Chapter 16
Lucy
I tell Lisa goodnight and head to my bedroom. Once inside, I sit on the bed and pick up my tablet. I sign on and go to the Chicago news station I’ve been following since Chubs left. Watching the broadcast, I grimace. I have a pretty good idea who may be behind a lot of the crime happening there. Regardless of how I feel about Chubs these days, I still feel the now familiar feeling of fear creeping through my body. He's basically on his own, no club at his back, in a city that’s at war.
Having done a lot of research, I recognize several of the names mentioned. I even saw old footage of Enzo Zanetti’s arrest and trial and a picture of Chubs when he was young. He was adorable. Chunky build, big brown eyes, and curly brown hair, he resembled his father somewhat. The picture showed him walking between two guys in suits that screamed FBI agents. There was even a picture of his parents’ home, the place he grew up at.
“Hey, Lucy, did…” Lisa says from the doorway.
I startle, not having heard the door open, then quickly place the tablet screen side down in my lap. I couldn’t have looked more guilty if I tried, and of course Lisa catches it.
“Hmm, what’cha doing?” she asks as she takes a seat next to me and reaches for the tablet.
Gripping it tightly, I reply, “Nothing. Getting ready for…”
“Seriously? You’re going to try to tell me you weren’t up to something and that your death grip on your tablet means nothing?” she asks while trying to get control of my tablet.
I turn, pulling the tablet away from her, and drop my upper half on top of it on the bed. Lisa laughs before pouncing on me. She positions herself so she’s sitting on my bum, then tries reaching under me for the tablet. I buck the best I can, hoping to unseat her, but I don’t.
“Unless you’re hiring a hitman to take me out, hand over the tablet because we’re sisters and have no secrets. If you don’t, I’m going to be forced to tickle you until you do,” she warns.
“Lisa! Stop! It’s none of your business,” I sputter.
“Counting to three,” she says.
“Mind your own business, you nosy bitch!” I order, then gasp when she makes good on her promise.
Being super ticklish, it’s not long before I can’t breathe, and Lisa has gained control of the tablet. Sliding off me, she leans against the headboard and looks at the screen. Her eyes widen, then turn in my direction. I drop my face into the bed and wait. I hear the broadcast replaying, and I know the questions will start soon.
“Chicago? Why would you watch a Chicago news station? Does this have something to do with Chubs? It does. Holy shit! What do you know that you haven’t told me? Haven’t told Dad? He could help, Lucy!”
I pull myself up to sit next to Lisa and take the tablet back. Looking at her, I try to explain.
“Dad can’t get involved for a couple of reasons. One, Chubs chose to leave me, and I don’t want him back because he feels forced. Pretty sure I wouldn’t take him back anyway. Second, Dad has a career he’s worked his whole life for, and Chubs’ family is involved in organized crime. Dad can’t help without risking his career, and I don’t want that. You absolutely can’t mention this to anyone.”
“I won’t, I promise. Is Chubs a one-man crime spree now? The mob? He seriously had me fooled into thinking he was this gentle, caring guy. Lucy, are you sure about this?” Lisa questions.
“I don’t know what, if any, crimes Chubs has committed or if the mafia is imploding on their own. I’m not sure why he felt he had to return unless it was to keep his mother safe. He only spoke once about where he came from and how he ended up here, and he didn’t include a lot of detail. Most of what I know, I found out on my own.”
“Maybe you need to speak with the club? If you’ve washed your hands of him but obviously, still care what happens to him, turn your information over to Gunner. Let them decide what to do or how to handle his leaving the club.”
“I know I should, but for some stupid reason, I still feel loyalty to Chubs. He didn’t want them to know, so I’ve not said a word. I should have earned some kind of award for surviving Gunner’s talks. The man is intimidating as hell. Then I got cornered by Trigger and realized Gunner went easy on me. For now, I’m not going to tell the club anything, though.”
“Okay, I get that. I won’t say anything unless you do something stupid and go to Chicago. Then I’m telling Dad, Gunner, Trigger, hell, even Craig,” Lisa declares.
“Fair enough. Now get out of my room so I can get some sleep,” I answer while giving her shoulder a shove.
Walking into the clubhouse, I take a seat at the bar next to Pooh. I look for Toes, but he’s not behind the bar. Instead, I see James. He’s fallen for Mac’s favorite game, and that’s arguing. Mac’s standing in front of James on the bar, and it only takes a second to realize what the argument is about.
“Yes, firemen run into danger but not as often as cops, Mac,” James explains patiently.
“Do too,” Mac insists while ruffling his feathers.
“No, they don’t. They get a call here or there, but cops go from one complaint to another. Plus, people don’t generally shoot at firemen,” James states.
“Peeps like fireman!” Mac screeches.
“People don’t like to follow the laws, but they like us when they need us,” James continues.
“Fireman rule,” the feathered menace states like it’s a fact known to everyone.
“Are you trying to piss me off, Mac?” James asks suspiciously.
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“I’m bored,” Mac answers before strolling away from James and coming to a stop in front of me and Pooh.
“What’s shaking, Lucy?” Mac asks.
“Why are you picking fights with James?” I ask instead of answering.
“Assman’s not here,” Mac explains.
James sets my drink in front of me, replaces Pooh’s beer with a full one, then turns to me.
“Cockatoos are so much nicer than Macaws. Prettier too. Cockatoos rule. They’re better dancers too,” James says with a wicked grin.
“Suck it, Copper!” Mac shrieks, then flings a peanut at James.
James walks off chuckling, while Mac mutters a string of swear words.
“Hey, Pooh, Lucy. Can I talk with you for a minute? Before dinner’s served,” Bella asks quietly as she comes to a stop next to us.
When we both say yes, she points to the door then proceeds to walk outside. We follow and find her taking a seat in a lawn chair, so we do the same. Looking at her face, I can tell she’s nervous.
“Something wrong?” Pooh asks with concern.
“No, everything’s fine. You’ve both told me before that if I ever needed something, I could come to you.” When we both nod our heads, she continues. “I need your help. You know how I’ve been working to save money? There’s a reason I wanted to earn the money and not just have it given to me.”
“What can we help you with, Bella?” I ask, curious as to where this is going.
“I need someone like you to back me up, to support my decision, Lucy, and I need Pooh to teach me to ride a Harley,” she states.
Pooh stares at her for a few beats before asking, “Of course, I’ll teach you, but why didn’t you ask Petey?”
“Because I’m not sure how Mom will take this, and Pops might be busy keeping her calm,” Bella answers with a cheeky grin.
“I’ll support you however I can, Bella, but I don’t think Trudy will be upset that you want to learn to ride,” I say.
“She’ll be fine with me learning to ride. That’s not what’s going to cause a problem, though,” Bella responds, then turns to look at Pooh. “Club rules state that each member must buy their own bike when they join. Even Gunner and Axel had to work to earn the money for their first bike. Am I right?”
“Yeah, that’s correct. But you wanting to learn to ride has nothing to do with that. You don’t have to buy your own bike to ride on club property. I have a bike that—” Pooh explains before I cut him off.
“You want to join the club as a member, right?”
“Yes, I do. I get my driver’s license next year, so I’d like to start learning to ride now. I’ve saved my money, and I have most of what I need for the bike I want to buy.”
“You 100% have my support, and I’ll throw the world’s biggest hissy fit if anyone tells you that women can’t join,” I tell her while shooting a silent Pooh a look.
“Pooh?” Bella asks tentatively.
“Why, Bella?” Pooh questions. “Why join the club and go through the bullshit of prospecting and all that when you’re here anyway?”
“When I was the most terrified I’ve ever been, when the traffickers had me and Carmen, I didn’t know if we’d survive. I had pretty much figured out why they had us and had kind of accepted that I was going to be repeatedly raped, and the fear of that was literally suffocating. I was too young to understand that death would have been more merciful than what they had planned. I was so scared. I couldn't even speak. Then you and the club showed up, saved us, and I could breathe again. It took time, but I started to trust that people could be kind and not hurtful, basically for the first time in my life. You gave me that, and it’s a gift I can never repay. Axel, Gunner, Pops—they did too. So did the women. I want to be that person for someone in need too, and being a club member can make that happen. While you guys were awesome at the time, it would have been less scary if a woman had been with you. As a member, I would be there when they’re rescued. I plan on graduating, going to college, and becoming a counselor for victims of sex trafficking, but that’s helping after the fact,” Bella explains in her quiet but not timid voice. “I want you to sponsor me, Pooh, but I’ll understand if you don’t want to. If the club votes against me joining, I’ll still become a counselor and then find a club who will accept me.”
I hold my breath while she and Pooh stare at one another in silence. I watch as Bella’s chin tips in that stubborn tilt she does when she’s determined. Glancing at Pooh, I can clearly see pride shining in his eyes as he looks at the young lady he helped save. When Pooh suddenly stands, I have a moment of panic that he’s going to walk away from Bella without answering. My shoulders sag in relief when he doesn’t.
Leaning down, Pooh grips Bella’s hands and pulls her to standing. Moving his hands to each side of her face, he tips his head down enough to rest his forehead against hers.
“Biggest honor ever would be sponsoring you, Bells. Of course, I will. Love you, girl.”
“Thank you, Pooh. Love you too,” Bella responds with a wobble in her voice.
Giving Bella a quick hug, Pooh steps back, then grins.
“We can talk with your parents tonight about learning to ride because I want Trudy’s consent and not her wrath. When do you want to talk to them about me sponsoring you?”
“After I learn to ride. Let’s dodge that bullet for now,” Bella says with a laugh. “We’ll keep that a secret for now.”
“I won’t say a word,” I assure them.
“I know you won’t. When we talk to Mom about me joining the club, will you please be there, Lucy? She really likes and listens to you, and you always cut through the crap and get right to the point. I know Ava will support me too, but I don’t want her to have to keep a secret from Gunner, and she would have to if I told her now.”
“Absolutely. So, you do know that Axel’s going to pitch a fit when he finds out you asked Pooh and not him, right?” I ask, smiling because that’s a conversation I want to be here for.
“That’s just the icing on the cake,” Pooh says with a huge grin. He’s already envisioning the pouting that’s going to happen.
“Yeah, I know he’ll be upset, but he can’t keep a secret, so I couldn’t talk with him now without everyone knowing what I’m planning. He’s such a gossip,” Bella states with an eye roll and smile.
“True,” I say before pulling her in for a hug. “So proud of you, Bella.”
Walking into the kitchen, I get busy helping the other women get dinner finished and served. As I’m setting the last few dishes on the bar so everyone can serve themselves buffet style, the main door swings open. In walks Cash’s family members, and as usual, the Aunts are giving everyone hell.
Cash’s dad, Lars, is being pushed in his wheelchair by his caregiver, Terry. The Aunts, Lola and Lottie, follow them, with Cash, Livi, Liam, and Snots bringing up the rear. Snots spots me and immediately runs for cover behind a chair. Liam is holding Livi’s hand but lets go and trots in my direction, arms outstretched. I bend down in time to scoop him up and cuddle him close. Liam is a stout, blond-haired, good-natured little boy who loves his Aunt Lucy and finds me whenever we’re both here. His other favorite person is Bella, and she stops close to ruffle his hair.
“I’m just saying, Terry, that there’s gay, then there’s gaaaaay,” Lottie explains while saying the last gay in an exaggerated high-pitched voice.
“And you have packed ten pounds of gaaaaay in a two-pound sack,” Lola says as she walks past Terry and Lars and takes a seat at a nearby table.
“James is as gay as I am, and you don’t harass him,” Terry argues while stopping Lars’s wheelchair at the table next to Lola.
“No, he’s not. James is gay and normal. You’re just a hot mess,” Lottie states with a wave at Terry’s clothing options for today. “And James isn’t trying to convert poor Snots into being whatever it is you are by dressing him like some freak of the doggie world.”
Looking over Terry’s outfit, I hold back a snort. Elton John’s stage outfits have nothing on Terry’s clothing today. Terry’s always been unique in his clothing, but he’s outdone himself today. Lime green velvet jogging suit with black biker-type boots, but they’re made into platforms. Very tall platform boots with numerous buckles, chains, and even a small bell attached to the laces. Rhinestone-studded sunglasses pushed to lay across his forehead, and a lot of gold and sparkly jewelry.
Terry is himself, and I like that he doesn’t change to fit others’ perceptions. Not that I would ever wear the things he does, but he’s happy in them, so more power to him. I approach and lean my shoulder into him. When he notices me, he drops his head, and I kiss his cheek. He, in turn, kisses my temple, then the top of Liam’s head, before turning to resume battle with the Aunts. Above and beyond all the fighting with the Aunts, Terry takes excellent care of Lars and is a permanent fixture in their family.
“Hey, Cash, Livi. What do you feed this kid?” I ask while adjusting Liam’s chunky body on my hip.
“He’s an easy keeper,” Cash says before reaching out to take his son. “Another few bowls of mac and cheese, and you won’t be lifting him anymore.”
“Probably not.”
The door flies open, and in comes Tessie, Taja, and Vex, who’s carrying baby Kalea tucked against his shoulder. Tessie stops beside me and slings an arm over my shoulders.
“I have this driving thing all figured out now. Won’t need any more lessons, but thanks for the help,” she says confidently.
“You have two more, and you’re not getting out of them. Then I’m giving you a road test, and if you pass, Gunner said he’d lift the ban on you driving on club property. Even though we both know you’ve ignored the ban several times,” I remind her.
“I think you just enjoy torturing me,” Tessie groans before removing her arm and stalking away.
“We have to talk. I need to know how you got her driving without endangering everything around her,” Taja says with a huge smile.
“I have skills, but those are my secrets,” I answer before holding my hands out to take Kalea from Vex.
The most beautiful man I’ve ever seen suddenly scowls at me, turns suddenly, and walks off. Shocked, I look at Taja in bewilderment.
“You know how everyone has teased Axel for never wanting to let anyone hold Alexia? Vex was especially hard on Axel and harassed him mercilessly. Now that he has his own daughter, he’s finding he doesn’t like sharing her either. He won’t admit it openly like Axel did, but he’s very stingy when it comes to letting me and Tessie hold her. He’s pretty much quit working at the strip club because he hates being away from her that long,” Taja answers, then laughs loudly.
Vex turns from where he’s standing and throws a glare in our direction, but it doesn’t stop me from laughing with Taja. We watch, somewhat gleefully, when Trudy walks up to Vex and holds her hands out. Vex hesitates, glares at Trudy, but hands the baby over. When Trudy turns to walk away, Vex follows and continues hovering when Trudy takes a seat. Men and their daughters.
“Hi, Taja. Do you like my new shirt?” Craig asks, focusing solely on Taja.
“Yes, I do! It’s very nice,” Taja says enthusiastically while bending down to give Craig a hug.
“Hi, Craig. Notice me? I’m right here,” I joke since he notices little when Taja’s in the room.
“See you, Lucy. Hello. I have seats for us over here, Taja,” Craig states, then takes Taja’s hand and pulls her behind him.
I turn and find Luke and the twins, Mia and Zoe, standing behind me, grinning. I sign hello to Luke then say hi to the twins. When they continue to grin at me, I start to get worried.
“What’s up?” I sign and say out loud at the same time.
“Daddy said that you are going to tell Craig that he has to start school next week, and we want to be there when you do. There’s going to be an epic meltdown,” Zoe states excitedly.
“Wait. Why am I the one telling Craig? That’s Pooh and Pippa’s job,” I reply.
“Because Pooh and Pippa don’t want to die in their sleep,” Mia says before giggling loudly.
“Well, your daddy is wrong. Not my circus, not my monkeys,” I insist.
I watch as Luke signs and start shaking my head, no, halfway through his words.
“Doesn’t matter that I don’t live on the property. It’s not my job to tell him. Trigger and Tammy don’t live on the property either, so one of them can.”
“He’s my fishing partner, and I don’t want to lose that. He never listens to Tammy, and they just argue non-stop. Tag, you’re it!” Trigger says as he walks past, tossing an evil grin over his shoulder.
“No! You all need to man up and do it yourself!” I shout at Trigger’s retreating back.
The kids laugh and walk off. Looking around the room, I notice most everyone has a full plate in front of them except for Rex. He’s sitting in a recliner at the back of the room, sunglasses still on his face. It dawns on me that he’s sleeping. Walking to the bar, I fill a plate, grab a beer, and walk across the room to Rex’s side. Setting the food on the small table next to him, I shake his arm as I repeat his name. When Rex jerks awake, I take a seat in a chair next to him.
“You need to eat, Rex,” I say softly as he pulls his glasses off and rubs his face.
He looks exhausted and somewhat disoriented for a moment before he focuses on me.
“Hey, Lucy. Thank you, I’m starving,” Rex states as he scoops up his plate and starts shoveling food into his mouth.
“Slow down. There’s plenty more,” I add with a small laugh.
“Sorry. I don’t remember the last time I ate a real meal. Been living on energy drinks, coffee, and candy bars. Thank you for the food, Lucy.”
Guilt hits hard because I know why he’s so exhausted. Rex isn’t the type to give up his search for Chubs, and I could end it for him. I have the information he’s looking for, but I don’t feel it’s my place to share what Chubs wanted kept secret. Again, I question myself as to why I’m giving Chubs loyalty when the club has stood behind me, not him.
“Anything new?” I ask in a subdued tone.
“Nothing solid. I found a Facebook post from a waitress talking about how much food a guy ordered and ate, but she couldn’t give me much of a description. Sounded like it could have been Chubs, but I can’t find a reason why, if it was him, he’d have been in that particular town. So fucking frustrating,” Rex answers between bites.
“If he doesn’t want to be found, why keep looking for him?”
“Why do you assume he left by choice? Feds had been here off and on for months, talking to him, wanting something. Why aren’t you assuming they took him?” Rex questions while looking hard at me.
“Cash said he had a chat with the Feds after Chubs had left, so I figured they had nothing to do with it,” I reply, trying to sound convincing.
“Uh huh. What aren’t you telling us, Lucy? If he left because he wanted to, then that’s his choice. I just need to know that’s what happened because I can’t quit searching until I know he’s not being kept hostage for some reason.”
“If I hear anything, I’ll let you know,” I mumble before standing and walking away.
I fill a plate and take a seat with Ivy and Pigeon. They’re about the only ones here that haven’t questioned me about Chubs, and I’m hoping that doesn’t change today.
“Hi, Lucy. Are you still coming out next week to go over the financial stuff for the loans for the ranch? We want to get going on the rest of the buildings and updates needed,” Pigeon asks.
“Yeah, I can come out any day you’re available.”
“When you come, remember to wear boots. We’ll squeeze in a riding lesson for you while you’re there,” Ivy reminds me.
“That sounds great. I might bring a kid or two with me if that’s okay.”
“Absolutely. Bella was coming out on Friday to spend the weekend, so if you come then, she could ride with you and save Petey the trip. Luke will probably want to come out too since he’s been doubling up on his lessons,” Ivy suggests.
“How’s he doing?” I ask.
“Awesome! He’s really bonded with Lucky, the horse he rides. Luke does great with all the animals, but he and Lucky are definitely bonded,” Ivy answers excitedly.
When Pigeon snorts out a laugh, I look to see what he’s laughing about. Gee, Ava’s pig, is strutting across the floor in a T-shirt that reads, “Pig in a Blanket” across the back. On his feet are the cutest red flip flops with little kites on them. Behind him is his best friend, Snots. Not noticing me, Snots stops, flops onto his side, and immediately starts snoring. Gee snorts a few times, then gives up and flops belly down next to his friend and starts his own snoring.
While looking down at the chubby pair, I feel a whoosh of air and look up to see Priscilla landing on Ivy’s outstretched arm. Prissy coos and kisses Ivy a few times before settling down.
“She’s so beautiful,” I murmur, gaining Prissy’s attention.
“Yesssss, ma’am,” she says in her beautiful southern accent.
“She’s humble too,” Pigeon adds with a grin. “Humble and beautiful, Miss Priscilla.”
“No cap,” Prissy states before flaring her yellow crest.
“Where’s Bailey and Axel?” I ask, realizing they’re not here.
“Ma man’s sick,” Prissy states slowly, then makes her cute little cooing sound.
“Axel’s sick? Or has his pregnancy symptoms kicked in already?” Pigeon questions while grinning at Prissy.
His grin disappears when Prissy sticks her foot onto his plate, withdraws an asparagus spear, and flings it at his face.
“What the fuck, Prissy?” Pigeon complains as he picks the veggie off his shirt. “You weren’t here for the last pregnancy. I asked a valid question.”
“You such, fird foy,” Prissy speaks very slowly, but her words aren’t as distinct as usual.
“You suck, bird boy!” Ivy repeats before laughing out loud.
When Prissy stands, her crest feathers on end, and sticks her face into Pigeon’s, I join Ivy in laughing. Pigeon makes a desperate attempt to avoid her beak and nearly falls off his chair. This makes Ivy and I laugh even harder, and Prissy moves to the table in front of Pigeon’s plate. While staring Pigeon down, Prissy drinks from his glass by dunking most of her head inside it.
“No! Oh crap, Prissy, no, don’t drink that! It’s beer!” Ivy shouts as she hurriedly covers the glass with her hand.
“Just what we need. A drunk large-assed bird that already has an attitude,” Pigeon mutters while taking the glass from Ivy.
“Peer?” Prissy asks with a head tilt.
“It’s not good for birds, sweetie. Don’t ever drink it,” Ivy explains while Pigeon takes the glass to the sink behind the bar.
“Neva,” Prissy agrees.
“Have you had any before? Like, before you came to our table?” I ask suspiciously.
“Yup,” Prissy states while popping the “p” loudly.
“Oh, this isn’t good,” Ivy says worriedly. “Where’s Ava? Maybe she’s run into this with Mac and knows what to do.”
“Just saw her head into the kitchen. I’ll get her,” Pigeon says as he returns to our table then leaves it again.
“She’s probably fine. She didn’t get that much,” I state and then watch as Prissy slowly tips over and lands face first in Pigeon’s mashed potatoes.
Ivy quickly picks her up and is wiping her face clean when Ava and Pigeon arrive at the table.
“Mac got into a few mixed drinks once. It can be very serious, but the vet told me what to watch for. Mostly, don’t let them fly at all. Mac was slurring his words, and he was hungover the next day. Scary as hell but amusing once I knew he was okay. Let me take her into the kitchen and see if I can get her to drink some water. Someone call Axel, please,” Ava says as she takes Prissy from Ivy.
Before Ava makes it to the kitchen door, Prissy starts singing loudly. It takes me a few seconds to place the song due to her slurring, but “The Night the Lights Went Out In Georgia” has new meaning after hearing a drunk cockatoo belt it out. Her lights were certainly going to go out tonight. When Prissy disappears into the kitchen, Mac picks up the song where she left off. He tosses in several loud laughs, most likely because he knows Prissy’s going to be in a world of hurt tomorrow. Knowing how bratty Mac can be, I wouldn’t be surprised to find out he’s the one that talked her into indulging.
A few minutes later, Axel comes crashing through the door, looking frantic. I point toward the kitchen, and he barely slows when he gets to the swinging door. A loud crash, a wail, and then swearing comes from behind the door as all heads turn in that direction.
Toes comes stumbling through the door, holding both hands over his face. James tosses a bar towel at him, and it lands perfectly on his shoulder. When Toes just stands there, not making any moves to use the towel, I get up and approach him. Taking the towel in one hand, I pull at his arm with the other. When his hands drop, I press the towel to his bloody nose. His eyes are both already swelling, and he has a huge knot on his forehead, but he’s on his feet and should survive. I continue holding the towel, giving him a minute to collect himself. When he slowly opens his eyes and spots me, he snatches the towel from my hand and leaps backward. Shocked, I take a step back too.
“You! I should have known you are here! Bad shit always happens when you’re around!” he shouts at me while pointing at my face with a finger.
“That’s not nice! Don’t holler at her!” Craig bellows as he charges across the room to stand between Toes and me.
“It’s true! She’s fucking evil!” Toes continues his rant.
Craig draws back and swings hard before I can stop him. Toes bends forward then drops to the floor, not knowing whether to hold the towel to his nose or cup his boy parts.
“That dick punch wasn’t Lucy’s fault either! That was all me!” Craig fumes. “Axel ran you over, and I dropped you. Apologize to Lucy, or I’m calling for Loki.”
“It’s okay, Craig, he just freaked out,” I attempt to calm things down.
“It’s not okay, Lucy. Toes called you evil, and that’s just number one bullshit,” Craig continues angrily.
Pooh steps beside me, leans down, and speaks quietly with Craig for a moment. Eventually, they bump fists and turn to walk away, but Craig takes my hand and insists I walk with them. When we get to the table I was sitting at, I tug on Craig’s hand. When he looks up at me, I lean down and hug him.
“Thank you for sticking up for me,” I whisper in his ear.
“Chubs asked me to look out for you, but I would’ve done it anyway,” Craig says in a quiet voice.
My heart clenches at his name, but I push it aside. What Craig just said makes me lean back and look at him closely. I wait a few seconds until Pooh walks off before squeezing Craig’s hand.
“You knew he was leaving,” I state, not ask.
“Yeah, but I haven’t told anyone. I heard things and asked him. He said he trusted me, so I’m not saying a word.”
“He does trust you, and you’re a great friend. I’m glad you’re mine too,” I say.
Craig smiles, and I see another missing tooth. When I point at it, his grin grows.
“You raking in more money?” I ask.
“Yep. I’m going to ride that train until I have no more teeth,” Craig says with an impish grin before walking away.
Family dinners at the club are never boring.
I’m sitting at my desk at New Horizons, watching Tammy pace. Today is the day everyone has been dreading. The kids are back at school, and that means it’s Craig’s first day. I don’t know who broke the news to him, but I’m grateful I didn’t have to do the honors. Tammy makes another lap around the office, then checks her phone again.
“If she has a problem, she’ll call,” I say for about the tenth time.
“I know, I know. Pooh’s with her too. They thought it was best that both took him his first day. Tomorrow, he’ll ride with Ava or Trudy and the other kids. God, I hope he doesn’t get expelled his very first day,” Tammy says while nibbling on a thumbnail.
We both look toward the door when Pippa walks through it. I take a moment to look her over for battle wounds but find none. Her clothing isn’t wrinkled, and her hair looks like it always does. Maybe this didn’t go as badly as everyone expected.
“Well?” Tammy questions instantly.
“It went very well. We met his teacher and went over where he’s at with his studies. She seems very nice, and Craig was polite but quiet. She said that for the next few days, they would be testing him to see if they’ve placed him in the correct class. Pooh did a full pat down before we walked into the school just to make sure he didn’t have something in his backpack that he’s not supposed to. Like, you know, a skunk,” Pippa says with a small laugh as she sits behind her desk.
“He didn’t, did he?” Tammy questions.
“No. We had Petey stop over and take Bart to the shop with him this morning so Craig wouldn’t be tempted.”
“Good thinking,” Tammy mumbles before taking a seat in the corner.
My phone buzzes next to me, and when I glance down, I see a text. It’s from Pippa. Hmmm. I pick up my phone and read the text.
Pippa: Craig here. Tell mom I’m ready to go home now. This school sucks donkey balls.
Me: I don’t think school lets out for hours yet, Craig. You’re supposed to stay for the whole day.
Pippa: I don’t think that’s a good idea. Bad things will happen if I do.
Me: Your mom will be hurt if you don’t even try. One day won’t kill you, I promise.
Pippa: Not me, but…? These kids are dumb. Like, really dumb. I learned this stuff years ago.
Me: The teacher said they were going to test you to see what grade to place you in. Give it a chance and you might find you like school.
Pippa: Fat chance. Bye.
Me: Bye.
“I can’t find my phone. What the hell? I had it on me in the car,” Pippa states while digging through her purse.
“Pooh might want to brush up on his pat-down procedures. Craig just texted me,” I say with a grin.
“Well, hell. He ask you to come get him?” Pippa questions with an arched eyebrow.
“He wanted me to tell you he’s ready to go home,” I admit.
“He’s been there an hour! I’m never going to survive the whole school year,” Pippa moans while Tammy and I laugh at her predicament.
Surprisingly, Craig finished out the school day without a problem.
After work, I head directly to the gym and find Candy there, already working out on the punching bag. Glancing around the gym, I see Pooh and Cash are holding classes, but Axel is sitting at the check-in desk, head resting on it. Walking to stand in front of the desk, I lean into it and study the large, bald-headed biker.
“What’s up, Axel?” I ask.
“Nothing important. Same shit, different day. I’m on my deathbed, but nobody cares,” he answers in a muffled voice.
Looks like The Devil’s Angels MC Vice President is in full-on pout mode today.
“Pregnancy symptoms?” I question.
“Probably. Pretty sure I died a few days ago, but whatever,” he replies, finally lifting his head.
I have to admit he does look like death warmed over. There are dark circles under his eyes, and his skin is missing its usual healthy tan coloring. Feeling sorry for him, I pull a water bottle from my bag and hand it to him.
“Drink this,” I suggest.
“It won’t stay down. Not much has,” he says, then moans, dropping his head back onto the desk.
“You shouldn’t be here. Why don’t I give you a ride home?” I volunteer.
“I don’t want to give whatever the hell this is to Alex, Bailey, or Prissy. Just in case it’s not sympathetic pregnancy symptoms again.”
“You have a room at the clubhouse. I’ll drive you there, set you up with some fluids and broth, and call Taja. She should probably take a look at you.”
“You would be my guardian angel, and I’ll never forget you did this for me,” Axel states as he stands.
“I’ll tell Cash that I’m taking you home. Meet me at my car. Here’re my keys.”
Axel heads toward the exit, and I walk to Cash’s side. I explain about Axel and turn to leave. Candy appears at my side, questioning look in her eyes. I explain again about Axel being sick and me taking him home.
“Give me five minutes, and I’ll ride with you,” Candy states and walks away before I can tell her it’s not necessary.
Walking to my car, I get that creepy feeling of being watched. I stop in the middle of the lot and look around. I spot a black SUV across the street with two men in it looking in my direction. When I take a step toward them, the vehicle starts and quickly pulls away. Odd, but I realize I’ve gotten paranoid lately, and that’s all this probably is too.
When I get to my car, I find Axel curled up in the backseat sound asleep. I wait, and Candy appears soon after. We chat quietly on the drive, with Candy glancing back at our slumbering princess every few minutes. When I take the last corner on the side road the clubhouse is on, I find the road blocked by a familiar-looking black SUV. I brake and start to slow when Candy shouts at me.
“Don’t stop! Don’t stop, Lucy! Go around the end of their vehicle and stomp on the gas! Go!”
Startled, I turn the wheel to the right just as two men step out from behind the vehicle. Both hold their hands up in what could be perceived as a “please help, we broke down” gesture, but instinct tells me that’s not the case. I try to squeeze between the rear of their SUV and the shoulder of the road, but there’s precious little space, and I had sped up too much.
“What the he…” Axel moans as the front left corner of my car clips the bumper on the SUV, violently shoving theirs out of the way and making mine skid sideways.
Fighting for control, I don’t let up on the gas as Candy continues to shout instructions. When I’m straight on the road again, I do as she screamed and stomp on the gas.
I can hear Axel on his phone, and glancing at Candy, I see a handgun in her hand. She’s watching over her shoulder, so I look in my mirror and see the SUV is doing a quick turn to follow in pursuit.
“You’re doing great, Lucy. The gate will be open, so haul ass through it. James is letting everyone on club property know to lock down. Gunner’s there too. Candy? You know how to use that?” Axel asks in a calm voice.
“Yep. I never leave home without Black Betty,” she responds.
“Good to know. When we hit the clubhouse, Lucy’s going to drop me off, and then you two go straight to my house. I want someone armed with Bailey and Alex. Don’t leave until James or Gunner comes there. Okay?”
“Got it, boss,” Candy answers just as I drive through the gate and see James shutting it behind us.
I stop only long enough for Axel to bail out of the car and Gunner to hand Candy Mac. Then I drive directly to Axel’s house. Bailey opens the door, and Candy hustles me and Mac into the house, then locks the door behind us.
“I’ll check windows and doors,” Candy states, then walks away.
“Where’s Alex?” I ask, not wanting to say something that she might overhear and scare her.
“In her room, watching a Disney movie. What’s going on?”
“I’m not really sure. An SUV was blocking the road just before the club property line, and two men tried getting us to stop. Candy said to keep going, so I did. I was bringing Axel home because he wasn’t feeling well, and Candy came along for the ride. Axel got out at the clubhouse with Gunner,” I explain.
“Wow. Wonder who they were and what they wanted,” Bailey says.
“The license plate is government issued. As in, Feds. I didn’t get a good look at them, but I think they might have been the ones harassing Chubs,” Candy answers as she enters the room. “We’re secure here. Alex is being entertained by Mac and Prissy, and she’s explaining all about Disney movies to them.”
Candy walks back out of the kitchen, and we follow. Taking seats in the living room, I watch as Candy stands to the side of the front window and keeps an eye on the road. I pull my phone out and call Ava to let her know we have Mac and to see if she needs help, but she said she’s fine. Trudy’s at her house, and Petey’s on his way home.
It's not long, and Axel calls Bailey to let her know everything’s good. By the time James made it to the corner, the SUV was gone. They must have turned around after seeing us drive through the gate.
“Let me talk to him when you’re done, Bailey,” Candy orders, and Bailey hands over her phone immediately.
Candy takes it and then walks out the front door, shutting it behind her. I’m sure she’s filling the guys in on the license plate and who she thinks it was.
“Want to stay for dinner?” Bailey asks.
“I better not. I promised Axel I’d set him up at the clubhouse for the night because he doesn’t want anyone to catch whatever he has,” I explain as Bailey grins.
“I’ll make him some food and grab a change of clothes for him then. I think whatever is wrong with him is just in his head, but it’s better to be safe than sorry, I guess.”
Stopping back at the clubhouse, Candy and I carry in the items Bailey sent for Axel. Several of the members are there and discussing what happened, so I place everything on the bar and point to them when Axel looks in my direction. I turn to leave, but Gunner’s voice stops me.
“I want you sticking close to club members for a while, Lucy. Whoever it was, and I think Candy was right, might not have been looking for you, but it’s possible they were. If they only wanted to talk to you, they could have approached you most anywhere. They didn’t, though. They tried stopping your car on a deserted stretch of road, and that concerns me.”
“I’ll stick with her unless I’m at work. During those times, she can hang with one of you guys,” Candy states.
“That work for you, Lucy?” Gunner questions.
“Yes, that’s fine. I’ll make arrangements with the guys when Candy’s working. Thank you.”
“Any idea why they’d want to talk with you?” Gunner asks.
“No, none. They never tried before,” I answer, without mentioning that the men had been sitting outside the gym earlier. I certainly don’t mention that they may have been following me all day, and I hadn’t noticed.
“Maybe they think you know something they don’t. Today’s move was that of desperation, and that’s never a good thing,” Gunner informs me with a warning in his voice.
I nod in agreement and let Candy herd me out the door. Once we’re on the road back to town, Candy speaks up.
“Might be easier to tell that man what he wants to know and let him deal with these Fed Fuckers. I’m not scared of much, but even I wouldn’t want to be on his bad side.”
I nod, acknowledging her comment, but silently give myself a pat on the back for not caving into Gunner’s intimidation factor. Yet.
We stopped by Candy’s apartment long enough for her to grab some spare clothing, then drove directly to Lisa’s condo. Candy headed for the shower she had missed earlier, and I explained what had happened to Lisa. I didn’t want to tell her or make her worry, but I had to explain my new shadow. Lisa listened closely, agreed with Gunner over her very own sister, then asked what I wanted for dinner. We did agree that our parents didn’t need to know about my little run-in, literally, with federal agents.
“You need to have Trigger fix your car tomorrow. It’s drivable but needs work,” Candy advises while sitting cross-legged on the living room floor, eating Chinese takeout.
“I didn’t even think about it. Hell, I never even looked at the damage,” I admit while helping myself to more noodles. “We can take it to the shop before we go to New Horizons. Are you sure you want to be on babysitting duty?”
“Sure. I love my apartment, but it gets lonely sometimes too,” Candy responds between bites. “I’ve never really had girlfriends before either, so this is fun for me.”
“And we love having you hang with us,” Lisa adds sincerely.
When there’s a knock on the door, Lisa stands, but Candy holds up a hand to stop her. Picking up her handgun, Candy approaches the door.
“Who’s there?” Candy growls.
I can’t hear whatever the answer is, but Candy relaxes and flips the lock. Opening the door, she holds it wide while my parents walk past. Mom nearly stumbles when she sees the handgun, but Dad simply grips her arm as they join us in the living room.
“Want to explain?” Dad asks while quirking an eyebrow.
“Candy is over-cautious,” I reply, but it comes out sounding more like a question than a statement.
Dad’s eyebrow remains raised as he stares me down. I’ve never been good at lying, even though I’ve gotten in lots of practice lately, but especially to my dad. I sigh, and look at Lisa, hoping she can answer his question diplomatically.
“Two guys tried stopping Lucy’s car on the road to the clubhouse. We had to push our way past, causing a few dents and scrapes to her car. She was safe, though. I was armed, and we had Axel dying in the backseat. Pass those dumplings, Lisa,” Candy says nonchalantly.
Dad’s other eyebrow joins the first near his hairline, and my mother gives a little squeak of concern as I toss an exasperated look at Candy. She doesn’t notice, and I don’t think she’d care if she did.
“We have no idea who they were or what they wanted. It probably wasn’t even me they were looking for. We just got a bad vibe, so we didn’t stop,” I mumble, wilting under their stares.
“And Axel? Dying? What’s that about?” Dad questions.
“Axel’s a bit dramatic and a known hypochondriac, so he’s probably fine. His lunch might not have agreed with him, or he has a cold coming on. I was giving him a ride to the clubhouse because he didn’t want to stay at the gym while feeling crappy,” I explain. “Are you hungry? I ordered way too much.”
“Chubs’ influence, I’m sure,” Lisa murmurs.
“No, thank you, we already ate. Speaking of Chubs, does what happened today have anything to do with him?” Dad asks.
“Probably,” Candy responds at the same time as I say, “I doubt it.”
Mom continues to be silent and watchful. Dad sighs heavily before taking a seat on the couch.
“You need security until we know,” Dad states firmly.
“She’s got it. Me and the club members when I’m working,” Candy answers.
“I’d feel better if you’d let me attach a security detail to you, Lucy. The guys from my office could—” Dad starts before I cut him off.
“No, Dad, but thanks for the offer. You know how I feel about your security guys. I have nothing but respect for you and Mom and how you’ve served our state, but I’ve never wanted that fishbowl existence. I’m not complaining about my childhood or any of that. You two gave us a great life. I just don’t want the attention it draws when you have state police officers following you everywhere,” I explain.
“I’ll go along with your decision for now, but if anything happens to threaten your safety, I will do what I think is best. Security detail or locking you down somewhere. I’m not going to sit back and let you get hurt because of someone else’s past. We clear?” Dad asks in a hard voice.
“Clear.”
“I thought Gunner was the only one you should fear, but damn, girl, your dad is kind of fierce too,” Candy mumbles.
“I’m entrusting my daughter’s safety with you, Candy. You sure you’re up for the job?” Dad queries.
“Yep, I got her covered. Not going to lose the first real friend I’ve ever had, sir,” Candy replies in a low, respectful voice.
“Thank you, Candy. I think she’s in good hands with you,” Mom adds quietly while placing her hand on top of Candy’s.
“Appreciate that,” my new bodyguard answers.