others we knew from town who weren’t members of the club. They’d come to the table to say hello. Other women would approach Joli on the dance floor, join them, and get introduced. Zari was still meeting a lot of the town folk. She’d been an outsider to a lot of people until she met Twisted. Thankfully, that was changing, even if some would always be prejudiced against her. We wouldn’t associate with those people.

The women were up dancing again. I got up and went to the bar to get refills, knowing my Madonna would be coming off the floor and needing a drink soon. I was almost back to the tables when an altercation up by the dance floor caught my attention. The lights were dim, but I could still see well enough. When I registered what was happening, I rushed to our table and dropped the drinks on it before racing to the dance floor. Why the hell didn’t I think that this might be a possibility?

With Joli and Zari at her back, Jessamy faced off with an irate Christie. Jesus Christ, what was that woman’s malfunction? I didn’t know if, because most of the club was here, she somehow heard it and decided this was the place to come since she’d been banned from the compound or if it was pure bad luck. It didn’t matter.

We’d held the official vote, and Christie was contacted to let her know she was no longer welcome at the compound. We hadn’t gone as far as to ban her from our public businesses, which, in hindsight, we should’ve. Not that she would likely listen. Dare had been the one to call her and give her the news last night after church. He told me how she’d lost it. He hung up on her and then blocked her number.

The crazy woman waved her arms around, and even over the music, I could hear screaming, just not what was said. I came up behind her. Jessamy and the other old ladies gave no indication they saw me. I knew Dare and Twisted were behind me, but who knows who else? The DJ suddenly cut the music, allowing the yelling to be heard. Others who were dancing stopped, and they moved back to watch the show.

“I’m not letting you ruin my life, bitch! You forced them to kick me out of the club. I know it was you. You’re jealous that Mace wants me. Why he doesn’t just tell you, I don’t know,” Christie screamed.

“Do you honestly think I could make any of those men remove you if they didn’t want to? It was their call, not mine. However, who can blame them after the way you’ve been acting? You need help, Christie. I highly suggest you seek out a mental health professional,” Jessamy told her calmly.

I knew the crazy bunny was about to strike. I wasn’t close enough to prevent it. I roared, “Watch out!” a second before she lunged at my woman.

I could’ve saved my breath. Jessamy was ready for her. Before Christie’s claw-like nails could gouge out my woman’s eyes, her hand was batted away from Jessamy’s face. Jessamy then followed it up with a punch, taking Christie square in the mouth. Next, Jessamy had her hand wrapped in hair as she began dragging our ex-bunny toward the door. I stopped her.

“Babe, let me handle this.”

Jessamy frowned and shook her head. “I was having so much fun, babe, and she’s ruining it. I don’t know what you have to do to get rid of her for good, but this is the last time I’m putting up with her,” Jessamy warned.

“I promise we’ll get her to stay away. Let the bouncers take her outside,” I told her as two of them approached us.

The bouncers usually let us handle things ourselves, so someone must have signaled that they should come take over. I was good with it.

“Guys, she’s banned from here permanently. If she tries to come back in, call the cops,” I heard Dare tell them.

Jessamy slowly released the handful of hair she held. Until then, Christie had alternated between sobbing and yelling profanities. When she felt her hair was released, she straightened up. Christie looked around the bar. We were the center of attention.

“You all saw it. She hit me. She stole my man. Would any of you stand for that?” she asked beseechingly in between sniffs and tears.

I rolled my eyes. If she kept it up, Jessamy might lose her cool, rip her hair out, and beat her ass all over the place. I was discovering that my woman had a core of steel to her. I loved seeing her let it out.

I heard a loud snort, and then Joli was talking. “You’re so full of shit. It’s a wonder blowflies aren’t buzzing around you, Christie. Mace has never been your man. He’s told you repeatedly he doesn’t want you. Hell, he’s never even touched you. Jessamy is his woman. He claimed her. She wears his name on her property cut, for God’s sake. That was never going to be you, whether she came along or not. Have some dignity and stop with the theatrics and lies. Oh, so that everyone knows, she’s no longer a part of the Pagan Souls. Christie has been forever banned. And after tonight, I bet she’ll be banned from all our businesses. Jessamy is right. You need help. Guys, feel free to take her,” she directed to the bouncers.

Christie didn’t go quietly. She struggled and screamed profanities and more. What made me pause was that right before she left the front door, she glanced back, and the look of hate and cunning she directed at us worried me.

“Better watch your back with that one,” Twisted murmured.

“I will.”

Wanting to get back to having a good time, when the DJ restarted the music, which happened to be a slow song, I swept Jessamy into my arms and onto the floor. We didn’t say a word. We just held each other. It took a while, but eventually, she was back laughing and having fun. As if we didn’t have enough to deal with, now we had to worry about Christie.