24. Kali
24
KALI
A bunch of bikes had returned thirty minutes ago, early in the morning, with their riders all smiles. No Shane, but the guys rolled up, parked, and a few grabbed the women up in hugs. There were whoops, wolf whistles, and cheers, but I still sensed an underlying tension.
They’d started a bonfire, and now they were partying.
Guys were drinking, and some women hung over them. In some ways, it just looked like a typical family party. Music started, and I could smell weed.
I sat in a chair outside the barn, a few yards from the front door. Some of the guys headed in, giving me looks as they went, but no one approached or said anything to me. These were Shane’s guys. I’d come to know that. His charter was staying here.
A minute later, an older guy walked toward the house—maybe a few years older than me. Bald, dark skin, and he was all muscle. Kinda looked like a square box. He gave me a look before heading over.
He wasn’t handsome, but he was striking in a rough way.
“Ghost and Boise went to run an errand. He’ll be back later.” His eyes dropped to my hands. “Guys will be partying tonight. You want a drink?”
I nodded. “I can grab it, though.”
He gave a small shake of his head, already turning around. “I’ll get your drinks. Just give me a nod, and I’ll know to refill you. Be back.”
The sound of dirt scraping had me looking behind me, and my sister was there. She watched the guy leaving, her arms hugging her stomach. It was chilly so she had a flannel on, hanging low and almost covering her shorts. Her hair was free, blown back by a breeze, and her eyes were troubled. Or no… Somber.
I’d only seen that look on her a few times in my life, namely when Connor was convicted. Not when he was arrested, and not any of the days we went to court. Just the day of the sentencing—and one other day.
“He’s my man.”
She wasn’t looking at me, but I knew she was talking to me. I gave the guy a different appraisal.
There was an edge of danger to him, but that made sense. He was a biker, a Red Demon. All these guys wore it in the way they moved, how familiar they were with their weapons, their bikes, but mostly it was in their eyes. They would be violent, without a second thought, if the moment called for it. I knew there were others who wanted to be violent. But so far, none of those guys had come near me.
“I thought you were with that other guy?”
She turned, looking at me. After watching me for a beat, she started forward, holding a beer bottle by its neck. She sunk down in the chair next to me, bringing the beer up for a drink.
“He slept with a sweet butt.” She glanced at me. “That’s what they call the girls who sleep with anyone.”
I nodded, already knowing.
She turned to watch the bonfire and the main house again. “Machete came in when I was getting ready to do something stupid to Roadie and told me I was supposed to leave with him.”
That’s how most couples get together. “What were you going to do?”
“Something that probably would’ve gotten me killed.”
Candor from my sister. Also something I rarely received. I was pro Machete. He was a good influence on her.
He came back toward us now, holding a few beers in his hands.
She sighed. It was soft, but it was there.
I felt like a frozen animal at this point. Who was this person next to me and what had she done with my sister?
“I like him,” she breathed. “I like him a lot.”
That was sweet.
She turned to look my way, a hard glint in her eyes. “Don’t fuck with mine. I won’t fuck with yours.”
Never mind. I relaxed. There was my sister.
Machete was still coming our way.
I took the time to enjoy this moment. I smiled at my sister, leaned in, and said, “This feeling? Concerned? Knowing you deserve what you’ve sown in life, this fear from you—I’m loving it. I believe in karma, sister. Do you?”
Her eyes blazed hate. But the sound of footsteps over gravel got closer, then stopped. Machete stood watching us both. “Babe.”
Claudia was all smiles then, rising and moving into his arms. “Hi, baby.” She tipped her head back for his kiss, and they made out for a moment before she stepped back, her hand still on his chest. “How was your thing? You guys do what you needed to do?”
He studied her. His face didn’t move, but his scrutiny was making my sister uncomfortable.
She stepped fully away, straightening one of her sleeves and pulling the shirt tighter around herself. “You want to sit with us? This is my sister, Kali.”
Machete nodded to me, holding out one of the beers, but his eyes remained on my sister. “Pleased to meet you.”
I took the beer. “Thank you, and you as well.”
My sister folded back down into her chair.
That’s when he switched his gaze to me. He lifted the beers still in his hand. “Gonna put these in the fridge. Be back.” He was respectful to me, but as soon as he said those words, his gaze went right back to my sister.
She ignored his gaze. As he went inside, I saw her cheeks had flushed, and I started chuckling.
“Shut up.”
I laughed.
“Shut up!” she hissed, smacking my arm.
I laughed harder.
“You’re such a bitch.”
“Karma,” I said quietly. “Kar-ma. It’s a thing. Trust and believe, sister. Trust and believe.”
“I hate you.” She slumped down in her chair.
We heard male voices, and Machete returned with another guy. He was younger. I recognized him as being with Shane earlier. He gave us a nod before he took the empty seat on my other side.
“Up, woman.” Machete stopped before Claudia.
She stood.
He sat down, hooking an arm around her waist and pulling her to sit on his lap.
I was glued to this scene. The main house could’ve exploded, and I wouldn’t have stopped watching.
My sister was enamored with him.
They shared a look, holding a moment, before she ducked her head. Her mouth curved up in a faint smile, and her cheeks pinked again. She moved in, settling against his chest, and I swear, she looked so comfortable she could’ve fallen asleep.
“I’m Stripes,” came a voice behind me.
I had to force myself to look away. The guy on my other side was holding up his beer. We’d met before, but it didn’t hurt for another introduction.
I gave him a small smile, clinking his beer with mine. “Kali.”
He nodded and sat back.
Stripes seemed content to drink and watch the party. Machete was the same. Claudia was quiet , seemingly content to rest in Machete’s lap.
I was speechless.
There was nothing else to say.