Chapter Two.
Rooster
H e’d left the hospital late last night and had to be up early for his appointment with Janet. Luckily Rooster had managed to avoid the old ladies and congratulated himself on ducking their fussing.
Mac and Casey had disappeared to see Kendara once a nurse had assured that Kendara was in a private room. Mac was arranging security in the form of Rage MC prospects.
Lio had caught up with them at the hospital and had reassured Mac that Kendara’s accident was being taken seriously too. Lio had informed them that traffic cameras and cameras around Spearfish were being looked at to potentially track the white truck.
Phil Gold, Lio’s partner, was also alerting local garages to check if a motor was brought in needing body work. They surmised, by the condition of Kendara’s BMW, that the vehicle would need fixing up.
Now, Rooster felt rather amused when he found himself parking in the hospital car park on the way back from his appointment with Janet. Why he was bothering to check on her, he wasn’t sure, but Rooster was compelled to see how Kendara was doing this morning. It was probably because she was linked to Rage MC, and Rage and Hellfire were tightly tied.
Rooster marched through the hospital corridors, heading for the lift, which took him to Kendara’s floor.
Outside Kendara’s door he noticed Tye and Harley appeared tired, but both guarded the private room Kendara was staying in. He tilted his head in acknowledgment to the prospects and before opening Kendara’s door and stepping inside.
Kendara peered up as he entered and looked surprised when she saw him. Her mouth opened in an ‘oh’, and then she closed it abruptly.
“Wow, you actually exist,” Kendara said, sounding shocked.
“Did you think I was a figment of your imagination?” Rooster asked, approaching the bed and studying her carefully.
Rooster didn’t like how pale she was, and he also noted the slight shake in her hands as they laid on the bed. A bandage covered the left-hand side of her face, hiding the deep cut that had been next to her hairline.
“Are you okay? Do you need me to fetch a nurse?” Rooster asked, concerned .
“No, I’m managing at the pain at the moment, thanks. So, I’m guessing you know I was involved in an accident. And I think you’re the person who pulled me from the car. Please correct me if I am wrong.”
“No, you’re right. I did indeed pull you out. You were unconscious when I cut you free,” Rooster replied.
“In that case, thank you for saving my life. I hear my motor caught fire soon after the impact. I kind of thought I was imagining you, so it’s nice to realise that I hadn’t.”
“Well, as you can see, I do exist,” Rooster replied, chuckling.
“Glad to know I wasn’t hallucinating or suffering delusions due to brain damage,” Kendara said with a sheepish smile.
“No, definitely neither of those two.”
“What brings you here today?” Kendara asked.
“Truthfully, I was just passing and wondered how you were coping. When you pull someone from a wreck, you kinda feel responsible for them.”
Kendara lifted an eyebrow at Rooster. “So, it wasn’t my winning personality that made you come back?”
Rooster smiled slightly at Kendara’s words. “’Fraid not. But I am pleased to see you’re awake and responsive,” Rooster shot back with a nod as he took a seat.
“Did you see what happened? I don’t remember much, and I’ve been told not to worry about it. But I’d like to be informed how I got here, and please don’t pull a Mac. I’m a big girl and can handle any shit that comes my way.”
“I don’t doubt it, but I’m not going against a brother. If Mac doesn’t want you worried, then so be it.” Rooster scowled.
“Mac doesn’t know what happened, either. He’s out investigating it. But he said you were a witness and saw the accident as it occurred?”
“Yeah, I was heading towards you, going into Spearfish as you came out. A truck pulled in behind you,” Rooster answered and continued to explain what had happened.
“And you’re sure I was targeted?” Kendara asked.
Rooster nodded his head. There was no doubt in his mind.
“Strange, I have not upset anyone lately, not that I’m aware of. And I’ve not had any death threats, which usually pre-empts this type of action,” Kendara mused.
Rooster blinked. “This happens to you often?” he said, rather shocked.
“No!” Kendara blurted. She laughed before wincing and held a hand up to her head. “But with my profession, I’ve pissed several people off. And usually, they feel the need to write letters and emails and sound off. But I’ve had nothing.”
“Could this be linked to Blue?” Rooster suggested.
“No, Willow, the FBI officer, brought that trafficking ring down. Plus, Blue’s sperm donor died in a fiery helicopter crash,” Kendara added thoughtfully .
“He had no family?” Rooster asked. He wondered if Rage needed to dig into the asshole’s background.
“None that wished to be associated with the boss of a trafficking ring. They all washed their hands of him. No, the more I think about it, the less it makes sense. Maybe I pissed the driver off, and it was a case of road rage,” Kendara said hopefully.
“Could be,” Rooster agreed.
Deep down, he guessed it wasn’t that simple. But Kendara seemed to want to believe it, so Rooster wouldn’t upset her.
“Does everyone Hellfire rescues get a visit from their hero?” Kendara asked as she shifted, and hurt flashed across her face.
Rooster was on his feet and handing her a small remote control.
“That controls your pain relief. Use it, Kendara,” Rooster said and pressed the release button.
“Hey, I can manage my own relief!”
“Then don’t suffer in silence.”
“You’re bossy!” Kendara railed against him, but he noticed the tension in her shoulders easing.
“That’s part and parcel of being Hellfire. Bossiness is required,” Rooster quipped as he sat back down.
Kendara snorted with laughter and winced. “Don’t make me laugh!”
“Sorry.”
“It’s okay. I broke some ribs in the impact. But I am lucky to have lived, so I’m not complaining and will happily deal with a couple of broken bones,” Kendara responded .
“Mac didn’t mention any other injuries,” Rooster replied, feeling guilty.
“No, docs were concerned about my head wound. The doctors said it was so deep, they thought my brain might leak out and run away.”
“That is a lame joke!” Rooster chided.
“Made you smile, and I sense you don’t do much of that,” Kendara responded as her eyes fluttered closed.
“Sweet dreams,” Rooster murmured as he got to his feet.
“You’re going to have to visit again, or I’m honestly going to think you are a dream,” Kendara whispered.
“We’ll see,” Rooster said as he let himself out.
Rooster wasn’t sure if Kendara was flirting with him or not. His radar had broken the day he lost his leg—and his confidence. And from what Mac had told him last night, Kendara was a powerful lawyer, gaining a well-earned reputation as a bulldog. A woman like Kendara wouldn’t want a cripple like him.
Now, having put himself in a bad mood, Rooster headed home. Tiny had converted his basement into a gym as Rooster had refused to workout at Tiny’s place. Rooster didn’t want people pitying him and watching him or laughing.
No, once he had got his prosthetic, and it was the best that Phoe could buy, Rooster had begun learning to walk with the damn thing. He’d pushed his limits daily, burning through the pain with a determination that had worried his brothers and frightened the old ladies. Not that they’d said anything. But everyone watched him intensely and found ways to interrupt him when they believed he needed to rest.
They weren’t there at night when his boys were asleep though, or when the nightmares threatened to choke him. He’d work out for hours on his legs, ignoring his stump when blisters formed, his skin was rubbed raw, and it bled. Finally, Clio, of all people, had realised what he was doing and sent his brothers one by one to watch him. They got him through the bad dreams and the day terrors.
Loud noises made him jump or duck for cover. A car backfiring had caused Rooster to curl into a ball in the garage and another one had him taking Celt down and covering Celt with his body. PTSD was something that Rooster and Clio would fight daily. But like Clio, Rooster realised, it’s how you handled shit that mattered. Approaching Janet, their therapist, for support was a huge step, and one Rooster had embraced.
He didn’t see a stigma in getting help. And he ensured he and the boys had therapy once a week together, as well as his own personal appointments. Kit, Finn, and Brax had suffered too. And Rooster wanted to ensure that shit did not escape in the form of drugs or drinks. His sons would have a good future, Rooster was paying the price for them to walk and breathe freely. And he didn’t begrudge a bit of it.
Rooster swung off the bike outside his house and headed inside. His thoughts needed hammering out of his head, and he had the gym equipment in there to deal with it .
Kendara
I looked up as Mac and Casey appeared at my door with Lindsey in tow. Lindsey was carrying Blue and promptly walked over and placed him on the bed. The little guy I’d suffered so much for gave me a sloppy kiss and grin and curled into me. Luckily, it was my good side.
“How you feeling?” Casey demanded before anyone else spoke.
“Better for seeing him, he’s getting so big!” I exclaimed, even though I’d only seen Blue a week ago.
“Takes after his dada,” Mac added, puffing out his chest.
Casey sent him a dark glare. “Certainly, with his eating habits.”
“Hey!” Mac exclaimed, wounded.
I hid a smile. Casey was always complaining about how much Mac and Blue ate, although she wouldn’t change a thing. But Mac ate big, and Blue was following in his footsteps.
“Are you here to spring me?” I asked hopefully.
“Nope. You’ve got another day at least; the doctor wants to monitor the head-wound. But someone will pick you up tomorrow,” Lindsey said.
“That sucks.” I pouted.
“Yeah, but the good news is, there are lots of prezzies and cards in the truck. Mac, go and collect them, please,” Casey asked sweetly, and Mac sent her a suspicious look.
Casey held onto her innocent expression until Mac left the room. Then, before I could blink, Casey and Lindsey faced me with expectant faces.
“Rooster,” Casey stated.
“That man is a total hunk,” Lindsey added.
“Sex appeal oozes from him,” Casey continued.
“Oh boy, if I didn’t have Lowrider, then…” Lindsey made a mmm, mmm, mmm noise.
They both turned to her and stared.
“What?” I asked, wondering if I had something on my nose; they were so intent.
“Rooster!” Lindsey exclaimed.
“Yes, he saved me,” I replied, puzzled. What were they getting at?
“Honey, he came to see you today. A nurse told Mac,” Casey said.
“Yeah?”
“Kendara, you’re not that stupid. Hellfire is the same as Rage. And Rage brothers wouldn’t go visit a woman they barely know in hospital,” Lindsey explained slowly, as if I had brain damage.
“He said he was worried because I was connected to Rage,” I answered.
“Bull. He could have called Drake for an update—or Mac,” Casey retorted.
“Casey, I love you. I do, honestly. But get to the damn point. You’re making my head hurt,” I ordered, rubbing my temples .
“Rooster likes you,” Lindsey teased.
“No, Rooster was being kind by checking on me.” I shook my head. No way that gorgeous specimen was interested in me.
“Are you worried about him being an amputee?” Casey asked with a scowl.
My mouth dropped open, and I stared at her in shock. “Do you think I’d judge somebody like that?” I demanded, thoroughly insulted.
“No, but you never know,” Casey replied, a little shame faced.
I scowled at her and held her gaze. Clearly, she was right; you never really knew someone. Casey just showed me a side I didn’t like.
“It’s not like that, Kenny!” Casey scrambled to explain. “Rooster was seeing some woman, and she’s got pregnant, but dumped him. Bitch told him she did not want a cripple for a baby daddy.”
As shocked as I was, it didn’t match the fury in both women’s eyes as they thought about Rooster. How could anyone be so horrible?
Why bother asking that question? I especially understood people’s nastiness and cruelty. I’d seen it many times now, and it never failed to depress me on some level. This was the future of humanity, trolls, and cruelty. Common courtesy, decency, and kindness had fallen by the wayside. Although in my life, if somebody was malicious, then they could fuck off.
“She deserves all the bad shit that karma will throw at her,” I replied .
“Yeah, she does. And when she’s not pregnant, she’s got something coming her way.” Casey cracked her knuckles.
“Isn’t that the job of the Hellfire women?” I asked.
“Yup, but they all keep getting knocked up. It’s like Hellfire turned into Rage 2.0.” Lindsey giggled.
“Anyway, nice distraction, counsellor. Rooster,” Casey said shrewdly and switched the conversation back to the distracting man who’d rescued me.
“Look, you mean well, but you Rage old ladies have a rather awful knack of turning into busy bodies. Rooster pulled me from the car, realised I was connected to you and Mac, and came to check on me. It was nice of him. If Rage came across similar circumstances, I am sure they’d pay a visit to the victim, too,” I replied.
“Kenny!” Lindsey exclaimed, frustrated.
“Honey, I’m not looking for a relationship. I am way too busy right now. And any man would have to take a back seat to my life,” I explained.
“Like what?” Lindsey challenged.
“Oh, like renovating my house and restoring the gardens. All the cases sitting on my desk. Making time for my nephew and his family, volunteering at charity events you all keep dragging me into. I work from seven in the morning to nine at night. And I also work weekends. No time for men!”
“Is Phoe aware you’re working that many hours?” Casey demanded with narrowed eyes.
“No, because, like everyone else, I work eight to five for the Trusts. The rest I do is pro bono. I like and enjoy helping people, especially those who can’t afford good counsel.”
Lindsey and Casey exchanged glances. And I picked up on a silent message from them.
“Whatever you two witches are thinking, forget it,” I warned.
“Okay,” Casey agreed innocently just as the door opened and Mac walked in carrying bags full of stuff.
“Oh boy,” I exclaimed, flabbergasted.
“The doctor said you’d be off sick at least a month, so everyone got you something. Look, prezzies!” Lindsey exclaimed and bounced on the bed before apologising as I winced.
“Yay!” I replied weakly and sent Mac a beleaguered stare.
He grinned at me with no sympathy at all. Nasty man!
Rooster
He parked the SUV at the hospital two days later and wondered how the hell he’d became responsible for picking Kendara up. He’d taken a call from Chance an hour ago, telling him to go and fetch Kendara and take her home. When Rooster asked why he had to pick her up and not Rage, Chance actually growled at him. Then he’d muttered something that had made no sense. Chance had complained that he had his own crazy bitches to deal with; he didn’t need Rage’s on his back too.
As he walked through the reception of the hospital, his eyes hit a familiar figure, and he stopped.
“What’s up, man?” he questioned Inglorious, the President of the Unwanted Bastards.
“My fuckin’ idiot of a VP,” Inglorious bitched.
“He’s had an accident?” Rooster asked.
“There will be one once I catch him. The stupid fuck put a rubber spider on Bomber’s pipes, which, of course, popped out when we’re heading down the highway. Bomber screamed and crashed the damn bike. Psych is dead when I get my hands on him. Bomber broke his leg but is otherwise okay—apart from some road rash. His bike, however, took a beating, which means Bomber’s gonna make Psych hurt,” Inglorious complained.
“Could be worse. You could have Jailbait’s bunch of psychopathic bastards,” Rooster pointed out.
“I don’t understand how he deals with Zoom and Zippy. I’d have put bullets in their brains by now,” Inglorious moaned. “You heard? They have been seen around RC with Magic? I do not wanna know. Fuck that, I don’t want to be anywhere near those nut jobs when Fury grows some balls and decides to hit us man on man.”
Rooster sensed himself paling. “They’ve been with Magic? Does Chance know?”
“Probably, I called it in, and not even Jailbait could get out of Zoom and Zippy what they’d been up to,” Inglorious stated.
“Great,” Rooster muttered .
“Why are you here?” Inglorious asked.
“On pickup duty for Rage. A lady connected with them was involved in an incident, and because I pulled Kendara from the car, I’m now responsible for her.”
Inglorious stared at him and then began singing, “Dun, dun, dun, another one bites the dust!”
“Hell no, brother. Ain’t looking for a woman.”
“Yet Rage and Hellfire seem to be falling over them. Looks like it’s your turn. You going to fight or accept this?” Inglorious mused, studying Rooster. “You’re gonna fight!”
“Dude, I got a bitch who claims she’s carrying my kid but wants nothing to do with a cripple for a baby dad.”
Inglorious scowled and opened his mouth.
But Rooster continued, “I’ve three boys at home who are terrified that every time I go out, I’m not coming back. We got old ladies dropping babies, and I can’t keep up with who’s knocked up and who isn’t. Then we have the Holy Terrors, and they are starting to rival Rage’s Hellions. Ain’t got time for a high maintenance girl, and make no mistake, Kendara’s class and high fuckin’ maintenance.”
“And you want to claim her,” Inglorious taunted.
“No.”
“You don’t mind if I take a pass? I’ve met Kendara at some cookouts; pretty stunning woman,” Inglorious prodded.
“Be my guest. Now I better go fetch her ass before I find myself sued for being late,” Rooster said, clapped elbows with Inglorious, and walked away.
Inglorious
No sooner than Rooster was out of sight than he messaged the allied presidents.
‘Next Hellfire is about to fall. Taking bets on how long before he’s shacked up with her.’
Lance from the Fallen Warriors shot back immediately, ‘Which brother?’
‘Rooster,’ Inglorious replied.
‘One hundred bucks on a week,’ Jailbait from Devil’s Damned Disciples added.
‘Tight ass. Five hundred on three days,’ Onyx, from Riders of Vengeance, texted.
‘Why the fuck am I just finding this crap out? You can all make it a thousand, my lady has her eyes on some shit again. I am going for two weeks. Rooster is woman shy,’ Chance demanded.
‘Kendara’s likely to put up a fight. I am putting a thousand on two days,’ Drake added with a laughing face.
Tiger from Satan’s Warriors message pinged his phone. ‘One K on eight days.’
‘Nine days,’ Scythe from the Devil’s Scythe sent his bet in.
‘Let the fun begin,’ Inglorious replied to everyone and pocketed his mobile. He’d take eight K from his allied presidents any day. Make a nice cookout that would!
A small part of him wondered, when would it be his chance? The Unwanted Bastards had been clean for years. Didn’t they deserve some of the goodness that Rage and Hellfire had both received?
Inglorious did not want to admit it, but club whores had lost their appeal. And barflies held no meaning for him, either. None of them interested him enough for his dick to get hard. He was bored with meaningless sex, and so were his brothers. None would admit it, but they all wanted what Rage and Hellfire had found. Lucky bastards!