Stalker
Our frustrating day was drawing to a close soon. Breezy had made it to the compound safely hours ago, bringing clothing for her and her sister to last a while. I tried not to be satisfied with the circumstances, but I was thrilled to see Daya’s clothing and other things mingling with ours.
Their extended stay gave us the excuse to move into one of the townhomes.
It was a three-bedroom, two-bath house. We took the larger main bedroom with its private bathroom.
Breezy was in one of the other bedrooms. We’d arranged for the prospects to pick up groceries from town.
We sat down together, and the four of us made out the list. They were hesitant to put the work on Keenan or Ivan to fetch them, but we reminded the women that this was one way the prospects proved they had what it took to be one of us—following orders without back talk was essential.
I admit, walking into the bathroom and noting her face cream, toothbrush, and more among our stuff made me smile. Her clothing hung in the closet with ours, which we brought over.
The move-in was hours ago. Now, we’d just finished dinner that the ladies made from the groceries we sent the prospects to get.
We were in the middle of the cleanup when my phone rang.
I raised an eyebrow as I got my phone out of my pocket.
I wondered who it was. Seeing Keenan’s name on the screen, I hastily answered it.
“Hey, Keenan, what’s up?” I greeted him. The other three stood there watching me.
“Hey, Stalker. Sorry to disturb you, but Daya’s brother is at the gate, demanding to be let in. I wasn’t sure whether he had unlimited anytime access. I told him I had to check. He’s not happy.”
As Keenan spoke, I heard Jess in the background, hollering to either let him in or he’d call the cops. My temper ignited, but I fought to suppress it.
“Have someone bring him to townhome one. We’re all here except Stryder. I’ll ask him to come over. Jess isn’t allowed to roam free.”
“Got it. I’ll bring him over myself.”
“Thanks, man,” I said before disconnecting.
As I opened up my messaging app to message Stryder, I filled the others in on our uninvited guest.
“Jess is here demanding entry, or he’ll call the cops. Keenan is bringing him here. We’ll see what the hell he’s ranting about. I’m texting Stryder to see if he can join us.”
“I’m sorry, but I’m not in the mood for your brother’s bullshit tonight. I’ll try to keep my mouth shut, but no promises,” Predator told the ladies.
“Don’t hold back on our account. If he’s rude or acting out, call him on it. His butt-hurt behavior is getting old,” Daya stated.
My short message was barely sent before I got an answer back.
“Stryder is headed over now.”
Predator stationed himself near the door. I got Breezy and Dayanara to sit. It was a couple of minutes before there was a knock at the door, Predator opened it. From where I sat in the living room, I saw it was Jess and Keenan. Jess was scowling.
Before Predator or Keenan could say a word, Jess blurted out, “I want to see my sisters, right now.”
Predator ignored him and spoke to our prospect. “Keenan, thanks. You can go. I’ll let you or Ivan know if we need anything else. Oh, and thanks again for the grocery run.”
“No big deal. We’re here if you need us.” Keenan walked away after making his offer.
“Stop acting like I’m not here!” Jess demanded. He tried to push past Predator, but my brother blocked him.
“You need to calm down and get some manners. And if you push me, you won’t be seeing them. They don’t need the stress of you acting stupid, Jess. Either calm down or leave,” Predator informed him.
Jess’s face reddened, and he sputtered. However, the next words spoken weren’t his. Stryder’s voice came from outside.
“Jess, stop it. You’re in our world. Follow the rules or get out,” his cousin snapped. Then, Stryder appeared behind Jess, who whipped around to look at him.
“I’m your goddamn cousin, and you side with them?”
“I do. When you’re wrong and acting stupid, I’ll call you on it. If you want to talk, then chill out.”
The tense silence lasted a half dozen heartbeats or more before Predator eased out of the doorway and waved for the men to enter. Jess rushed inside. Stryder leisurely followed. He fist-bumped Predator, then he closed the door.
“Have a seat. I’ll take the other spot on the couch,” Predator instructed.
I was already on it with Daya and Breezy.
Knowing we needed more room, I hoisted Daya onto my lap.
After a surprised gasp, she readily let me bring her over.
This move left room beside me for Predator.
Breezy sat on the opposite side of me. Jess’s gaze took it in.
His mouth tightened, and his eyes narrowed, but he kept his mouth shut.
“We’re all here. You demanded to see them. Here they are. What’s the issue?” I asked.
“I came to find out what the fuck is going on. They’ve left our homes and are staying here. What place is this?” he asked, scanning the room.
“This place is a guest home. We have a few of them. Since there are four of us and the clubhouse isn’t always conducive to privacy and can be noisy, we moved over here. I thought Stryder spoke to you,” Predator stated, glancing over at our club brother.
“I did. I went to his house and told him that Marshall had disappeared. We’re concerned for both ladies’ safety. Until he’s been removed as a threat, they’re better off here. We have this place closed to outsiders and monitored,” Stryder told his cousin.
“Yeah, you told me about Marshall, but not that they were moving in. I thought they’d stay a night or two. Wherever he is, he’d be a fucking idiot if he came after either of them,” Jess forcibly said.
“No, being a fucking idiot is when you think the guy who molested and raped both your sisters is going to leave them alone.” My tone said it for me. I was over him and wasn’t about to put up with his shit.
“You’re using Marshall’s release as an excuse to isolate my sisters here. You and your buddy both want Daya, and she’s falling right into line. I would’ve never imagined her being so weak-minded,” Jess uttered.
Daya’s body went rigid. I rubbed her back to keep her peaceful. She pushed on my arm around her until I dropped it. She leaned toward her brother, though he was a distance away.
“Who are you to say anyone is weak-minded? Wanting to make sure Breezy is safe and taking up an offer that’ll do that isn’t weak-minded.
It’s smart. I hoped you were done wallowing in your self-righteous fantasy, but I see that you’re not.
I’m twenty-nine years old, and Breezy is twenty-one.
We’re adults and can do whatever the fuck we want.
If we want to bring all our belongings here and move in, that’s our prerogative.
“Stop pretending you’re here out of love and concern. What’s the real reason, Jess? Stryder told you the risk. There’s no reason for you to barge in here and demand anything from us. Stop wasting our time and spit it out. It’s been a long day. We want to go to bed soon,” Daya reasoned.
“You’re seriously dragging our little sister into this domestic situation of yours?
She has to endure seeing you all over these two and vice versa.
It’s disgusting. The priority should be finding Marshall and determining his intentions.
Have you considered that he might no longer be a threat? ” Jess asked.
“No longer a threat! Are you fucking kidding me? He’s a defiler who preyed on young, vulnerable girls.
Do you think he doesn’t hold a grudge against Breezy for being brave enough to stand up and testify against him?
I know what his intentions are, and I know what mine are.
That motherfucker is living on borrowed time.
You want to pretend he’s a good person, go ahead, but forget having me in your life.
I doubt Breezy will want to be, either. Maybe you and your buddy can start hanging out, and you can watch him target more young girls,” Daya hissed. She came to her feet as she ranted.
Jess blanched, but Daya was on a roll. “I haven’t forgotten what it was like to feel his hot breath on my neck as he whispered his threats and the vile things he was going to do to me in my ear.
Or the feel of his hands on me, hurting me.
Or the feel of him forcing himself inside of me.
Get out! You’re not coming here to question the people willing to help protect us.
God, you’re a blind fool, Jess. What is it?
Do you think he was right to force himself on girls? ”
Jess shot out of his chair. “I never said that I agreed with what he did! I’m sorry that he hurt both of you.
I’m just saying that he’s been in prison for several years.
He might’ve gotten help while he was there.
He could be repenting for his crimes. I don’t understand how you can suddenly want to be with two men.
That’s not normal, Daya. Don’t you think people will wonder what’s wrong with you? ”
“So you’re comparing her being in a relationship where two men adore her as being on par with a raping pedophile? Jesus Christ, I can’t believe what I’m hearing!” Stryder shouted.
Stryder, Predator, Breezy, and I were all yelling over top of each other.
In a blink, Daya darted forward and slapped her brother.
The crack was loud, ending our yelling. His head snapped to the side as if she hit him with a bat.
Immediately, a red handprint appeared on his cheek.
His incredulous expression was glued to her. Daya was panting.
“Y-you slapped me,” he said stupidly.
“You’re goddamn right I did. And if you don’t leave, I’ll do worse than that. If you feel the need to defend your buddy, do it elsewhere. The sight of you makes me sick. Go and stay away,” she demanded.
“Daya, let’s take a breath. You’re too emotional. Once you're composed, we can talk this out like adults. I believe it’s best if the four of us who are family talk alone. Predator and Stalker are clouding the issue and your mind,” Jess stated.
“Jess, I never thought you’d say these things. You’re out of your mind. You’re no longer welcome. Let’s go. I’ll show you out,” Stryder demanded.
“I’m not leaving until we settle this and they come home. I can watch over them if they’re scared,” their brother vowed.
“Jess, I don’t want to stay with you anymore. You’re not the brother I knew. For you to defend my molester, Daya’s rapist, is a stab to the heart. Go. I don’t want you near me,” Breezy told him before bursting into tears.
Daya rushed to comfort her, even though she had tears running down her face. Without another word, I marched over to Jess and grabbed him by the back of the neck. I squeezed hard, so he had no recourse but to walk. He wasn’t able to lift his arms because of where I pressed.
“Stay with them. We’ll be back,” I told Stryder.
He nodded. Predator joined me. The march to where Jess left his car was swift, though too slow for us.
I shoved him inside. He opened his mouth to argue, but as if by magic, more of our brothers streamed out of the clubhouse and came our way.
Seeing them, Jess recognized he better leave.
Ivan ran to the button that opened the gate manually.
He pressed, and mere seconds later, Jess was headed for the gate.
He had to wait a bit more before he could squeeze his car out.
When he was clear, the button was pushed again to close the gate.
“What did we miss?” Hatchet asked.
Though I hated the delay, we remained there, filling our brothers in on what had happened. They were as unamused as we were. Finally, we were cleared to check on our woman. We practically ran to the house.