Chapter Nine
Roark
The Nova had been a blast to drive. Charli had done one helluva job building the car, and Roark told her so.
“Gonna get it out on the track?” he asked.
“No, she’s not set up for the track. She’s for pure enjoyment. But I won’t say no to being the pace car for a race or two.”
“Don’t be surprised to have some of the guys ask for your expertise at the track. Cruz couldn’t stop gawking at your car, wondering if you do custom work on commission. I told him to simply ask you. So tomorrow you might get inundated with car talk.”
“I don’t mind. I love car talk.”
Roark held her hand and led her into the Brewery where he introduced her to the lead manager, Barbie Nettles, who was Tech’s sister.
“Pleasure to meet you, Charli. You two can head up to the deck. There’s a table for you with a reserved sign. Patti will be with you shortly. I’ve got to call in another server since we had a call-out.”
“Thanks, Barbie,” Charli said.
They walked up the curving stairs that led to the open deck, part of which was covered, and another part that was completely open. The view of the Canyon was spectacular. Charli walked to the wrought iron guard rail, taking in the scenery.
“This is amazing.”
Roark stood behind her, placing his hands on either side of hers, and whispered in her ear. “It sure is.”
She leaned her head to the side, giving him better access. He latched onto her neck, suckling. Charli squirmed and pulled away, giggling. “Tickles. And will no doubt leave a hickey, you stinker.”
Roark laughed and moved some of her hair over her shoulder to cover the spot. “Fixed it.”
“Uh huh.” She took his hand and walked them to their table. “Are you hungry? Because I could definitely eat again.”
“Then we’ll eat. Order whatever you want.”
For mid-June, the weather was pleasant, and a light breeze blew in across the deck. Patti arrived and took their drink and appetizer order. When she walked away, Roark broached the subject of getting Charli certified with a handgun.
“I’ve never shot one before. Never crossed my mind.”
“I want to at least get you trained so you know how to use one. Whether you carry is completely up to you.”
“I think that’s a perfect idea. If I’m going to be around them, I should know how to handle one.”
Roark nodded. “Just let me know when you want to head to the range.”
“What time are we expected at the compound tomorrow for the cookout?”
“Anytime, really. Mom and Dad will no doubt start food prep in the morning. Grill usually gets fired up at noon and goes all afternoon. Kids from toddlers to teens will be there, so this year, Mom’s organized a variety of games. She’s even having a freaking bouncy house brought in.”
“That’s fun. Is it limited to only the kids?” Charli winked, causing Roark to laugh.
“I’m sure there’s always an exception to the rule.”
Patti arrived with their drinks and appetizers, and they dug in. Music played through the speakers, and Roark informed Charli earlier that live music was scheduled for later tonight.
“This is a really great place, Roark.”
“Thanks. I’m pretty proud of it.”
“So, you own a brewery, you contract jobs for the SoS’s excavation company, and what else?”
“Jax, our Enforcer, runs the gun shop, and both of us run the range. We offer classes and certification.”
“Anything else I need to be aware of with the Club?”
“Not really. We haven’t turned to the dark side, engaging in anything illegal.
Many of the members work at the excavation company, the gun shop, or the track.
Few have jobs elsewhere. And like Stacks and Marlo, me, Mom, and a few others, there are those of us who have our own businesses and employ members or their family if we’re able.
Like Barbie. And not just because she’s family, but because she’s damn smart and a terrific manager.
Her husband is a Twin Falls police officer.
“A portion of the income from our privately owned businesses goes to the Club. We expanded the compound to twenty acres with plenty of living quarters for those who want it. We’re a smaller chapter compared to others, but our principles are the same.
Brotherhood. Loyalty. Freedom. A bit rebellious but still law-abiding.
A place for those who want our lifestyle, who need a family.
Not sure how much Liam told you, if anything, when you were younger, about SoS history? ”
“He explained what the Club was about. As you said, brotherhood, loyalty, and family. Dad, as you may know, came from a broken home. But he found a family with Owen. With the Sons of Sin. He never told me any other history.”
“The Sons of Sin was founded by four guys. But a rift occurred when cartels started moving in, wanting to use the Club to move product. Two wanted the money and power that came with working with the cartels. But there is no working with, it would be working for. The other two wanted nothing to do with that, with being owned by drug cartels. There was a split, and the original men who wouldn’t kneel to the cartel, Nero and Dominic, kept the Sons of Sin alive.
They head chapters in Detroit and Vegas.
From there, chapters began forming around the country. ”
“And are all the chapters above board. On the up-and-up?”
“Not all. Some choose to engage in activities that walk the edge of legality.”
Charli sputtered. “Oh, what a nice way to put it. And what activities are we talking about?”
“Charli, I’m not here to give you a rundown of other Club’s activities.
Doesn’t matter anyway because it doesn’t involve us directly.
Now, if any SoS brothers happen to come to us asking for help with something, Griff and the board will decide whether or not to offer that help and in what capacity.
We aren’t going to do anything to jeopardize our people. Our own are our number one priority.”
She nodded. “I had no doubt.”
Dinner and drink refills came, and Roark and Charli enjoyed their meal and conversation at a leisurely pace.
Even with half the deck filled with patrons, there was still a quiet intimacy to the atmosphere.
And as dusk settled over the canyon, muted pinks and oranges painted the evening sky, making a beautiful backdrop.
A slow song came over the speakers, urging Roark to stand and pull Charli into his arms for a dance. Didn’t matter there technically wasn’t a dance floor on the upper level. There was still plenty of space between tables to hold her close and sway to the music.
“Thank you,” Charli said as she rested her cheek against his chest.
“For?”
She looked up at Roark. “For everything. For accepting me back. For loving me. For a relaxing evening without any cares.”
He caressed her cheek. “Been too long, hasn’t it?
” She nodded. “Then prepare to be spoiled.” Roark leaned down and kissed her softly.
He started to deepen the kiss when a shout from below had his head snapping up.
Both looked in the direction of the main floor when more shouts came followed by the sound of breaking glass.
“Well, shit,” Roark mumbled.
“Spoke too soon, I guess.”
“Stay here. Please. I’ll see what’s happening.”
Roark headed down the stairs, leaving Charli safely behind.
More shouts and commotion greeted him as he made it to the main dining area with the bar.
Patrons were corralled along two walls, well away from two men facing each other.
An overturned table and chair along with broken glasses and liquid littered the area right in front of the bar.
“Fucking bitch spilled that drink on purpose,” spewed a hefty man who stood nearly as tall as Roark. He wore all black, including a black cowboy hat with sunglasses perched on the brim.
“Sir, it was an accident,” said Brantley, one of the bartenders, and a beefy guy himself. “She offered an apology along with a free drink and appetizer. You made it worse by upending her entire tray. Now you get to leave.”
“I ain’t leaving until that bitch apologizes, and I get money for new clothes.”
Roark saw Twila, the waitress in question, glaring at the back of the jackass, probably ready to tell him to fuck off.
“She already apologized,” said Brantley, “and your clothes will clean up just fine with a wash. Now leave.”
“You gonna make me?” The man sucked in air through his teeth.
“I will,” Roark said. The man turned his gaze to Roark. “I’m the owner, and my fine employees have been more than patient with you, yet you still want to be a dickhead. Therefore, you can leave my establishment.”
He continued to stare at Roark, remaining silent.
Then his gaze shifted as he looked up and behind Roark.
Roark followed his line of sight to see Charli standing at the railing, looking down at them.
When Roark turned to face the dickhead, a smirk formed on his mouth, and Roark didn’t like that one fucking bit.
“Get. Out.” Roark emphasized each word. He watched the man eye him once more before pulling his shades off his hat and slipping them on his face.
He then slowly sauntered toward the exit with everyone giving him a wide berth.
Roark followed from a distance, ensuring he left without further incident.
As soon as the door closed and the guy walked out of sight, Roark turned to see Charli running toward him.
“Roark! That’s the man in the black SUV. The one who was at Harvey’s shop.”
“Son of a bitch,” he mumbled before storming out the door. He hurried along the walkway to the parking lot but only saw the SUV speeding away.
Charli was suddenly at his side. “Who the hell is that guy?”
“No clue, but I don’t like the fact he antagonized you at the shop and now he shows up at my brewery causing problems.”
“Could be a weird coincidence.”
“I don’t believe that any more than you do.”
“You’re right.” She linked her fingers with his. “Come on. Go make sure everyone’s okay then we head home. I think we’ve had about enough excitement for one night.”
Roark snorted. “Yeah.” He raised her hand to kiss it then led them back inside.