Chapter 14
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
FREAK
Knowing how happy Ace will be with the news he’ll be seeing Toni again sooner than he expects, having woken early, I head over to Ma’s before Ace has to leave for school. Both their reactions are predictable.
My son is over the moon he’s going to see his aunt this coming weekend, his delight tempered a little by the disappointment that an extended stay over summer break will be delayed.
Ma isn’t so happy. She’s relieved it’s again only going to be for a couple of days, and that I’ll be there with him.
Why the fuck she can’t get over her issues – whatever they actually are – with Toni, I have no idea.
It has to be simply down to someone else intruding into our family unit that’s been established since I first brought Ace to her home.
She’s just going to have to get over it.
I’m really beginning to think that if things keep heading in the direction they’re going, it’s highly likely Toni will be moving to southern Arizona permanently and will be a fixture in our family.
Hopefully, Ma will soften and won’t prove to be the mother-in-law from hell.
When Ace leaves to get the bus, I decline the breakfast Ma offers to cook for me, knowing her generosity is only to give her another opportunity to warn me about Toni.
I’d listen to her if she had anything other to go on than intuition, but she doesn’t have any concrete argument that would stand up to scrutiny.
Making an excuse that I’ve got club business to attend to, I leave as soon as the door shuts behind Ace.
Then, mounting my motorcycle, I pause as I watch my son disappear up the road toward the bus stop, thinking how proud I am of him.
I know he believes school’s a waste of time, and to be honest, it probably is for a genius like him, but he understands he needs a well-rounded education to pursue his dreams. He’s no athlete and isn’t one to join in any clubs.
I’d once been so worried his studious nature might lead to him being bullied, I’d once discreetly turned up at his school to try and gauge how his counterparts treated him.
At letting-out time, I saw he was surrounded by a group of both boys and girls.
For a moment, I’d stiffened, my protective nature coming to the fore.
Then I realised they were treating him with reverence and respect, as easily seen by the way they were both talking to and listening to him.
That put another worry in my head, which led to a conversation between us later that night.
By then, I’d had years of working around his autism, and knowing the best way to communicate with him.
So I’d carefully broached the discussion, which ended with his promise that certain things were out of bounds, like hacking into the school’s systems and taking copies of examination papers, as was messing around with anything financial.
The last thing I wanted was a parent’s funds to be redistributed to their kid.
And yeah, that was already within his capabilities.
He was allowed to help them with cheats in their computer games, and that, as it turned out, was what he’d been doing.
I’d elicited his agreement that, were he to be asked anything else, he’d run it past Genie or Pippa first. That’s if he didn’t feel comfortable talking to me about it.
I hadn’t threatened him with removing his access to technology. Instead, I painted a dire picture of what it would be like if he were locked up in youth detention, and, due to the probable charges that would put him there, he wouldn’t be allowed access to computers.
It was as if I’d threatened to take away the air that he needs to breathe.
So far, he’s kept to the guidelines. And how do I know? Ace might have his faults, but being knowingly dishonest and lying to me isn’t one of them.
Yeah, fuck I’m proud of him. I don’t know what his future holds. I’d probably be more worried if Pippa hadn’t turned up at the club. Maybe she can’t completely curtail his hacking, but with her background, she can make sure he’s safe while doing it.
Ace has turned the corner out of sight, so I start my engine, kick down into gear, and roar out of Ma’s driveway, heading for the clubhouse. When I arrive, the smell lures me inside, to where the club girls are cooking, and breakfast is ready to be served.
Grinning, I step into the kitchen, knowing I couldn’t have timed it better. I load up a plate, go to sit, then see Bullseye walking in. I change direction and intercept him.
“Prez, can I have a word?”
He looks pointedly at my full plate. “In private?”
“Yeah.” The brothers will know soon enough, but first, I need to clear my upcoming absence with him.
“Wait until after I’ve fuckin’ eaten at least. Then we’ll talk.” I raise my chin. Yeah, that’s probably the best option. He might be more amenable on a full stomach.
I take a free seat that’s unfortunately beside Rattler. Trying to ignore him, I concentrate on loading my fork and lifting it to my mouth. As I eat, my mind reverts to the phone sex last night and the promise of the real thing in just two days’ time. I’m not given long to enjoy my daydream.
Instead, Rattler grins as he glances toward me. “You’re smiling, fucker. You got laid?”
Fuck. Maybe thinking about hearing Toni as she came last night wasn’t going to keep my expression stoic. “Shut it, Rat,” I growl.
“So who was it? Star?” He looks over to the club girl who’s turned as she hears her name. “Star, you fuck Freak?”
“No, she didn’t fuck me,” I answer for her tersely. “I was alone last night.” I can’t risk any rumours that might reach Toni’s ears if, or when, I get her to relocate.
Rat raises a brow. “Your hand must have gotten a fuckin’ good workout to put that expression on your face.”
“I’ll give my hand a fuckin’ workout when I rearrange your face,” I growl.
“Ooh.” He places his hand over his heart. “You wound me, Brother.”
I elbow him so hard he falls off his chair. “Leave me alone, Rat. Or you’ll really regret it.” I award him my best enforcer face.
“Shit, Bro, was only making conversation.”
“Stirring things up, more fuckin’ like.” Bullseye’s correctly read the tightening of my features and knows he’ll end up one member down if he doesn’t shut this shit down. “Haven’t you got somewhere you need to be, Rat?”
Rattler looks from me to Prez. Then he notices the glare Tempest is also giving him. “I can’t be assed with this.” He pushes his plate away and stands. “I was only talking, and you all pick on me.”
At that moment, Saint enters the room, one arm tightly around Pippa, who’s carrying Jade. They look like the perfect little family.
Rattler takes one look at them. “Oh, for fuck’s sake.”
Saint stiffens. “You got something to say, asshole?”
“He’s one step away from a beatdown,” I tell the VP.
“I’m out of here.” Rat turns heel and runs. Or, at least, he walks rather quickly to get out of the danger zone.
One day, he’s going to take it too far. And I’ll be the first in line to teach him a lesson.
Saint settles Pippa and Jade in Rat’s recently vacated seat. Now she’s someone I don’t mind talking to.
But I don’t get a chance, as while I’ve been dealing with my least favourite member, Bullseye’s emptied his plate. He stands, throws me a nod, and then disappears. Looking down at my mostly untouched breakfast, I reluctantly push back my chair and follow him out.
“I’m expecting a call,” he explains, as he goes around his desk and takes his seat behind it. “What do you want? I’ve probably got ten minutes. Is it trouble at the strip club?”
“Nah, it’s personal.” I remain standing. “I’m going back to Flagstaff this weekend.”
“No.”
“Yeah, Toni…” It takes a moment for my brain to catch up.
Did he say no? Perhaps he needs more detail.
“We’d planned that Ace was going at the start of the summer break, but Toni’s been assigned to some training course, so this weekend’s the only option for Ace to see his aunt again.
If he missed that, he won’t see her for weeks. ”
“Ain’t got a problem with that,” Bullseye states, leaning back and linking his hands behind his head. “But you going as well is out of the fuckin’ question.”
“Say what?” I take a step closer to the desk. “Prez, this is important to me. I’m hoping to persuade Toni to move down here to be with us. This isn’t casual. This is real.” It’s the first time I’ve admitted that out loud.
“If she’s the right woman, she’ll wait for you.
” His hands come back down to rest on the desk.
“The call I’m waiting on is from Pagan. Guns have started moving through the pipeline, and this weekend we’ll likely be shipping them over the border.
You’ve already agreed, you and Tempest will accompany this first run. ”
I had. And I’d had no objection. But at that time, I hadn’t realised it would interfere with me getting my dick wet.
My mouth opens and closes. The trial of our new route is important, vital to the club.
I can’t abandon club business. Not only that, but if I refused a direct order from my prez, without having a fucking good excuse, then I’d be risking my patch, or at least be demoted.
And I’d deserve the beatdown that would undoubtedly accompany either option.
Fuck. I turn around, take a step back to the door, and place my fist lightly on the wood.
“Freak, I’m sorry. But club comes first.”
“When’s the run?” I ask tersely, my back still turned toward him.
“That’s what the phone call is going to confirm.
But early Saturday morning sounds likely, about two a.m.” He sighs heavily.
“Look, Freak, I know you don’t want to disappoint your son, and you also have your own reasons for going north.
But I need you here.” He pauses, and I hear his fingers drumming on the desk. “You already told Ace your plans?”
I raise my head, then lower it.
“Fuck.” He wipes his hand over his face. “Look, I know Ace doesn’t adapt well when shit changes. How did it go last weekend? Would you consider driving him there, then leaving him with his aunt?”
My fist hits the door again, then I repeat the action. “I trust her with him.” I huff a strangled laugh. “Think she loves him as much as I do. And Ace would be over the moon having his aunt to himself. But Prez…”
“Freak, you already said you’re going. You know how important this is to the club.”
I swing around. “I fuckin’ know that.” Shaking my head, there’s no option but to capitulate. Then I think aloud, “I’ll take Ace out of school early, drive him up there, then come straight back. I’ll be here by midnight.”
His tension visibly seeping away, he chuckles softly.
“Someone else will have to drive the truck. You’ll be in no fit state after a ten-hour drive.
” He thinks for a moment. “I was thinking of assigning Woody to go with you and Tempest anyway.” I raise my chin.
Woody’s our road captain, so that fits. “Freak, I’m sorry.
But it’s already been agreed that this run is important to us. I need my best officers on it.”
My back straightens. “I can do it,” I tell him.
If Ace leaves at lunch break, I can be back in time as long as there’s a fair wind behind me.
It’s cutting it tight, I’ll just have to drop him and run.
Talking as much to myself as to him, I add, “I can return to Flagstaff after the run on Saturday.” I break off as I notice the way he’s looking at me.
He shakes his head. “I’ll have to move church because you won’t be here on Friday. It makes sense to have it on Saturday. I want you there for it, Freak. This is the first time we’ll have made this run. The brothers will want to unpick the details.”
“Tempest can do that,” I snap.
His eyes narrow at my tone. “I want you there,” he repeats. “I don’t want to have to explain to the brothers that you’re out chasing tail.”
Godfuckingdamnit! My expression must speak a multitude of words.
“Look, Freak, school’s out after next week, isn’t it?
” Without waiting for my nod, he continues, “When you go to pick Ace up, why don’t the two of you stay on?
It won’t hurt to take him out of his classes for the last few days.
” He blinks slowly. “Before Saint, I didn’t consider the club picking up ol’ ladies, but he’s shown it can work.
I don’t mean to get in the way of you and your woman, but the club’s got to come first. We can cover you at the strip club, but I won’t stand for you missing church, not unless you’re physically incapacitated, or on club business elsewhere. It doesn’t set a good example.”
Fuck it. My dick will have to wait a couple more days.
Toni had said she was heading off on the training course the following weekend.
It might work. Even though she’d probably be at the library during the daytime, we’ll have the nights together.
Ace and I can explore Flagstaff on our own.
Again, I raise my chin. “That would work, Prez. I’ll make some excuse to get Ace out of school.
His attendance has been good, and five days is well under the permitted absence.
I’ll also be sure to return by Friday so I can be at church.
” Just like that, I start looking forward to a few days off.
He raises his chin at my capitulation. “And for what it’s worth, I hope things work out between you and Ace’s aunt.
” He chuckles. “Though you’ll get your chain yanked about you keeping it in the family.
” I glare at him, but he continues, “She’d settle you, like Pippa’s done Saint.
You must have noticed how his rougher edges have been rounded. ”
“And that’s a good thing?” I frown. Is he suggesting that by making Toni mine, it would mean I’d grow soft?
But he doesn’t answer, as his phone rings. “Get out of here, Freak. And spread the word about the rescheduled church, will you?”