Chapter Three.
Grace
I was beside myself when I got the girls back. I couldn’t believe Angela had lost them and then, instead of calling the cops or me, just went home. Appalled wasn’t the word for what I felt, but I would be ringing the police later and making a report. How lucky was I that the guy next door had been pretty decent and taken my kids in?
Even so, I was still suspicious. Savage was a biker, after all.
But Isla and Harper had told me he’d fed them and given them drinks and ice cream. Harper explained quietly that Savage (what type of name was that?) had shown her his cameras, showing them that they were safe.
When Phoe had explained what had happened to the girls, I was livid, and after speaking to them, I wondered what to do. I’d like to work. All my money had gone into buying this house and ensuring we had no mortgage. The girls and I needed security. And they needed a good role model, I worked for food and the bill money.
Jeez, I did not want them turning into their father!
Any other money I’d received after the fiasco—as I called it—had gone into trust funds for the kid’s college education. Then, I’d left my old career far behind. Sadly, I was notorious now within my field and waitressing certainly did not bring in the cash. After the media frenzy, nobody would be looking for me as a waitress. And that suited me just fine. However, the money wasn’t great.
I phoned my boss Bernard once the girls bathed and explained what’d happened. He’d been shocked and insisted I take the rest of the week off paid to resolve the childcare issue.
In the meantime, I called the agency I’d hired Angela from and left a strong-worded voicemail. I’d deal with them first thing in the morning, and they’d better be ready. That fucking woman had been stealing food bought for my children and using it to control them. Harper had admitted sometimes they’d gone to bed without eating all day.
That made me angrier. Harper should have known she could speak to me, but ‘the fiasco’ wasn’t easy to shake off. Garry and Lin’s plot had lingering effects, and even though we’d been free for eighteen months, the kids still suffered. Of course, my actions with the leg of fucking lamb hadn’t helped matters. But we were slowly growing stronger; some days, the girls seemed almost back to their old selves.
The kettle whistled, making me jump, and I laughed. It’d belonged to my gran, and I loved the old-fashioned kettle you heated on a hob.
Carefully removing it, I turned the gas off and poured a calming cup of camomile tea. Not that I expected it to calm me down. Deep inside, I was raging, but I knew better than to show it to my children.
Any hint of anger caused them to regress, but they’d have to learn to handle outbursts eventually. Otherwise, they would become recluses. I needed to help the girls understand that someone could lose their cool but not hurt people around them. And while you should always seek a calm solution, tempers can be lost.
I winced at the image of the leg of lamb popping into my mind and shook my head. Of course, their witnessing didn’t help, but the therapist the girls were seeing weekly had assisted a lot. We’d moved here just over twelve months ago, fleeing our home because of the never-ending gossip and interference. Everyone had opinions, but only mine and the kids mattered.
Even Mom had waded in with my brother, preaching but not talking to me. They seemed to think they could control us and hadn’t liked it when I’d bucked against them.
Mom had threatened to take me to court because of the drugs I’d been tricked into taking, but my lawyer had soon pointed out a few home truths. Mom hadn’t liked them, but she feared being targeted by the media, so she’d become supportive over time. My brother was just an asshole. The moving state had been one of the best things I could do; it stopped them from interfering.
Of course, Dad was the opposite. He was adorable as sugar, and we were very close. Dad had been my advocate from day one of the fiasco and had stayed firmly on my side. I never understood how my parents had got together, but I was glad when they divorced.
Mom was into her high-powered job and the benefits it brought. Dad was quite happy in his corduroys and cardigan and pottering around in the garden—or reading one of his numerous texts/books. Dad was the typical absent-minded professor, but his classes were sought after because he was amicable and highly intelligent. He only taught a couple of days a week now.
And even better, Dad lived here, so I’d moved to Rapid City. The girls needed a gentleman, and Dad was certainly that. He’d dote and spoil them and hopefully show them what a real man looked like.
My mind flicked to Savage at that thought. He was clearly masculine and an alpha type, but he was probably a wham, bam, thank you, ma’am type of guy. Savage wasn’t for plain old waitress Grace. Not with my baggage. For now, my priorities were figuring out a babysitter for my babies and not losing my job.
Savage
I heard someone let themselves in downstairs and groaned; it was only ten o’clock, and I’d been in bed less than two hours. I refused to move even as booted feet hit my stairs.
“Whoever the hell it is, fuck off; I’ve had less than two hours of sleep,” I warned as the bedroom door opened.
“Get the hell up, lazy ass,” Gauntlet said.
“Screw you. I got home from work three hours ago. Take yourself and piss off,” I snapped, yanking the covers and pillows over my head.
There was a moment of silence. “Forgot you worked last night.”
“Fuck off,” I muttered and snuggled down deeper into my mattress.
I earned good money as a mechanic, and managing the funeral parlour at night, and refused to scrimp on luxuries such as a decent mattress. I slept intermittently through the night, but my sleep had been disturbed by three calls to collect bodies. Now I was grouchy and wanted my sleep.
“You gotta get up. Phoe needs you to do something,” Gauntlet said.
“Tell Phoe to come back when I’ve slept six hours. No offence, brother, the door is there; go fuckin’ through it and tell everyone to stay the fuck away.”
Gauntlet snorted, turned on his heel, and left. Relieved, I fell asleep, shoving aside the voice that warned me Phoe was up to something.
◆◆◆
Six and a half hours later, I dried myself off from the shower and slipped on jeans and a tee. I marched downstairs, taking a quick look out of the door window and then pausing on the bottom step.
I saw a distinct black outline on my drive, and shaking my head, I checked again. Nope, it was still fuckin’ there. Puzzled, I opened my door and wondered what was happening. Why was the hearse here?
Some companies used a minivan to move bodies from a hospital to the funeral home, but Drake insisted we use a hearse. Said it was more respectful. I suppose it made sense, considering many of the old ladies had minivans, and I could see why Drake wouldn’t want them linked to dead people.
A scream came from my backyard, and I stiffened. It sounded like a child’s cry. More confused than ever, I headed to the back and found Tye, Carmine, Jett (with his brood), Nova, Carly, and Autumn present. Then I looked around in horror for Mav once I’d spotted Nova, but Jett waved an easy hand.
“Maverick’s not here,” he stated, and I relaxed in relief.
Gunner swung gently in my hammock, and I noted his kids were also there.
“Ain’t the only one in Rage with a swimming pool,” I said pointedly.
“No, but you’re the only person in Rage with a neighbour who needs help,” Jett shot back.
I scratched my head, confused. What was he talking about?
“Jesus, sit down; I’ll get you a coffee,” Carly ordered, getting to her feet.
“Someone wanna explain what’s happening? Why is the hearse here?” I demanded as I spotted Isla and Harper in my pool again.
“Phoe took a liking to your neighbour, Grace, and when she reached out yesterday, she discovered Grace didn’t have any childcare. Phoe offered Grace the HQ’s child centre, but Grace refused as Harper and Isla attended a different school from the Hellions. So, she suggested that Nova look after them. And that you would also be at home until you got your first call of the night,” Autumn explained.
“Okay, so why are they here?” I asked pointedly.
“Because it’s the summer, asshole, and the girls don’t have a swimming pool,” Jett replied.
“So why are you all fuckin’ here?” I continued as I scowled at my smirking brothers.
“Because Grace is clearly worried about leaving her kids with another stranger. We’re all here to support Nova and Grace. Plus, Sin is after my balls still; I’m safer here. Sin won’t think to search for me here,” Jett admitted.
“Old lady code,” Autumn said, and Jett looked horrified.
“You wouldn’t dare tittle-tattle,” Jett hissed, and Gunner grunted in amusement.
“How much do you want to bet?”
“Shut up,” Jett snapped, disgruntled, and I felt a thread of joy run through me.
“You know she’s scheduled your appointment, don’t you?” Carly said, interrupting the conversation.
Jett paled even further. “I’m gonna leave my kids here for you to look after if you do not shut your mouth,” he threatened.
“Like we’re bothered. Savage, on the other hand, would probably murder you,” Carly retorted.
Jett turned and glanced at me and then slunk low in his seat.
Yeah, I’d kill him. And it was his fault for all this drama; he’d knocked Sin up again. Jett had stayed the last week at the clubhouse, knowing he wasn’t safe at home. Reid, Sin’s brother, had brought him some clothes and warned him to stay well away.
I glanced across to the pool.
Jett and Sin now had Amelia, who was nine, I thought; Brooke, who was six; Robin, who was five; Levi, who was four; Lexie, three; and Duke, who was a year old. Yeah, I think anyone would understand why Sin was ready to kill him. This next one I’d heard was due on January twenty-twenty-three. Poor Sin. The guys felt sorry for her, although we were somewhat proud of Jett’s stud ability.
Drake had mentioned that should our money fall short in the future; he’d have no qualms in whoring Jett out for his talent to reproduce. Drake claimed we’d make a fortune.
It was a miracle Gunner looked so relaxed considering his sizeable brood. Aiden was eleven, and the boy idolised Gunner. We often teased Gunner that Autumn must have cheated on her ex because he even looked like Gunner now. Aria and Alyssa were now eight, Noah and Asher were five, and then Kitty and Karter were born last year. How the fuck
Gunner kept his kids’ names straight… I didn’t know.
Carly’s brood was also present. She and Rock had adopted Blake, twelve, Harrison, eleven, and Bonnie, eight. Then they had gone on to have Bastian, now four, Paxton, two and a half and Xia, six months. After Xia, Rock had cheerfully taken himself off to get ‘snipped’ as Phoe called it. Rock outright told Carly if she wanted more children, they’d adopt more.
Sometimes, I wondered if Drake drugged the water in Rage because none of the brothers were shy at reproducing or adopting.
I also wondered about the boys’ future as they reached adulthood. At least half would want to join Rage. That would make Rage too big. I’d no doubt that Drake had a plan in place, and I knew he wanted to retire as soon as Dante could take over. However, Dante still had a long journey ahead.
A shadow fell over my mood, and I shoved it away hard. The threat of Fury had no place in my backyard on a sunny day. It was this generation that was going to make it safe for the Legacies; we would eat shit so they didn’t have to.
All the Legacies would have to worry about was keeping legal (not gonna happen in Mav’s case), making money, and riding free. We would clean RC up so they’d get that life.
A pang hit for a moment; a tiny part of me yearned to have my Legacy. But that couldn’t and would not happen. Not with the cesspit I was born into. No, no part of that would touch an innocent kid. I wouldn’t allow it to. Life was bad enough as it was; they didn’t need the Sawyer filth.
A screech made me look up, and I saw Bastian jump into the pool on top of Harrison, who lifted the boy and chucked him sideways. I glanced at Isla and Harper, who played with a ball quietly. They kept glancing at the other kids being rambunctious but remained quiet in their corner.
“Smacks of former abuse,” Autumn murmured. “I recognise the signs.”
“You think Grace…?” I asked.
“Grace has tells, too. I think that’s what Phoe picked up on, and it’s why she reached out. Grace is hiding something, though; she’s very closed off, and so are those girls.”
“Most of us have secrets, Autumn,” I said, and she peered at me.
“Yup, Savage, and then one day, you realise you’re surrounded by family who have their shit and wouldn’t judge you for yours,” she retorted.
Smart ass woman , I thought as I rolled my eyes.
A phone chirped, and I realised it was the mine and opened it, finding a message from Onyx. He informed me that he’d found the jacket one of the old ladies had left behind, and I needed to fetch it tonight. That was code for a body on ice. It was a code worked out between the Allies.
But the Riders of Vengeance usually took care of their waste, so it was unusual to be called on by Onyx.
Moments later, Drake texted me, saying I needed to grab Phoe’s jacket she’d left at the Riders of Vengeance compound. In other words, Drake told me to pick it up, and he’d okayed it.
I slid my phone away and leaned back as I sipped my coffee. It didn’t matter to me who the body belonged to that I was picking up, nor did it matter why they were dead. Drake would never cover a meaningless murder, so I imagined it was a Venomous Fang or somebody similar. It wasn’t my business, and there were plenty of bodies in Rage’s past. That was a damn fact.
“Okay, so does someone wanna explain why everyone is at mine?” I asked.
“Told you. Nova’s babysitting and felt Grace might be happier knowing Harper and Isla were around other children and adults. Nova’s cooking their dinner here, and then she’ll take the girls home at about seven for a bath. Chill out; it doesn’t hurt to be hospitable,” Carly chided.
I scowled at her. So says she. It’s not her sanctuary being invaded.
Carly sent me a scowl in return, and I thought better of airing my issues. I’d never win against an old lady.
Deciding to walk to the front yard and check my mailbox, I headed out and relished the sounds of screaming children fading as I stood at the curb and sighed. The mailbox was empty, but I had a few minutes to get peace and quiet.
Or so I thought, as I jumped like a scalded cat.
I landed on both feet and glared down at a diminutive woman. She was in her seventies, a nicely rounded figure, with hazel eyes. Her hair was purple and made me blink, and I hurriedly stepped backwards as she jabbed at me a second time with a pair of knitting needles.
“Stop that!” I snarled as she stared at me.
“You got those girls?” she demanded.
“What the fuck?” I asked and let out an unmanly shriek as the witch stabbed me in the stomach, quick as a flash.
“Mind your language, boyo. You ain’t too big—not to be taught manners,” Nancy chided. I thought that was her name; I vaguely remember her introducing herself when I moved in.
“You’re a fine one to talk about manners,” I retorted, and Nancy’s eyes narrowed. Okay, maybe it wasn’t a good idea to anger the nutcase lady with knitting needles.
“Do you have those girls, or are they missing?” Nancy demanded.
“What?”
“Harper and Isla haven’t been home most of the day, and Grace returned to work. I know you had them when that rotten woman threatened them again,” Nancy sneered. Nancy didn’t rate Angela either.
“The girls are with their new babysitter who is invading my backyard and peace of mind.” I sighed.
“It was a good thing you did the other day. That bitch has been mistreating those precious kids. Grace works so hard that I did not want to burden her, but I was keeping a record of things to show her. You beat me to it.”
“Okay.” I wondered what else to say. Nancy was staring at me in anticipation, but I had no idea why.
“Well?” she finally asked.
“What?”
“Jesus, boyo, do you need it spelling out? What’s your interest in her?” Nancy demanded.
“None. Zilch, zero—and no chance of there being one. Lady, I don’t know what your game is, but I merely stepped in to help two hungry children. Do not read into shit. Anyone would have done the same,” I said abruptly. A sudden thought hit me. “Did Grace send you to find out if I was interested?”
A peeved anger rose inside me at the thought that Grace might have marked me as the next baby daddy. That would never, ever happen.
“Good gracious, no. Grace would curl up and die. She has no interest in dating, and I’ve tried to get her with several single men I know, including some from my family. No, I was about to warn you off. That woman has suffered; leave her alone; she doesn’t need your one night and done malarky,” Nancy said, and my anger faded to bemusement.
“You ever seen a woman leaving here?”
“No.” Nancy appeared thoughtful, and then she blushed. “Oh lord. My gaydar is always wrong. That’s why your brothers always hang out.” “No!” I screeched and coughed to clear my throat. “I’m straight but not interested in dating. Women bring too many problems, and I don’t have the patience or time to deal with their problems.”
“Like you men can talk. Women are always bailing you out of shit. Hell, it’s a miracle you can wipe your asses alone,” Nancy snapped, sniffing.
I shook my head. How had the conversation deteriorated so much?
“Well, thanks for the chat, but as you can hear, I’ve got guests. Have a nice day,” I said and began walking away.
“It’s just beginning,” Nancy called out after me.
I waved a hand at her and carried on. Bless the crazy old bat; she was exactly one of the reasons I kept myself to myself.
◆◆◆
Blessed silence filled the hearse as I picked up the first job of the night. A body from the hospital. After that, I was heading to the Riders of Vengeance to pick up their body. Usually, the bodies were brought into the funeral parlour, but picking one up, although unusual, wasn’t out of my remit. It didn’t bother me driving with body bags in the back. They were dead. And should the fuckers return from the dead, I was armed and with silver bullets, too.
After experiencing Phoe’s idea of fun on Halloween, I was more than paranoid the paranormal existed. And fuck anything my brothers have to say. I may be a pussy, but I’d be laughing when a zombie rips their throat out, and I shoot the fucker in the head.
I had always believed a little in ghosts. After all, stories had to come from somewhere. But I had never admitted it to anyone. Phoe’s fright nights terrified the fuck out of me, but I knew she meant it in good fun. And we all did laugh afterwards, even if we might’ve shit ourselves during the event. I guess there were some who might call Phoe a bully, but she was anything but.
Phoe was clever enough to use our fears against us, and while we’d be traumatised during the event, afterwards, we watched the films that were made and laughed our asses off.
So, no, driving dead bodies around didn’t scare me.
And dead bodies did plenty of spooky shit. Like when one had exhaled, I had parked in the middle of the road and refused to get back in. That time, Bobby Lucas had found me and explained what had happened. But I wasn’t having it, and he’d driven the hearse back laughing. I’d bribed him to keep quiet about it.
There was another time when I’d hit a slight bump, and the body in the back had moved. Again, it had taken me an hour to get in the car, and I had only done so after shooting the fucker three times. It was a good job that it was a closed casket. Now, I was used to it.
“Hey,” Venom called as I approached. He opened the sliding gate, and I drove in. He waved me over to an area, and I drove there and parked.
“Come grab a beer or cold drink,” Venom ordered. “The prospects will load up.”
I nodded and joined him and Onyx as we shot the shit for twenty minutes, and then Onyx handed me a rather nasty denim jean jacket. One that Phoe would burn before ever wearing, and he shot me a wink.
“Give Phoe my love,” he said, knowing her reaction.
I chuckled and grabbed the coat. If I got pulled over, I had paperwork from the hospital, the text about the coat, and the coat in question. Onyx’s body would be placed directly under the one from the hospital, so nobody would notice. Plus, the floor cleverly dipped, making it look like there was only one body.
I said my goodbyes and hurried back to the parlour. I had evidence to get rid of.