24. Amber
24
AMBER
I stare at the phone. It’s almost 2 am and I’m still in a daze.
He found her. He really fucking found her.
Bronco sounded tired, but also relieved. To hear Erica’s voice… it meant the world to me. Sure, I’m mad as fuck at her, but I also love her so much that I couldn’t yell. Not yet, anyway. When she gets back, there will be plenty to say.
I brace myself to talk to Olive, ready to explain that her mom is coming back today, and that everything is going to be okay from here on in. Erica can start a new life here with Olive; it’s what she wanted to do before all this mess took over our lives.
I sink back against the island, relief flooding through me. A few moments later, I feel a wet nose nudge my leg. Looking down, Titan’s sweet face peers up at me. He looks as perplexed as a dog ever could, the concern I see in his big brown eyes is unnerving. “Good boy,” I whisper. “Such a good boy.”
He nuzzles his head into my hand as I scratch him behind the ears, easing his tension. He mewls in contentment, and it’s as if he really does feel all the angst around him. After a few moments, he flops at my feet, yawning like he’s done a good job.
I owe so much to Bronco and to the club, and I know I can never repay it, but I’ll do everything in my power to make sure the money is not only paid back with interest, but that Erica stays on the straight and narrow from now on. No more loan sharks, and no more running away trying to fix a bad situation only to make it worse.
I wish I could talk to Abigail about this, but it’s a lot for someone in the MC to deal with, and I don’t want her involved. She obviously knows I work for the Rebels, and often teases me about the hot bikers. If only it were that simple.
My mind brings me back to the present moment; I shudder at the thought of what Erica has been through, but also what she’s put me through worrying about her. I’ve shielded Olive for most of it, but she’s becoming more curious with her questions, and the kid isn’t dumb. I never wanted Olive to be burdened with the actual truth, and it’s been searing a hole in my heart as big as Texas. We always said we would never have any lies between us, and Erica broke that. I know it’ll take some time to forgive her, but I also understand running. We’ve done it before, and when you’re scared, you do things without thinking. I just wish she’d have come to me. This whole mess could’ve been sorted out.
I sigh, knowing that I need to get some rest. Olive has to be up for school, and I’m even contemplating letting her stay back today depending on when Bronco sets off. Cash made it clear that although the coast is clear now with Cut City Boys, we have to stay put until he gives the go ahead to go home. I’m assuming that’ll be when Bronco comes back. As the MC Prez, it’s his job to make sure everyone is protected under his roof. I get that, and as much as I want to go home and sleep in my own bed, I’m not going to make a fuss. The club has already gone above and beyond for me in ways that I could never dream of. So staying here a little while longer isn’t an issue. Now that we have Bronco and Erica returning, my heart could sing with joy.
I came down to the kitchen to get a glass of water after Bronco’s call. My throat is dry and hoarse from the crying jag I had just earlier. I tiptoe back up the stairs to bed, with Titan on my heels, and sleep finds me swiftly. I just can’t wait for the morning light so Olive can be reunited with her mom again. It’s all I’ve wanted for these last few weeks, and I can’t wait for her to be back where she belongs: with her family.
I end up taking Olive to school the next morning. Of course, Titan rides with us because there is no keeping him at the clubhouse. Since Bronco won’t be back until lunchtime, I want to get my house in some sort of order ready for Erica’s return. Cash insisted that one of the prospects go with me, but since they’re off doing other errands, the only other brother available is one of the Nomad Brothers. Brew, to be precise.
He’s the broodiest, quietest biker in the entire MC, and while I don’t feel uncomfortable with him, it feels kinda awkward when he folds himself into my SUV, pushing the seat back because he’s so huge, and taking up all of the room in the front seat.
Olive chats the entire way to school, patting Titan’s head as she rambles, and occasionally Brew gives her one or two word replies if she asks him something. Clearly this man has never been around kids before, but at least he tries.
After giving Titan a pat, Olive skips off happily through the gates, meeting up with Cami as she waves goodbye.
I climb back in my vehicle, waiting for Brew because he stepped out. I’ve gotta hand it to the guy, he takes the job seriously.
“Is everything okay?” I ask when he climbs back in.
“Drive.”
Okaaay then.
I’ve been serving Brew drinks for years, and I’ve barely talked to the man. Well, he’s not the most verbose dude on the planet, clearly, but he does have something about him that I can’t explain. It’s like you feel 100% safe in his vicinity, while not wanting to get on his bad side at the same time.
He’s acting a little on edge, and I don’t know if that’s something to be concerned about. Then again, this is Brew we’re talking about. He’s always on edge.
“So, are you back in town for a little while?” I don’t know why I feel the need to make small talk, but it just blurts out of my mouth. He and his brother are nicknamed the Nomad Brothers for a reason.
“Depends.”
“On what?”
He stares out of the front window, his jaw tight. “Shit.”
“That’s descriptive.”
“You ask a lot of questions, like your niece.”
“Just making conversation,” I sing. “I realize talking is optional, but silence is just weird.”
“I find it therapeutic.”
I roll my lips. So he’d prefer silence. Okey-dokey then.
I keep driving, my thoughts running haywire about Bronco and where he is. He texted me early this morning to say they were fueling up at around ten, and they would only be a couple of hours away. The guys had gone a few nights with lack of sleep, so he didn’t want to wake them early. Erica had crashed hard, but now she’s riding back with Bronco.
“Sorry about the babysitting job,” I offer a few minutes later. The silence is deafening and just feels weird.
“It’s my job. I do what Cash says.”
“Still, I’m sure you have better things to do.”
I see him tilt his head in my periphery but I keep my eyes on the road. “Protectin’ club property is important.”
Oh, I’m Broncos unofficial ol’ lady now, so I guess everyone knows. I don’t make an argument about people being property, I know that it’s just their way of making sure everyone is protected. “From what, though? The threat is over, right? Aren’t all the Cut City Boys all dealt with now? And those Disciple people?”
“You know a lot about shit you shouldn’t.”
“I have ears, Brew, and I’m not stupid.”
He turns to look out the window once more, muttering, “I don’t make the rules. I just follow what Prez says. Conversation over.”
Glad we had this talk.
When I finally pull up into the driveway, I’m ready to clean my house and change the sheets. I also need to do some laundry since we’ve been holed up at the clubhouse for the last three days.
To my surprise, Brew helps me lug two bags of our stuff into the house. I didn’t expect him to be chivalrous, but it was a nice surprise. Titan follows us dutifully.
“If you like, I can leave the game on from last night?” I suggest when we’re inside.
He gives me a chin lift, looking around the small space. “Got any coffee?”
“Uh, sure.”
He takes a seat on my couch and I switch the kettle on, heading to the laundry room to start the first load. Titan sniffs around before folding his body in the middle of the hallway between the living room and the laundry, sighing as if that trip to school wore him out.
My house isn’t that bad, but I definitely want new sheets on the spare bed, and I need to go to the grocery store later.
I can hear Brew switching channels on the TV and roll my eyes. Of course he’s been here five seconds and he’s the king of the remote control. Typical.
I strip the spare bed where Olive has been sleeping, pile that up in the laundry and make the bed with fresh sheets. By the time that’s done, I make Brew a coffee.
“Sugar and cream?”
“Yep.”
“Both?”
“Uh, huh.”
“A little sugar or a lot?”
“A lot.”
A simple please wouldn’t go astray.
I make it, and one for myself with less sweetener, and walk into the lounge. He’s got the news on, something I never watch at home because it’s way too depressing.
When I glance up at the screen, I almost drop his cup. Titan jumps up immediately, running toward me. His ears are forward, his tail straight and he lets out a questioning mewl.
“Reports say the church named The Kingdom of Faith was purchased back in 2010, set on one-hundred acres, and was fully self-sufficient, luring members to its sect with promises of peace and religious freedom within the walls of the church,” the reporter on the screen says. “What we now know is this organization was a coverup for exploitation of women and minors, unlawful acts and deprivation of liberties. One of the cult leaders, Steven Gallows, is tonight in custody charged with several varying offences from kidnapping to child imprisonment. Vincent Mead is still at large?—”
“Oh, my God.” The cup wobbles and I barely keep hold of it before Brew is standing, taking the cup from my hands, Titan by my side. I mindlessly touch the top of his head, letting him know I’m not in danger.
“What’s wrong? You know that fucker?”
I stand, frozen, staring at the screen as the woman keeps talking. I can’t even hear what she’s saying, but the caption on the TV reads: Illinois Cult Leader Caught. Another Founder On The Run. Links to Human Trafficking.
My legs wobble and Brew is steering me back to the couch and telling me to breathe. Titan sticks by me like glue, nudging me on the shin with his nose. His concern is so endearing. He’s so much like his daddy.
“Ex,” I try and whisper, but I don’t even know if any words come out. “He’s my ex?—”
“Just breathe.” Brew’s dialing somebody, barking something into the phone about turning the TV on and recalling The Kingdom of Faith to whoever he’s shouting at. He hangs up, then turns to me. “You got a history with assholes?”
I nod.
“Did you escape this cult?”
I nod again.
“Does he know where you are?”
I shake my head.
Brew scratches his chin. “If he’s into organized crime and traffickin’, there’s every chance that he may be more equipped with technology than you think.”
“We never had computers.”
“They just seized a whole roomful of devices.” Brew's words shock me. We weren’t allowed any technology or mobile phones. They were strictly forbidden.
“What? We never had anything like that…”
“Had a whole operation. Now that fucker, your ex, he’s on the run, not like he’s gonna get far.”
My skin prickles. “How long has he been missing?”
“News said five days or so.”
I feel uneasy. I know Vince has no idea where I am, but that doesn’t make this any easier.
He’s out there somewhere. It’s typical that Vince would run like the coward he is. I hope he rots in fucking Hell.
“Holy shit.”
“This got anythin’ to do with your sister-in-law’s disappearance?”
I shake my head. “No. Completely unrelated.”
Brew looks unimpressed, and it’s the first time I’ve noticed he’s shoved off his cut and is wearing a holster. Two guns either side of his chest look about as menacing as him.
“Well, let’s just hope he doesn’t even think about stopping here anytime soon.” His eyes meet mine. “I don’t miss.”
I’m still sitting, trying to get my head around all of this. Titan makes a noise and I kiss the top of his head. I want to call Bronco, but I know he’ll be riding and he’ll think something’s wrong if he gets a missed call. I mean, something is wrong, but that’s not the point.
“I believe you.”
“Any chance at all you think he’d try and find you?”
“For revenge before he goes to jail?” I hug myself. “Absolutely.”
“Fuck.”
“Though, I don’t know where he’d start looki?—”
“They had an elaborate set up, you’d be surprised what these fuckers can find out with very little information.”
“I’m not even on social media,” I whisper. “There’s no way.”
“Still. This ain’t good.”
“Did you tell Cash?”
“Not yet. I told my brother, he’s gonna tell him and then we’re gonna find the fucker before the cops do.”
I frown. “But you don’t even know him.”
He stares at me. “You saw what he did to those women and children. I’m guessin’ he did that to you, too? Took you against your will?”
I can barely get any words out when I say, “Yes, I had no choice. I was a child. My brother was supposed to take care of me.”
A few moments go by, and I see the concern in his eyes. Maybe a little for me, and all those people he doesn’t even know. Then it clicks. Bronco told me something years ago about Brew. He had a woman, and he lost her. She died because she was trafficked. He was never able to find her.
“You’re a good guy,” I say, not exactly sure why I say it out loud.
He snorts. “Why’d you say that?”
“Because I know you are. I can sense it.”
His nostrils flair. “I hope they all burn in Hell.”
“They will.” I squeeze his forearm. He looks down at my hand. It’s like he’s unable to fathom human touch or something. “Good will always trump evil, every single time.”
“What about those that don’t live to tell the tale? Where do they go?”
“I’m sorry,” I breathe. “About your…” I can’t even bring myself to say the words.
Brew is one of the toughest, meanest men I know, yet he’s standing here in my tiny house, looking like he wants to take on the world. “It was a long time ago.” He looks away for a long moment, then comes back to glare at me.
“You’ll see her again.”
“In Heaven?” He snorts. “You really think there’s a happily ever after for people like me? Let me tell you, Amber, there isn’t, and you know what else? I like killing. I actually fuckin’ enjoy hurtin’ people who hurt others.”
His words should shock me, but they don’t.
“Vigilante justice?”
He nods. “Somethin’ like that.”
“Is that why you‘re in and out of the MC?” Even Bronco hasn’t told me the whole story, but I got the general gist of it.
“There’s always work to be done somewhere.” It’s almost like he’s pissed that he wasn’t part of this take down. All the way over in Illinois with people he doesn’t even know.
“I agree. Scum of the earth are everywhere.”
His deep, green eyes look pained. So much so, I have to look away. This man is strangely soulful in ways I never expected. “You’ve no idea.”
Titan sounds off a loud bark right before a commotion at the door. I jump, and in a split second, Brew pushes me back into the couch and has a gun raised, pointed in front of him with both hands. Titan runs toward the front door faster than I can blink. Holy shit, that was fast.
Brew walks slowly to the edge of the loungeroom, and I swear to fucking God he’s about to shoot when we hear:
“Amber? It’s me!” Bronco yells through the house. Titan’s bark gets louder as I hear Bronco greet his dog. Then, probably seeing Brew’s gun pointed at him, I hear, “Holy fuckin’ shit, Brew!”
“Sorry man.” Brew lowers his piece. “Shit’s just gone down, had me on edge.”
“What shit?” I hear his heavy boots on the wooden floors before I see him.
“With the cult,” he says it like he already knew about them.
Then it clicks. Did Bronco have something to do with this? I know he was overly interested in the tattoo on my wrist and where it originated.
“What the fuck?” And then he appears. Pushing past Brew, he reaches for me and I dive into his arms.
“Oh, I missed you so much.” I’m a babbling mess. “Vincent escaped from the compound, the feds raided it, and… and they found stuff, and Steven is in jail.”
“Slow down.” He kisses me on the forehead. “We’ll get to that in a second, okay?”
I look past him and my eyes brim with tears. Erica’s standing there, Ryder behind her as her hands fly up to her face.
She’s in my arms in two steps when I cross the floor to get to her. We embrace and the tears fall freely. “Don’t you ever do that to me ever again,” I scold.
“I’m sorry,” she whimpers. “I was in a lot of trouble.”
“I know, but that’s no reason to go AWOL on us. You could’ve been killed, Erica. You didn’t think. What about Olive? What if you’d been killed?”
“I’m sorry. I had to get out of town. When they tracked me in Louisiana, I had to lead them away from New Orleans. I didn’t want any of them knowing about you, or about Olive. If there was any other way?—”
“We’ll talk about this later.” I pull back, holding her at arm's length. “I’m so glad you’re back. Why didn’t you call from a payphone?”
“Trust me, I wanted to. I was scared, Amber. You don’t know these people, what they’re capable of.” She glances up at Bronco. “Then my saviors rolled up into the diner, and I thought they were there to kill me.”
“Lucky you got us and not the Olgettis,” Ryder mumbles from behind.
Tears leak from Erica’s eyes. “I’m so grateful, Amber, for everything. I promise I’ll never do something like this again.”
I nod. Unable to say any more because I’m still mad, but also relieved. Then I have to break the news about Vincent and Steven.
“So, I just saw the Kingdom of Faith have been raided,” I whisper. “You’d better come and sit down for this.”
We move over to the couch, the boys hovering between the open space of the lounge and the kitchen. Titan settling himself at Bronco’s feet. I swear Brew is pissed he didn’t get to shoot someone.
“What the heck? He escaped?” Erica gapes.
“He won’t be comin’ here,” Bronco assures us. “For one, he’s not that smart, and two, if he does know where you are, he’ll have to get past me and the rest of the club before anythin’ happens.”
I turn to Bronco. “Did you have something to do with the raid?”
He stares back at me. “Club business, babe.”
Translation: Oh, we’re gonna talk about this later. You bet your ass we are.
My head spins. Underworld figures. Erica being chased. Cults. Exes who want revenge. My brother being arrested and charged with a string of offenses. Could anything else possibly happen?
Bronco sits next to me on the couch, his hand reaching for mine. Titan drops down on the floor beside us.
“Thank you,” I say. “For finding her. To all of you.”
“Wasn’t that hard, but if she stayed in one place for longer, it would’ve been easier.”
Erica’s eyes cloud over when she says, “I learned how to run from the best.”
I clutch her hand with my free one, smiling even though we’re both crying. “Don’t ever leave me again. Whatever happens, we’re sisters. And yes, I’m still mad at you.”
“I’ll make it up to you,” she whispers.
“You don’t have to do that. You just have to be honest with me. Olive will be so excited, I didn’t even say anything because I wanted it to be a surprise.”
“Could I come with you? To the school pick up?”
I squeeze her hand. “She’s your daughter, of course you can.”
For the first time in a long time, my heart feels lighter. Even though the madness hasn’t quite ended yet, I know that no matter what, we will always fight for what is right. I will never just sit down and take anything. I vowed that to myself when I fled that awful place. I can only hope the cops catch up with Vincent before the MC do. Judging by the look on Brew’s still scowling face, I’m betting he hopes the MC definitely gets involved in capturing him.
“Welcome home,” I whisper.
Erica smiles. “I’m glad to be home, finally.”