26. Chapter 26
Leigh
Fucking work. Damn. I wanted to just scoop her up and go home, but after all the hot water I was in, I knew that wasn’t possible. My new goal in life was to make her come at least three times a day, and go one full week without Hammer getting to hit or flog me. Jesus.
Manny hadn’t texted me back, but I had to get to work.
I liked working with my hands. The only class I enjoyed in high school was auto shop. I don’t even think that’s what it was called. But after taking that a few years, I knew I wanted to tinker with engines.
I could fix anything with a motor but most diesel shops wanted a certificate now.
But it worked out since we own this shop.
I can work on whatever shows up. Mechanics were my favorite, but I’d picked up some body work over the years.
The shop did bikes, cars, trucks, ATVs, you name it. If it had an engine, we’d take it.
After changing an alternator and starting on a transmission, Froggy told me it was quitting time.
“That went by fast,” I said as I headed to the sink to wash my hands. “Hey, you seen that kid Manny lately?”
Froggy’s wavy light brown hair nearly fell in his eyes and he pushed it aside. “He came by a lot more once he got in trouble at work. But it’s been a couple of days now that you mention it.” He shrugged, then patted my shoulder. “I’ll see ya at the clubhouse. Good to have you back, brother.”
“I’ll be there soon. Gotta make a quick stop.” I’d texted Manny again later in the day and still nothing. I’d swing by because the fact Sam hadn’t heard from him and he hadn’t been by the clubhouse for a couple days didn’t sit well.
After getting as much grease off me as I could, I grabbed my cut from the breakroom. Pulling it on, it hit me: I didn't have my bike. I couldn’t go out later in the truck. I’d have to switch vehicles, then switch them again to get Glenda.
I needed to eat something, and I told her I’d be back, but Manny’s was the opposite direction, and I still needed to run by there. But Bruce needed to be let out, too. I’d figure that out. For now, I waved to the guys still lingering up front with the bunny that ran the desk, then headed out.
It was already getting dark outside and the air was cool.
It would still be a nice night for a ride later.
I didn’t mind hauling Glenda around in the truck, but a ride always was good for my soul.
Selfishly, I hoped she stopped having episodes again so she could ride with me.
Of course I wanted her to be okay, but I wanted all of her, in every way.
I’d managed to get her into my house, get her under me, and now all that was left was my bike and a patch.
I’d wanted her for so long, loved her almost as long as that.
Knowing she burned up Reggie’s property patch wasn’t smart, but it also showed me she’d finally seen him for what he was.
She cut the last tether to him, and has been with me since.
Now I had to figure out if I should talk to her or Hammer first about it.
Lots of women wanted to be patched. Lots of women wanted to be surprised. But Glenda had already done that song and dance and it didn’t turn out well for her. Plus, any shocks to her system could set her off.
As I headed to Manny’s, I kept pondering how to approach the subject with her without completely giving away my plans to get Hammer’s permission.
Manny was in the opposite direction of the clubhouse from my place.
Where he stayed was down a long stretch of country road with no street lights.
There were empty, overgrown lots that used to hold houses but they never got rebuilt after the big hurricane came through.
The remaining were older houses, small and plain.
Folks on state assistance filled most of the homes.
It was the type of neighborhood that didn’t call the police, but they still rode through fairly often.
A few of the houses had lights on inside, but they all had the curtains drawn.
I pulled onto the short gravel driveway and hopped out of the truck.
Looking around, I didn’t see anything out of place.
But Manny’s bike was parked under the standalone carport that looked like it was one good rain away from rust taking it down.
The gravel had tire tracks from a car or truck, but Manny could have had visitors.
Still seemed odd. He was prospecting, and those guys usually stayed glued to the clubhouse when possible.
Plenty of food, drink, and ass. Plus, the more you were around, the easier it was to volunteer for shit for the officers.
Manny wasn’t there but a few times a week, usually because of work, but he still made an appearance.
Since he’d been suspended, it seemed like he would have stayed around more.
And he definitely would answer if one of us texted him.
I got to the side door and knocked a couple times. After no answer, I checked, and it wasn’t locked. That alone wasn’t reason for alarm. Most people wouldn’t break into houses on this street, especially if someone was home.
Poking my head in, I listened but didn’t hear anything. “Manny?”
Stepping inside the small kitchen with my pistol in hand, I turned to close the door and noticed a smudge. Flicking the light on, I leaned down. Looked like bloody fingerprints that dragged across for a beat, probably closing the door behind them.
Straightening quickly, I pulled my phone out and shot a text to Bama to let him know where I was, and that something seemed off.
After shoving it back in my pocket, I crept around the house, looking for signs of movement.
The drawers in the kitchen were open, and a few bills were strewn across the small two-person table against the wall.
The cushions were pulled up from the sofa and chair in the living room, and the sofa had been moved away from the wall.
What the fuck were they looking for?
After slowly stepping down the hall, I pushed the bathroom door, and the bathroom seemed in order. But a few steps ahead, I looked in the bedroom. It had been torn up. I walked in and stopped when I looked down.
“Shit.” I leaned down to the bloody and motionless body, checking his neck. “Oh, fuck.” I felt a pulse. It was faint, but it was there. I shoved my gun into my pants then knelt down, pulling my cell out. “C’mon, Manny. You awake, man?” I asked, patting his cheek.
I dialed Sam, but it went to voicemail.
Once it beeped, I said, “Hey, need you at the back of the clinic, about fifteen minutes, maybe less. I found Manny.”
I ended the call, then looked him over. His face was almost unrecognizable and his legs were splayed awkwardly. They had to be broken.
I shot a text to Bama to let him know I was fine, but headed to the clinic with Manny.
“Alright bud, we’re going for a ride.” I ran outside, peeked around, and didn’t see anyone wandering. Most of the lights were out, too. The house across the street and two down had a front light on inside, but the shades were closed. I opened the back door of the truck and went back in.
Leaving the side door open, I ran to the room and leaned down, then grabbed him under his back and knees. I couldn’t toss him over my shoulder. Sam yelled at me for that before. I just hoped his neck was okay. I had to get him out.
My phone was buzzing in my pocket, but I was carrying a nearly 200 pound man like a princess. I used my foot to pull the door behind me just to be safe. Once I had gotten him in the back and closed the door, I realized I’d left the light on. Oh well.
I flew into the driver’s seat and fired up the truck, spinning the tires as I pulled out. “Sorry, man,” I said, unsure if he heard me or not.
Once I got onto the main road and rushed toward the clinic, I pulled out my phone and returned the last call.
Sam answered, “I’ll be there in a couple minutes. What’s coming in?”
“Not sure. Looks like his legs are broken, faced is fucked up. Thought he was dead, but there was a pulse. Hopefully there’s still one when I get there.”
“Got it. I’ll meet you at the back door.”
I hung up with him then called Hammer.
He answered, “Yeah?”
“On my way to the clinic with Manny. He’s been worked over bad. He may not make it to the clinic.”
“What happened?” he asked.
“Not sure. I ran by his place to check in and found him like this. Hopefully Sam can help.”
“Goddammit. Alright. Keep me posted.”
Looking at the clock, I said, “Fuck.”
Driving as fast as I could, I hit Glenda’s number.
“Hey, where you at?” she asked.
“Hey baby. I gotta make a stop. It’s gonna be a bit. And I need to run by the house to check on Bruce. You okay?”
“Yeah.” Her voice was so small. “I’ll just be here with the girls.”
“I’m sorry. But I’ll be there as soon as I can. Promise.”
“Okay. I’ll see you when you get here.”
“Hey, I love you. I’ll see you soon.”
“Okay, see ya then. Bye.”
She hung up and I blew out a huge sigh. “If you’re already dead, I’ll fuck you up, Manny.”
After pulling into the parking lot, I drove around back. Sam’s truck was outside and the door opened as I pulled to the curb.
I rolled the window down before I was parked and said, “Backseat.”
As soon as I put it in park, the back door opened. “Help me get him on the gurney,” Sam said.
I jumped out and we worked quickly but carefully to get him out. Looking up, his nurse, Nancy, was at the door in black scrubs, her brown hair up in a messy bun. She was cool. She’d been around a while, had seen plenty of shit, and never asked questions. But it made sense Sam would need a hand.
Once we got him wheeled inside, I stayed to help. He was alive, so they started working fast. Nancy started a line and hung some saline but shot something into the IV port. I didn’t know shit about that stuff. Could’ve been antibiotics, pain meds, both… who knew.
I helped cut his jeans off but let Sam handle his shoes. Once I got the pantlegs open, I said, “Shit.”
His legs were definitely broken.
Sam told Nancy to prep for x-rays as he pressed around the breaks. “Coloring shows this was fairly recent. I hope I can set them.”
“Why wouldn’t you be able to?” I asked.
He kept working as he spoke, pressing on his abdomen. “If it’s been longer than I think, or if the x-ray shows some crazy shit, he’d need surgery. I’m not a surgeon. Not a good one, anyway.”
Sam served as a medic, so he’d done makeshift repairs in the field a few times. We didn’t know details, but enough to know he could usually keep us out of the hospital.
Nancy rolled a machine with a huge attachment. “You need to step outside,” she said.
I cocked my head, but Sam looked up from what he was doing. “This isn’t a club thing, it’s a medical thing. Get out unless you want random radiation.”
“Do you need me to stay?” I asked.
“Stick around until I’ve looked at these x-rays, and I need to do an ultrasound.”
“I’ll go move the truck to a spot.”
Heading outside, I pulled out my phone and called Glenda as I got into the truck to move it.
“Hey, that was fast,” she said.
“No, I’m not done yet. Couldn’t explain much before but I’m at the clinic. Manny was attacked. I’m just helping Sam. Hopefully not much longer.”
“Oh no. Is he okay?”
“I don’t know. Sam’s doing his thing but they’re running some tests. I just came out to move the truck real quick.”
“I’m glad you’re helping him. You don’t have to keep checking on me.”
Rubbing my hand down my face after I parked in a spot, I said, “I wanted to. I hoped to be there by now.”
“Well, I’ll be here waiting when you can. I’m really fine.”
“Well I’m not. I want to be in bed with you.”
“Fair. But we’ll be there eventually. You still gonna have to go out?”
“Probably. Speaking of, I need to check in with Hammer. I’ll text you when I get out of here.”
“Okay. I’ll see you soon. Bye.”
She hung up, so I called Hammer.
“Did he make it?” he asked.
“So far.”
“Him and Skeeter were doing a little digging around. I wonder if he was followed.”
“Where’s Skeeter?”
“Here. I haven’t mentioned anything to him yet. Wasn’t sure what to tell him.”
“I’m still not sure. Sam said to hang around in case they needed help. I’ll be there once he lets me go.”
“Come see me when you do.”
I hung up, then went back inside, locking the door behind me. The digital beeps sounded down the hallway from the door opening and closing.
“You can come back in,” Sam yelled.
I had a long fucking night ahead. Hopefully Manny would pull through and we could get some info. At least I knew I had Glenda to take home with me.