CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
-:- RUGER -:-
Sitting in church, I wait for Axel to give us whatever information he can. Colton is sitting quietly next to me and I turn slowly to look at him before asking. “Why are you so calm? Normally you’d be pacing around, asking for action.”
Grinning, Colton replies. “Well, let’s see, before I was always wanting something, not sure what. But, you know, it had me on edge all the time. Now that I have Nyx I have what I was needing, and now I’m just settled and ready to get back to my woman.”
“So, you're not going to be fighting anymore?”
“Nope. We got rid of the underground fighting, and we’re going to keep it gone. But I’ll be fighting on Sunday when we train, and I’ll keep evenings free twice a week. If you want to join me for training and maybe a fight or two here, then I’m up for it,” Colton smirks.
Now, I’m nobody’s fool, and I’m not getting hooked into fighting with Colton because he’s a mean fucker, and I like the way I look.
I also like my arms and legs to work perfectly, too.
They really do not want or need any splints on them.
“Nope. I’m good, but thanks for the offer.
” I quickly turn to look forward, fold my arms across my chest and hope Axel isn’t going to be long.
It is probably twenty minutes before Axel arrives along with Drag, Buzz and Wings. They look unconcerned, so that’s good to note. I relax further back in my seat ready for what comes next, as does everyone else, but most are sitting forward, eager to hear what Axel has to say.
“Okay, brothers, I’m not going to waste time.
Vitale has taken all the crap from the compound, and I mean all the assholes that were hired, or working under Mr. Anderson.
He’s in the wind at the moment, but I’m positive Vitale will find him.
I’m happy that we won’t be getting involved in more of this.
” Axel leans back in his seat and looks at Drag who leans forward, gaining everyone’s attention.
“What we know so far,” Drag rubs his hand down the back of his neck, which I think we all know is his sign that he is stressed, or ready to blow with a temper-tantrum.
“Vitale knows the safe houses Anderson has thanks to one of his informants. That takes him out of our territory, but onto the edge of Vitale’s.
That gives him the right in our world, and the mafia world to go after him, and take him out.
Sending his men here was Anderson’s way of intimidating us, and all that has done has gotten his men killed or injured, and maybe some will soon be dead. ”
We all sit up a little straighter knowing that if Vitale is going on the warpath, it’s going to be interesting to observe. Nell and her crew are going to be watched by us I’m sure, because if Nell gets involved she may need backup, and we will give that without thinking twice on the matter.
Forest speaks, gaining everyone’s attention.
“I’ll make sure nothing gets through anywhere.
But what I’ve gathered from speaking with Nell and two of the assholes in her cells, is Anderson thought he was going to make it big.
To be a big-time distributor, make millions of dollars from other people’s deaths.
What he didn’t count on was a good guy like Mr. Stoker taking offense at his child's death, and wanting retribution.”
“Fucker needs finding and taking out,” Dice snarls, and Clay slaps his back while nodding in agreement.
“Well, I’m sure he will be dead soon because Nell tells me Vitale has every one of his made men out searching for him.
Nell herself is starving the gators as she has plenty of fresh meat for them once this bastard is found.
” Forest rubs his chin, then smirks. “Nell also tells me Vitale wants Anderson to see his men with Jaws and the others, right before he’s thrown into the gator pool. Alive of course.”
I don’t even try to hold back the chuckle because honestly, that has got to be one scary-ass death. “Nell and Vitale are a pair if you ask me. They should get together…it’s been too long.” I look around at my brothers, and they are all nodding in agreement.
“As far as we are concerned it’s done. Vitale will find him, and Nell will administer the justice. We can sit back and wait. Stitch, how is Stoker doing?” Axel turns and looks at Stitch for an answer.
“He’s okay. He’ll be waking up in another hour. I’ll make sure he has pain meds and take him home if it’s going to be safe. I’ll inform you once he wakes, Pres.” Stitch replies, and calling Axel Pres is expected in church.
“Okay, everyone stay alert but back to normal duties.” Axel slams the gavel down, and we all wander out of church.
Penny has gone to work, and has Holt on her security duty today.
I’m good with that as he’s more than capable of keeping her safe.
Walking into the kitchen with Colton right behind me, I stop as I see Nyx and Arabella.
“What are you doing here?” I ask as they are normally at the ladie’s house at this time.
“Well, this job is getting very weird.” Nyx states and looks at Colton with so much love in her eyes, it really is great to see, and if anyone deserves that, Colton does.
Nyx continues. “I’m supposed to work at their home, you know cleaning, cooking, blah, blah.
I do days out and all that, but these four wanted to come here.
Apparently, Star invited them to come and play.
Hence, we are here. I’m not sure Heather and Alf will be happy with this? I hope I don’t lose my job.”
“No, you won’t. You are still with the ladies and doing your thing.
You drive them wherever they want to go, Nyx.
They are happy, have something to aim for daily.
The difference I’ve seen in them since you started working for them is staggering.
Alf and I are more than happy, Nyx. Now where are the she-devils? ” Heather asks.
Nyx grins, “Outside with Star and Meat, and Heather you don’t want to know.”
Now she’s said that Heather, Colton and I head outside, walking toward the treehouse when we hear squeals of laughter. Well, if I’m honest, more like peals of laughter, and lots of it. But what I did not expect to see was an old woman zip lining…they have no fear!
Colton mutters curses under his breath as we watch Joan screaming with delight, legs akimbo, and thank fuck she has pants on and not a skirt, because I would have to bleach my eyeballs if I saw up an old woman’s skirt, with her legs spread.
I give a small heave at the thought and rub my sternum to settle it down.
Colton slaps my shoulder and smirks. “Yeah, I know,” is all he says, but I can see he knows where my thoughts went.
Jack, however, is running around shouting for them to get down and behave like old folk should. Much to Star and the old folks' amusement I can tell you. Tina flicks Jack the middle finger, and Meat’s deep chortle can be heard.
I turn around and get the hell out of here because I’ve got work to do at the security company.
Bones wants me to look at some security camera video he has.
He thinks he’s seen Rosemarie, but he’s not sure as he said it’s not that clear.
Well, I’ll look but not saying I can tell any better than he can.
As I’m walking away, I can hear Jack asking how to contain the women because they are not listening to a word he says.
Looking over my shoulder, I see Amelia with a huge smile on her face, mischief twinkling in her eye.
Yeah, she’s got Jack on a string, and with Nyx’s four as well as the Three Stooges he has more than he can cope with I’m sure.
If it weren’t so damn funny I’d feel sorry for him.
Four hours later, I’m back from the security company. I’ve seen Penny, and cornered her in the office, which was interesting to say the least. Well, until Everlee walked in, and stopped in shock when seeing Penny pinned to the wall and me kissing the shit out of her.
Bones informed me the house sale is done, and he’s waiting for the paperwork to be completed before he gets the keys.
He reckons three weeks, so that’s good. I’ve put my hat in the mix to help him move in if he needs it.
Arrow has his house progressing and is happy with how things are going, so that leaves Lincoln who is moving back into his place, as I’m not taking any more risks with Penny and Punkin.
I have replaced the kitchen window with bulletproof glass, which Lincoln thought was going too far, but he looked impressed when it was completed, nonetheless.
Harris informed me that my house build is going as planned, and with the extra teams he has working it will be finished faster than expected.
I’m excited as I’ll be able to have Penny and Punkin entirely by myself, and I can’t wait.
But before that can happen we need furniture, and a lot of furniture, as I want new throughout the place.
In fact, I’m not embarrassed to admit I’m looking forward to shopping.
Once back at the clubhouse again, I park my girl and give her a look over. She needs a wash, and maybe I’ll find time later today to do that? Shaking my head to loosen the tension in the back of my neck as I step into the common room, I stop and try to comprehend what I’m seeing!
“Hi, Ruger,” Amelia says calmly as she walks past me with a shopping cart. The cart is full of weaponry. Knives, guns, machetes, swords, bows, crossbows, and a baseball bat.
Jack rushes into the common room, shouting at Amelia. “WHERE DID YOU GET ALL THAT? PUT IT BACK.”
Amelia however taps his cheek with the tips of the fingers on her right hand and beams a smile. “It’s okay, Jack. Everything is as it should be.”
Jack throws himself into the nearest chair and holds his head in his hands, and mutters something about Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and just crazy people.
I chuckle as I pass him and head to Specs' office where I want to check everything is set for the wedding, regarding the clubhouse setup.
After that, I need to speak with TwoCents about the payment for the house build.
When both of those chores are completed, and I’m happy there are no issues with the clubhouse or compound for the wedding I relax. It is clear Mia has everything under control, and Penny is working with Mia to get what she wants.
Walking back into the common room I stop and lean against the bar because Axel is listening to Jack, and he has amusement on his face, which of course, has everyone in the common room watching.
“I resign…I can’t do this. It’s too hard to keep up with them.
They’re all fuckin’ crazy, you know that don’t you?
They have weapons all over the clubhouse.
Kitchen, in the pantry, store cabinet, even a knife in the freezer.
Then you have the half baths where they hide weapons.
They have them in the toilet tank, inside the vanity units, and I found a small taser inside the stock of toilet paper.
I can’t do this. I need to resign and move out of town. ”
It's not often we hear Axel laugh, and I mean really loud with everything he has. But if you’ve ever watched a movie where the characters' laughter starts low and slow, building to a loud rumbly laugh, then that’s Axel.
That is exactly what he does now. He ends with his hands on his knees, head down, and snorts.
Jack however, is sitting and watching with shock written all over his face.
Drag, slaps Axel on the back, and looks at Jack. “Kid, this is just the beginning. Get used to it and get on with it. You’re not leaving here, and you’re not leaving town. You are going to climb this mountain and win, and then you’re gonna be a brother of the club.”
Jack slowly rises to his feet. Gives Drag a look that I’m not sure I understand, but he follows Amelia who has skedaddled out to the hallway and offices. Maybe he’ll beat them at their own game, but somehow I doubt it.
Axel wipes his eyes where tears have formed with the laughter, then he mutters. “I’m fuckin’ glad all these women were not here when I was a prospect because honestly, I’m sure I’d have said fuck it and left.”
Buzz smirks and then asks. “When did the club become an old women’s club? You know the clubhouse has been overrun by women as brothers have gotten themselves women. But these oldies are taking over. You know, Pres, you’re gonna have to watch yourself, or they’ll have your job and title next.”
That stops the laughter that was written on Axel’s face, and I watch as he storms out of the common room shouting for Mia. We all can’t stop the laughter at his retreating back, but I move quickly when Axel turns and glares at us all.