Shar: A Woman Alone

CHAPTER 1

Shar

Stopping for a break at a rundown gas station, I stretch my back and walk into the small shop after topping up the gas in the SUV. Axel was good enough to let me use the vehicle while on vacation. The drive to the Rogue Legion MC has been a long one, but I’ve enjoyed the freedom. The stifling feeling of being in the Coffee House all day is gradually dissipating.

Once I’ve picked up a couple of cans of soda and a bag of chips from the store area of the shop, I pay the young man behind the counter and head back to the vehicle. I place the cans and chips on the passenger seat, then walk over to the restroom.

After I’ve finished, I wash my hands and look in the dirty, cracked mirror above the sink, and run my hands through my red hair. I’m 5’5”

tall and fairly fit with all the walking I do at work, and the training we have on Sundays.

I love the Sunday training. It’s given both myself and Mia the confidence we didn’t have when we got out of prison. But I’m not thinking about that anymore as it’s behind me, and I’m not going backward mentally ever again.

If I’m being honest, I don’t know why I’m even going to help Sharp, because he’s nobody to me or Mia any longer. He was Mia’s President when she was with Gunner at Rogue Legion MC. I know she’s okay with Sharp and Crack because we’ve had long conversations about what happened, and how she feels about them now.

Mia is such a good person, she doesn’t hold a grudge towards any of them. Well, maybe some towards Gunner, but that’s to be expected.

She and Zara, who is Gunner’s daughter, are in contact and I’m pleased that they still have some form of friendship, even though the genuine closeness they had once has now gone.

Climbing back into the SUV, I shake off my thoughts and concentrate once more on the road. It’s over a ten-hour trip and I’m getting tired, so I’ll keep my eye open for a decent-looking motel in another hour. Then come morning, I’ll only have three hours to complete the journey.

Pulling into the motel car parking area, I roll my neck and close my eyes for a moment. I’m tired and ready to have a shower and rest.

Opening my eyes, I rub them with the heel of my hands, then open the door of the SUV and climb out. Stretching my back out for a moment before I open the back door where I’d dropped a small suitcase, and overnight case when I left the Raging Barons compound after picking up the SUV.

I take them and my purse before locking up and walking inside the main doors of the motel. The reception area smells like lavender as you walk through the door, which is a lovely surprise as many motels smell dusty and without well-circulated air.

The young woman behind the desk smiles. “Good evening. Do you have a reservation?”

“No. I’m hoping you have a single room, just for one night,”

I state, placing the suitcase and overnight bag at my feet.

“We sure do, on the ground floor, is that okay with you? I usually like to place single females upstairs so y’all don’t worry about opening a window, but I’ve only one room available, and it’s downstairs.”

“That will be fine. I’ll just not open the window. You have air conditioning, don’t you?”

I ask while digging out my bank card from my purse.

“Yes, we have air conditioning. Do you want any room service at all? An evening meal or breakfast?”

“Is there a menu in the room that I can look at?”

“No, but I’ll give you one you can take with you. We’ve just had a new menu organized, so the maid service has not had the opportunity to put it into rooms yet.”

She passes me a menu from behind the reception desk and gives me another warm smile. “Dial 11 on the phone in the room and it’ll come directly to me and I can place your order.”

“Thank you.”

Taking the room card that swipes to open the door, I pick up my luggage and walk down the corridor, looking at room numbers. My room is number 7 and looks like it’s down the end of the corridor on the right-hand side.

Reaching the room, I swipe the card and enter. It’s a small room, but it has a bed, a dressing table with a stool, and an adjoining bathroom.

I place my suitcase next to the dressing table and throw the overnight bag onto the bed. Stepping over to the window, I look out and see the SUV, which is good that it’s in view. The parking area is quiet, with vehicles parked, but no people in sight.

Closing the curtains, I take out my pajama set from the overnight bag, and after a quick shower, get ready for bed.

I remember I’m supposed to update Mia on how I’m getting along, and that everything is fine. Picking up my phone, I send a text to Mia as I’m too tired to chat with her just now.

Sitting on the stool, I brush my hair, looking at myself in the mirror. I’m only 30 years old and have gone through more than some do in a lifetime. But looking closely, I think I’ve weathered well, my skin is still smooth, and I look healthy. My hair has grown a lot, but I’m allowing it to get some length, as I’d kept it short for a few years because of circumstances, not by choice. Placing it into a low ponytail, I pick up my face cream and apply a light coating. Once satisfied my nightly routine is finished, I climb into bed and turn out the light.

My stomach rumbles, but I’m not wanting to eat at the moment. I lie looking at the ceiling and life flies through my mind. Stealing because I had no money, no food, and nowhere to live. Having been in foster care for six years, I ran from that house as soon as I could. I knew it was only time before the foster father made his move. He’d been watching me closely for the last year I’d been with them.

I lived on the streets for a few years, moving from one town to another, making sure I got distance between myself and the foster father. I wasn’t taking any chances, but it wasn’t easy being on the street and keeping myself safe.

When I stole food from a store and was caught by the owner I thought my worse fear was coming true when he tried to rape me, but I fought hard and grabbed his dick, twisting as hard as I could. Sadly, he had another man working for him. I was caught and arrested for theft and assault, although it was self-defense. Seven years they sentenced me to, but I only served six years getting off early for having good behavior.

The best thing that ever happened was meeting Mia, having a friend for life, a sister that I’d longed for. We stuck together and watched each other’s backs until they released her before me.

Hearing that someone was going to hurt Mia had me finding her as soon as I could. I had to warn her and even if I didn’t stay with her, I wanted to make sure she was alright before I moved on.

That’s not how it played out. I was taken into the MC fold and I love all the guys, they are like brothers to me. I had hopes that Hammer and I would get together eventually, but it wasn’t to be. I’m happy he found Tilly and they are so in love that it brings tears to my eyes. When they got married, I was genuinely happy for them, but a little envious too, I have to admit.

Tossing and turning is my nightly routine of late. Although I’m tired, I just cannot sleep. I’m not sure why I’m so restless as I have a nice apartment above the Coffee House. I am the manager and earn good money, although it is hard work. I love it, but it’s becoming a boring routine as it’s not mine, it’s the MC’s business.

My mind plays out the newly closed premises in town that I’ve seen, and I know it’ll make a good wine shop. We have nothing like it in town and I think it’ll be a substantial business, but I can’t afford to do it outright, so I’ve had to throw the idea out for others to be partners. Now I’ve done that, I’m not so sure I even want to do it anymore.

Eventually, I must fall asleep as I wake with a start, and I listen for anything out of place. Hearing nothing for a good ten minutes, I sit on the edge of the bed and grab my phone to see what time it is.

6:00 am, knowing that I will not get back to sleep, I quickly shower, brush my hair and throw it into a messy bun, choosing to wear jeans, my heeled ankle boots and a Raging Barons MC t-shirt. I know this will piss off the brothers when I get to my destination.

I look pale this morning, so I apply a small amount of makeup, just lining my eyes and mascara. I add the slightest amount of blusher on my cheeks, so it gives my face a sense of being healthy.

Packing everything away, I pick up my suitcase and overnight bag and leave the room, giving it a flick of my eyes to make sure I left nothing behind, then walk out to the SUV.

Once I’ve placed everything back into the vehicle, I head out to finish the journey. I drive steadily, enjoying the view as I go along. Mountains, fields, and cattle grazing, gives a sense of peace. You can see for miles and I open my window and breathe the fresh air, smiling to myself as I enjoy this alone time.

Entering Berkville, I slowly drive through the town. It’s a nice place by the look of it, and still looks like cowboys of old could live here, which has me smiling again. A little girl waves as I slowly drive past and I give her a little wave back, and as her mother notices, she shakes her head and smiles, too.

I think I’m going to like it here if everyone is as friendly as I’ve noticed so far. People are talking and laughing together in the street. Shopkeepers are standing with brooms while they speak to people walking past. Yeah, I really think I’m going to like it.

Leaving town, I reach a turnoff from the main road that will bring me to the approach road to the MC compound. I remember this from when Mia and I sneaked away to find information. But that’s another story and one both Mia and I always laugh about now.

As I approach the compound, I check the chain link fencing all around, the enormous gate that has wheels, and the man standing beside it giving my vehicle a hard look.

Pulling up outside the gate, the man walks over to me. He must be 6’ tall, has long greasy hair, and wearing a cut with Prospect on the back, and I only know that because he turned his back as he pushed the gate enough to step out to me.

“What are you doing here?”

He asks, bending to see through my open driver's window.

“I’m here on invite from Sharp. You can check it out before you let me in. I’m in no rush.”

I press the button for the window to close as I’ve got the air-con working and don’t want the heat to get inside.

Taking a phone out of his cut pocket, he speaks to someone, then nods at me before going back to the gate and pushing it open. I drive through and park near the main door of the clubhouse.

Once parked, I turn off the motor of the SUV and open the door. Stepping out into the heat of the morning, I grab my purse and lock it up. No way do I want to risk the vehicle or my gear inside.

Walking to the main door, I’m grabbed and twirled around by none other than Crack. He’s a nice man. He’s the only one that Mia cared about after all that happened with this MC.

Crack is the enforcer for the club, 6’2”

of muscle, short brown hair, and brown eyes, but they are eyes that are filled with amusement. “You finished checking me out now, Shar?”

“Oh, get out of here. I’m allowed to look,”

I grin, and as he grabs my hand, dragging me into the main door of the clubhouse. I have to admit to myself I feel at ease being here.

Walking into the clubhouse, we enter a hallway, with the offices on the right, the President’s being the third one along. Crack pulls me along to Sharp’s office and knocks before entering.

“I found a nice little woman out front, Pres, and thought I’d bring her along to visit.”

Crack is grinning, and Sharp looks up and smiles.

“You realize, Shar, that you’ve got to put up with this oaf while you’re here?”

Sharp chuckles, then steps around his desk and hugs me, kissing my head. “Welcome to the club and I hope you’ve some good ideas to help us out of the rut we’re in at the moment.”

I take a seat in front of the window, rather than the one in front of his desk, and Sharp takes the one next to mine. I look out the window which faces the front of the compound where we can see the prospect walking the gate and fence line.

“I’m not giving you any ideas for the businesses until I’ve looked at what’s happening in the clubhouse, compound, and town. The town looks great and the people seem friendly, at least to each other. I need to look at what is available and what you could provide. Can you find time to go over some things with me, as I will have a boatload of questions?”

Sharp nods. “I can find time, of course I can. I’ve got rid of all the guns and drug running, as I’m sure I told you previously. We’ve the strip joint, but that’s in the next town over. I’m going to look for a new manager for that, as it’s not bringing in the income that it should.”

“Can you do nothing until I’ve had time to check things out?” I ask.

Crack stands near the window, looking down at me. “I’ll take you out to the strip joint, and anywhere else you need to go. We don’t want you wandering around alone. We’ve a couple of people that are not happy with us quitting the illegal stuff, and we don’t want you caught up in that.”

I’m okay with that. I’d rather be with someone than be caught on my own, but I’m not helpless either. “You know I can shoot, and am competent at hand-to-hand combat thanks to Meat, Target, Chaos, and Wings. I’m also pretty good at throwing knives thanks to my time inside, plus my newest addition to my resume is cleaver throwing.”

“Cleaver throwing, who the fuck taught you that?”

Crack asks with a smirk.

“Well, Meat, of course.”

I laugh and remember the poor throws we all did when we were learning.

Sharp steps over to his desk and picks up his phone, texts someone, then walks back to us, takes his seat, and looks over at me. “Was the journey here okay? Any trouble at all that we need to know about?”

I must look a little startled as he holds his hand up to stop me from speaking. “I only ask because we’ve had a couple of women stopped on the road and we’re trying to find out who’s doing it.”

“No, I had no problems at all. I drove for seven hours, then spent the night at a motel. I had no trouble on the road or at the motel. The last three hours were okay, too. I had my Glock handy just in case, as I carry it most of the time these days. It’s become habit thanks to Target insisting the women of the MC know how to protect ourselves.”

The door flies open and hits the wall and I whirl around slipping my Glock from the holster on the back of my jeans, pointing it towards the door, where, oh my God, a woman has walked in wearing shorts that should fit a 3-year-old and a crop top that is so small her tits are hanging out the bottom. She’s carrying a tray with a jug and cups, which she places on the desk before leaning over, making all efforts to entice Sharp.

Sharp snarls, “Get the fuck out, and if you ever burst in like that again, I’ll allow Shar to fucking shoot you.”

That’s when I realize I’m standing with my Glock, pointing at the woman. I’ve done it instinctively, and I smile to myself as I’ll have to tell Target about this. I’m pretty sure he’ll be delighted to hear that his training is working.

“But Pres!”

the woman says, trying to sound alluring I’m sure, but before she gets any further Crack snarls once more, “Get the fuck out now Syn, before you get yourself in some real hot water.”

The woman, I now know is called Syn, walks out, throwing her hips as she does, and I look at Sharp as I’m placing my Glock back into my waist holster. He’s giving me a look that has me blushing. He’s looking at me pretty hungrily, but I’m not here for any shenanigans.

Crack must notice too, and the discomfort I’m showing. “Come on Shar, let me get you settled in your room. Are you ready for some lunch?”

“I’ve not eaten since I left the Raging Barons’ compound yesterday, so yeah, I’m pretty ready to eat,”

I admit. I am hungry.

“I’ll see you later and we can decide where you’re going to organize all the shit we’ve got going on, and I’ll update you on what we’ve done since we last spoke to you,”

Sharp states.

“Okay. I’ll have a sit down with you once I’ve eaten.”

I follow Crack out of the office and through the door, which has us entering the rec room. It’s a large room, with tables scattered around and a pool table on one side, but it looks ready to be decorated and cleaned up.

Once through the rec room, we climb a set of stairs, and Crack opens the first door on the left as it has a key in the lock. Crack takes the key and hands it to me and I’m thankful for that, as being able to lock the door will have me feeling much safer.

Inside the room, there is a king-size bed, a bedside table, an easy chair near the window, and also a desk with a stool underneath. Opening a door on one side of the room reveals a large walk-in closet, and the opposite door is a bathroom. It’s nice and will be more than enough for me while I’m here. “Thank you, Crack, I’ll go down and get my luggage out of the SUV.”

“No, give me the keys and I’ll get a prospect to bring them in for you. He’ll lock it up and hand you the keys back when he brings the bags.”

Crack holds his hand out for the key and I hesitate a moment before I take the key out of my jeans pocket and hand it over.

“Come down when you’re ready and we’ll have lunch.”

“Okay, thank you. I’ll not be long. I’ll just freshen up and then put my things away once they’re brought up.”

Crack walks out of the room, leaving the door open slightly, and I walk into the bathroom to freshen myself.

My stomach growls loudly and I’m just realizing how hungry I am.

I also recognize that when I’m in a new position of any kind I stop eating.

Leaving the Coffee House to come help here has had me on tenterhooks somewhat, but now I’m here I’ll settle into it quickly.

Coming out of the bathroom, I see my suitcase and overnight bag on the bed and the SUV keys next to them.

I quickly put my clothes in the closet and the keys I place in my back pocket.

I leave my Glock on for the time being and will only stop wearing it when I feel comfortable with the people here.

Time for lunch, I’m thinking, and head downstairs after locking my room and pocketing the key.