20. Amber
20
AMBER
“She’s in New Orleans?” I stammer. I knew calling Star on my break would be a bad idea, because I start to pace, my mind whirling. “So she never left?”
“The bank records are telling me she’s still in Louisiana, but mainly Baton Rouge,” Star continues. “Which is a good sign. If she’s using her bank account, then she’s alive. The question is, what is she doing?”
“How do we know it’s her?” I feel a lump in my throat. “Someone could’ve taken her card and used it.”
“I’m sending through a photo, it’s a little blurry, but Rock picked it up from one of the ATMs downtown.”
I place a hand on the bar, thankful nobody is here at this time of day. The message comes through and I stare at it. It’s Erica. Relief floods through me as I stare at her picture. “It’s her. When was this taken?”
“A few days ago,” Star says. “There’s more.”
I squeeze my eyes shut, not understanding any of this or what the fuck is going on. “Okay.”
“There was a large deposit into Erica’s account almost a year ago. When Rock traced where the funds came from, it led back to an organization that looked like a loan shark or one of those shady lenders who offer you money when the bank won’t.” I brace myself for what she’s about to say next. “Then Jett did a little more research and once he was able to sift through the layers of red tape, he uncovered the last name: Olgetti.”
“What does that mean?”
“Well, ever since the Mancini mafia were taken out a little while back, the Bratva in Chicago took over operations, leaving relative peace for a short time because the Bratva had no rivals.”
Riot, who used to be a sniper, took out Chicago's mafia leader, and went undetected for years until Mancini’s associates started dropping like flies. I remember it because it made the news. It wasn’t Riot who was taking revenge, but a rival sniper, and she was the devil in disguise.
“I’ve heard about it,” I say, wondering where this is going. “It made the nightly news over a year ago.”
“I’ve done a little research myself trying to figure this out, and I can only come back to organized crime. The Olgettis also have ties to the Mancini family, but it looks like they’re not taking over anytime soon. Bratva rules Chicago now, but underworld crime is still at an all-time high.”
“My sister is involved in organized crime?” I can’t even get the words out without stammering.
“I’m sorry to say that it’s looking likely. My guess is she borrowed money and she can’t pay it back. That could definitely explain her absence, and why she’s keeping her daughter safe and you out of the whole mess.”
“How much money was it?”
“Fifty grand.”
I swallow hard. That’s a lot of money. “Okay, but can we find Erica?”
“I tracked her cell phone but I had no luck. She did use her card at a motel in Baton Rouge, and that’s where I think she still is.”
“If you can track her, won’t these Olgetti people be able to, too?”
“It’s unlikely they have the kind of resources I have, so I think we’re safe to say she’s on the run, and rather than putting you and Olive in danger, she’s taking matters into her own hands.”
I shake my head. “This is insane. I don’t even know what she needed money for?—”
“She owed a lot in back rent, and other bills that were paid shortly thereafter. The debt was piling up.”
“She never said anything,” my voice is barely a whisper. “She could’ve told me, I would’ve helped.”
Fury races through me. This isn’t what sisters do. We’re supposed to help each other out, not borrow money from shady dealers who probably want to kill her.
“I know this must be a shock, but I’m guessing this is what we’re dealing with.”
“So where do we go from here?” My eyes are still closed, I’ve no idea where to turn. My trust and faith is all with her.
“We’re still trying to find out more about the Olgettis. If we can settle that debt on Erica’s behalf, then she’ll be in the clear, with interest and whatever else she’s agreed to, the sum could be a lot more.”
I start to pace. “I don’t have that much money,” I tell her. “I could rustle up some funds, but not that much in a short space of time.”
“We’ll talk to Cash, maybe make a payment plan to the MC if he agrees to get her out of trouble. I can talk to Luna and Tag.”
Luna and Tag? I know they live in a prestigious area of New Orleans, but I’m not asking them for money. Tag made eyebrows rise when he bought the house Luna was living in for $1.9 million dollars just to keep her safe. She thought her parents had bought it and was living there paying them rent. The rent money — which would never cover the repayments — was going to Tag.
I don’t know what the likelihood is of them or Cash doing shit, but at the end of the day it’s not the MC’s issue that Erica got herself into this mess. “I doubt Cash will agree. Why would he? And I can’t ask Luna or Tag for money. I can find another way.”
“I know this is hard, Amber, but your sister-in-law is in trouble. Enough to dump her kid and take off,” Star reminds me. “The MC is a family, and we don’t abandon our families. If her mess puts you and Olive in danger, then it’s an MC issue. It seems like a reasonable enough explanation to Cash, not that I’m sure he’ll be thrilled about it, but it would get the Olgettis off Erica’s back.”
“I’ll have to think about it. I need to talk to Bronco.” I can feel the tears building up. This is all too much. I have no clue why Erica would ever keep something like this from me. It’s completely out of character.
“I understand. I’ll be back in touch when I find anything else. In the meantime, sit tight. Rock and Jett are digging up security footage of the hotel. When I called them this morning, she already checked out.”
“So we should head to Baton Rouge?” I’m grappling for something. Baton Rouge is a big place, and it would be like finding a needle in a haystack, but somehow being closer to Erica makes me feel like finding her would be a real possibility.
“We can’t right now.”
“Why not?”
“Talk to Bronco. The club is about to go into lockdown.”
“Lockdown over this?” Panic rises in my voice.
“Not over this, over something else. The details are sketchy. Cash has called a club meeting in the next hour.”
“Holy shit.”
“I’ll call you later.”
“Okay, thanks, Star.”
We hang up and I take a few deep breaths. This is just too much information.
Erica is in trouble with a crime family. She’s still in Louisiana. She’s heavily in debt and being hunted. The club is going into lockdown over another matter… My head might just very well spin off.
I pull out my cell and call Bronco. He doesn’t answer. I quickly type a text, knowing he’s unlikely to listen to a voice message.
Me
Call me when you get this, it’s urgent
A few moments later, Hustler and a very pregnant Audrina come in through the clubhouse doors. Hustler’s brow is furrowed, his face full of worry as I make my way toward them from behind the bar. Little Tilbury, their tiny chihuahua, is on her leash at their heels.
“Hey, is everything okay?”
Audrina smiles tentatively as Hustler sits her down on one of the booth seats, then places Tilbury on her lap. “I’m fine. Kinda hoping this baby will show her face any day now, because I’m so over being pregnant.”
“But you’re so cute.” I smile.
Hustler still hasn’t said anything, but when his eyes meet mine, I see concern there. “Everyone is moving to the clubhouse temporarily,” he says, all business.
“Star just said something’s going on, but she didn’t know what.”
“All you need to know is that it’s for everyone’s protection. Safer here where we can all keep an eye on things.”
“What things?” I press. “Does this have anything to do with Erica?”
He shakes his head. “Separate matter, but still a concern.”
“Shit, I’ve gotta go pick up Olive at three—” I panic. If we’re going into lockdown, I need to get Olive’s things.
“No need, Bronco is on his way.”
“Bronco?” I did list him as an emergency contact when I enrolled Olive, so collecting her shouldn’t be an issue.
“Yeah.” He turns to Audrina. “Gotta go make a few phone calls, but I’ll be right here.”
She shoos him away. “Go, I’m fine. Amber’s here, and the other girls will be arriving soon.”
He kisses her chastely, then takes off toward the front of the clubhouse doors.
I take a seat next to Audrina. “Okay, what the heck is happening?”
Knowing Audrina would’ve heard some of it from her ol’ man, she doesn’t hold back. “There was a threat against the club with a rival underworld gang from Mississippi trying to infiltrate the Cut City Boys, or those that are left after the shoot out, and apparently they’ve been watching the women of the MC again, trying to find a chink in the chain.”
“What the fuck is wrong with these people?” I half expect Audrina to correct me on my cursing, but she doesn’t. She’s the most lady-like of the ol’ ladies and I don’t think I’ve ever heard a bad word come out of her mouth.
“I don’t know, but Cash was going to call Bane, the Prez of the Ridgehaven Hellions over in Mississippi, because that’s his territory, and I’m guessing Bane knew nothing about it because he and the club are tight.”
“You got all of this from one car ride over here?” I smirk.
She smiles a little devilishly, stroking Tilbury’s head. “I have my ways, and I think West forgets I have ears.”
I sober quickly, remembering Erica’s predicament. I fill Audrina in briefly on what Star told me, and she looks just as shocked as I am. “She didn’t say anything about the debt? Why would she not come to you?”
I shrug. “Embarrassment, I’d assume. She’s never been one to get into debt, not like that. I guess in her mind she thinks she’s doing the right thing keeping Olive safe, and me in the dark.”
“A problem shared is a problem halved.” Audrina places a hand on her large belly. “Or so they say.”
“Can I get you anything?” I wince because she looks really uncomfortable.
“Unless you have a special remedy back there for getting babies out, then I’m good.” She smiles again, stretching her back as I rack my brain for something I could do other than make her a cup of tea.
A few moments later, Manny comes through the doors, several shopping bags in his hands. “Hey, ladies. I heard the news,” he says by way of greeting. “I rushed out to get more supplies. If we’re stuck in here for a few days, we’re gonna need a shit ton of food.”
“Hey, Manny.” I run a hand through my hair. “Trust you to cook up a storm in the middle of a crisis.”
He presses a kiss to Audrina’s cheek. “I had to make sure our favorite Mama here has everything she needs.”
“Please tell me you didn’t go to the grocery store just for me.” She looks mortified at the prospect.
He waves a hand. “I was out anyway when West called, and it’s my pleasure to help a girl out.” He gives her a wink.
“I don’t know why we couldn’t stop off home to grab my things. At least we have the hospital bag in the car, that’s something at least,” she sighs.
“You know your old man, always bein’ protective,” Manny sing-songs. “Are you hungry?”
I shake my head. “I’m okay, thanks, Manny.”
“I don’t want to burden you,” Audrina starts. “But we were at Muso’s when Hustler rushed me out of there, and I didn’t manage to grab any lunch.”
Muso’s is Hustler and the club’s cafe in the French Quarter.
“It’s no burden to cook for a sexy Mama.” Manny waggles his eyebrows. “Any cravings?”
“One of your famous BLTs would go down a treat.” Audrina’s cheeks flush slightly. I know she hates asking for things, even when Manny is more than obliging.
“Comin’ right up.” He gives me a chin lift. “You sure you don’t want one?”
“Maybe you twisted my arm,” I say, knowing I’ll only offend him if I keep turning him down.
“Atta girl.” He takes off happily, whistling a tune.
“Nice to see some of us are handling lockdown with poise and grace,” I mumble, watching him go. “You’d think he’d be the one freaking out.”
Manny was shot protecting Lace. He’s a hero in my book, but he never acts like he’s too big for his boots. He’ll always do what’s right for this club, and the way he shows he cares is by feeding everyone.
“We’ve all been here before,” Audrina sighs.
I lean over and squeeze her hand. “This can’t be easy for you, after what happened.”
“I can’t say that I’m thrilled hearing those monsters who kidnapped me are still at large, but I have faith in the MC, and I also realize that the cops weren’t exactly as vigilant as the MC were when they showed up to rescue me,” she says. “But I know Cash and the boys will not make the same mistake twice.”
“You really don’t need this kind of stress with the baby being so close to the due date.”
“Tell me about it. West is beside himself, but I’ve been down this road before. Even if my first pregnancy was almost three decades ago, some things you just never forget.”
“Is it very different this time around? I’ll bet Nevada was the wild child even in your belly.”
She laughs. “He was a lot more active, and my morning sickness was worse. Now I’m older, maybe my body has changed so much that it doesn’t feel as difficult as the first time. With Asher I was only eighteen.”
“That’s so young,” I say.
“We were still in high school when I got pregnant. It was a lot. It was the only reason John and I got married. He was from a religious family, and mine were no better. I can’t say I haven’t had a good life, but it wasn’t all roses. Since meeting West, it has become spectacular. Clearly the universe had other plans for me, and I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.”
“And Hustler,” I muse. “He walks around like the cat who got the cream.”
“He’s been such a rock. I’ve never been an equal in a relationship until I met him. I think because we were also friends before we got together, it really helped our relationship blossom. We knew a lot about each other before things got serious,” she laughs. “We enjoyed each other’s company without any pressure. Of course, we all know how that turned out.”
“He couldn’t keep his hands off you.”
She rubs her belly. “Clearly I was never infertile like I thought I was.”
Unlike Audrina, I know for a fact I can’t have kids. It’s the reason I let Bronco not use a condom and I don’t regret that. Feeling him that close to me was something I wanted. Heck, I craved it. “It was meant to be.”
“It was.”
I’m happy for her and West, they’re the cutest couple, and I know they’ll make amazing parents.
My phone vibrates and I see Bronco’s name dancing across the screen. “I’m just gonna take this,” I say.
“No problems.”
“Bronco?”
“Hey, sorry I missed your call, I was… uh, busy. Callin’ to say I’m enroute to collect Olive, Hustler said he’d fill you in on what’s goin’ down.”
“He did, sort of,” I say. “But Bronc, I got a call from Star.”
“What did she say?”
I fill him in and he’s quiet for a moment. “Fuck, we gotta find her.”
“I know, I’m freaking out. I just got off the call then Audrina and Hustler arrived, so I haven’t had a second to process any of it.”
“I’ll be there soon.”
“Shit, Bronc, if Erica’s somehow involved with organized crime, this could end really badly for her.”
“Shit’s comin’ at us from both sides,” he says, alarming me further. “Just stay at the clubhouse.”
“Okay, Audrina said something about some of the Cut City Boys being at large and some other gang from Mississippi were trying to infiltrate.”
“So much for club business,” he mutters. “Just sit tight, can you do that for me?”
“So the club really is going into lockdown?”
“It’s just a temporary precaution, after what happened to Audrina, Cash isn’t takin’ any chances, so on that front we’re all unanimous.”
“I’m scared, Bronc. I’ve got Olive to think about now.”
“She’s safe here, you know that.”
“I need to find Erica.” I wipe the tears away. I didn’t want to cry down the phone; in fact, it’s the last thing I wanted, but being strong is taking its toll.
“Star’s already found out where she’s been, it’s just a matter of pinpointing where she is right now.”
“I get that, but if she has this Olgetti crime family after her, she might not have the luxury of time.”
As much as Bronco may want to tell me to stop being hysterical, he doesn’t. He lets me rant when I need to, and always talks me off the ledge when I’m close to losing it.
“Keep yourself busy for the next half hour and stop thinkin’ about all the things that could happen,” he tells me. “It’s gonna be okay. We know Erica is alive, we just have to find out exactly where she is. If I have to drive to Baton Rouge myself, I’ll do it.”
“You’d do that?”
He grunts. “Of course I would. Erica’s important to you, and then there’s Olive to think of.”
“I can’t believe she did this. We could’ve come up with a plan together.” I can barely get the words out. I keep thinking how terrified Erica must be, and how desperate she was to do what she did. I know how that feels because I’ve lived it. We both have.
“No point dwellin’ on that now. She did what she did, and when she’s back safe and sound, you can have it out with her then.”
“Hurry back, but don’t hurry… I mean, don’t put yourself in danger…”
“I’ve got Titan with me, we’re all gonna be fine. I’ll be there soon.”
“I lov—” I stop. What the heck? The phone goes dead. He already hung up. I swallow hard, not even bothering to wipe the tears away. My words are whispered so softly, I’m not even sure if they drift off my tongue when I say out loud, “I love you, Bronco.”
Maybe I’ve always known it, or maybe I’m just feeling emotional because of everything that went down today, but I know one thing. I can’t live without him. I just don’t know how to tell him that the game has changed.