Chapter Seven. #2
“The whole of South Dakota does, babe,” Teagan replied. “Hellfire MC was one of the defenders of the Rapid City War. They’re pretty famous around here, celebrities if you wish to call them that. The club is respected and liked.”
“Unusual. Most MCs are feared.”
“Yeah, there’s still the stigma from the seventies and eighties. Hellfire did go bad, but got clean and desperately held on, living well,” Teagan continued.
The woman with Chance spun around, and I saw it was Clio, his old lady. She caught my gaze, hurried over, and spoke to the receptionist.
“Hi,” I said, approaching.
“Hello! I never got a chance to thank you for Olivia, and now Isla. You’re becoming Hellfire’s personal nurse. Of course, one of the Holy Terrors is in here at least once a week, so we’ll become a familiar sight,” Clio gushed.
“Holy Terrors?” I focused on that.
“What we call the kids of the club. Naturally, we love them, but they’re in a class of their own,” Clio explained.
“Right. Well, I’m glad that Isla will be okay. How’s Olivia’s arm?”
“Oh, Liv’s had her money’s worth. Has milked it rotten, now Isla will as she’s ended up with stitches.” Clio reached into her purse and pulled out a cardholder. She slipped one out and offered it.
“That’s my personal number. If anything happens, let me know, we’ll get you what you need,” Clio said.
“Babe!” Chance called, and Clio glanced over her shoulder.
“Thanks again for everything, including being nonjudgmental. You’d be surprised how many look down their noses at us,” Clio stated, before hurrying off.
“Clio seems nice,” I murmured inanely as Teagan approached.
“Clio gave you a personal card?” Teagan asked.
“Yeah?”
“That means something. Chance’s old lady wouldn’t give her number to anyone to call. Guess how many people try to make friends with Clio to secure a spot in the club?”
“Seriously?”
“Baby, Hellfire MC is stinking rich. Loads of women have tried to trap one or another of the brothers. If they get old lady status, they’ve got it made.
They’d kill for a direct line to Clio. The old ladies of Hellfire are cliquey and stick to their own.
Nobody from outside gets into their tight circle.
Well, not unless you’re from another club.
Why do you think Clio gave you the card? ”
“No idea, Teagan, but I’m not likely to use it.”
“Your ex is part of Hellfire MC.”
That wasn’t a question from Teagan but a statement, and I nodded in agreement. It didn’t matter; I’d never call Clio for anything. Hellfire MC and I wouldn’t cross paths again.
Harlequin
This was as boring as watching paint dry.
The woman opposite chatted on about all things ‘Heather’ while I sat here pretending to listen.
So far, I’d heard about her fluffy dog and cat, her babies, then about the neighbour who was jealous of her—God knows why.
Then Heather swapped to her figure, seeking compliments, and then her job in a nail bar.
Heather spoke a lot of words, but none meant anything.
Three times now she’d asked what I did, and when I mentioned I was a PI, Heather lit up.
Further questions followed about what I earned, if I had any juicy gossip, and whether I could keep an eye on the old lady down the road.
That poor woman’s crime was that she sat on the porch and watched life go by.
Apparently, that made her suspicious. Jesus.
Once I’d given curt answers, Heather decided the world revolved around her and her stupid giggle. Why did women have to act like this? It wasn’t attractive, and honestly, it was fuckin’ annoying.
“Harlequin, I asked what you thought if I dyed my hair a few shades paler,” Heather tapped her nails on the table and stared.
Was I supposed to reply?
“Um,” I muttered.
“I agree. I don’t think it will harm either. Now the question is how much lighter should I go?” How did Heather consider me agreeing with her from a single ‘um?’ Someone save me! My prayers were fulfilled when my phone rang, and I saw it was Mom.
“Heather, sorry, I need to get this. It’s my mother,” I said, cutting into the incessant chatter.
Heather’s eyes narrowed. “But we’re on a date.”
“And this is my mom,” I snapped, and Heather reared back. Fuck her, I answered the call.
“Stone, am I disturbing anything?”
“No, what’s wrong?”
Heather huffed, and I watched as she placed her napkin on the table and sipped her wine.
“I was missing you,” Mom replied, and I barely managed to hide a smile.
“Oh no, Mom. That bad?” I asked, forcing concern into my voice. This was my lifeline, and I was taking it.
“No, no, just a quick chat.”
“Not a problem, Mom, I’ll come right over.”
“Stone, you don’t have to do that!” Mom exclaimed as Heather’s eyes narrowed.
“See you soon, Mom,” I replied and cut the call.
“You’re leaving me? To go visit your mom?” Heather snapped, and I sensed she was insulted. Who was I to walk out on all things Heather?
“She needs me.”
“Well, I didn’t realise you were such a mommy’s boy,” Heather sneered.
“My mom’s dying, bitch, something you might have learned if you’d shut your mouth for more than two seconds,” I snarled. A lie, I know, but Heather deserved it. Unsurprisingly, she didn’t flinch but stood up.
“Well, that means your time won’t be spent on me, and that’s unacceptable,” Heather declared and walked off. I sat there stunned as quiet laughter came from a table behind me. I twisted and saw Banshee and Sallie-Anne sitting there.
“Holy crap, she was a piece of shit,” Sallie-Anne stated and laughed again.
“Dude, you picked a wrong-un there,” Shee agreed.
“Never saw that coming!” I admitted, beckoning the waiter.
“Is Edie ill?” Sallie-Anne asked as worry creased her brow.
“No. Mom’s perfectly fine. That was a lie to determine if Heather had any human decency. Guess not,” I said, and they both laughed.
“Harlequin, I can’t believe Heather said it was unacceptable you wouldn’t spend all your time worshipping at her feet.” Sallie-Anne chuckled.
I asked the waiter for the bill and shrugged. “Somehow, I think I can live without a Heather.”
Shee burst into laughter again. “Dude, that bitch was a nasty piece of work. Her chatter was starting to rile me.”
“Brother, I tuned it out,” I admitted.
Shee shook his head. “Can’t blame you.”
“I’m off to visit my mom. Have a good night, guys,” I said. I gave the waiter a generous tip as I left. He’d had to suffer Heather’s stupid demands around her food and had truly earned his money. Idiotic woman.
◆◆◆
“Briar’s coming home,” Mom announced as we ate pizza. The meal at the restaurant hadn’t filled me up. I startled, biting my lip and cursing.
Dad chuckled, and I shook my head.
“Did you say Briar’s returning home?”
“Yup,” Mom said with a grin.
“Is she okay?”
“Seems fine to me, but Briar’s fed up with where she’s working, so she’s going to come home and take on clients,” Dad explained.
“Wow. Okay. I didn’t think she’d leave the city,” I drawled.
Briar was my older sister. She was an accountant and had lived in New York City for the past seven years. She rarely came home, but for Briar to move back, something significant had happened.
I’d call her tonight when I get back to the clubhouse. Although we didn’t see each other much, we called or face timed once a week.
“Neither did we, but we’re not looking a gift horse in the mouth. Briar’s going to stay with us until she finds a place to buy,” Dad said.
“This is permanent then,” I mused.
“Yeah, seems to be.”
“Briar’s running,” I stated, and my parents nodded.
“We think so,” Mom agreed.
“Then we’ll make sure Briar knows she’s loved.”
Mom and Dad looked at me and nodded.
“Yup, son, that’s all we can do,” Dad said. “Just like we did to you.”