Shock
Morgan
I laid on my side and stared out the hospital room window as my mother ran her fingers through my hair. Callie was dead, Shane died not long after arriving at the hospital, and Addie lost both of her parents. It was all my fault. I never should have went to that motel without calling the police. I thought Callie and Addie were alone, but Uncle Darren said Shane drove them all in a piece of shit truck to that motel. Shane used Callie to lure me to that motel in hopes I could give him money to go on the run from the Rejects. I gave my statement to the police, and they knew everything Shane said to me. The Rejects believed I somehow had the drugs they wanted, and they were probably waiting for their chance to get to me. Addie was left with no parents, all she had was a piece of trash grandmother that would probably use her for state funds. I lost my life long best friend, and I was sure the media would be all over the story.
Addie wouldn’t let go of Creed, and I could hear her screaming from where I was in the emergency room. I got to see her when Creed was allowed to bring her to me, and she calmed, but only when Creed and I were in the room with her. Mom said Creed stayed all night then caused a scene with the social workers when they came for Addie. I tried to get to her, but the security held me down. I heard her screaming all the way to the elevator as they took her away. Creed wanted her to stay with my parents, but the social workers wouldn’t listen. Mom said it tore Creed up and he left. If it weren’t for Addie stopping Creed of all people, I’d probably be dead. I shut my eyes and felt a tear run over the bridge of my nose. What if Addie would have been hit by a car? I should have given her better instructions, she could have been killed after she escaped. I didn’t think to tell her to knock on doors or go to the office. Why did I tell her to run instead of giving her specific instructions?
I had several stitches in my head, but that was my worst injury, other than the smoke inhalation and bruised abdomen. I didn’t know yet what kept that fire from growing, but it was next to the bathroom. Mom said they would do an autopsy on Callie and Shane, but I didn’t think it would give me the answers I needed. Most of all, why did Callie stay? From what I pieced together, Shane was doing heroin and stealing it from the motorcycle gang. I believed when the gang found out Creed was involved in finding Addie, they weren’t happy. Why? What about Creed scared them so much? Was it his ultimatum that made them suspicious that Shane was stealing from them? Somehow Shane was working for Creed or something? I knew Shane had to be threatening Addie to get Callie to call me and lure me to that motel. She did the best she could to protect Addie from him that night. I was the wealthiest person he knew so he lured me to get quick cash and run? Who was Callie in love with at the Rejects compound?
About an hour prior, I could hear Callie’s mom, Leslie, screaming. They either waited until today to call her, or she didn’t have the time to stop by the hospital until today. It was early afternoon before she even came. The social worker said she didn’t even ask about Addie. It was obvious the woman was putting on a show for attention.
“I want to pay for everything. Callie deserves a peaceful resting place so Addie can visit her.” I sniffled.
My mom kept running her fingers through my hair. “I will call Leslie and let her know. She’s Callie’s next of kin.”
“I want it to be private. Just close family and friends, no media or extra attention for Leslie. She never cared enough, why start now if it’s not for attention?”
“She’s still Callie’s mother.” Mom reminded me.
“I also want to file for custody of Addie. I’m her godmother and her place is with me. I need to get her out of foster care as soon as possible.”
“I expected you would, and Addie will need you now.” Mom spoke softly.
“I’m retiring and will buy a place here. Addie needs family and we are all she has in the whole world.” I broke down and cried.
Mom kissed my temple. “She will be welcomed with open arms.”
“It should be Callie raising her.” I sobbed.
“I know, sweetie, I know.”
I hiccupped. “Is it okay that I’m mad at her? She never had to live that way.”
“Oh sweetie. We may never know why Callie made the choices she did. All we can do is come together for Addie.” She continued running her fingers through my hair.
“I need to hire an attorney here, mine is an entertainment attorney, and not family law. Do you think you can find someone?” I knew I had to pull myself together for Addie. I’d fight Leslie until my last breath, and I already knew Shane’s sex offender dad wouldn’t get custody.
“I already called Brett, you remember him, don’t you?” Mom asked.
“Brett Darling?” I asked.
“Yes, his father has a large practice in Indianapolis but also a satellite office in Clarity. Brett is now practicing and said he needed to speak with you anyway and will call when he gets to town.”
Brett was the most adorable nerd in my class. His family had money, and he was popular, but was so nerdy at the same time. He was always a very close friend of Tristan’s.
“Mom, what am I going to do about that motorcycle gang?” I was scared.
“Well, Darren says they will lay low for now. You know we will take care of you and with Creed’s help they’ll make sure you and Addie are safe.”
“You’re coming home with me.” I heard a familiar deep voice. I turned and saw Creed walking in the room. “Tanner said you’re being released, and Patrick is helping Axton load all your things. You have a lot of useless shit, you know that, right?” For the first time ever, I saw a kind smile on Creed’s face.
“With you? Why?”
He walked around my bed with his hands in his pockets. He looked handsome in a dark pair of jeans and a simple t-shirt. “My community is heavily guarded, and you’ll be surrounded by the military’s most highly skilled special ops teams. Retired, but still highly trained and more than capable of protecting you.” He stopped right in front of me and reached down to turn my head and look over my wound. “At least it’s in your hairline and nobody would ever know. How are you feeling?”
I looked up at him as my eyes welled up. “Like someone ripped my heart out then ran me over with a truck.” I blinked and a tear fell, but Creed caught it.
“I have someone you can talk to. She specializes in trauma and will be able to help you and Addie. My guys are reaching out to the President of the Devil’s Rejects MC for a meeting. We will settle this with them, I promise, and until I’m satisfied you and Addie are safe, you’ll stay with me.”
“What about my family? Shane said something about setting it up to look like I hid the drugs. Won’t the Rejects want to search the farm?” I was scared for all of us.
“Tanner has agreed to a few of my men staying with them, and Darren will place a few officers outside to watch over things. Its just a precaution because we don’t think Sniper, the MC President, is stupid enough to make any moves right now. He is their new president after his father died, and there’s rumors he’s a pretty smart man. As we speak, my men are installing a security system at the farm and over at Darren’s place. Patrick will also stay with your family. Right now our main concern are you and Addie. I’ve assigned a few men to do some recon and try to keep an eye on the gang.”
I shut my eyes. “Please tell me you don’t think I’m stupid enough to believe you just build bikes.” I opened my eyes and looked up at him.
He nodded. “We are a special ops group that takes contracts both privately, with the government, and the military. Normally, we work outside the United States and don’t do security, but this is our home now and we have to protect it and the people that live here. All I ask in return for my help is your promise to secrecy. A lot of lives depend on it, and I’m serious. You will be signing a contract. Your parents, Patrick, and Darren have already signed one. It’s vital that you do not speak of us to anyone, not even Jake. Hell, especially Jake and anyone from Hollywood.”
I knew he had a secret, the whole thing was as suspicious as hell. I nodded my head. “Okay.” It was all I could say.
“Your doctor will visit you one last time and the nurse will bring your discharge papers. I have a physician on site, and I will have her look you over as well. I’ll step out and let you get dressed, then we will discuss what it means to live at Creed’s Lake.”
I gave him a nod. It wasn’t like I had much of a choice. “Thank you, Creed.”
He gave me a nod, then looked at mom and gave her one as well before he left the room and shut the door. Mom and I looked at each other.
“Did you know this before today?” I asked.
“I found out this morning when I signed the non-disclosure.”
Mom handed me the clothes she brought for me, and I made my way to the bathroom. An hour later, I was sitting in a black SUV looking out the window while Creed drove. Not a word was said, my mind was lost in Callie and Addie. I had a funeral to plan, a custody battle to start, and a home to find. Let alone a motorcycle gang who wanted me to tell them where the drugs I had no clue about were hidden. Uncle Darren got a search warrant and went through the trailer with a fine toothed comb earlier in the day.
“Maybe you should start preparing for Addie to come and order her some things. The clothes she was wearing last night were in bad shape and I’m sure she would like some toys.” Creed spoke out of nowhere.
I glanced at him with a half hearted smile. “Good idea.” I knew he only said that to get me out of my own head and distract me, but he was right. If she was going to be with me or not, she still needed things.
“Do I need to baby proof my place or what?” He asked.
I shrugged. “She’s almost seven, so unless you have guns laying around I’d say no. I doubt she puts random things in her mouth.”
He nodded. “I have a gun safe I will utilize.”
I stared at him. “You have guns laying around your house?”
He glanced at me like I was the idiot. “Of course.”
I laid my head back against the seat and closed my eyes. I might have been going through hell, but I had one thing going for me when I felt better. The opportunity to annoy the piss out of Creed.
He pulled the SUV into the driveway he showed me a day earlier and drove for a small ways before I saw a huge wall and gate. As the SUV stopped I noticed cameras on top of the walls. Two men stepped out of a small building with guns at their sides. One had a huge dog in a harness walking at his side. “We will have to step out. I have the community on lockdown, so every visitor and car gets searched as they arrive and when they leave.” He put the vehicle in park and we both stepped out of the vehicle. Creed walked to my side, and he introduced me. “Stand down.” He ordered. “Sams, Knox, this is Morgan Rossi. Once she’s cleared she will need a visitors pass.”
“Sure thing, sir.”
One man reached into the vehicle and searched my purse while the other went to pat me down. I didn’t mind if it meant Addie and I would be safe. “Hands off, I’ll do it myself.” Creed growled at the man he called Knox. “Sorry, it’s protocol for all visitors at all times.” Creed apologized.
“Its fine.” He had me turn around and the moment he touched me, goosebumps and a shiver ran through me. He started at the bottom of my shorts and worked his way up. I took in a sharp breath when his hands rose and he was standing so close to me.
“I’m sorry.” He whispered in my ear, and I once again shivered.
“Umm…it’s okay.” I lost all train of thought when his hands ran over my breasts.
“She’s clear.” Creed announced. The dog sniffed all over the vehicle while the men used mirrors to look under the SUV.
“I will grab the visitors pass.” One of the men walked to the little building.
Creed spoke up to the man. “Orange with level one access.”
“You even search yourselves?” I asked.
“Not usually, just under lockdown. I don’t believe the Rejects would try anything here, but anytime there’s the slightest risk we go into lockdown. Nobody leaves unless me or Axton give the orders. If any vehicles leave, they are searched upon their return. When we are not on lockdown no outsiders are permitted unless it’s approved by one of us. This is the safest place for you and Addie at the moment. Not just because of the Reject’s, but also from the paparazzi. That’s the main reason you’re not going home. I’ve not received word that they’ve come to town yet, but I’m sure someone will let them know and they’ll surround your parents house eventually. At least here you can walk around freely and not be stuck in the house.”
The man that went to get my pass returned with a card on a lanyard. It was handed to me, and I noticed the word visitor written in large bold type and the lanyard was orange. As the man handed it to me, Creed spoke up again. “That card has a chip embedded in it. You’ll have access to the commissary and all recreational areas. Level one access means it’ll work on the locks to my house and also reset the security system.”
I put the lanyard around my neck.
“Alright, we are good to go.” Creed opened the passenger door, and I climbed inside. If I wasn’t in the position I was, and not suffering from a killer migraine and very sore throat, I might have teased him about being paranoid. Once he was inside the car, the iron and very tall gate slowly opened, and we rolled inside. I was surprised that we were on a blacktop road and surrounded by trees, just like when we were in the state park. The road eventually came to a fork and Creed turned left.
“The left will lead you to all the homes and to the right will lead you to the recreational areas. The center road leads straight to the commissary. I will give you a tour tomorrow after my doctor has given you a good look over, you’ve spoken with Bolton, and you’ve had some rest.”
I gave him another half hearted smile. “Thank you.” I tried to be cordial and smile, but grief had its ugly grip on me. It wasn’t long and Creed turned left into what I believed to be his driveway. We were still surrounded by trees, and it was another long driveway. “How many houses are in this place?” I asked.
“Mine is the only one that’s this secluded. Most are small and most of the single people have roommates. There are thirty five small cabins on the other side of the lake and six family houses. We also have visitors housing and there’s ten apartments. Some of the employees we have living inside the gates take up residence in the clubhouse. It has a fully stocked kitchen and seven bedrooms.” He explained.
“Family houses?”
He nodded. “A few operatives have wives or husband’s and all of them have kids. Most are around Addie’s age, so she won’t have a problem finding kids to play with her. We have an indoor and outdoor pool, a beach on the lake and a playground. In all, Creeds Lake, that’s what we call our community, sits on just over three thousand acres. Just about everything you need can be found on the premises. Once a week, two semi’s leave and pick up everything the community needs besides fuel. We do have one company permitted to enter to deliver gasoline, and natural gas is delivered via pipeline.”
“Why do you need visitor housing if nobody is allowed inside the gates?” I asked. This reminds me of a compound for a cult.
“For several reasons. Sometimes after a rescue we will provide a secure location to reunite them with their families. We also have government visits at times and our members with trustworthy families can arrange for visits. The cabins the single people reside in are very small and don’t provide space for visiting family.”
I was awestruck, plain and simple. Then awestruck again when a huge log home came into view. “Creed, my God it’s beautiful.” It was a gorgeous log and stone home and was between a mansion and a McMansion. Not too big and far from small. There was an attached garage and also a detached one with five large barn doors. The landscaping was gorgeous with a stone sidewalk that led to the wrap around porch. I noticed two trucks parked outside and one of them was Patrick’s. There was also a side by side parked in the yard. Creed stopped the car, and I looked over at him.
“I have to thank you again. I know this is the last thing you want, and I truly do appreciate it. My family was right, you’re a very kind man.”
He sighed. “You say that now, but you haven’t heard the rules yet.” He opened his door and stepped out. I was moving a little slower than usual. Of course, my head hurt, but my abdomen was covered in bruises, and it was very sore. Creed made it to my side and waited for me to stand up before shutting the door and guiding me to the house. “I have a group on a mission right now. That means I’m needed at headquarters. Grange’s wife Stephanie will stay with you while I’m gone.” He explained as he lifted a panel then placed his hand on a screen. I heard the door unlock and Creed opened it. “When you come and go, just press your badge against the screen and the door will unlock.”
“Got it.”
We stepped inside and my eyes scanned the gorgeous home. The floors were solid dark wood, the stairs were the same and to my right was an office and to the left was a formal sitting room. There was a solid wood archway next to the office that was the entryway to a very large dining room. The dining room table must have sat no less than sixteen people. The ceilings were vaulted and all the way across the house were huge windows. I could hear voices off in the distance and recognized one to be Patrick’s.
“Lets find them and then I will give you a quick tour before I have to leave.” Creed guided me toward the voices. We walked by a huge library, a gorgeous kitchen built for a chef and then a large living room that was surrounded on two sides with large windows that offered an amazing view of the lake. We walked through the kitchen then down some winding stairs which led us to a large open area. That was where we found my brother, sitting at a bar with a beer in hand. I was still trying to take in my environment. On one end it was a movie room and the other was a bar and recreation area. There was a dart board, pool table, a few slot machines, a juke box, a fully stocked bar, a kitchen, and there was hockey and football memorabilia everywhere. I counted five large televisions which had the Reds game playing on all of them. “Creed, this is…wow.” I was speechless.
“Sis.” Patrick walked over and hugged me. “Damn you scared the shit out of me.” He wouldn’t let go. “I’ll give you a few days, but we have a few things to discuss. I can’t believe you went to that motel alone.”
I hadn’t seen Patrick yet. He just came off a forty eight hour shift at the fire house and my parents kept visitors at a minimum while I was under observation. Dad told Patrick to finish his shift because I was going to be alright.
“I am so sorry about Callie.” Patrick held me tight. I shut my eyes and fought my tears.
“Thank you.”
When he let go of me, I spotted a man I had seen before but not met. “Mike Axton, pleased to meet you, and I’m sorry for your loss.” The tall dark handsome man shook my hand.
“Axton is my VP, so if I’m not available and you need something, you’ll need to call him. I will give you phone numbers a little later.” Creed said.
“Its nice to meet you, Mike.” I let go of his hand.
“Axton and I have to be going, so let me give you a quick tour.” Creed put his hand on the small of my back, which of course sent a tingle up my spine. “I guess we should start right here. Everything here is pretty obvious, let me show you the rest before we head back upstairs.”
He showed me the movie room which had an open archway then we took a left down a hall. “Here’s my personal gym.” He opened a door and yep, it was a gym. “Feel free to use it anytime you please. In fact, make yourself at home down here, nothing is off limits.” There was also a spare bedroom he said wasn’t used since it was first built and Josh stayed there while waiting for his cabin to be built.
He guided me up the stairs. “Same thing on this floor. Feel free to use the kitchen, library, watch television in the family room and of course access to the lake is right out here.” He opened a set of French doors, and we stepped out on the patio. “As you see there’s a dock if you want to swim and inside the boathouse is a pair of jet ski’s and a speed boat.”
I took in my surroundings and breathed in the fresh Indiana air. To my right was a set of stairs so I walked over and looked down to find a stone patio with a fireplace and cozy patio furniture. It even looked like it had an outdoor kitchen.
“I will show you the bedroom you’re staying in and go over a few rules.” He guided me back inside then up the gorgeous hardwood stair way that was slightly curved. It must have taken a master woodworker to carve something so beautiful. When we got to the top there was an open area with several doors then a long hallway with a set of double doors at the end.
“I figure Addie could stay in this room.” He opened the door, and it was a medium sized room with an attached bathroom. There was a plain bed, and the log walls had nothing hanging on them. “I know you’ll want to order her some things, but we don’t have an actual address straight to my house. We have a P.O. Box and once a day the mail gets picked up and taken to the commissary. Whatever you order will be waiting for you there.” He shut the door and walked to the next door. “This is one of my spare rooms. Your boxes are in here because all your shit obviously won’t fit in your room. I didn’t know how long you would be here, so I had them bring all of it. You’ll be staying in the next room and both of these rooms are connected by a shared bathroom.” He shut that door and took me to the next one and opened the door. “This is where you’ll be staying.” I gasped when I saw the room. There was a stone fireplace, a king sized bed that called my name, and double doors that led out to a terrace.
He led me down a long hall to a set of double doors. “This is my room and it’s only accessible by me. Only myself and Tina, the woman who cleans my house, have access. If you need me just knock on the door.” The last room to the right of his also had a security panel. “I’m the only one with access to this room. I keep the door shut at all times.” He walked back down the hall toward the steps, so I followed.
“As far as the rules, no loud music when I’m home, do not speak to me in the morning if I haven’t had my coffee yet, and please clean up after yourself. Strip your bed down on Tuesday and Friday mornings. Tina is busy and that helps her out. One of the bathroom cabinets is a laundry shoot, throw the linens and your laundry down there and Tina will take care of the rest.” He kept talking as we descended the stairs and walked toward the kitchen. “You are safe here, but if the alarms sound, and you will know them when you hear them, come straight here and open this panel.” He opened a panel on the wall. “I will write down all the phone numbers you need, any codes, and also the Wi-Fi password. So, on this panel type in 06191965.” He typed it in and turned to look at his kitchen counter. Suddenly, the counter lifted, and the cabinet rose, exposing an elevator. “When you step inside, press this green button and the elevator will take you to the bunker, which is below the basement. The rest is self explanatory. Tis the season of tornado warnings, so don’t hesitate to use it.” He reached in and pressed the button and the elevator sunk and the cabinet went back to normal. “Also on every security panel in the house is a red button on the upper right hand corner. If you get hurt or there’s any type of emergency press it. We have medics on site and abilities to fight small fires. Do not call 911, we are a self-sufficient community, and we only call for help outside the community in dire situations.”
He walked over to another door, and it opened to a huge pantry. “As far as food, you’re welcome to what little I have on hand. I usually eat in the mess hall at the community center, but if you do want to cook, you can go to the commissary to buy whatever you need. They have just about everything a grocery store offers. You can use your visitors pass and whatever you want can be charged to my account.” He walked over to another cabinet and opened it. Inside the door were a bunch of keys that were marked. “You can roam freely around the community, and I’ll give you a tour tomorrow, but if you’re curious about transportation, there’s two side by sides in the garage. They drive just like a car, and you can use one of them to get around. The only cars you usually see around here are the ones leaving and returning to the community. Most guys ride their motorcycles, but the women tend to use these side by sides. You can also purchase gas at the commissary if the tank runs low.” He opened another door and it led to the garage, showing me the side by sides.
A gorgeous red head walked into the kitchen and at first I thought maybe Creed had a girlfriend I didn’t even think to expect, but he introduced her as Stephanie, the wife of one of his men. I wasn’t sure why I presumed Creed was single and suddenly I had even more questions I would save until later.