Chapter 16
Eagle
The first part of my plan was complete. I couldn’t remember anything ever being so hard, though. My hands were shaking the entire time, desperate to grab her. She was wearing my shirt. That had to be a good sign. A little voice in my head kept saying to toss her over my shoulder and take her back where she belonged. Instead, I stuck to what I originally thought of. I had to start over and do things right.
She looked so beautiful, even after having such a rough night. I still needed to explain myself and apologize, but until I could get her to listen, I’d save it. This would require patience. I’d exercised some with her before and I could do it again. If I started spouting off everything I wanted to say she would only shut down and not change her mind. And I wouldn’t be able to blame her.
This would require effort and finesse. Effort I could handle. The finesse part would be challenging. I was used to getting what I wanted, especially when it came to women. But I’d never wanted someone like this–like her. All the others before her were just for short-term fun and there was no room for anything else in my mind. Whether that had to do with my hang ups about women or because Lacy was so amazing, I couldn’t say. Either way, I’d never wanted anything as much as I wanted her. I took it for granted because I thought I had her and kept telling myself it wasn’t special, when deep down I knew it was. Now, I had to work for it.
It helped that I had shit to do. Keys found the owner of the Trans Am, so I was going to tail him a little. Something didn’t add up because the owner, Kelvin, was listed as a manager of a landscaping company. When Keys checked it out, it was a pretty high-end company handling some of the golf courses in the area. Keys blew up the pic and worked some magic and there was a sticker on his back windshield. Why would this guy be driving Uber, and in his classic car?
I was in the cage since I was checking this guy out. Plus, if I found an opportunity to speak to him, having a classic truck would be a great topic to get him talking. Car guys would talk to anyone about cars, but bikers could be intimidating. I needed to figure out his deal before he learned I was with DE. If he was really driving Uber, he may have just been at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Nothing about this guy screamed illegal shit, but that didn’t mean anything. Most people involved in crime operations didn’t live in shitty little shacks. Maybe the very low-level runners that were just pawns in the game. But even the middlemen usually had cute little houses with white picket fences, two point five kids, and a dog.
The stories of the suburban busts always got reported, but buried in the news. Usually because of money and connections. Most people skim over them, not wanting to admit that Mr. Jones at the end of the block who always waves as you pass by was smuggling drugs through your perfect little neighborhood. Ignorance is bliss to the masses.
After checking a few of the addresses Keys gave, I finally spotted the Trans Am. It was parked at the clubhouse of one of the golf courses his company was contracted with. I didn’t see the Uber sticker, but that was definitely the car and the same tags.
Looking over the outside of the building and watching two groups of men walk inside, I knew I would stick out like a sore thumb in there. They all had dress pants and golf shirts. I’d have to see if he ended up somewhere a little more casual. I lost my cut once I got back into the cage, but jeans and a t-shirt were probably against the dress code.
Pulling away and parking down the street, I waited a while to see if the Trans Am left. I wanted to pull my phone out and send something sweet to Lacy, but I couldn’t take my eyes off the exit of the golf club. Instead, I sat with the windows cracked and killed the engine. It was hot as fuck but I found a spot in the shade. My truck was too old to leave running in park, and the AC would just blow hot air after a while if it wasn’t moving. You could update an old vehicle, but you couldn’t make it new.
Less than an hour later, I saw the classic car leaving the golf club. I fired up the engine and pulled out in the same direction. After a minute, I saw him up ahead. I kept my distance and followed behind. The rest of the day it was a game of cat and mouse. He kept stopping at businesses I couldn’t walk into and I’d wait until he drove to the next one.
I pulled my phone out after the fourth stop since I knew he’d be a few minutes. Looking at it, I was drawing a blank. I couldn’t pour my heart out in a text but didn’t want to send some cheesy fucking shit that would annoy her. Instead, I texted Hawk to let him know how it was going. I told him before I left I was going to check this guy out. He told me to take Falcon or Jackal but I insisted it would be better as a one man job.
Jackal was a bit older than us, even Butch, and having him around had been useful. With events of the past couple of years, we found ourselves with a young group of officers. Don’t get me wrong, we knew our shit and had shown our commitment, that’s the only reason we could take over. But Hawk wasn’t too proud to admit having a seasoned guy like Jackal around who could lend support and guidance was a blessing, and neither was I.
Finally, Kelvin left his stop and took off, so I waited a minute, then followed. We drove a while but ended up at his house. Keys had sent me the address and a picture, so I knew that’s where we were. I drove past and waited a while before I turned around to leave. When I did, I noticed some kids toys in the front and a swingset in the back. There was another car in the driveway, so I snapped a picture to send to Keys. It was probably just his wife’s car but you can never be too sure.
We already knew he had a wife and kids and where he worked. But the Uber thing still didn’t make sense. Keys checked, and his salary was decent. His wife worked as a schoolteacher. Their house was within their means. Since he only drove the Trans Am, he probably didn’t have another car. Most folks with a second car would drive it for daily shit and only use the classic for cruising.
Once I got the picture of the tag, I kept going. I was decent at tailing but he could have eventually noticed me behind him. Before I got back on the main road, I sent the picture to Keys then called him.
“Yo.”
I said, “Hey, sent a pic of some tags. Probably his wife’s but want to be sure it’s not a friend of his.”
“Find anything interesting?” he asked.
“No. Nothing. Except I didn’t see the Uber sticker on the car.”
Keys replied, “It was in the pic you sent me for sure. Maybe he just put it in the windshield?”
“No, it would be backwards unless he put it on the outside. And would fly off unless he taped it down.”
“Maybe he did? Or maybe he made a fake decal on paper for periodic use?”
Nodding, even though he couldn’t see me, I said, “Maybe. But all he did was ride to some golf clubs, a few businesses, then went home. No stops that didn’t make sense.”
“Sorry man. Want me to put a tracker on him?”
“Can you do that?”
“I should be offended, but I realize you all don’t understand what exactly I do, so I’ll let it go.”
“I could be a smart ass and ask why you haven’t already done that?”
“I do what I’m told, brother. I’ll get it going soon and let you know if he makes any stops outside of the norm.”
“Thanks.”
Ending the call, I put the phone in my lap and mindlessly tapped the screen. I wanted to call or text Lacy but wasn’t sure enough time had passed. I couldn’t smother her if I wanted to show her I could be better. I wondered how mad she’d be if she found out the phone I gave her had a tracker on it.
All of the club phones have trackers. They were property of the club and only to be used for club business. But Hawk told me I could get one for Lacy. Falcon had given one to Daisy. So far, she didn’t seem aware of the tracker. But apparently, that wasn’t even necessary according to what Keys just told me.
I’d put off reaching out to her, at least for a while. I had to get to the clubhouse and update Hawk.
Pulling up near the garage, I practically jumped out of the truck. I hadn’t been cooped up in a cage so long since the Jersey run to take care of Tony. Even though it was hot as fuck outside, it felt good to be out in the open. Still, I walked to the clubhouse and headed to the bar.
“Hey, Eagle,” Hawk called out from his corner table.
I walked over and flipped the chair around before I sat. A hand reached over me and put a beer on the table. “Hey, Eagle. Looking good.”
Looking over my shoulder, I smiled at the bunny then turned back to Hawk. He grinned then asked, “How’d it go?”
“A bust so far. Keys will keep eyes on him. Something still doesn’t add up.” I explained the missing Uber sticker and the mundane day.
Hawk rubbed at his chin. “Yeah, family man picking up strippers from a druggie doesn’t check out. We’ll find something on him. How’s it going with Lacy?”
Tucking my hair behind my ears, I fought the urge to growl. “Slow. But it’s fine. It’ll be fine.”
“Jeannie called me.”
I rolled my eyes. “Fucking hell. I’m sure she made it sound worse than it was.”
“Did she?”
“Look, I was a dick but nothing out of line.”
“You freaked her out. That’s not like you, man. You’re not much of a relationship guy but I’ve never seen you lose your cool at a woman. You okay, brother?”
Looking around to make sure everyone was preoccupied, I told him, “I fucked up with Lacy. I acted a little out of character, but I won’t make that mistake again.”
“I see you finally found her at least.” He raised a brow.
Running my hand down my face, I said, “I can’t believe Jeannie called you.”
He leaned forward. “She seemed worried about you both. She didn’t call me to complain. But I asked her for details since she called.”
My brow pinched. “Worried about both of us? Is something wrong with Lacy?”
“She’s depressed and you’re acting like a psycho. Her words, not mine.”
“Depressed?” Goddamn. I knew I hurt her. I didn’t realize it was that intense. My hand went to my chest, rubbing the spot that started to tighten.
My mind was reeling when Butch’s deep voice came over and his hand landed on my shoulder. “What you fuckers up to?”
Hawk motioned for Butch to take a seat. “Hanging out. Enjoying a slow day. You?”
“Same,” Butch answered, then his gaze turned to me. “But I’m looking forward to work tomorrow.”
Moving my hand back to my beer to lift it to my lips, I asked, “You don’t get tired of all that ass all day?” I took a swig from the bottle.
“When we get new ass, it’s nice for a bit.”
“Mama Hen brought someone new in?” I asked, taking another long pull from the bottle.
“Oh, you don’t know?” Butch’s big smile was sinister. “Lacy starts tomorrow. I see why you’ve been keeping her all to yourself, brother.”
I stood up fast, still holding my bottle but tremors ran through my body. Butch stood, and Hawk did as well, but he was holding his hand out as if to keep Butch from moving forward.
The chatting around the club got quiet and Hawk said, “Eagle, why don’t you get some air.”
“Oh, I’ll get some air.” I turned and stormed out of the door, heading straight to Mama Hen’s.
But I had only gotten a few steps when Butch yelled, “Hey, you better stay the fuck away from her.”
“Fuck off.” I was determined to find out what the fuck she was thinking.
But I only got a few more steps before an arm grabbed me from behind. Not caring who it was, I swung my bottle back and it busted over what turned out to be Butch’s head.
It rung his bell, but he was a big, strong fucker and quickly rebounded and grabbed my shoulders, slamming his head to mine. He didn’t waste time taking some shots and yells were sounding around us.
My vision crossed and he got a good blow to my ribs. Once I could see again, I threw my fist and connected with his square jaw and immediately drew back and did it again. For every hit he got on me, I got one on him. But it wasn’t long before we were being pulled apart and Hawk was screaming over everyone. “Church! Now!”
Rooster was still holding a squirming Butch and Falcon’s voice was behind me. He was the one holding me. “Calm down, man. You heard Hawk.”
I pulled from his grasp. “I’m fine. But fuck him.” I was still shaking.
“Did someone hurt your feelings?” Daisy deadpanned.
Falcon growled then said, “Go inside please.”
She flicked her hair over her shoulder then stomped inside.
Falcon blew out a breath. “Geezus. I hope you sort this shit out soon because it’s affecting me.” He started to walk then stopped. “I’ll talk to her, but don’t think of snapping off at her.”
“I know,” I said through gritted teeth. “But it would be cool if she could lay off.”
He waved me inside. Hawk, Butch, and the other officers that were present already went inside and only a few brothers still stood outside. I followed Falcon and he asked, “What the fuck just happened?”
Falcon must have just pulled up when shit hit the fan. “Fucking Butch. Lacy apparently got a job at the strip club and he was rubbing it in my face like a goddamn child.”
Falcon grabbed my arm and halted. “No shit? I thought Mama Hen wasn’t hiring anyone? I gotta talk to her about Daisy before she gets any ideas.”
“That’s what I thought, too. This is some bullshit.”
We gathered in the room and took a seat around the wooden, oval table. Pictures of past brothers, officers, and presidents lined the walls along with the tapestries that immortalized them. It was still weird to see Hawk at the head of the table, but I was glad it was him and not someone else.
But he was pissed. He stood, arms crossed as he glared at us. Red wasn’t there but Rooster, Butch, Falcon, and I sat and waited for what Hawk would say. My hands stopped shaking and my head and jaw started to sting.
Hawk’s jaw ticked as he stood. Finally he started. “We have enough problems without you having a schoolyard brawl over a fucking woman.”
I started to open my mouth but he held a hand up. “I don’t want to hear shit. And you,” he said looking at Butch. “You instigated this, and I don’t appreciate you stirring up petty shit.”
“Prez, it was a fucking joke. It’s not my fault this little fucker can’t hang onto his woman.”
I stood, my chair flying backwards, and pointed across the table. “Shut the fuck up, you little bitch.”
Butch stood and a screaming match broke out, but a chair flew across the table before Hawk yelled, “Enough! Both of you will be doing prospect work if you don’t quit your shit. Sit the fuck down and shut up!”
Falcon squeezed my shoulder. I pushed my hair out of my face then plopped back down in the chair once I righted it. Everyone else except Hawk took their seat. He leaned on the table and said, “Butch, mind your fucking business and leave her name out of your mouth. Eagle, don’t even think of speaking to my mother. If I even hear a rumor of you two getting into it again you’ll be sweeping bodies and watching the fucking exits. You understand?”
We knocked on the table but I shot Butch a look. He smirked back. One day, I’d fuck him up. I wasn’t sure how I looked, but he looked like someone rocked his shit. If I wasn’t so mad, I’d be smiling at my work. But his fucking attitude and finding out Lacy was stripping made lava move through my veins. And after all the shit I mentioned the last few days to Mama Hen, I couldn’t believe she hired her. And didn’t bother to say shit to me about where she was or that she’d seen her.
Hawk stood and said, “Everyone needs their head on straight–now more than ever. We don’t have time for this infighting. Eagle, go speak to Keys about your lead. The rest of you go chill and rest. We need to be ready anytime new leads come. Now go.”
We all stood and I left first, heading straight to Keys’ computer lab. Before I made it, footsteps were behind me, so I whipped around. But I lost my scowl when I saw it was Hawk.
“Listen, I know Butch is a dick sometimes, but you can’t let him get to you. And seriously, if you think you can go get crazy to Ma you’re sorely mistaken. I’ll talk to her, man. But you gotta chill the fuck out.”
“She wasn’t supposed to take on any new girls. With shit like it is, it’s bad enough. You already assigned extra guards at the club but it won’t help if she adds more dancers.”
“Cut the shit, Eagle. This isn’t about the trafficking, it’s about Lacy.”
“It’s about both.” That was true. Not only was it fucked to traffick people, but they’re also the ones who organized the hit on Raven. They needed to be taken down.
“Well, losing your shit isn’t going to help with either. I need you to be clear-headed. You’re next in line but you can’t fly off the handle like this.”
“Exactly. I outrank that fucker and you didn’t say shit to him.”
Hawk crossed his arms. “I told him to keep Lacy’s name out of his mouth, which is more than I should have done. And you both deserve a warning for acting like fucking children.”
I put both hands to my head and ran my fingers through my hair. “I’m sorry, Prez.” There was no point in arguing. And it was childish to be fighting over a woman. But she wasn’t just any woman. She should be mine. And she will be.
“If you want her to yourself, you have to claim her, man. But she has to agree. You know the rules. Until then…”
“Yeah, I know. That’s the problem.” I can barely get her to speak to me.
He nodded. “I’ll talk to Ma, but I won’t make her fire Lacy. In the meantime, I’ll send another prospect to the club during her shifts. And I’ll talk to Butch. He knows he was wrong and I don’t appreciate it.”
“Thanks, brother.”
He put his hand out so I grabbed it and then smacked his shoulder. “Now go speak to Keys then cool it the rest of the night.”
“Yes, sir.”
Hawk took off down the hall so I went to talk to Keys. I probably shouldn’t try to chat with Lacy tonight, so I decided to figure out my next move with her instead once I was done with Keys. But fuck if I didn’t want to just go grab her and force her to come back to the clubhouse. How did shit get so twisted in four days?