Chapter 22
CHAPTER
TWENTY-TWO
Flyboy
We stand there watching as the women that hold our souls, hug each other and cry. I want to snatch Riley away, throw her over my shoulder, and hide her away so no one can ever harm her in any way ever again but I know that that isn’t an option. So I just stand there with the rest of the men, lending support where we can. The rumble of bikes is so loud that the ground beneath our feet vibrates from three streets over.
“Looks like the cavalry has arrived. Let’s go check on our boy,” Torch expresses, not at all sounding like the strong man that we all know.
Slowly, the women pull apart going to their men. I pull Riley close, kissing her on the forehead before standing, using my crutches. Everyone solemnly makes their way out of the garage and toward our waiting brothers. As we make it to the van, Prez meets us, pulling each of us into a bone breaking hug. When he makes it to Riley, he pauses, waiting for her to make the first move.
“I’m so sorry, Mr. Steel. I told you this would happen,” Riley sobs before falling into Steel’s chest.
Steel wraps his arms around her, whispering low and quiet to her. Whatever he says must reassure her because Riley nods her head before pulling away from him. They watch each other before Prez kisses her on the top of the head like he does all the Ol’ ladies. Prez passes Riley back to me before turning to my brothers.
“We ride to find out the fate of our brother. Once that is done, every officer will be in church and every brother will be at the club. From this moment forward, we’re on lockdown!” Prez hollers, raising his fist.
All the brothers cry out in unison. Prez turns looking at Noah, ordering, “You'll take Coin’s bike straight to the clubhouse. Let everyone who is there know that they need to make sure rooms are ready and things are fully stocked.”
Noah just gives him a stiff nod before walking slowly toward Coin’s bike. We all stand in complete silence as Noah pulls aways with several of the brothers following close behind him. Once they’re out of sight and the rumble of their bikes gone, those of us left behind mount their bikes as Duck, Lil’ Red, Riley, and I load into the van. Once there is enough room for the van to back out of the driveway, we pull out, falling into formation.
We make it to the hospital before anyone is ready to face whatever the outcome will be. As we make our way out of the van, Prez is giving orders about where everyone needs to be to insure the hospital is fully covered. When Riley climbs out, she doesn’t slow down long enough to find out what Prez wants her to do, she just heads for the E.R. doors with me following her as closely as I can on my crutches.
Making it into the hospital, I take a deep breath of the familiar, but off-putting smell. Fuck, I’ve missed working in E.R. Riley is at the desk, talking to the young woman who is insisting that since she isn’t family, they can’t give her any of the information she’s asking for. Making my way over to her, I lean on the counter, laying my hand on her back.
“Sorry, she is just unbelievably worried about my brother. He was brought in by ambulance about an hour ago,” I tell her sweetly.
“Oh my, the gunshot victims are your family?” she asks, sounding worried on my behalf.
“That’s them. Can you please have the doctor speak with us right away? The woman that was brought in, can you tell me her status?” I wonder if they’ll give me the information.
“I’m so sorry, sir, but I can’t. You’ve got to be the next of kin due to HIPPA laws,” she apologetically states.
Riley turns to me with wide eyes, and asks, “How’re we supposed to find out what happened to Candy? Do you know her next of kin?”
“That would be me,” Pretty Boy whispers right behind me.
“What do you mean? I know you guys have history but how the fuck are you her next of kin?” I’m truly taken aback by this information.
“That, brother, is a story for another day. Today, we get through this shit, and then one day, I’ll tell you the long, fucked up story.” Pretty Boy smacks me on the back before going to the counter and talking to the woman.
“The Doctor’ll be out in just a moment to speak with you in regard to both of the patients.” Her smile is sad when she says this.
Pretty Boy gives her a stiff nod as he turns, making his way over to the wall directly across from the front doors that lead into the E.R. Torch, Razor, and Duck come into the hospital, lining up beside him. Each and every one of them wearing the same look of worry and anger. I move to stand with them, hissing when pain shoots up my leg. Looking down, I notice for the first time that my brace isn’t situated quite right. I look over my shoulder at Riley who is watching me close.
“Babe, can you grab me a chair and then take a look at my leg? I think I’ve fucked it up.” I decide being honest is my best option.
Because if I’m giving her something to do then she can't focus on the guilt that I know will be eating her alive after seeing all this unfold at her house. Riley pulls the chair over to me and sits it next to the rest of my brothers. As I go to sit in the chair, the abundance of pain that shoots up my leg causes me to hiss through clenched teeth.
Riley kneels at my feet and starts untying the parts of my brace that come off. She then starts to check every screw and pin to be sure that everything is in its place. When she’s done she stands, going over to the nurse at the table talking quietly. The nurse picks the phone up and makes a call. Whatever the nurse says into the receiver causes Riley to smile wide before coming back to me.
“Mind telling me what that was all about?” I grab her hand kissing the back of it.
“I’m pretty sure you’ve bent or shifted a couple of the pins. Luckily, your orthopedist is here today and has a few minutes to see you before he leaves.”
“I’m not going fucking anywhere until we find out what’s going on with my brother.” Anger rushes inside of me at the thought of her taking control of my life and making decisions on my behalf without consulting me.
Frustration flashes in her eyes as she takes a step back, pulling her hand from mine. “Well, I guess it’s a good thing he’s willing to check in with the other doctors before making his way out here as a favor to me. Now, I’m going to go and speak with the Ol’ ladies while we wait.”
Her words are like a slap in the face. “Riley. Fuck, I’m sorry.”
“No worries, you're under a ton of stress. You worry about your brothers,” Riley says in her ever-pleasant way. When she does this, it makes one feel like they’re two inches tall, she does all this with a pleasant smile spread across her face.
“Every time you open your mouth, you’re a complete fucking ass to that woman. I hope she’s going to punch you in the face one of these days. Hell, telling you to fuck right the hell off would work to,” Pretty Boy chuckles under his breath.
“I’m waiting for the day she decides you’re not worth the disrespect you show and treat her with, and leaves your ass,” Duck chuckles.
Any other day, I’d have a comeback, but right now, they need this moment to let go some of the worry and stress from nearly losing a brother. I flip them off and chuckle along with them. Leaning my head back, I close my eyes, and attempt to relax while I listen to the comings and goings of the hospital. We wait for about twenty minutes when the E.R. doors come open and two men in white coats come strolling out. One is my orthopedist, Dr. Lesly, and the other is one of the doctors that was overseeing my residency, Dr. Thomas.
I go to stand and greet them both, but they wave me off. “Don’t stand, I know you’re worried about some of those pins shifting. Once Dr. Thomas has given you gentleman the information you’re waiting on, I'll take a look at it,” Dr. Lesly advises.
“Can you just give us the fucking news please?” Pretty Boy barks over the small talk.
“Right, sorry! I’m Dr. Thomas. I was the doctor on call when your brother and friend were brought in. Your brother went straight into surgery with our top surgeon. He was able to get your boy sewn up. I don’t know how that man managed it, but he came out of this ordeal with the surgeon only having to remove his appendix. His gunshot wound was a through and through that entered on his right side between his ribs. Besides that, he received a gash at the back of the head that needed to be stapled. Our main concern right now, is possible infection from the appendix and the concussion that came with the contusion,” Dr.
Thomas tells us before his face goes slack.
When he stops talking, it’s like the breath that everyone was holding is released all at once. There is a round of cheers and clapping knowing that we haven’t just lost ourselves a brother. Pretty Boy’s legs give out, causing him to slide down the wall with his head tilted back.
Dr. Thomas grimly looks around the room before saying, “I was told that the young lady that was brought in with him had relatives waiting to hear her prognosis as well. Can you point me in their direction?”
“That would be me, Doc,” Pretty Boy grumbles, not bothering to stand.
All the relief and joy in the room dries up faster than a puddle in the arid desert. We all wait with baited breath for whatever the doctor is going to tell us next.
“Would you like to take this to another room?” Dr. Thomas whispers, squatting in front of Pretty Boy.
Pretty Boy throws his hand out in a swiping motion. “This is my family. Whatever you need to tell me you can say in front of them. How bad is it?”
Dr. Thomas gives him a sad, knowing smile, “I’m so very sorry but it appears that the young woman arrived at the hospital unresponsive. All life saving measures were attempted. Regretfully, her injuries were too grave and severe. We weren’t able to restart her heart.”
“Son of a fuckin’ bitch!” Pretty Boy explodes, jumping to his feet and rushing from the hospital.
Torch reaches out thanking the doctor and shaking his hand. Dr. Thomas comes to me observing my leg. When he’s done, he tells me he wants X-rays to make sure everything is still good. I go to fight him when Prez steps in, stating I’ll do whatever the Doc needs me to do. After that, he turns to give orders to everyone before leaving to head for the clubhouse.
“When your ass is done here, get to church,” he throws over his shoulder as he leaves me there.
“He’ll be there as quickly as possible,” Riley yells at his back as he continues walking the path that’ll lead him away from the emergency room.
It takes nearly three hours for the X-rays to be done and Doc to review them. He decided that I did indeed fuck up a couple of the plates that were being held in place by the pins but there were a few that were ready to come out. With the confirmation, he tells me to call his office and set up an appointment for surgery to correct the plates and remove the pins ready to come out. Smith and Wesson are leaning against the van when Riley and I finally make it out of the hospital.
“Prez doesn’t have anyone to cover driving the van so you’re going to have to be good with Riley here driving,” Wesson says with a shrug.
“Whatever it takes to get me back to the clubhouse for church,” I tell them heading for the passenger door.
Riley climbs into the driver side and adjusts the seat so she can reach the pedals and see out of all of the mirrors so she can drive safely. I reach over, touching her arm to bring her attention to me. She smiles at me before starting the van and falling into formation behind Smith, as Wesson pulls up the rear.
“Riley, I’m sorry for being an ass to you back there. I’ve just got so much going on,” I rush out, trying to find all the right words to express how regretful I am.
With every word spoken, Riely seems to flinch. “It’s all good. We’ll talk about you being an asshole when my maniac brother and father aren’t after us.”
“A true Nightingale you are,” I mumble under my breath, knowing that I’ll never deserve this woman and even though I try to be a better man, I never will be good enough.
We make it back to the clubhouse finally, and I’m itching to get into church. Before Riley manages to get the vehicle into park, I’m jumping out as quickly as I can with the fucking crutches. I make my way through the crowd and head toward the door that leads to the room where we hold church. When I broach the doorway, I see Prez, and Torch, our VP, talking quietly. I clear my throat to get their attention.
Prez peers over my shoulder, ordering, “Call the boys and let’s get this shitshow on the road.”
I turn back to the open room, hollering, “Church!”
All the officers stand at once, abandoning their conversations and coming into the room. I turn to go into the room myself when a fearful gasp reaches my ears. Looking back over my shoulder I spot a very pale Riley standing with her back plastered to the wall. Fuck, when we got back to the clubhouse I didn’t even pause to think about her being uncomfortable coming into a packed house. My need to find the assholes who were the masterminds behind today's lovely show was my only focus. I stand there trying to figure out what to do next. This was one of the reasons that I swore I’d never want an Ol’ lady. Having to choose between her and the club isn’t easy. Riley’s wide eyes fall on me, silently pleading for help.
A hand on my shoulder brings my attention away from her and to Blue standing behind me. “We’ve got her.”
I look back in Riley's direction not completely convinced that I should leave her. What I see is the reminder that I’ve needed, Edge and Vixen are standing so they block her view as they speak quietly to her. The terrified woman from just a moment ago is replaced with someone who isn’t necessarily comfortable, but not ready to bolt either.
“Thank you, Blue. I’ll come find everyone once we’re out of church.” I turn, going into church with the knowledge that Riley is taken care of and I can focus on what needs to be done.
Duck is the last man to file in and as he turns to close the door. Prez stops him.
“We need Noah,” Prez demands.
I know I’m not the only man that is completely shocked by this statement. It’s unusual to call a prospect in when there’s such sensitive topics to be discussed.
“Prez, he’s a prospect, they aren’t allowed in church,” Torch states in frustration.
Like you see in a horror movie, Prez turns ever so slowly and starts to stand, leaning his weight onto the table in front of Torch and speaks in a near whisper. He uses a voice that would scare even the bravest of men. “We’re going to start with the mother fucking facts. Fact one? I am still the motherfucking president of this chapter and what I say fucking goes. Two, we don’t fucking have time to do the song and dance of five dozen fucking meetings.” Prez stands waving his arm around the room. “Due to the fact that you lot of assholes seem to believe it’s your own personal fucking mission to bring pure fucking chaos to our doorstep and then stand around with your heads up your own fucking asses until someone either nearly dies or fucking does die. So, you can either sit here and do this my motherfucking way, or you can take those fucking patches off your ungrateful asses and get the fuck out of my clubhouse.”
No one moves. Hell, I would take a guess that not a single fucker in the room is breathing when Steel is done. The reason he got the road name Steel is because this man doesn’t lose his temper, doesn’t get bothered by mundane bullshit, he is solid as steel.
“Does anyone have anything that they would like to fucking say, or can we get church fucking started and come up with a plan?” Steel stares each and every one of us in the face, daring someone to fucking move or say something. Prez slams his hand on table. “I asked you motherfuckers a direct question. I expect it to be answered!”
Everyone answers at the same time with some form of, “all good,” before Prez takes a seat.
“Damn, that was nice to fucking see from someone who is as sick of y’alls shit as I am.” Noah claps from his place at the door.
Prez looks over at him with a glare. “Don’t start your shit. Just tell us what you saw today and then get the fuck out.”
Noah just smirks before he starts talking, “I drove the van with Flyboy, Riley, and Candy to Riley’s place. When we arrived, initially, everything looked as it should, that is, until Riley unlocked her front door and pushed it open. When the door was ajar, we realized that her home had been completely ransacked, her belongings had been ripped to fucking shreds. At that realization, Smith, Wesson, Duck, and Torch moved through the rooms clearing each one. Flyboy stood just inside the door. When the guys realized something was off, they sent Vixen, Edge, Candy, and Lil’ Red with Coin to stand at the back of the box truck. For some reason, Candy decided to ignore the men and came back to ask what the issue was. When I turned to tell her to go back with the others, that’s when I heard the sound of motorcycles. With everything that’s been going on, I made the choice to pull Riley to the ground just as the first shot was fired off. That’s when I yelled, “Gun,” covering Riley with my body.”
I’m slightly stunned by his exact account of what happened before all hell broke loose. This kid truly sees more than what we give him credit for. We all sit there astonished, taking in his words.
Standing from my chair, I grab my crutches and make my way over to him. When I get there, I reach out shaking his hand. “Thank you for protecting my woman.”
“Someone has to do it. You seem to be too hung up on your own bullshit.” He shrugs before returning my hand shake.
“That’s enough! You're free to go, Noah!” Prez barks. “Flyboy, sit your ass down before you fuck your leg up more than you already have.”
Deciding not to press my luck, I make my way back to my seat as Noah leaves the room. Cursing in pain as I take my seat, I alleviate some of my agony by leaning on my forearms on the table. “It was that good for nothing brother and VP. We all fucking know it was.”
“Razor, give me what intel you’ve got on these guys. Tell me you’ve fucking found them!” Prez looks over at him.
“I’ve been able to track several of their members’ movements. The guys at ‘Across the Line’ were able to follow them for a few days until they got pulled away on their own mission. We went by the hotel that they said they were staying at, and they had already checked out before we were able to arrive.” Razor sighs in frustration.
“You’re telling me, that between you and Edge, that you’ve not been able to get a damn thing on these assholes?” Duck’s harsh tone has me feeling edgy.
“That’s just it. I know everything you could want to know about the club itself. I know who they are in business with. Hell, with all the pictures found inside the clubhouse and around it, I could draw its fucking blueprints. I can tell you every move those two assholes made up until the day they left Texas and headed this way. That’s the most frustrating part of all this, they just fucking disappear.” Razor rubs his hands over his face and then combs his fingers into his hair.
“That could only mean they’ve got help from someone on the inside. That’s where you should start,” Smith says, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “If it’d be okay with the club, I’d like to reach out to the O’Malley’s “fix it man”. He would know who has the capability to wipe these men's path clear like this. This would give Razor an extra set of eyes with finding theses assholes.”
All eyes turn to Razor in order to gauge his opinion on the matter. I can see the wheels turning in his head before he speaks, asking, “Are you telling me that you can get in contact with Theo Steel, the computer genius and fixer that then married the O’Malley princess?”
Smith smirks and shrugs. “Let’s say that lately, I’ve made some new friends. Hell, you all met and helped the O’Malleys when Vixen showed up.”
“If we’re calling in ghosts, why don’t we call in Lil’ Red’s brother and see what he can find?” Pretty Boy snaps.
“That fucker gives me the heebie jeebies the way he just shows up with answers that no one else seems to have,” Wesson jests, breaking up some of the tension in the room at bringing in outsiders.
“Razor, what's your thoughts on bringing in Theo?” Prez asks him.
Razor shrugs. “At this point, I’ll take whatever help I can get.”
“Smith, you make the connection and let’s get these assholes taken care of. Now, onto the next line of business that none of you are going to like. We’re on full lockdown from today moving forward. No one, and I mean fucking no one, leaves this property alone. If anyone leaves, it’ll be for emergencies or supplies only. This is not a request, in any way, this is a demand from your president. If you do not abide by the rules of a full lockdown, as they are laid out, then be sure to leave your patch on your way out,” Prez mandates, looking every brother in the eye to make sure we understand exactly what he’s telling us.
A resounding, “Aye,” is said by everyone.
“Very good. Is there anything else that needs to be brought to the table before we wrap things up?” Prez wonders.
Duck stands. “I want to finally nominate Prospect Noah to receive his full patch. In my opinion, he’s earned it.”
When he gets done speaking we all shout and bang on the table in agreement.
“Fucking finally. I swore that kid was going to be a prospect until the end time with his inability to keep his mouth shut,” Prez laughs. “Once Coin is up and moving, we’ll hold the official vote. If it’s then unanimous, and we’ve cleared the pest problem, we’ll set up his patch-in party.”
Everyone agrees and Prez slams the gavel ending church. Smith and Razor move close to each other discussing what needs to happen to get with the elusive Theo. Wesson and Pretty Boy leave the room, and I'm sure they’ll be searching for a bottle and a club girl. Duck and Torch leave in hunt of their Ol’ ladies. Prez stands before coming over to take the seat next to me. I brace for whatever he’s about to tell me not knowing if I’m getting my ass chewed or a good job.
“How’re you holding up? I know being out of commission has to be wearing on you,” he says, starting the conversation off with a bang.
“I’m managing it. Ready to get these fucking pins out and back to fucking work,” I tell him honestly.
“Good to know.” Prez sighs, leaning back into his chair.
“Prez, what is it? Just give it to me fucking straight,” I demand, not liking the disconnect between us.
“Shoot it straight? Okay! I’m sick of this asshole act you’re putting on. Every time I think you’re making a turn for the better you turn around and lash out at that woman out there. I’ve watched many women come in and out of this clubhouse and your life. That one is a fucking keeper. Do you have any idea what she has done for you?” he snaps, staring me down.
“Yeah, she’s been there. I mean, isn’t that what a woman’s supposed to do for their Ol’ man?”
Steel lets out a harsh laugh. “Are you fucking kidding me? That woman has been by your side since before they rolled you through that E.R., barely alive. That woman has set her own trauma aside to be here when Edge nearly died. She then did it again to be at Razor and Edge’s wedding because you both wanted her there. Hell, Riley swallowed her panic and anxiety down every time she came into your hospital room and there was more than one brother in there. That woman has fought every day to put her own shit aside to make sure we’ve all felt cared for, and I’ll be damned if I’ll continue to stand around any longer and watch you continue to tear her down and then pull her back in.” Prez locks eyes with me, daring me to call him a liar.
“I’m a fucking asshole, what do you want me to do? I’m trying to work on my attitude. Maybe that woman is just too good for the likes of me.” I shrug because it’s not the first time I’ve thought that but it’s the first time I’d said it out loud.
“That’s just it. None of us are good enough for the women who choose to love us. We simply have to bust our asses every fucking day to be better men. So, I need your word, here and now, that you can handle your business and take care of shit or I’ll assign another brother to take care of her.” Steel lays a hand on my shoulder.
Sitting upright in my chair I lean so I’m nearly nose to nose with one of the only men that has ever caused me to be wary. “Riley is mine! She is mine today, tomorrow, and when I’m worm food, she’ll still be mine! If another man even considers coming close to her, that’ll be the last thought they ever have.”
“At this point, your words are just fucking that, words. Now is when you fucking show her that they have meaning.” Prez claps me on the shoulder as he stands, leaving the room.
Gathering my crutches I stand; my head spinning with the pain, and go in hunt for my woman so that I can start making good on the promise I just made.