Chapter 5
Rooster
My mind raced as we rode. We thought the Hellbound Heathens had disbanded but those cuts proved otherwise.
Lots of clubs had the devil logo but I got a good look at the rocker and it said Hellbound Heathens Cincinnati.
What the fuck was a Cincy chapter doing out here?
Better yet, since when was there any other chapter of the Hellbound Heathens?
Falcon would be filling Hawk in once we got to this ranch and he’d get with Petrov.
Surely he’d know or be able to find out something.
And we’d have to get with our other chapters.
On top of the shit with the Heathens resurfacing, I was still reeling that Sparrow had her arms wrapped tightly around me and the heat between her thighs against me.
She’d ridden with me before, but not on this Harley.
My old one wasn’t much, but it got me from Georgia to Jersey to visit her between runs.
I didn’t have my bike for those runs since back then I was a newbie earning my keep and had to man the truck.
I never got rid of that bike, but I hadn’t ridden it in years.
The ride from the bar to the ranch was hours, but went by too fast. Any amount of time I had with her always did.
As we headed north, the state started to look a lot like home with lush trees and dipping temps.
The chilly night air caressed my skin, but it did nothing to cool the heat that radiated throughout me from having Sparrow so close.
My heart sank as we pulled down a long driveway lined with a fence, with a large, round sign hanging high that read Jersey Iron Ranch. I could only imagine after our reunion in the bar, she wouldn’t be keen on spending much time catching up.
After another short ride, a house came into view. Lights shined through several windows on both floors, in what looked to be different rooms. Two men were standing on the porch, and slowly walked down as we pulled up near the large staircase.
I parked the bike, then held my hand out. Sparrow peeled her arms from around me and grabbed my hand, her heat leaving my back cold against the night air. Once she was on two feet, she fumbled with the clasp of the strap on the helmet.
Climbing from the bike and pulling my own helmet off, I stepped closer. “May I?”
She nodded, glaring at me as I helped unsnap the strap. I lifted the helmet off her head and she ruffled her hair with both hands. “Where are we?”
Looking over my shoulder, Falcon was introducing himself to our contact. “Some friends we gotta help out.”
“I’m going to speak to Bit and figure out where we go from here.”
I grabbed her wrist and she whipped around, her hazel eyes cutting through me.
“You can’t go home until we deal with those guys. You were right to think they’re bad news.”
She jerked her arm away. “You aren’t seriously explaining that kidnapping us is supposed to be okay? You’re lucky I didn’t call the cops.”
Falcon called me over. “Hey, come meet Sawyer and Alex.”
Sparrow scoffed. “Friends, huh? Should’ve known. Bit!” she yelled as he walked toward the truck.
Heading over to the porch, I handed the helmet to Falcon. He grabbed it then said, “Don’t be shy now. Sawyer, this is Rooster.”
I stuck my hand out and the man, probably close to thirty-something, shook it.
“Sawyer DeWitt. This is Diego. He works the ranch with me and his uncle, Alex.” He looked over our shoulders. “I was expecting you, but didn’t know there’d be extras.”
Falcon interjected. “Helping an old friend. They won’t be trouble but if they can hang around while we get this run made, it would help us out a lot.”
Sawyer’s gaze lingered, so I looked back. I couldn’t tell if he was checking out Bit or Sparrow.
“There’s room. Angie, my housekeeper, will get them settled.”
The women were standing by the truck, talking. Bit seemed calmer, but Sparrow was waving those hands as she spoke. She was pissed.
“Come inside if you want to. Angie will show you where to go,” Sawyer called over.
Sparrow finally stopped her rant, and Bit threaded their arms together and smiled sweetly as she looked around in awe. Sparrow’s lips were in a thin line as the women passed me.
We filed behind them as they were instructed to head in first. An older man and a woman appeared.
Sawyer held his hand up in their direction. “Angie, we got company.”
Angie smiled widely. “Hello, come inside. Can I get you something to eat or drink?”
Falcon shook his head. “I think we’re good for now, but thank you.”
Clearing my throat, I said, “Sorry to be direct, but these ladies may need something to sleep in, possibly a change of clothes for tomorrow.”
Falcon whipped his head over, eyes wide. I stared at him until he finally looked back at Sawyer and said, “Yeah, funny story, and I’m sure Rooster will be happy to fill you in. Maybe there’s somewhere we can go to catch up while the ladies get settled?”
Angie waved to Sparrow and Bit. “Of course, come with me. We’ll get you situated.”
Sparrow shot me a look; a mix between irritation and desperation.
“I’ll find you in a while,” I said.
Her shoulders relaxed, but she jutted her chin out and followed Angie.
Sawyer led us to the sitting area and told us to make ourselves comfortable.
“Look, I know I’m the one who asked for your expertise for my situation, but what’s the deal with the women?” Sawyer asked.
Falcon leaned back in his seat and grinned over at me. Rolling my eyes, I explained. “Sp–Kristie is an old friend. Bit’s her cousin.”
“Bit?” Sawyer asked.
Nodding, I said, “Short for Elisabeth. Anyway, we stopped to eat and we ran into them. I was having a word with Sp–Kristie,” I corrected again, “when we heard Bit having an issue with a man. I was gonna just separate them, but…” I looked over to Falcon for some interference.
Falcon leaned his elbows on his knees. “He and a few guys with him were wearing colors for a rival club. One we thought was disbanded. They’re bad news.”
“And Sp–Kristie said they’d seen him before. Because of what they’re mixed up in, we couldn’t leave the women or let them go home. Not until we do some recon on these guys.”
Sawyer nodded slowly. “Were you followed?”
Falcon answered, “No. We hightailed it out of there while the place was in chaos. We’ll take them with us after we’ve done our job for you, but appreciate you letting them wait here.”
“They’ll be safe here,” Sawyer said. “Now, the delivery needs to get to its final destination by the end of week. That’s why I need your help. My guys won’t be here in time. So, we’ll head out the day after tomorrow if that’s okay with you.”
“So we’re delivering cows?” Falcon asked.
Sawyer grinned. “I’m what you’d call a genetic supplier. In other words, I raise seed bulls. Sure, I have some beef cattle for local markets, but the real money is in bull jizz. Of course, technically we’re hauling semen straws… frozen bull jizz.”
“So we’re helping you haul cow spluge?” Squatch chuckled.
“Bulls. Champion bulls.” Sawyer said.
“Can I ask why you need help hauling them?” Falcon questioned.
Sawyer went on to explain how expensive this bull jizz was and that there’s plenty of competition.
“Like with any other business, there’s friendly competition and not-so-friendly competition.
I’ve had smaller shipments hijacked and this delivery is for a major account.
If it doesn’t get there? I’m fucked. That’s where you come in. ”
“Any idea what to look out for?” Falcon asked.
Sawyer said, “The other hits were smash and grabs. Fucking bikers, busted up my rigs, stole or trashed what was inside, rendering it useless.” He held up a hand. “No offense. I was told you guys are solid.”
Falcon smiled. “None taken. But are you expecting the need for force then, or you just need an escort?”
“Hopefully, just an escort. But I can’t promise no violence,” Sawyer asked.
“No problem,” Falcon said.
“Let’s talk payment. Money is tight. All tied up with the ranch right now, but I can offer some beef next time you’re up this way.”
“The deal is with Petrov, but I’m happy to take some steaks off your hands. We head to Jersey fairly often,” Falcon said.
Sawyer stood. “Sounds like we’re set. Let me show you to the bunks.”
After a short walk to a side house with bunks and a small kitchen, Sawyer invited us to anything in the fridge, but told us to head to the main house in the morning for breakfast and said he’d go over the final plan and details afterwards.
“Excuse me, Sawyer,” I said as I followed him out of the bunk house. It was dark out but there were lights scattered around the ranch, illuminating the grounds. He stopped and turned, so I continued, “Can I go check on the ladies?”
Sawyer nodded. “Angie probably has them set up in the guest room. I’ll walk you up.” We were getting closer to the front porch when he asked, “These women. They yours?”
“Ours?”
“Spoken for?” he asked.
“Who you asking about?”
“The one you called Bit.”
“I don’t believe so, but you should ask her. I honestly haven’t seen them in a while.”
“Good to know. And just so we’re clear, I’m not a fucking creep. Just don’t wanna step on toes.”
“I appreciate you checking, but no. Bit was never on my radar.”
He stopped and faced me. “So, it’s the other one. Kristie right?”
Nodding, I said, “Right. But that was a long time ago.”
He nodded, but didn’t press further. Instead, he just led me inside to go find her.