Chapter 21
One Month Later
It has been a whirlwind month. We got through Thanksgiving dinner without too much of a hassle.
That was probably helped by the fact that no club whores—like Layna—were invited.
Ayita was a little weird. She was almost cold.
I kept asking her if I’d done something to upset her, but she just said her and Bear were having some issues.
I encouraged her to talk to him and work it out.
I really want to see Bear and Ayita happy. I love them both.
Blade seems happy. He and Dad both enjoyed the holiday.
We’re almost ready for Christmas now, and I’m more than a little nervous about that.
More and more it seems that Blade will end up being a member of the Saint’s Outlaws.
He hasn’t said that outright, but I can read the writing on the wall.
I honestly don’t know what that means for the two of us.
I want a relationship with him and I’m willing to work for it.
If he wants to be part of the club, I can support that but keep it away from my day-to-day life.
At least that’s what I keep saying to myself.
Tonight, Blade is gone. He said he was meeting with Bear and the others at the clubhouse.
I didn’t like it, but I trust him. He promised he had nothing going on with Layna and I believe him.
Still, it makes me nervous. Apparently, there are some issues with the zoning permits and Blade had to go tonight—despite the fact that it’s past ten at night.
Blade assured me that it was only because Bear and the others couldn’t meet him earlier.
I texted Ayi and asked if her and Bear were at the club and she sent back a quick reply that said he was, she was home.
That was it. I’m going to have to approach her again and make sure she’s not mad.
If she says her and Bear are still having issues, I’m going to have to tell the man to yank his head out of his ass.
I peek into Dad’s room and smile when I find him sleeping. He looks so peaceful. You’d never know the amount of pain he carries around daily. The man—somehow—never lets it get to him. That’s something I admire him greatly for.
I gently pull his door closed and go to my room.
I fish around in the dresser for one of Blade’s shirts.
Before I get the chance to put it on my phone dings and vibrates.
I smile thinking it was Blade to tell me goodnight.
We’re hardly ever apart at night anymore.
I’m not sure how good I can sleep until he gets home, but a goodnight text will make me feel better.
I pick up my phone, a smile on my face.
That smile dies immediately when I read the message.
Douglas: Olivia, You’ve been whoring around with the Saint’s Outlaws. You bitch.
Get your ass to the garage now.
My heart freezes in my chest and my hands actually shake uncontrollably.
My legs are so damned weak that I have to sit down on the bed.
I can’t go to the garage. I know what will happen.
Shit! If I ignore the text, then the bastard will just come here.
He might even hurt Dad, and I can’t allow that.
Douglas: Don’t make me come get you. I’ll show you what our father looks like from the inside if you do.
Me: Can’t come. Dad’s sick.
I don’t have much hope that will work, but I try anyway.
Douglas: Bet he’s in better shape than this piece of shit.
I frown, not understanding what he means. Before I can ask, a picture of Bear pops up on my screen. He’s lying on the ground and there’s blood—too much blood—puddled around him. Panic hits me with so much force I gasp to try and breathe. My lungs burn.
Me: Coming. He better be alive when I get there!
I run out of my room with my phone clutched in my hand.
I make it outside and call a neighbor. I explain I’ve had a family emergency, and I need them to watch over Dad.
Luckily, they know where I keep the spare key.
I hate I’m getting them out this late at night, but I can’t really do anything about it.
Next, I call Blade. It goes immediately to voicemail.
“Blade, baby I need you to call me. I uh … Shit. Blade, bring the men from the club—the men. Shit. I need you. Bear needs you. It’s my brother … Blade … I …”
The phone beeps and clicks off. I try it again “Blade. There’s a garage in Townsend. Drifters. Bear’s been shot. Damn it, Blade! Why aren’t you picking up?!?!”
I start my car and peel out. Once I get close, I call the cops. Luckily, I have a friend on the force who understands exactly how bad my brother is.
“Detective Sutton, please,” I say when the operator picks up.
“Can I tell him who is calling?”
“Olivia Davis.”
“One moment please.”
While I’m waiting, I wonder if the operator can hear what a mess I am. I’m shaking so hard that I’m having trouble focusing on the road.
“Livy, what’s going on?”
“My brother. He sent me a picture of a friend of mine. He was lying down. God, Scott, he looked dead,” I explain, my voice cracking as the tears fall unchecked down my face. I need help. He’s at his garage in Townsend. Can you …”
“Olivia, do not go there. Let the cops handle this.”
“I have to. I … It’s Bear. I can’t leave him alone. I can’t.”
“He wouldn’t want you to do this, Olivia. You’re walking into a trap.”
“Just send the police, please?”
“Olivia.”
“I’m almost there. I called Blade but he’s not answering …”
“Olivia—”
My phone goes dead, and I let it fall down onto the floor mat.
It only takes a few more minutes—at least that’s what it feels like.
Honestly, I have no idea. Time feels like it’s not moving at all.
I’m having trouble seeing because of my tears.
I almost miss the turn off, so I slam on the brakes.
My car fishtails, throwing gravel everywhere.
I lose control of the wheel, and I crash into the front of the garage.
My neck snaps hard and the pain radiates up into my head and down into my back.
The airbag implodes and delivers another hit.
I’m feeling woozy, but I manage to open the door and fall out.
“Bear!” I cry out.
I’m so dizzy that I can barely move. I try to hold my head up, instead I scream when someone grabs my hair and starts pulling me by it. I cry out and whoever it is stops and then they’re leaning over to look down at me.
“Shut up! You stupid bitch. Our party is just beginning,” Douglas laughs and then, before I can say anything else, his fist comes down and the world goes black.