3. Chapter Three
Chapter Three
H ammer, one of the older members of the club handed Warren and I a bottle of beer. He was handing them out to everyone who had been on the job. We were nowhere near old enough to drink but rules didnt matter here, it was far from the first time wed had alcohol.
The clubhouse was originally a two story motel converted about a decade ago. Theyd knocked down the old clubhouse too which had been a single story shack that had a bar and a few rooms where people crashed. It was on a large plot of land the club owned. King was buying up parcels of land around it too. He wanted the club to be as insular as possible, far away from prying eyes.
We might not be active members yet but the club was thriving. There were some legitimate businesses, but I wasnt naive enough to believe the majority of the clubs income came from legal means, or dirty money wasnt washed through those legal businesses. Until we were patched in, we were kept out of those details.
Yet, tonight he invited us in to work with them, telling us we werent far off turning eighteen. Usually, you had to graduate to be patched in, but it seemed like King was going to make an exception.
The only way out of the front of the building was via the bar. It used to be the lobby and offices of the motel but had been stripped out to make one giant area kitted out as a proper bar, with optics, lights, fully stocked, stools at the bar and tables.
There were two pool tables too and a really old Pac Man arcade game I still held the high score for after three years. There were a couple of fire escapes if, God forbid, they were ever needed but mostly people came and went through the double doors that were reinforced with thick wood and bullet proof glass.
Someone stepped between us and put his arms around the both of us, pulling our heads into his armpits and laughing.
Fuck off, Con, Warren pushed him away. Connor just laughed. I was less aggressive in the way I broke free but I did scowl at him.
A beer please barkeep, Connor said which got him a foul look from Hammer. Ah, allow me to fetch it for myself, he continued his ridiculous show but he was sheepish. A prospect didnt get to tell a member what to do. If anything, it should be him behind the bar.
Hammer handed him one anyway with a roll of his eyes then walked away. I didnt much like Hammer. He was the clubs Reaper, which meant he dealt with anything that needed disposing of. Anything from evidence up to and including dead bodies. It wasnt something that happened often, to the best of our knowledge, but when the occasion arose, Hammer was called in to clean things up. Wed heard he had a vat of acid in the Shed he used to melt bones.
The Shed was away from the clubhouse but still on compound property. It was where people were taken when they needed to be questioned, or theyd done something against the club, there were cells and a huge room where God only knew what went on. Our Enforcer, Ballistic was in charge of that place and he was specific about who could go near it. He was tasked with protecting the club by any means necessary, which was why he was titled Enforcer.
He was on the council with King, and a group of six officers. All decisions pertaining to the club ran through them and you were answerable to them if you did anything wrong. They were no nonsense guys who demanded the respect of club members, and I had no intention of ever going against anything they said.
When we left school, we made sure Waverley got to her car and told her to head home. She was right, we had no idea how long this job would be, or whether it actually was a job King wanted us on. He hadnt elaborated this morning, he wouldnt when Wave was there. Id felt bad when I saw her face drop. I also figured King knew what he was doing.
It was no secret Wave wanted us to leave and go to college with her, or that King wanted us in the club. Now I was wondering if that was why he was making allowances for us patching in earlier, we couldnt leave if we were patched in.
I swore under my breath, if that was the case, things were going to get bad between the three of us. I was sure Warren was fully aware of that too but we didnt talk about it.
What did he have you do? Connor perched on a stool beside us. The music was loud, mixed together with the din of conversation, we were able to talk privately.
Lookouts, Warren said, disappointed.
Hed hoped we were going to be more involved but King had us standing around, away from where they were doing business, making sure no one came along and saw what was going on. The only thing we did know was guns were involved. Wed helped load them into the truck.
Not going to lie, it was exhilarating joining the run, the bikes flanking the truck as they headed for the meeting. Wed been given specific instructions and pulled away from the group when we arrived at the access road to the warehouse.
We were a half mile down the road from the action, and we were to let Dirt, the Sargent-At-Arms and one of Kings right hand men, know straight away if we saw anything suspicious or any cops. King had the chief of police in his pocket, but there were still some over-zealous cops on the force unafraid to come sniffing around.
It was boring because no one came anywhere near and wed stood around talking about girls and sports, shooting the shit. Id been on edge too because we had no idea if anything was going to happen and what we would do if it did. We werent allowed to carry weapons and Dirt had been strict in his instructions we let them know, then haul ass if we did see anything. We were definitely to lose the cops if they came after us.
Well, its a start, Connor drank some beer. His pale blonde hair was styled back off his face and hed been growing out his beard lately, which he was failing at because it was so fair, you could hardly see it. More than most get.
Yeah, I guess, Warren said. I was hoping for something a bit more involved.
Youre not even a Prospect, Connor pointed out. Dog and I didnt even get asked to tag along, he referred to another Prospect who was playing pool with a couple of club girls.
As Prospects they werent allowed to mess with the girls yet but it didnt stop Dog flirting around them. Hence his road name. Connor hadnt been impressed when King dubbed him Stitch, because he made people laugh. Warren remarked it could have been worse, they could have called him Joker. King chose the road names of every new recruit. It usually had something to do with their personality.
I text Wave before but she hasnt answered, Connor said. Where is she tonight?
She should be at home, Warren said sharply. Normally, Waverley would answer if one of us text. She was going to do homework.
I told her we would hang out later, I added.
Connor glanced at his watch. Its almost nine. What exactly will you be doing on a school night, this is Waverley youre talking about, he grinned. We all knew how serious she was about school.
Warren took out his phone and text her, then left it on the bar top as he finished his beer. Periodically, we glanced at it as we carried on talking. She never answered.
She was pissed, I said, finishing my beer and putting it on the bar.
Why? Connor asked.
Because King announced he needed us here, then told her to drive herself to school.
Connors shoulders hunched and he let out a low whistle then looked at Warren, whose jaw was clenched. We hadnt discussed it but we knew she was upset. And angry, although shed tried to brush me off this morning, disappearing before wed got dressed spoke volumes.
Warren text again. Shes acting like a baby.
Cut her some slack, I said. Things are changing. Whether we want them to or not.
Shes still a part of us, he circled his hand in our general direction.
Is she though? Connor asked. Huds right, things are different. I know I havent hung out a lot lately. I miss her, he mused.
Lets head home, Warren said, concern showing. She shouldnt ignore me, he text her again.
Just call her, Connor said, getting to his feet.
She wont pick up, Warren said.
He was right. If she wasnt answering his texts, she wouldnt answer a call. He pocketed his phone and without discussion, we all got up and followed him to the door.
Hudson!
I turned to see Ballistic waving me over. I looked back at the others. Warren looked conflicted about staying or heading home. I couldnt ignore Ballistic.
Are you staying over tonight? Warren asked me.
I thought about it. I hadnt been home yet. Dad hadnt bothered tracking me down.
I will, Connor said. We should all be together, watch a movie with her.
Okay, Ill catch you up.
They nodded and left. I made my way across the bar. Ballistic was sitting in the corner on his own with a glass of whiskey. I stopped in front of the table and he indicated for me to take the chair opposite him. He was a tall, built guy, with salt and pepper hair. He had a perfectly shaped goatee beard that was darker in the moustache and greyer around his chin.
He usually wore black shirts with the top few buttons open. It showed off the gold St Christopher medal he always wore and the tattoos of his woman and kids names, just beneath his collar bone. He was the strong, silent type, a man who used few words, he looked at you till you got the idea, like nodding to the seat rather than telling me to sit. People complied even when he didnt speak. I was no different.
I was poised on the outside, despite my concern. You wouldnt get anywhere in an MC if you were afraid. Id spent a lot of time around King, and although he wasnt the type to show affection, hed become less scary to me the older I got. Ballistic was a whole other level, but I kept my shit together because he called me here for a reason and I didnt want him to know I was anxious.
Leon, he said.
Immediately my back went up. If Ballistic was bringing up my dad, this wasnt good.
Yeah? I half shrugged, keeping my eyes on him. Looking around would be a sign of weakness and I was anything but weak. In fact, when it came to my dad, I couldnt help but show some of the rage and contempt I felt towards him. Even though I still felt protective of the old bastard.
He was working for us at the brewery.
That was news to me. I thought he was working as a janitor at a factory just outside of Wantage.
Was? I queried.
Fired him today. He showed up two hours late, half cut and said it was your fault cos you took his car keys.
My jaw clenched. I hadnt taken his keys, just kicked them under the table to prevent him coming after me while he was drunk. Shit.
That wasnt why I fired him. Hes been stealing from us.
What? The blood drained from my face. Not only was he working for the MC, but he was also stealing from them? What a fucking idiot. I can talk to him.
Ballistic waved a hand as if it was a dumb idea. I got Banshee to look at him, something came up. I held his eyes, giving nothing away, even though the more he talked, the more I feared for my dad. Hes got into debt with some people.
What kind of debt?
He owes a lot of money. Hes been gambling and he cant pay so theyre coming after him.
Fuck, I muttered.
Things havent been great for you at home.
I didnt answer because it wasnt a question. He obviously knew the extent of my problems with my dad, there was no need to add anything. Ballistic nodded at me, sitting back, as if he approved of my lack of response, I wouldve assumed hed be pissed I hadnt replied.
We owe Leon nothing but Im not prepared to watch him ruin you.
This time I did look away from him. He was saying I needed to wash my hands of my father. I wasnt sure I could. It was shit what he had gotten himself into but it was because he lost mom. Before that, hed been a great dad, had a good job, he was happy. He loved both of us and would do anything for us. He was lost and I didnt want to see him hurt.
Ballistic crossed an ankle over his knee as he contemplated me. It was true what they said, he had cold, dead eyes that seemed to see inside you. I wasnt sure what I wanted to say. My fists clenched under the table as a lump formed in my throat. Was I about to abandon my dad?
I have an offer for you. King has agreed to settle things for Leon, but there wont be any further help. Well stop them coming after him, but its up to him to get his shit together.
I wanted to thank him but he wasnt finished.
King and I have talked and weve agreed its best you get away from him.
Meaning what? I asked.
Moving in with me and Rosa.
Do I get a say in this?
Yes. I raised my brows because I had expected him to say no. Us straightening his shit out isnt dependent on you making a choice to move out, well do that anyway because your dad has put you in danger and that is unacceptable to the club. If you choose to stay, we cant guarantee what will happen in the future.
Doesnt seem like much of a choice.
Im sure youll make the right one.
He gave me a hard stare, finished his drink, then got up and walked away, leaving me staring where he just sat. Jesus Christ. What the fuck was wrong with my dad? Who exactly had he got himself into debt with? And what did Ballistic mean hed put me in danger?
I sat in silence trying to figure out what to do. I needed to talk to my dad but tonight wasnt the best time. He got fired again, hed be in a bar getting wasted and not in any frame of mind for a frank conversation. I wasnt in the mood for a fight. I got up and stormed out of the bar without acknowledging anyone, jumped on my bike and headed towards the gates.
I drove around for a bit before I ended up at the Curtis house. Waverleys Honda wasnt on the drive, just Connor and Warrens bikes. I frowned and looked at my watch. It was almost eleven oclock. Where was she? I propped my bike on its stand and went into the house. Warren was on his phone, Connor sitting on the floor watching him pace.
"Whats going on? I asked.
She isnt answering and no one hes called knows where she is, Connor said.
What the fuck? Warren glanced up at me as he hung up. Joanna hasnt heard from her either.
Do you think something happened to her? Connor asked, looking sick.
No, I said. Shes still pissed with us and being a brat.
Wave isnt like that, Warren frowned.
I wasnt so sure. Not after this morning.
What did Ballistic want? Connor got to his feet. Warren looked at me expectantly too.
He wants me to move in with him and Rosa.
Thatsweird, Connor put his hands on his hips. I wasnt expecting you to say that.
I wasnt expecting him to ask me.
Why did he? Warren asked distractedly, looking at his phone again, torn between wanting to find his sister, and hearing what I had to say.
Can we talk about this tomorrow? Maybe I should call her. I took out my phone and dialed Waverleys number. Warren stared at me, when I shook my head. He swiped his bike keys off the coffee table and headed for the front door, clearly he wasnt waiting around anymore.
As he pulled the door open, Waverleys car pulled into the drive at speed, she nearly hit my bike.
What the hell? I walked out onto the porch.
Where the fuck have you been? Warren walked towards the car as Waverley got out.
She didnt answer, just reared back and then swung a punch straight at his face. It knocked his head sideways and he immediately grabbed his chin as he looked back to her.
Holy shit, Connor said beside me. You didnt say she was this pissed.
She wasnt, I muttered.
What the hell did you hit me for? Warren shouted at her, still holding his jaw. Waverley packed a decent punch, I should know, Id taught her. Have you lost your damn mind?
You told everyone in school Im off limits! she shrieked.
Oops, Connors lips tilted downwards and his shoulders scrunched up.
What? Warren asked, still stunned by the sucker punch.
You heard me, she took two steps towards him and he held up his hand to ward her off. Youve told every guy in school they cant ask me out, or even talk to me?
So what if I have?
Damn, he needs to learn when to keep his mouth shut, huh, Connor said to me.
Wave, I started towards them.
Dont Wave me, she turned her furious gaze on me. You did it too!
Well I looked at Warren for help but he was opening and closing his mouth with one hand on the side of his jaw.
Waverley made a strange screaming sound and hurried towards us. I wasnt getting away with it because she punched me right in the stomach as she passed. I bent over, the wind knocked out of me. Connor jumped out of her way with his hands up. Wave didnt go after him, she just ran into the house.
Who the fuck told her? Warren asked.
You think it was one of us? I straightened up, rubbing my stomach as evidence I didnt.
Warren stomped up the stairs after her. Connor arched a brow at me and we headed inside after them. They were in the living room both talking over one another so it was hard to distinguish what they were saying.
The guys in school are all assholes. You dont hear what they say about girls. You think Im gonna let any of those scum near you, Warren roared.
Who are you to decide who gets to come near me? And you think I dont hear the same shit?
What is that supposed to mean?
Isabelle gave you a great blow job the other day, didnt she?
Warrens eyes widened and if I wasnt mistaken his cheeks turned red. Connor sniggered beside me, earning him a glare from both twins.
She described it in great detail, how big it is, how good it tasted. Urgh, she shook her hands out with a look of disgust on her face. So you guys get to do whatever the hell you want and Im a pariah? What gave you the right to do that, Warren? Who the fuck made you the boss?
Im protecting you, he yelled.
Protecting me she shook her head and for the first time, her anger cracked and a different emotion came through. Do you remember junior Prom, Warren?
What has that got to do with anything?
You remember it right, both of you do, she swung her arm in my direction. You both got to go. I didnt. I was here, in my room, like a fucking loser because no one asked me to go. And even though Joanna told me to come anyway, cos I didnt need a date, I felt stupid. Ive felt stupid for years, because no one has ever come near me, no boy has ever asked me out, they dont even talk to me and now I know its because you told them not to.
"Do you have any idea what that was like for me, Warren. Believing there was something wrong with me? That nobody liked me. Ive been fucking miserable for the whole of high school because Ive thought I wasnt worth anyones time, that only my brother and the boy I grew up with wanted to be my friend, her voice cracked and her eyes filled with tears.
Well fuck you, she cried. Fuck all of you for ruining my life. You want to know where I was tonight? I was out with a guy, a nice guy who I had fun with and who clearly wasnt afraid to stand up to the big bad MC assholes. He told me what you did. He told me that he wanted to ask me out for years but always held back. And for your damn information, I am going to see him again and there isnt anything you, or you, she glared at me. Can do to stop me. Andif I want to suck his dick, I damn well will. Now leave me the hell alone!
She ran off to her room, all of us staring after her in shock. Warren started after her but Connor grabbed his arm and shook his head.
I need to-
She doesnt want to talk to you right now, man.
Shes crying, Warren said with a pained voice, looking after her. We heard the sound of her door slamming and he winced.
Connor kept talking him down. I stood there wondering who the hell she had been out with tonight, because no one got to touch her. Not like that. And there wasnt a chance in hell she was sucking anyone elses dick. Not that she would be sucking mine or anything. No, that wasnt happening Shit. I ran a hand over my head, I should not be thinking about her doing that to me.
Con convinced us to go back into the living room and he put an NBA re-play match on. If he thought that was going to appease Warren it didnt. His face was like thunder, but he kept casting worried looks towards the stairs.
Connor got us all a beer from the kitchen and grabbed a bowl of chips. We didnt talk, no one knew what to say. It was a given Waverley wouldnt be happy wed put a rule in place about talking to her, but this was an explosion we hadnt expected.
Who do you think it was? Warren broke the silence.
I blew out a heavy breath and shook my head. I had no clue.
Doesnt matter who it was, hes dead.
That isnt going to help dickhead, Connor sighed.
No one touches her, he growled.
Whew, you didnt listen to anything she said.
She said she was going to suck someones dick, Warren said then grimaced and shuddered at the thought. We need to find out who it was. Fucker crossed me. Hes dead.
I had to agree with Connor, that wasnt the right thing to do but Warren had made up his mind. He was only going to make this a million times worse. At least I knew what would happen if he found out Id been thinking about Waverley like that. He would kill me.