Chapter 4
Torch
The sound of a motorcycle approaching rattles through my shop’s open garage door. I only come out here to my dad’s old place when I need to burn off energy or to get away.
I look down at the wooden table I’ve been working on for months now.
The central leg is made up of geometric squares that twist upwards from largest to smallest, then their edges have been sanded away to create a smooth spiral base.
The flat square top is designed with alternating dark and light wood pieces, spiraling out from the center, starting small and working outward to the largest edge.
It’s the heaviest piece I’ve done in a long time, with a lot of intricate cutting and styling, and I know Ruby will love it. I plan to put it in the theater room she helped me set up in my suite at the clubhouse.
Just like Judge, I have a full-sized apartment there with a small kitchenette and my office.
I also occupy an office at the factory I manage for Judge.
We’re finally in negotiations to purchase another cemetery and mortuary in town, and soon the MC will run all the burial plots and other modes of body disposal.
Only a few people know I still come out here.
The house is closed up, but I use the garage and shop when I need to.
I don’t bother walking outside to greet my visitor; it’ll be one of three men.
Boost, a patch who’s been around since before my father died and has stuck around for me even though he could retire.
Spike, my other best friend. He and I have known each other since diapers, according to his mother, Lyra.
He was born only a few months after I was.
His family, along with Judge’s, took me in after both my parents died.
The final possibility steps through the doors shortly after his bike shuts off. Judge. His commanding presence intimidates most people, just not me. Between the two of us, we know I’m the more volatile one. He’s even-tempered most times, although lately, his temper has shortened.
“Your phone is going to voicemail,” he grumps by way of greeting.
“Yep, I needed some time. Between staff at the factory and other shit, I’m a bit on edge today.”
“We could have used you earlier. The interim funeral home manager has been embezzling money along with instituting procedures and chemicals that are fake and against OSHA rules.”
I look up from wiping the table down with lacquer to see if he’s serious. “Well, fuck. Is he still alive?”
“For now. Both Hammer and I worked him over in the crypt for a bit, but he wouldn’t give up any more information. Grave is expecting his body soon, so I doubt he will be for much longer. Sheriff also confirmed he’s a suspect in a rape case.”
I shake my head and look back down. “He’s dead now.”
“If Hammer has his way, he’ll be dead soon enough. He and I are going to take a ride down to Eastport; gotta check on my woman. Want me to peek in on Ruby?”
I drop the cloth and wrench off my gloves as I take him in.
“Are you fucking serious right now? You told me I can’t be around her.
You swore you wouldn’t give me your blessing.
What the fuck do you want now?” My body tenses with so much anger that I could smash the table against his body.
Other than keeping the biggest secret from him, this has been the hardest part of our friendship.
I’m in love with Ruby, and he just doesn’t get it.
To be fair, I haven’t let him in on either of those secrets, though.
“Well, on that note… Things are changing. Do you think you can get a secure location lined up?” He pauses, then waves his hand around. “Maybe even here. Hide out with Ruby for a bit.”
Now, my tension no longer comes from anger but worry. I can feel the muscles all locking up. “What’s going on?”
“Evie’s grandmother asked me to help get her away from the abusive boyfriend.
” I move around the shop, fidgeting with whatever I can get my hands on as he works out in his head whatever he’s got to say.
“I told her I would only do it on one condition. I’m bringing in Evie and making my claim on her.
I know that with the favor owed it could look like disrespect, but I want Evie.
Her grandmother agreed that I can have her. ”
I just stare him down, waiting to see if he’ll tell me how this all figures in with Ruby.
I’ve noticed the boyfriend ramping up his presence, and there was the situation earlier this week.
That was the first time in a while that Evie and Ruby got together.
I regret showing my hand, but I don’t regret checking up on her.
She still hasn’t talked to me since that day, but I watch her still.
Now tracking her with the ring, as well as her phone.
“Evie’s boyfriend could be threatening my sister to get to Evie. I don’t want him coming after her too. My hands will be full with the two of them on my own. If you could take care of Ruby, I’d appreciate it.”
Brushing my fingers against my beard while rubbing my chin, I contemplate my options. There is no way I’m walking away from her again, but she’s going to be a pill when I take her.
“I have a couple conditions.”
He sighs and plants his feet wide, crossing his massive arms over his chest. I mirror his stance, not backing down. “Of course you do. What are they?”
“She’s mine. I get to claim her if she is willing. I also won’t walk away from her again.” I pause for only a moment. “I’ll pick the location, and no one will know where it is other than Spike.”
It takes him only a moment to consider my conditions. “Okay. You get to talk to my father about it, though.”
“I’ll call him as soon as you leave.”
He turns to the door but stops and glances back at me. “I’m serious, though. Ruby gets a choice.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“Then welcome to the family.” With those words, he walks out, and I grab my phone from the workbench.
Scrolling through my contacts, I find the one I’m looking for and dial it.
The phone only rings a couple times before Winger answers.
He is the president of the Kings of Anarchy in Salem, Massachusetts.
Calling on another club for aid isn’t looked down on; it’s what our brotherhood is made for, but it’s not something I regularly do. For Ruby, I’ll make an exception.
“Yeah,” is all he says.
“I was wondering if you have a safe house I can hole up in for a bit, somewhere over the state line.”
“Judge kick you to the curb?” he chuckles, and I shake my head. Everyone thinks they’re a comedian these days.
“No. My girl has caught the eye of someone, and I need to hide her out, away from the clubhouse for a bit. Judge is going to be busy with his girl there.”
“How soon do you need it?”
“As soon as you can get it ready.”
“I’ll send you a pin drop for it. Keys will be left on the deck, hidden.”
“Thanks, man. We owe you.”
“Yep.” He hangs up, and I decide to check on Ruby myself.
Closing the shop, I head back to the clubhouse to grab my go-bag and take Moea with me just in case I see Ruby and she needs cheering up.
Moea, or Mia as it’s pronounced, is my American Bulldog, which Ruby named when I got her as a puppy.
The name is Polynesian for sweet potato, and the guys like to tease me about her.
She’s protective of her mistress, but is also a beast of a dog that will take off your arm if you get on her bad side, yet will also lounge around the clubhouse, taking over the sofas and chairs from the prospects.
Once on the road, heading south to Eastport in my black F-250 Super Duty extended cab, with Moea spread out across the back seat sleeping, I noticed that Ruby wasn’t in her dorm room or the library, so she must be in town at the gym she has a membership with.
It’s where she goes not only to work out but also to take self-defense lessons, kickboxing classes, and learn to spar.
Lately, she’s been focusing on Krav Maga. She thinks of herself as a victim, but she isn’t; she’s a survivor, and I know she’ll never allow herself to be hurt that way again. I’ll kill anyone who tries to cause her harm. I’ve proven it once; I’ll do it again.
The closer I get to Eastport, the more my body craves seeing and touching Ruby. Music thumps through the speakers, but Metallica isn’t relaxing me as it usually does; instead, I’m ramped up, not willing to stay away from Ruby much longer.
I decide to park outside her dorm where I can watch her from afar, but before I even pull onto campus, Hammer calls, telling me that Judge is pulling Evelise in, and he wants to execute the extraction of Ruby too.
Change of plans.
I send Winger a quick text to let him know I’ll need the cabin ASAP. I’m glad I brought Moea and my go-bag with me. Ruby will need to pack quickly, but Hammer has assured me he will keep me posted on Justin’s current location.
Ruby
After working up a sweat and adding more bruises from grappling and running through some new moves, every muscle aches, reminding me I will never be a victim again. I’ve learned enough self-defense moves to be fairly certain I can get out of most situations.
Throwing a leg over my bike, I double-check my cameras before pulling out.
Both of my tails follow me, so I think I’ll have some fun losing them.
I zip out of the parking lot, barely missing oncoming traffic.
The kick of adrenaline helps me forget the pain my body is in and settles my brain.
Music blares through the Bluetooth speakers, and I don’t notice a text from Evie, telling me she’s on her way back to her apartment.
Meaning she’s still at that party with Justin.
She’s been trying to avoid me again, but I keep pushing her.