Chapter 21
CILLA
"Please come and assist me in the medical area, Cilla," Scalpel asks. I realize he's just trying to keep me busy, because let's be real, most of the brothers bear scratches, not actual wounds.
The fighting is over, and everyone is heading into church. I’ve been thoroughly kissed by Finger who I think was feeling the aftermath of all the tension he has been holding in.
Walking into the medical room, I frown at Brewer, who is sitting on the medical bed looking fresh as a daisy. He, however, has a middle-aged woman standing beside him, and you know it–she is dead.
“Brewer, why are you here?” I can’t help but ask.
*Why are you being a bitch to my nephew?*
“Oh, no. You didn’t just ask me that!”
*I sure did. You know he has been fighting and could have died*
“Well, you are already dead, so why are you here?” Yeah, I’m snippy.
Brewer and Scalpel are looking at me round-eyed and understanding the fact that someone is here.
I point at Brewer. “Your Aunt Viv is here, she’s jawing on me because I asked why you were here.
Now, let’s ignore her and see what is going on.
Scalpel, why are you standing there like a fool?
Demon has two cuts that I think may need a stitch or two. ”
Demon is standing near the sink and holding a rag over his upper arm and shoulder. “Thanks, Cilla. I reckon you're right, a couple of stitches will sort this out, but we need to get to church, so let’s move this along.”
I give Demon a bright smile and turn back to Brewer. “My Aunt Viv? She’s been dead for years. Why the fuck is she here now?”
“Why are you here?” I give Aunt Viv a hostile look because I want her gone.
*I have watched over my nephew for years. He is the only nephew I would ever have, and I want to watch out for him*
I relay the message to Brewer, who pinches the top of his nose. “Where exactly is she?”
I point to his Aunt Viv who perks up at the fact he wants to look her way.
But she deflates fast when he speaks. “Aunt Viv, it is kind of you to want to watch over me. But let’s be honest, there is nothing you can do to stop what fate intends.
So, move on with your death, go find what comes next. Love you, but you need to get gone.”
I pull my lips in to stop the giggle that wants to burst forth. The look on Viv’s face is funny as heck. She is really shocked that he doesn’t want her around. But the way he said it has her slowly disappearing. Dissolving, if you like. She has become see-through. Wow, I’ve never seen that before.
Bono, Pyro, and Tank appear and are watching intently, too. They are discussing something but not sharing what they are saying with me. When Viv disappears, they turn and look at me as though I’ve done something terrible!
“She’s gone, Brewer.” I don’t say another word. I get to the job of cleaning and covering the gash Brewer is sporting. He must feel the aura I have going on as he keeps his mouth firmly closed.
“Thank you, Cilla,” Brewer kisses my forehead, and skedaddles out of medical.
Demon has his stitches finished by Scalpel and gives me a hug as he leaves, murmuring that I’m a miracle and to keep up the good work.
I’m sure he’s referring to my ability, but I’m not going to ask if that thought is right.
I turn to Tread who has a gash on the back of his hand, and quickly get to work.
The next morning…
I’m packing the few things I have at the clubhouse, ready to leave now that all the danger has passed.
I check outside where I think they may have parked my truck but don’t see it.
I walk around the back of the clubhouse and smile to myself.
Here she is my old but reliable babe. Throwing my carryall into the truck, I quickly climb inside and head home.
Two hours later, I have the house looking like it’s lived in once more. The coffee machine is ready, and I have the list of groceries I need for the fridge and freezer. If Finger is true to his word about my being his old lady, he’ll be here later.
Picking up my phone, I send a text to Shelby informing her I’ll be back at work tomorrow. I am looking forward to getting back to work. After sending, I head out to the store to get the groceries, or we won’t be eating tonight.
Pushing my cart, which is now already half full, I stop when I see a man with his head half hanging off his neck. I sigh because honestly, they won’t even let me shop in peace.
I do my best to ignore what is happening and give a woman a smile as she gives me a questioning look.
Shit, I don’t want any more people thinking I’m crazy.
Taking a can of soup from the shelf, I do my utmost to look like I’m checking out the ingredients on the can, but I have one eye on the dead man.
Closing my eyes for a moment, I reach out to Bono. “Bono, get rid of him. I am shopping and I don’t want to do this here.”
*On it*
Placing the can back on the shelf, I turn my back on the dead man and wander down the aisle and up the next one. Taking my time, I admit. I look at every single thing on the shelves while I wait for Bono to come back to me.
The dead man appears again, with Bono alongside him, who is doing his best to talk him down and get rid of him. It’s not succeeding. He is staggering down the aisle towards me, holding onto his head, which I’m sure he’s scared will rip from his neck. Bono is chasing him, shouting and cursing.
“Pyro…” I whisper, but with urgency.
*Are you okay, Cilla?*
“Thank goodness, Pyro. Can you help Bono get rid of this man? He has his freaking head hanging off. I don’t want to get involved. Find out what he wants, please.”
*Leave it with me*
I watch as Pyro saunters up to Bono and the man and starts speaking. I look around and take a breath of relief when I see nobody is watching what I’m doing. I hustle around the next aisle, throw a few items into my cart and look up to check what is going on now.
A full-blown argument is happening. Tank has appeared and all three of my boys are shouting at the man.
Pyro must be fed up with it all as he sparks a flame and lights the sucker up.
My mouth must have fallen open at the sight because it takes only a few moments for the headless man–yeah, headless because Tank rips that off his shoulders at the same time Pyro has set him alight.
Oh my, the headless man is still talking.
What the everlovin’…that’s me done! I rush down the aisles, grabbing what I need, not looking in the direction of the drama.
I’ve paid for my groceries, and out of the store and into my truck in minutes.
Back home I sit at the kitchen table and hold my head in my hands. I’ve got to learn to block out people. This is getting tiring, and the dead people are popping up all the darn time.
Bono appears and gives me a sad look.
*It’s okay now, Cilla. He wanted you to fix his fuckin’ head. How he expected you to fix it I don’t know. Can you get the superglue or something! How about sewing it on? Stupid asshole, he was lit up and got rid of*
I sit staring at Bono with thoughts of how I was supposed to fix his head problem. Opening my mouth to ask how his head got in that state had me snapping my mouth shut. Honestly, I don’t want to know. It’s all too freaking weird for words.
The door opens and Finger strolls inside, carrying a rucksack, but he has a huge smile on his face when he sees me. Dropping the rucksack, he picks me up off the chair, takes the seat and plops me onto his thighs. Wrapping his arms around me he grins. “Okay, beauty, kiss me hello.”
You know what? I do, because it’s the best thing that has happened all day.
I kiss Finger as if it is the last thing that will happen in my lifetime.
Of course, one thing leads to another, and that kitchen table has its legs tested for strength and endurance.
I’m thankful that Bono knew well enough to skedaddle, too.
The evening is pleasant. We eat and settle in front of the TV before retiring to bed. But I have to admit the shower is interesting and takes far longer than normal. Normally I would not have Finger in the shower with me though.
The next morning, I am in the diner enjoying working once more. Regulars welcome me back, and most know what has been happening because of me helping the MC.
Shelby is behind the counter, and I am serving meals and filling coffee cups. Stopping for a moment at the counter I tell Shelby about the headless man, and we laugh at ideas of how to stick his head back onto his neck.
For the first time in my life, I feel welcomed and accepted.
Not just at the clubhouse by the brothers, but here by Shelby and the staff.
Brian, one of the cooks, keeps asking if I do requests, which has everyone else laughing.
He wants to speak to his father so much, but as I told him I can’t call the dead as they just appear.
Turning to serve I notice it is Avery and give her a bright smile. “Hi, Avery, are you good this morning?” I ask as I place a caramel latte in front of her. We all know that is her favorite drink when she comes into the diner.
“I am, thank you, Cilla.”
“Mind if I sit with you during my break?” I ask. Taking her by surprise, I’m sure.
Avery smiles. “That is great, Cilla. I’m very happy to sit with you.”
This is what makes me feel accepted. I’m sure everyone in town knows I’m the one that some call crazy, yet it doesn’t bother them, or stop them being kind to me.
We talk about things in general, and she tells me she’s taking a break from legal proofreading.
“I’m needing a step back. I’ve not had a break for two years and I feel like I’ve nothing left to give.
I know it wasn’t welcomed, but it was either the firm gave me the two months I needed to recharge, or I resigned. Well, I got the recharge time.”
“Everyone needs time out now and again, Avery. Two years is a long time not to have a break. There is no wonder you are tired.” I pat her hand, then look up when the door opens. Bull walks into the diner and promptly takes a seat next to me but opposite Avery.
“Hi, Avery, Cilla. I wanted to discuss something with you if you have a few minutes.” Bull directs this towards Avery.
“Do you need me to leave?” I ask while looking at Bull.
Bull shakes his head, “No, it’s fine. I want to ask you about your clothing store, Avery.”
“What about it?” Avery replies with a frown.
“The club has been interested in Lulu’s place. You know that Scribe has been using it as a tattoo shop. Well, she’s selling the place but asking far too much for it. We would like to rent your place and move the shop even if temporarily. We’ll do all the work, of course.”
Avery studies Bull for a moment, then smiles. “Do you deal with the financial side of this, Bull?”
“Well, no, that’s Coin’s job,” Bull replies, and I think I have an idea where this is going and decide to help Avery out.
“Avery, would you consider selling your building to the club?” I ask and see Bull stiffen at my question.
“That building has been standing empty for two years. I purchased it to create a legal editing and proofreading company, but after the purchase it was too much to do all the alterations. So, when Gianna asked me if she could rent it as a clothing store, I said yes. I’ve not recovered the cost of the building at this point.
To answer your question, Cilla, yes, I would consider selling to the MC. ”
“Okay, can I get back to you? Or better still, ask Coin to contact you about the building?” Bull asks, while having a look on his face that tells me he really likes the idea.
“You know this would put Lulu’s nose out of joint, but it would serve her right as she is asking way too much for that building.
Greed is a powerful and consuming force that can drive individuals to act selfishly. ”
Avery and I gape at Bull when he said the latter and, of course, I cannot resist. “Bull, did you swallow a thesaurus this morning?”
Avery giggles, and Bull throws an arm around my neck and gives me a noogie while laughing.
Not long after, Bull disappears as he has to get back to the recovery office, and I get back to work. Avery ambles over to the library where she’s going to look for MC romance books.