Chapter 5
Chapter Five
NOAH
The second I pulled into the clubhouse compound, I knew it was about to be on. Vice’s bike was parked in front, next to Ode’s.
Heading up the steps into the clubhouse, I took in my surroundings, waiting for my best friend to ambush me. He’d called Rabbit to help with Vanna because he knew, somehow, he knew the reason she didn’t come around anymore was because of me.
Before his dad retired as our prez, he’d called me into his office and asked himself. I’d admitted the truth to him, for the first time. He told me she was headstrong but one day it would work out.
I didn’t believe him. I’d thought my friendship was the only thing keeping me together. The only good thing in my life, until I overheard Rabbit’s call. The second I knew Vanna was in danger, I didn’t hesitate. Fuck the rules, and fuck the code.
I was forty years old. I’d always given everything to this club. Club always came first. I never put my own needs ahead of it. I turned Vanna down, breaking her heart and my own in the process, because it’s what my friendship needed. It was what she needed. She had been too damn young then.
Even now, she was still too damn young but I wanted to be selfish with her. I wanted her. I needed her.
Rabbit pointed to the Chapel and I knew shit had hit the fan. Vice would have expected her to be here when he arrived, and I bet Ode had the revelation that I hadn’t, in fact, told my best friend what my play was and was acting on my own with her.
Yeah shit was about to go down.
No time like the fucking present. I marched to Chapel and opened the door. Ode was sitting at the head of the table, and Vice was sitting at his seat. His new one at least, as VP. It hadn’t been finalised yet, but we’d voted him in after our last VP passed on a few weeks ago.
“Close the door, Devil.”
I nodded and did as requested before I took my normal seat on the other side of Vice and next to the empty seat of the Sergeant at Arms. Torch wasn’t here, away on a run to seal a deal for the club, or he’d be in here too and probably reaming my ass over what I pulled.
Vice was about to speak when Ode held up his hand to silence him. His eyes blazed over at me, and I knew he was mad. I don’t think I’d ever seen him this mad before.
“Tell me how you learned of Vanna’s issue, Devil.”
“Overheard a call for Rabbit. I know Vanna. She would have trusted me more so I took the job.”
Ode eyed me like he knew Vice was about to climb over this table and kill me. He probably would if Ode hadn’t told him to wait.
“And is she safe?”
“Yes.”
“Where is she?” Vice asked through gritted teeth. “I want to see my sister.”
“She’s safe, Vice.”
“Why is her phone off?” he asked.
“It’s not. I just know she’s going to put herself in danger if she can dial out. I’ll call her after this meeting.”
“Why the fuck are you in charge of my sister?” he seethed.
“Her place was vandalised three times. She never called. She never let on she was in trouble until now. This latest round of vandalism led to her office being broken into, and her safe which she swears no one knows about was broken into, and her personal documents were taken, including her passport. Now, why do you think those items were taken and not the thousands in cash she had stored in there?”
Vice’s anger wavered a little. “What?”
“Someone she knows is targeting her. Now, she swears she doesn't know anyone who would target her like that, she trusts too easily and she’s not been protected by the club in years. Who do you think is the first person they are going to look at to find her?”
Vice’s anger drained from him. He knew I was on his side. He just didn’t like not being in control. I didn’t either, so I understood, but there was no way in hell he was taking Vanna away from me when I knew she was in danger.
“So she’s holed up somewhere in a safe house?” he asked.
“Yes. Not a club one, a private one. No traces.”
Vice nodded. “I want to call her after this.”
I nodded, hoping like hell my little spitfire plays nice and doesn’t tell him she wants out.
“Next order of business,” Ode said, breaking the intense staredown we were giving each other.
“Rabbit and Bug are heading to her shop to see what they can find out. Vice, you go with them. You’ve been there so you should know what’s going on.
I’ll send Preach to the police station to find out what they know of the other incidents. ”
“Thank you, Prez. I know she’s not an active member, but it means a lot.”
Ode looked at me then, realising that my best friend hadn’t found out how I feel about Vanna. To his credit, he didn’t linger on me too long and give it away.
“She’s family, Vice.”
“She has an assistant,” I said, breaking the moment. “Bria, I think her name is. She is quite close with Vanna. I think maybe check on her too. Send one of the prospects if we have to.”
“I can check on her,” Vice said. “I know her. It’ll be better coming from me.”
Ode nodded. “Right. Rabbit and Bug are apprised of the situation, they’ll be out by the bar. I want all updates coming through to me.”
Service ended and I hung back with Ode while Vice left the room. “Thank you for not telling him.”
“Remind me again why he has no idea who she is to you?”
“He wouldn’t understand, Prez.”
“I don’t understand. She doesn’t know, does she?”
“Know what?”
“Don’t play dumb with me, Devil.”
I ran a hand down my face. “No.”
“Do you think something like that can be kept quiet in this clubhouse?” he asked. “Be careful. Betrayal of a brother is a punishable offence. Make this right with Vice before he finds out.”
Ode left me standing alone in Chapel, wondering just how bad it could get if Vice were to find out I claimed his sister without ever telling him how I felt about her.
It had been the only secret we’d had. It got easier over the years when she didn’t come by, no temptation, no need to protect her, and I could be the same old bastard he knew.
When Vanna entered the room, all rational thought went out the window.
I left Chapel and headed toward the bar, only to see Rabbit, Bug and Preach at the bar with Vice. Before I had the chance to open my mouth, my best friend turned around, his eyes wide and stormy.
“You claimed my goddamn sister?!”