Chapter 2 #4
“If it were the right person, who could deal with our lifestyle, what I do, and how I am, then yeah, I would like to do it. I know Nomad, Fury, and Forge feel the same way. Not sure about the rest. The four of us talked about it one night recently in the common room.”
“You said there were a couple of things. What’s the other?”
If anyone would understand becoming obsessed with following trails, it would be him. He was also into computers and served as the club’s primary IT person. He set up their networks, computers, and other equipment. He did research, too, but I was the one known for doing the deeper dives.
“The other deals with online work. I’m working on something for Rage, but on top of that, about a week ago, I stumbled upon someone checking into me.
They tripped my flags. I’ve been hot on their tail since, and they’re clever.
I only get faint glimpses. I can’t figure out who they are or where they are.
Why were they looking into me? It’s been driving me nuts. ”
He whistled before saying anything. “Damn, if you can’t find them, that’s one smart person. You can find trails and follow them when no one else can. Have they tripped any more flags?”
“Not a one. But the person is digging into a guy named Aarón Mora. He’s from Caracas, Venezuela.
And what I’m picking up on in the dark web and through rumors is that he’s more than he appears to be.
What’s hidden is all evil and ugly. So why is this other person digging into him, and what do they plan to do with the information they find? ”
“What if you don’t discover why?”
“I have to. If I don’t, I might go crazy. You know what it does to us when something remains unanswered. I’m worse than you are about it.”
Crusher sighed. “Yeah, you are, though it would drive me batty not to know. To have it hang out there, especially after they checked into you. Do you think they’re up to no good?”
I thought about it, then shrugged. “I’m not sure.
Based on the research they’re doing into Mora, I get the feeling they’re doing it to bring him to justice or something along those lines.
And if that’s true, then why would they target me?
If they were out to get dirt on the club, they’d be after everyone, not just me.
We’ve been cautious not to have anything incriminating that can lead back to us. ”
“True. Damn, I wish you luck. If you need help, let me know. I’ll gladly do some work. But I know you. You want to do it yourself.”
I grinned. “You do know me. You’re the same way. I promise to spend a bit more time with the brothers. However, I won’t be putting up with the bunnies’ and hangers’ stupid antics. If I stay and they bug me, I’m gone.”
“I don’t blame you. To be honest, more times than not, I pass on the sex.
It’s boring, and I feel kinda hollow afterward.
Man, I wish some woman would come sashaying into the clubhouse and bam, I’m hit with the knowledge she’s the one.
I envy how Rage and Wrath found their ladies.
And look at the other clubs and how those guys met theirs,” Crusher stated.
“I know. Where else can we meet women? We don’t do regular church.
Yeah, there’s the occasional bike run, rally, or even an event like the car show.
Otherwise, we mainly go to Pagan’s Pub or stay at the clubhouse.
The type of women we generally meet at the Pub are on the prowl, just like the hangers and bunnies are. It’s more of the same,” I shared.
“Maybe we should take out an old-fashioned want ad. Remember those personal ads people used to take out when they were seeking someone? We could revive that.” Crusher smirked.
“Or make an online version and post it on our website and all the businesses’ websites. What do you think Wrath would think of that idea?” I joked.
Crusher’s expression changed to contemplative. Uh-oh, he was thinking about it, not as a joke. Moments later, he confirmed my suspicion.
“You know that’s not a terrible idea, Shadow.
We could make it its own section or create a link to our personal ads.
If we did it that way, not everyone visiting the sites would have to read them.
But if they do, whether for themselves or not, they might answer or tell someone they know about it.
I’m not willing to do the goddamn dating sites bullshit.
No way. I heard how nuts those people can be.
Not to say there won’t be any this way, but I like it better.
“When you go the dating site route, the people seem content to be online only. I want face-to-face interaction from the very beginning. Why spend time on someone only to meet weeks or months later and find out they’re nothing like they were online?
Nope. I want to know from the start,” Crusher explained.
“I can’t disagree with that. While I love being online, I don’t in that situation. Too much catfishing happens there.”
From there, we enjoyed more conversation and delved into the concept of personal ads.
We fleshed out how it would work. Even if the club shot it down—since something like this would have to be voted on—it was still fun and a great diversion.
Our food, when it came, was delicious as always.
We asked if Emiliano was there, but he was off tonight.
After paying the bill and thanking the staff, we got on our bikes and headed home. I felt better than I had in a while.