Chapter Fourteen
Homicide
O VER THE LAST few days I have been working, went on a short run for Rooster to pick up some parts he needed for the garage, and have been dodging Brenda every chance I get. When I’m at the clubhouse, I don’t really hang out in the common room because she’s there waiting to pounce and stake her claim once again. A claim she has no business trying to stake for any reason. I have never given her an idea that I’m interested in her or anything she wants to give me. My time is spent pushing her away, ignoring her advances, and running from her. That’s not how I want to be at the clubhouse. I’d rather come in, relax with a cold beer, and hang out with the guys. With Brenda around, that doesn’t happen because she’s a fucking vulture.
My mind is constantly on Melissa and our kids. I wonder what they’re doing, how things are going, if she needs help, and what Melissa is doing while the kids nap or are in bed for the night. Everything under the sun flies through my mind when it comes to my family. One I didn’t know about but want more than anything. Then, there’s Jace. I know there’s nothing sexual between Melissa and him, but I’m jealous of the time he gets to spend with them on a daily basis. He helps with my kids, spends time with Melissa, and has her trust. With one decision from a stupid bitch, any trust I had with my girl is gone.
Melissa doesn’t give her trust to others easily. She learned the hard way growing up everyone has an agenda. At least most people do. The kids we went to school with treated her like shit because of her affiliation with her father’s club. The guys thought she was an easy lay and could help her gain access to the men of the club. All the girls in our school wanted an in with the guys so they could fuck them on a regular basis. Not a single one of them, male or female, wanted to hang out with Melissa because of the girl she was. They only wanted something from her and refused to be nice once she refused. My girl was bullied more often than not and didn’t do a thing about it.
Oaklynn sure as hell did though. She was in more than one fight on Melissa’s behalf because of the asshole bullying her. I’m glad my girl has had someone like Oaklynn in her life. It was hard watching her navigate our senior year without her best friend. When Oaklynn left after her parents died in an accident, Melissa lost a piece of her soul. Her ride or die was taken away and her circle became only me. I was the one she turned to for everything. While I didn’t mind, there wasn’t a lot I could do to stop the other girls from bullying her.
Jace has also been gone more often than not over the last few days. He’s only at the clubhouse for church, to sleep, and he’s at work. When he’s not needed around here or at the shop, Jace is missing in action. I know where he is. Everyone does. He’s with Melissa and the kids. My kids. I can’t even say anything to him about it because she needs someone on her side completely. Jace is giving her something I can’t right now and I’m glad he is. As long as he doesn’t cross a line, we won’t have a problem.
“Homicide, what the fuck are you doin’ here?” Omen asks, walking up to me as I sit at the bar in the common room.
Omen is the Treasurer of the club and Rooster’s son. He didn’t want anything to do with becoming the future President and Rooster fully supported him on that decision. When I joined, Omen was one of the first guys to try and get to know me. We hung out, he showed me around town, and made sure I didn’t get lost in my head on a daily basis. We’ve become close since I joined and he’s my best friend. Jace is a close second, but Omen has had my back for a while now and would do anything for me. Including giving me a swift kick in the ass when it’s needed.
“I’m havin’ a drink now because we all know I won’t be out here in an hour or two when that bitch shows up,” I mutter, staring down at the bottle of beer in my hand.
“Yeah, Brenda has somethin’ wrong with her. I don’t know what the fuck her fixation with you is, but I’m sure it has to do with you bein’ the Enforcer and not fuckin’ the rest of the Slayer Slits. Those bitches talk and everyone knows you’ve never touched a single one of them since you got here,” Omen says, taking a seat next to me and gesturing to Robbie, one of our Prospects, for a beer of his own. “What I meant though is why you aren’t tryin’ to spend time with your girl and kids. They’re cute as fuck and I’d be spendin’ as much time with them as I could. Not that I want kids. Or a woman to call my own.”
“Melissa isn’t speakin’ to me right now. Couldn’t even tell me that. Jace told me I need to figure out my shit with Brenda before I even attempt to see Melissa. There’s nothin’ to figure out with Brenda though. She’s a jealous bitch who thinks she has some sort of claim on me for reasons I don’t understand or care to understand. Melissa is the only one I want and I’m tryin’ not to push her so she leaves or simply cuts me out for good. Trust me, I’d rather be with them than here any day of the week,” I answer my best friend as I don’t pay attention to anyone coming or going from the clubhouse.
“So, I’m nothing but a jealous bitch?” Brenda sneers from behind me. “Homicide, you’re mine and I don’t know what it’s gonna take for you to realize that fact, but it better happen fast. There’s nothing to figure out with me because I’m gonna be your ol’ lady. I’ll give you all the kids you want. As long as you hire a nanny to take care of them. Maybe we can use a surrogate or something so I don’t get fat. The sooner you realize we’re together, the easier your life will be. Let Jace have that stupid bitch and play Daddy to your kids. You don’t need them in your life when you have me.”
“Excuse me,” I bark, turning around to face the stupid bitch. “I’m not your man and you will never be my ol’ lady. I wouldn’t touch you with a hundred foot pole and Robbie’s cock. You’re a manipulative bitch who only gives a fuck about material things. Just the way you’re talkin’ about kids tells me all I need to know about you. Melissa would never let someone else raise her children. Children I have with her. She’s full of light, love, and everythin’ good. You’re nothin’ more than a vile piece of shit who won’t ever come near me again.”
Brenda attempts to step closer to me, her hand already outstretched as if she’s going to touch me. I’m stuck between her and the bar with nowhere to go. Until Omen steps in. If there’s one person here she’s afraid of, besides Marie, it’s my best friend.
“You’ve caused enough damage here, Brenda. I suggest you leave here now. We’re all sick of your shit and ready to boot your ass for good. One more slip from you after this incident and you’re out for life. No other chapter, support club, or anyone we associate will go near you. Do you fuckin’ understand me?” Omen growls out, his voice almost echoing in the abandoned common room.
“You can’t kick me out,” Brenda states as if she has a leg to stand on. “Homicide won’t let you.”
“Not only will I let them kick your ass out and ban you permanently, but I’ll hold the door while you leave. Then, I’ll organize the party we hold in honor of never havin’ to deal with your skank ass again. I don’t know what it’s gonna take for you to get this shit through you’re thick head, but I won’t ever claim you as my ol’ lady. One person will get that from me. And you won’t ever come close to bein’ her,” I state, laughter filling my voice at the audacity of this bitch. To believe I’m going to do anything to save her pathetic ass.
“What does that whore have that I don’t?” Brenda questions me as if she has a right to.
“That’s enough!” Rooster yells, walking in the common room from his office. “Brenda, you can leave. Now! I don’t want to see your ass here for a week at least. Take that time to evaluate how you want to continue on with this situation. Homicide has made it known he doesn’t want you on multiple occasions. We’re all tired of your bullshit. I see you in here before a week is up, and I won’t put you bein’ kicked out to a vote. I’ll let Marie handle the situation like she’s wanted for the last month.”
Brenda doesn’t wait around or say another word. When Rooster says something, everyone listens to him. Especially the Slayer Slits. They don’t want to get on his bad side because then they have to deal with Marie. Marie can be scary as fuck when she’s pissed. I’ve seen it first hand and heard the stories about her beating the shit out of the girls who think it’s okay to hit on her man. They don’t last long here and Marie makes sure to spread far and wide how devious the bitches can be and makes sure no other club will touch them or let them through the doors. Those girls end up having to leave Frostford and they’re never heard from again.
“Thanks, Rooster,” I say, draining the last of my beer.
“Get the fuck outta here, Homicide. Go see your kids and find out what’s goin’ on with your ol’ lady. Pretty sure Jace is at her house right now. His bike’s parked there,” Rooster informs me, knowing the situation between Melissa and Jace as well as I do.
Rooster is a good President. He pulled Jace and I in his office to make sure there was no drama between us. If there’s one thing Rooster can’t stand, it’s the men fighting over a woman. Jace made sure to tell him they’re only friends and that he doesn’t feel that way for my girl. He respects me more than enough not to even think about approaching Melissa for anything other than friendship. Right now, he’s the only one she’ll let close to her and the kids so he’s going to make sure to keep an eye on her. I’m good with it because I trust Jace with my family. Plus, he’s there to make sure Mad Dog doesn’t get close to her and Brenda doesn’t try to pull any shit. I wouldn’t put it past her to try and do something more to create chaos. The bitch thrives in chaos and I don’t. I can’t stand it and neither can Melissa.
***
I ’ve showered and made sure Brenda was long gone before heading to Melissa’s house. I want to see the kids and spend time with my girl. That’s all I’ve wanted for years and now that she’s here, I don’t know what the fuck to do. Without doing a damn thing, everything between us seems strained and fucked up. I blame Brenda, but I’m sure there’s something I could have done to make sure she left me the hell alone. More than what I’ve been doing since she first started paying me attention. I thought ignoring her would get my point across, but I was wrong. Now, I have no clue what’s going through Melissa’s head.
Getting on my bike, I take off without hesitation. Nervous energy fills me. I’ve never been nervous around Melissa once since I first saw her. Now, I’m worried I’ll say or do the wrong thing and she’ll leave Frostford. There’s nothing holding her here if I’m being honest. Yeah, I’m here, but it doesn’t mean she has to stay here because I am. I can travel to see the kids wherever she goes. I’ll do whatever she needs me to do while we both wrap our heads around everything that’s happened and the thoughts we had for the last few years. Especially her believing I was dead for so long.
Pulling up a few minutes later to Melissa’s cottage, I park next to Jace’s bike and shut the engine off quickly. If the kids are sleeping, I don’t want to wake them up with how loud my bike is. Getting off my bike, I make my way to the front door. Melissa has done a lot to the small yard. She’s planted some flowers along the front of the house and everything is clean and pristine. It doesn’t surprise me in the least to see her making this place a real home for herself. It’s what she’s always wanted.
Knocking on the door, I look up and down the street to see what kind of neighbors she has. There are now two bikes parked in her driveway and most everyone in town knows who the members of the club are for one reason or another. I know there are people home right now, yet no one is looking to check on a single woman with two young children. It’s a good thing we’re not far from the clubhouse. None of these people would help her if Mad Dog, or anyone else, happened to show up.
“Homicide. What are you doin’ here?” Jace asks, opening the door of Melissa’s house.
“I came to see Melissa and the kids. Her car’s here, isn’t she home?” I return, wondering why Jace isn’t letting me in the house.
“She’s here. The kids are sleepin’ and Melissa’s workin’. She’s on a deadline for a project and can’t be disturbed right now. She hit her zone and wouldn’t hear you anyway. I’m surprised you can’t hear the music she’s blarin’ out here,” Jace informs me with a smile on his face.
“Okay. Do you know what the fuck is goin’ on here? You know Brenda means nothin’ to me and I’ve never touched her. How the fuck am I supposed to tell Melissa that if she won’t see me? Or talk to me?”
“I don’t know. She needs some time. Everything that happened over the last few days has worn her out. Learnin’ her mom is from here, that there might be more to her death than what she’s been told her entire life, and actually seein’ you in person for the first time in a few years. Then, Brenda pullin’ that shit and her head is a jumbled mess,” Jace tells me.
“I know. How did this shit get so fucked up so quickly?” I question him, not sure if he has any answers for me on this one.
“Brenda. I blame her for most of the mess goin’ on in Melissa’s head. The way Brenda was claimin’ you in the clubhouse the other day told a different story than what you were tellin’ her. Plus, I’ve tried to talk to her, but it doesn’t line up with what Brenda portrayed there. It didn’t help you didn’t come out after her either,” Jace states, his voice low so Melissa doesn’t hear him talking to me about this if she comes out of her office.
“I couldn’t. Brenda fuckin’ grabbed my legs. It was hurt her to get to Melissa, or wait for the guys to pry me from her grip. You know I don’t hurt women for any reason,” I growl, my frustration and anger rising with every word.
“I know. I’m just sayin’ it only fed into the narrative Brenda fed her.”
“Tell her I stopped by. I’ll try again tomorrow when I get out of work. Give her my number, Jace. I want her to be able to reach out to me.”
“I will.”
Getting back on my bike, I don’t head for the clubhouse. There’s nothing there for me. Instead, I go for a long ride to clear my head and try to come up with some sort of game plan. One way or another, I’m going to get my girl back. The four of us will be a family and I will have Melissa at my side. I’ll be the one in her home, bed, and spending all of my time with.