Chapter 20
Lucy
When I moved to Lisa’s condo, I knew it was temporary. I love my sister, but I like my independence and my own space. Today, I made the decision to look at properties and homes for sale. I haven’t decided if I want to buy a home that’s ready to move into or build, but I’m taking the first step. I’m hoping that doing so will pull me out of the funk I’ve been in the last couple of days.
I spent the day with Lisa, but I’m not overly intrigued by anything we viewed today. When we leave the last home, she leaves for her office, and I sit in my car for a moment, wondering if I’m really ready for this step. I jump in my seat when there’s a knock on my window. Looking up, I see James looking back at me. I had totally forgotten he was shadowing me today. Lowering my window, I start to apologize when he cuts me off.
“Follow me.”
“Okay,” I answer, confused.
Several minutes later, tailing James on his beautiful dark green Harley, I stop my car in a familiar parking lot. FurEver Homes Animal Rescue, with its sprawling barns and land, sits in front of me. Getting out of my car, James meets up with me, and we walk inside.
“Why are we here?” I ask.
“Fur therapy,” James says in a serious tone.
He speaks with Dale, an employee that is more than a little creepy. Then we skirt our way around the offices to the barns that house the various animals. Opening a door, James waves me inside.
“Let’s walk through and see if anyone calls to you. If so, we’ll hang with them for a while, then go to the next barn. I know it seems odd, especially since Snots is such a psychotic little mutt, but hanging out with him always improves my mood. I don’t tell Livi that because why ruin my fun of picking on her dog, but he’s calming when I need it the most,” James says with one of his blinding smiles.
I nod in agreement, so we stroll the aisle, giving attention to the various dogs in their kennels. It breaks my heart to see so many unwanted pets and makes my anger rise at their owners. The rescue has cards on the door of each kennel with information about the dog or puppy and a warning if needed. Some huddle at the back and shy away from eye contact. Others bound to the front and beg for attention. Some, sadly enough, have been here so long they don’t even use the energy to look up anymore.
“Hello, little one. How cute are you?” I ask while crouching down and extending my hand.
The medium-sized dog of questionable heritage approaches cautiously then extends his neck to sniff my hand. When nothing bad happens to him, his little tail gives a wag, and he inches closer. I wait patiently until he licks my hand, then nuzzles his head into it. I look up at James and find him smiling softly at the mutt.
A volunteer I haven’t seen before approaches and explains that the dog has only been here a few weeks. I look up at the information card, but breed is listed as unknown.
“I thought they DNA’d the dogs when they came in,” I say while pointing to the card.
“The tests are kind of expensive, and we’re running low on them, so he hasn’t been tested yet. Hopefully, he will be soon. He’s been very shy since getting here, but if you want to let him into the aisleway, you can,” she answers.
I open the kennel and sit back down on the floor. Within a minute, the dog inches out and then moves quickly into my lap. I cuddle him for a moment, then stroke his soft, thick tan-colored fur. He burrows his head into my stomach, and his tail starts wagging like mad. James laughs, then takes a seat next to me, reaching over to pet the dog. When the dog turns his head enough to give James a side-eye look, he pulls his hand back slowly.
“I think he prefers women,” James jokes as the dog circles a few more times before finding his perfect spot. He lays in my lap, the side of his head against my belly, and he can keep James in sight.
“I’m going to let you get some therapy time in and go wander some more,” James says as he stands, then walks off.
I sit quietly with the dog and realize quickly that James was right. Fur therapy was exactly what I needed. Looking around, I realize I’m alone in the dog barn, so I tell the dog all my concerns, problems, and fears. I would put money on the fact that while he may not understand my words, he definitely understands my mood. A tail wag or nuzzle. The little mutt seems to know what I need most and when.
When James returns, he again sits next to me on the floor, wrists resting on his raised knees. He stays silent for several minutes before speaking softly.
“Nothing that’s happened this year has been fair to you, Lucy. You’ve been through it, and I can’t tell you how much that hurts my heart. I became a cop because I like helping people, and yet I’ve had to sit back and watch you struggle. You’ve hidden it well, but my years on the force have given me the skills to see past walls and masks. I want to help, but no words can fix what happened and make you whole again. If you ever want a break from real life, let me know. I’ll get creative and come up with something to give you that chance.”
I absorb his words and know he’s sincere as hell. I nod solemnly, then lean my head against his bicep for a moment. Sitting up straight, I carefully set the dog on his feet and then stand. Urging the dog into his kennel, I ignore the guilt from having to close the door behind him. Turning to James, I respond to him.
“Thank you, James. I may take you up on that offer. Also, thanks for bringing me here. Fur therapy is a real thing, and I believe in it now. Can I buy you dinner?”
“You’re welcome, but no. I’m paying, and we’re going to consume all the calories we want and have dessert,” he says with a wink. “Let’s go embarrass ourselves.”
On the way out, I stop at the desk and write a check for a large donation. Ignoring Dale’s constant staring, I slide the check across the counter to him and follow James out the door. We didn’t embarrass ourselves, but that wasn’t from lack of trying. We just didn’t care what anyone around us thought.
Axel: Need a favor.
Me: Name it.
Axel: Can you come to the police station and bring bail money without telling anyone?
Me: So, what you really want is for me to come to the hospital and help you escape. Answer is no. Bailey said the doctor wants you there for another day. Besides, I was joking about Alex calling other men “Daddy.” Kind of.
Axel: Not nice but I really did mean the cop shop. Please????
Me: Are you serious? Why did you get arrested? For what?
Axel: Trumped up bullshit charge of indecent exposure. Speaking of, can you stop at the gym and bring me my duffle bag? It’s in the office. I need to cover all my good parts ASAP.
Me: Oh my God! Indecent exposure? Did you take a piss somewhere public? Again? Why aren’t you at the hospital?
Axel: Can we discuss this after I get out of this hellhole? Help me out, Lucy! I’m too pretty for jail! Guys are already giving me lustful looks and I’m too weak to fight them off. I would really like to keep certain parts of me virginal.
Me: TMI!! Be there soon but you better not be making this up to mess with me or I’ll end up with an assault charge.
Axel: I’m not joking! I really do want to stay a virgin in that ass… aspect. Haha! See what I did there?
Me: I’m on my way and yes, I saw that. Good one, ASSMAN! See what I did?
I tell Candy I have to run an errand, but she refuses to let me leave alone. I try to explain that I’ll be completely safe because of where I’m going, but she parks her butt in the passenger seat of my car anyway.
I make a quick stop at the gym, wave to Cash and Pooh, and enter the office. Bailey is working at the desk and looks up when I walk in. I look around until I find Axel’s gym bag and lift it, slinging it over my shoulder. At Bailey’s raised eyebrows, I say the only thing I can think to say.
“Axel asked if I could bring this to him. Guess he needs something out of it.”
“Hmmm. Guessing he wants clothes since I took everything but his phone when I left the hospital today. Thought that would keep him there until tomorrow, but now it looks like he’s found a way around that. I have to take Alex to her dance practice, so I’m just going to ask that you don’t let him have the bag if he’s planning an escape attempt.”
“From the hospital, right?” I ask.
“Well, yeah.”
“Okay, see you later,” I answer, then bolt out the door.
I really hate lying, but I seem to be the keeper of everyone’s secrets lately.
During the ride, I explain what I know to Candy about Axel’s request. Her eyebrows raise, and her head swings in my direction before a grin breaks across her face.
“This is going to be good,” she mutters while adjusting her seatbelt.
“If you want to score points with the club members, they love a good video of someone doing something stupid. Just a suggestion.”
Her grin grows, and she holds her phone up in one hand.
“Battery is at 90%. Think that’s enough life to capture whatever Axel’s done now?”
“Never know with him,” I mutter as I park near the police department.
Walking across the lot, I hear my name called. Turning, Candy and I stop and wait for James and Livi to catch up to us.
“What are you doing here?” Livi asks.
“Axel texted saying he needed bail money,” I answer.
“Thought he was spending another day in the hospital,” James says.
“I don’t know the details. Something about bail money and indecent exposure,” I reply with a grin.
“I’m not missing out on this. Let’s go,” Livi states before walking briskly toward the entrance.
I approach the huge raised desk and the police sergeant sitting behind it. When she looks up, I explain why I’m there.
“I’m supposed to be picking up Axel Taylor. He’s a bald, tall—” I start saying when I get interrupted by a loud voice coming from around the corner.
“Beautiful, tatted, muscle-bound biker dude who has been unlawfully detained! I know my rights!”
“Yes, I know exactly who you mean,” the sergeant states, then leans forward and continues in a quiet, amused voice. “He’s not actually been arrested, but we’ve failed to mention that fact to him. He’s loud but amusing as hell. We all need a little laughter in our day. Is he really a biker?”
“Yes, and the VP at that.”
“Didn’t know bikers were such little princesses,” the sergeant mutters while giving James a side-eye look.
“I’m not a princess! Axel owns that title. I’m just a cop and a biker with the gay factor thrown in, but my mama raised no princesses,” James insists indignantly.
“Why is he here and not still in his hospital room?” I ask politely.
“We received a 911 call about a suspicious male walking down the street barefoot and in a hospital gown. The gown wasn’t tied properly, so his backside was clearly visible, even more parts showing when the breeze would blow. The caller was concerned that he may have escaped from the psychiatric wing, so they called it in,” the sergeant explains with a wide smile. “When he refused to identify himself, the responding officers told him they would charge him with indecent exposure if he didn’t cooperate. The officers brought him here until they could find where he came from. Because he isn’t under arrest, he still has his cell phone with him. I’m assuming he contacted you for help.”
“If we told you he did escape from a mental ward, would you find one to put him back in?” I ask.
“You did NOT just say that, Lucy! Pay the woman the bail money so I can get out of here while I still have some dignity left!” Axel shouts.
“Can I speak with him, please?” I question, and the sergeant nods her head toward Livi and James.
“They can take you to him. Just for curiosity’s sake, do you know if they’ve been medicating him?”
“He’s been on pain meds, but I’m thinking they should have increased the dosage,” I mutter before thanking the sergeant and following James around the corner.
We find Axel sitting in a plastic chair, one wrist cuffed to an I-bolt in the wall. His hospital gown is tucked primly between his legs, which are positioned in a way that would make a royal family member proud, and he’s in full-on pout mode. I don’t even question why he’s cuffed if he’s not under arrest. Most likely, it was to help contain his brand of crazy.
“Explain,” I order while waving my hand in a “this” motion in front of him.
“That man-hater at the front desk told me that if my parts made another appearance, accidentally or not, she was going to tuck Big Al between my legs and then super glue my thighs together. Said I’d have to face away from the urinal to piss, and that’s just fucked up. As in, fuuuuckkkkked up!” Axel exclaims and then quickly looks down at said parts and readjusts his gown.
Candy and James both snort then laugh, but Livi goes right into hysterical giggling. Axel tosses an outraged glare at her, but that only makes her brace her hands on her knees and laugh harder.
“I meant, explain why you and your parts aren’t laying in a bed in room #308 at the hospital?” I ask in exasperation.
“I decided I was well enough to leave, so I did.”
“Barefoot, in a hospital gown with no drawers on. Where were you going?” I ask out loud. But silently, I’m seriously questioning his mental stability.
“Drawers? Who calls them drawers?” Axel asks distractedly while again adjusting his gown.
“Boxers, underwear, tightie whities, thong—whatever you would normally wear under a hospital gown! Talking to you is like herding cats, Axel! Focus!” I nearly shout at him.
“No imagination needed to know exactly which of those he wears,” Candy murmurs.
At this point, Livi’s leaning against James for support, and both have tears in their eyes.
“Your opinion is not necessary, Candy, and you’ve become a hostile little person, Lucy,” Axel states without heat.
“I’m going to try this one more time. Then I’m leaving your ass here. Where were you going with your ass flapping in the wind for all to see, Axel?” I ask while leaning close enough that we’re almost nose to nose.
“Just a few blocks away from the hospital before Nurse Ratched could find me. Then I was going to call you for a ride,” Axel replies calmly like his actions were completely normal.
“Can you unlock him so we can leave, please?” I ask James.
“I need to ditch this gown. Where can I get dressed?” Axel asks as the handcuff opens, releasing him.
“There’s a restroom up front, but I’d be mindful of keeping that gown closed. Sarge doesn’t make false promises,” Livi suggests.
“She went at it with a stapler like she was Machine Gun Kelly. It’s doubtful it’ll ever open again. I might have to chew my way out of it,” Axel grumbles while standing, but he does check to be sure all is covered. As soon as he walks past, the four of us start howling in laughter at the sight.
The gown is pulled tight between his legs, front to back, with the end of it reaching slightly higher than his waist region. There, it’s stapled in place with at least thirty staples, and he may be right about chewing it off. The overall picture is reminiscent of a poorly tailored leotard currently being modeled by a 6’4” well-defined, muscular biker.
Placing a hand over his incision, Axel struts around the corner and follows James, who’s now carrying his duffle bag, to the restroom. On the way, he reaches back and tugs the hem a little to dislodge the wedgie his leotard is causing, then tosses an evil glare at the front desk sergeant. When the door closes behind him, the sergeant’s stern look disappears, and she laughs loudly.
A few minutes later, the men return, and Axel walks up to the front desk. As soon as he opens his mouth, visions of needing real bail money float through my mind, but he surprises me.
“I’d like to thank you and your officers for your service and for giving a guy a ride today when he needed one.”
“You’re very welcome, Mr. Taylor. Also, I’m sorry about your concerns of having caught hepatitis while riding in our cruiser. We get all types back there, and you never know what a bare ass can contract,” the sergeant answers solemnly. “I’ll make sure to have the seat disinfected and steam cleaned, so the next occupant needn’t worry that your bits left a present behind.”
Axel stares at the sergeant for a few beats, then taps the desk and walks out. Candy and I say a quick goodbye to Livi and James and then follow him to my car. Axel carefully fits his large body into the front passenger seat, slides it back as far as it’ll go, then lowers the backrest until he’s reclined. Candy hops in the back seat behind me, and we’re off. Within minutes, Axel’s snoring softly.
I’m guessing the threat of having to piss backward has worn our little escape artist out.
“I need a shower immediately. I’m positive something crawled up into no man’s land when I was sitting in the back of that cop car,” Axel mutters, then disappears down the hall.
“Don’t get your incision wet,” I holler after him.
Candy and I each grab a bottled water and make our way to the front deck. Taking seats, I relax, determined to enjoy the last rays of sunshine today. When I hear the sound of bikes coming up the road, I look to see who’s riding. Craig and Luke are side by side but slow, then come to a stop when they see us. Dismounting and removing their helmets, the boys join us on the deck.
“How’s school going, Craig?” Candy asks and attempts to sign at the same time.
Candy’s just started learning ASL, but she’s doing very well so far, and I love that she wants to learn so she can include Luke more.
“Waste of time. They placed me a few grades ahead of where other kids my age are, but it’s still boring,” he responds.
Luke’s hands start moving, and I watch him carefully.
“Where’s Uncle Axel? Is he feeling better?” Luke signs.
“Taking a shower. Yes, he’s doing much better. He should be done soon,” I sign in response.
Luke nods in understanding and patiently waits for one of his favorite people. For unknown reasons, Luke attached himself to Axel as soon as Ava and Gunner adopted him. Axel’s great with him and the other kids as well, even if he and Craig battle occasionally.
“Hey!” Pooh shouts from his deck. “Did I just see Axel come home?”
“Yeah, he’s inside taking a shower,” Candy shouts back.
Pooh leaps over his deck railing and walks over to join our group.
“Thought he wasn’t being released until tomorrow,” he states.
“He decided to go against doctor’s orders and leave early,” I reply while trying to keep a straight face.
Candy makes no such attempt and laughs loudly, causing Pooh to look at her suspiciously. He’s obviously pondering her response and must come to some conclusion rapidly because he grins hugely.
“Video?” he asks hopefully while holding out his hand.
Candy pulls her cell phone out and flips through it while Pooh almost dances in anticipation. Handing it to him, I watch as his eyes go wide before he starts crowing in laughter. Handing the phone to Craig, the boys do the same.
“I’m going to guess that phone contains my rather unfortunate incident today,” Axel says as he exits the house and carefully takes a seat next to me.
“Just a small part of it. Unfortunately, I wasn’t there to film the actual escape,” Candy replies.
“I don’t care what it shows. I’ve done worst things than walk away from a hospital. Where’s my daughter?” Axel asks.
“Dance class. She should be home soon,” I answer.
“Prissy?”
“She’s at Ava’s. You’ll want her around when Mac finds out you’re home now,” Craig replies, then laughs. “Mac’s been plotting your death.”
“I was set up. I never touched his cashews. You know anything about that, Craig?” Axel questions.
“No, I don’t, but you’re going to need a better defense than that. Mac is pissed off!” Craig advises.
“How’s Bella doing with her riding lessons?” I ask, looking at Pooh.
“Like a duck taking to water. She’s been the easiest person ever to teach,” he answers with a small cringe, eyes darting to Axel.
“I can’t believe she asked you and not me. I’m her big brother, and she’s apparently forgotten that,” Axel says with disdain dripping in his voice.
At that moment, I hear another bike coming down the street. Unfortunately for Bella, her timing couldn’t have been worse. Stopping next to Craig and Luke’s bikes, she dismounts and bounds up the lawn, excitement painting her face as she removes her helmet.
“You’re home!” Bella exclaims as she throws her arms around Axel’s neck and squeezes tight.
“Do you even care that I am?” Axel says with a pout.
“Of course! I’ve missed you,” Bella answers while standing upright, frown now in place.
“Thought maybe you’d only care if it was Pooh,” Axel states while slightly turning his face away from his little sister.
“Ah, the riding lessons. Okay, big brother, pout if you want, but Pooh’s been a great teacher,” Bella answers with a knowing smile.
“Yes, I have been. Not to rub salt in a wound, but we’re leaving now for another shooting lesson on the range too,” Pooh informs us while his smirk proves he definitely meant to rub salt in that wound.
“I can do that!” Axel exclaims, tossing his arms in the air.
“Sorry, brother, but I’ve seen Ava shoot, and I know you were her teacher. I want to be able to hit a barn if that’s what I’m aiming for,” Bella taunts while flicking Axel’s ear.
“You’ve been spending too much time with Lucy and Trudy. You’ve grown a mile-wide mean streak because of that. Go! Go practice your shooting with Pooh Bear, and I’ll sit here recuperating from my near-death experience. You know, the one that nobody believed me about, including you! Go!” Axel hollers while the rest of us laugh at his outrage.
Bella attempts to give Axel a kiss on the cheek, but he moves his head away and glares at her. She hesitates a moment until he relaxes again, then locks him in a headlock and lays a loud, wet kiss on his cheek. Letting go, she jumps out of reach and laughs all the way back to her bike. Axel wipes the kiss off in disgust, then flips her the bird.
“Love you,” Bella shouts before firing up her bike.
“You’re not my favorite sister anymore!” he shouts as she rides off.
“On that very mature note, I’ve got to go. By the way, Axel—nice ass!” Pooh says with a chuckle, flips Axel off, and walks back to his house. A moment later, he rides out of his drive, following the direction Bella rode.
Candy is asked to run some supplies to the ranch, so I ignore Gunner’s rule about having someone with me and drive to the security shop. I’ve been meaning to chat with Rex about installing a better security system at Lisa’s condo, and now’s as good of time as any.
Walking in, I find Rex sound asleep at his desk. The office is trashed with energy drink cans, fast food wrappers, and bags tossed everywhere. I wrinkle my nose in disgust but then feel a pang of guilt, knowing why he’s let it get to this condition. I locate a garbage bag and start filling it. Reeves sticks his head into the office and laughs loudly, startling Rex into an upright position. Reeves flips him off and walks away.
“What are you doing?” Rex asks with a wide yawn.
I look closely at him, and it’s plain to see he’s running on empty. His hair is disheveled, clothing wrinkled, and he’s lost weight. A surge of anger rises, and I don’t try to stop it. I let it spew.
“Why are you working so hard to find someone who doesn’t want to be found? He left the club without an explanation, without notice, and yet you’re looking for him non-stop! You’re tearing yourself apart, working like a dog, and for what? A man who doesn’t care enough to at least check in and let you know he’s alive? Let it go, Rex! Let him go! He doesn’t deserve your loyalty when he gave us none back! Just stop! He wants to be gone, so let him be!”
Rex listens to my rant then slowly nods his head.
“Ask yourself that same question, Lucy. Why are you giving him loyalty when he didn’t give you any?”
“What? I’m not,” I say, taken aback by his comment.
“You know more than you’ve said because of your own sense of loyalty to him. I’ll let it go when you do the same,” Rex offers in a quiet tone.
I hesitate for a moment before taking a seat across the desk from Rex.
“I don’t know how,” I admit softly.
“Me neither. I have this gut feeling that he’s in over his head into something dangerous, and I can’t make myself stop trying to find a way to help or intervene. I know Chubs. He would never have done what he did unless he felt he had no other choice. He would die alone in the street before he’d willingly put you or a club member at risk. I can’t sit back, doing nothing, and worrying about loyalty, and let that happen. I can’t, Lucy. If you love him like I know you do, then help me stop that from happening. Please, don’t let him die alone because he loves you enough to protect you.”
My shoulders slump, and the rage leaves my body. Instead, I’m filled with the knowledge that Rex is right. Chubs is going it alone, possibly going to die, all because he loves too hard. He’s too protective, and that’ll be his downfall.
“My laptop has info that can help you find him,” I mutter, but I’m surprised at the weight that’s lifted off my shoulders immediately.
I no longer have to lie to the people I love, and I can share my worries with them. The club will help carry that load with me, and the relief coursing through my body tells me I’m making the best choice. I also know it will end any possibility of Chubs forgiving me if they can bring him home safely. He’ll see it as a betrayal, but I’m not sure I care about that anymore. I’d rather live a life alone, without him, than carry the burden of knowing he died when I could have helped in some way.
“He’s going to hate me.”
“But he’ll be alive to do it,” Rex answers softly before following me to Lisa’s condo.
“I’m glad you told them about Chubs,” Craig says as he slides onto the stool next to me.
“You are? I thought you might be mad about it,” I answer in a weary voice.
“No, not mad. I should have told them in the beginning but didn’t because he made me promise not to,” Craig states. “I didn’t want to break my promise, but it’s the kind of promise that I should have broken anyway. I overheard some things and asked Chubs about them. Everyone forgets that my superpower is my hearing. You’d think by now you adults would remember that.”
Having overheard this, Tammy shouts, “Why didn’t you tell one of us?”
“Nobody asked,” Craig answers and laughs when Tammy throws up her hands and storms off.
“What else have you overheard that you shouldn’t have?” I ask.
“Well, lots of good stuff that I can use for leverage someday. I can’t give up all my secrets, but I’ll tell you this one. You know how Rex wants to get even with Pigeon and Reeves for tasing his boy parts? I know how he can do it. I’ve been wanting to tell him, but I haven’t come up with a price for that info yet,” Craig informs me with a wide, toothless grin.
“If your info is good enough, I think Rex would pay a lot for it,” I add conspiratorially.
“Reeves is absolutely terrified of snakes, and Pigeon loses his shit over clowns. Yeah, you heard that right—clowns. What a wuss,” Craig says in disgust before swigging back a huge amount of his root beer. “What should I charge him for that? It’s good stuff and should bring in a premium price.”
I have no idea what fears of snakes and clowns are worth, but I’m positive Craig and Rex will agree on something.
“If I’m not here when Rex gets his revenge, please, please, get a video for me!” I beg, and Craig nods in agreement.
The men walk out of the room they use for Church meetings, and I watch in trepidation as Gunner stops in front of me on the other side of the bar. He stares long and hard at me before dropping his head to view the floor.
“I get it, Lucy. I do, but I’m glad as fuck you finally told someone what you knew. Rex is already working on filling in the blanks, and the rest of us are going home to pack. I’d like you to stay on club property while we’re gone, though. Or at least stick close to Axel or Candy.”
Lifting his head, Gunner sighs then reaches across the bar to run a gentle finger over my cheek. I smile a little and nod my head, agreeing to his ask.
“We’ll keep her close,” Craig states in his adult way.
“As soon as Rex has more information, several of the members and I will travel to Chicago. One of us will keep you updated on what we find,” Gunner says before walking away to speak with Petey.
I can’t take it back, so now my job is to wait and see if I helped or hurt Chubs’ cause.
Within two days, the men left for Chicago. Several on bikes, a few driving the two vans, while Axel, who’s still recovering, stayed behind. Unsure of what Chubs is protecting us from, the men insisted on taking precautions. Vex temporarily moved Taja, Tessie, and baby Kalea to Petey and Trudy’s house, so they’d be closer to the other wives. Tammy moved into Pippa and Pooh’s for the same reason.
Cash made the attempt to get his Aunts to stay with Livi at his house, but they were having none of it. His dad, Lars, and Terry happily moved into rooms at the clubhouse, though. Lisa said she’d stay with our parents but didn’t think it was necessary, and I moved to Bailey and Axel’s home. Candy refused to leave the bakery, claiming she could do security on Ava and Trudy while they were working. With the guys being gone and Axel taking care of everything in Denver, the decision was made to close the gym.
Pigeon decided he was going to go to Chicago too, and the two women that showed up at the ranch will be staying put for now. They still haven’t explained who they are to Chubs, so nothing is discussed in front of them. Ivy is staying at the ranch because the animals need to be fed, so Freddy closed the strip club and is staying with her to help. Other than Axel’s whining about being left at home, everything went smoothly and quickly.
I sat my parents down and explained what I knew. Neither said anything negative about Chubs or me for staying silent, but they were worried, of course. Dad got that look on his face that said he was going into full-on dad-mode, and I’ve noticed the tail I’ve recently acquired. With so many things up in the air, I decided to let him have this play. If it makes him feel better, I’m fine with it as well.
Today, I’ve found myself at the club’s garage, working the counter in Petey’s place. I’ve filled in a few times before, so it’s not a complete mystery, and it keeps me close to Tessie, who’s working for Trigger. She should’ve been in school today but chose to skip instead, even though Taja argued against it. With the other employees, non-club members, that work here, we’re fairly protected if something happens.
Pippa: Tammy and I are doing an intake, a bad one. The school sent out an alert that it’s being evacuated. Can you or Tessie pick up the kids? If not, Bailey might be able to.
Me: I’ll go there now. Evacuated for what?
Pippa: No idea.
Me: Did Craig go to school today?
Pippa: Oh shit! Yes! Please don’t let Craig be the cause of this!
Me: I’ll keep you posted. Leaving now.
Walking into the garage area, I find Tessie under a hood. Tapping her on the shoulder to get her attention, I cringe when she jumps, startled, and bangs her head hard. She rubs at her head while turning to glare at me.
“Not funny,” she states with a wince.
“Sorry! It’s so loud in here I didn’t think you’d hear me if I spoke.”
“I’ll survive. What’s up?” Tessie asks.
“School has been evacuated, and I have to go pick up the kids.”
“Craig go to school today?” she questions with a grin.
“Yeah.”
“I’ll take my lunch break and go with you. You’re probably going to need backup then.”
When we arrive at the school, I park my car, and Tessie and I start looking for the kids. Kids are milling around the school grounds, and the teachers are frantically trying to keep them contained. It’s not long, and we find the twins and Luke, but no Craig. I show the teachers my ID because I know I’m on the kid’s list as an approved person and ask where I might find Craig.
Mrs. Howe, Luke’s teacher, answers.
“Principal’s office would be my guess. Good luck.”
“Did he have anything to do with the evacuation?” Tessie asks with a grin.
Mrs. Howe, probably not seeing the humor that Tessie does, nods. Of course, he did, and I have a gut feeling I know how.
With Tessie and the kids in tow, I make my way to the principal’s office. I knock on the closed door and wait. The kids take seats in the hall with Tessie entertaining them. When I hear someone say enter, I do.
The principal is standing in the furthest corner of the office, with Craig sitting in a chair in front of the desk. In his lap, of course, is Bart. The principal looks relieved to see me, but he doesn’t step forward to shake my hand when I introduce myself. I attempt to cover my smile, but I’m not sure I am successful.
“So, as I was saying, he’s de-scented and friendly. He’s not as much of a threat as those weird kids in room 4 are. Now those kids are whacked,” Craig says after giving me a grin.
“School is not the place for a skunk. Period. End of story,” the principal states in a firm tone.
“I disagree with you on that. Blind kids have seeing-eye dogs, and they’re allowed in school,” Craig argues while stroking a sleeping Bart.
“You’re not blind!” the principal insists. “And that isn’t a dog! It’s a skunk which is an inappropriate pet, something your parents should have thought of when you wanted one.”
“According to who? Do you make the rules and laws as to what’s an appropriate or inappropriate pet? I don’t think so. You’re just scared of him, so you’re being a bit of a dick about this,” Craig answers calmly.
“Language! And a skunk is never allowed in school, regardless of your parents’ lack of common sense!”
“Careful, Principal Jones. Be very careful what you say about my parents’. Before you talk yourself into an ass-kicking by my dad, let me say this, and then we’ll leave. Schools are putting kitty litters into bathrooms for kids who think they’re cats, and yet you’re concerned about me bringing my emotional support animal to school? Where I need emotional support the most? School is very traumatizing for a child like me, and you’re probably going to give me PTSD with your handling of this situation,” Craig advises. “I won’t bring Bart to school again, but I will find ways to deal with this trauma you’ve caused him and I. Not sure you’re going to like me getting creative, though. What is it my teacher always says? Oh, yeah. Actions have consequences. You’d do well to remember that.”
“I’ve caused you trauma? Really? You set your skunk on the cafeteria table, and it started a stampede!” Principal Jones says in dismay.
“He had to eat too. What, now you want to starve animals along with traumatizing young children? You’re a sick man that might want to spend some time with the school counselor. Let’s go, Lucy. I can’t reason with a madman,” Craig says as he stands, picks up his backpack, and cuddles Bart close as if shielding him from the crazy man in the room.
“Tessie and the other kids are in the hallway. Please, wait there for me,” I instruct Craig and ignore the wink he gives me as he walks out the door.
“What’s his punishment?” I ask the principal as soon as the door closes.
“I’ll have to think about it. I’ve never had something like this happen before. I don’t know if we even have a policy covering it,” he states wearily as he takes a seat behind his desk.
“Craig is too smart for his own good, and it causes problems when he’s bored. He needs a purpose, like helping the kids that are struggling. Something that keeps his mind busy and lets him feel useful. Punishment isn’t the answer. Not with him. His classes are too simple for him, and he’s not being challenged. He absolutely loves learning, but he has no patience when he feels he’s being talked down to. His teacher needs to adapt to his style of learning and find ways to engage his thinking side instead of his reaction side,” I advise in a soft voice.
“Are you a teacher? An educator? If not, then maybe you shouldn’t hand out advice on a subject you know nothing about. Mr. Craig will learn to adapt to our way of teaching or not. That will be his choice, I guess,” Principal Jones states in a hard, cold voice. “I’m sure his dad being a biker has something to do with his behavior.”
“Craig was being homeschooled prior to this and was doing great. He’s way ahead of his classmates, and he looked forward to his lessons each day. Before you make any further comments about bikers, know that the person who fed Craig his knowledge is a biker. The problem here is that you’re trying to fit a square peg in a round hole,” I reply with a bite to my tone.
“And I’ll repeat, you have no training to give out advice. He’ll learn our way, or he won’t. Some kids fall through the cracks, and that may end up being his path in life,” Principal Jones says dismissively.
“I’ll say goodbye then and wish you luck with your decision. You’re going to need it,” I respond, then walk out.
“Let’s go,” I tell my group as I walk past.
“It’s my fault. With everything going on, I forgot to do a pat-down this morning,” Pippa says with a moan.
“Things happen, Pips. Craig saw an opening and took it. Can I say something that’s probably not my concern?”
At her nod, I speak my mind.
“I don’t think that particular school is a good fit for Craig. The principal’s attitude wasn’t one of wanting to see each kid succeed but just the easy ones. I’m not trying to throw shade at the teachers. I know they have a difficult job, and most do the best they can. But if the principal had that type of attitude with me about Craig, who’s to say he’s not that way with kids with challenges, or are from poor families, or any number of things that make them stand out or not be the best student? I didn’t like that he was ready to give up on Craig the first time he’s had an issue with him,” I explain.
“I don’t like that either. You can’t just give up on a kid that age because he acted out once. Craig’s teacher has said all along that he’s good in class, especially with the other kids, but he gets bored easily. She suggested he be moved up a few more classes, but the principal wouldn’t sign off on it,” Pippa responds.
“What are you going to do?” I ask.
“For now, Craig will have to continue going there. When Pooh and I get a chance to discuss options, maybe we can find a better fit for Craig.”
“What’s his punishment?” I question.
“Three-day suspension from school, and he’s grounded from riding his bike for a week. He knew he wasn’t supposed to take Bart, so he forfeited his bike riding for it. Did he really call Bart his emotional support animal?” Pippa asks with a small laugh.
“Yeah, he schooled the principal on mental health issues and how he might be causing him PTSD. Your kid’s a savage,” I answer with my own grin.
“I’ve been told that before. You know, I go to bed each night and worry that I don’t know how to be his mom. That I’m going to mess it up so bad that I’m going to ruin his life. Being a mom, yes, I can figure that out like every other parent does, but his mom? No. He’s such a sweet and caring little boy, and then something happens, and out comes his ornery side. I want him to succeed in life, but am I making mistakes now that will stop that from happening? I honestly don’t know. Pooh says I worry too much and that all we need to do is set a good example and love him,” Pippa admits quietly.
“You two are the exact parents he needed when he got you. He’s just Craig. He needs the same things all kids need. He just makes you work harder at it. Pooh’s right, though, and you both do those things already,” I reply sincerely.
“I got suspended from school all the damn time. I had cops bringing me home so often Pops was on a first-name basis with most of Denver P.D. I didn’t even bother to apply for colleges because I hated school so much. And look at me—I’m living a good life, and I’m out here killing it. Craig’s a lot like me, and he will too,” Axel says as he stops next to our table.
“Oh God. I’m doomed,” Pippa states in a horrified whisper while staring at Axel.
“No, Pips. I just explained that—” Axel says before I cut him off.
“You’re not helping, Axel.”
“I’m pretty sure I am! Pippa doesn’t need to worry because Craig—” Axel insists when I interrupt him again.
“Telling a mom that her son is just like you is not helping! Sorry, Axel, you know I love you, but that’s a horrifying thing to tell a mom.”
Axel stares at me like we’ve never met before, then aims a finger at my face.
“You’re a little spicy today. I liked you better when you were shy and quiet,” he states before stalking off.
“The look on his face!” Pippa says, laughing hard.
I pull out my phone and do what Axel would do if he offended Bailey. I order flowers.