“I don’t understand why this is bothering you so much, Maddog. Everyone knows you’ll make a better Sergeant at Arms. No one else can do that job better than you. That’s the only reason Tinman made Decker the second in command and not you.”
“Why do you say that, Brother?”
“No one is as ruthless as you are. And Tinman knows Decker is a soft dick. I mean, look at how he always tries to rescue the girls. Tinman is no fool, he knows.”
“Then why make him the VP?”
“To have him close, like a bodyguard, because he knows Decker can kick ass, that’s why.”
“He’s already his bodyguard.”
“I know, Brother, but this way he has to answer to Tinman for everything.”
Rainy move farther back into the kitchen. She had a bad feeling that Maddog was going to try and hurt Decker. That worried her. Not that she should give a damn, but she couldn’t help it. Even if she had mixed feelings towards Decker, she didn’t want him hurt. But at the moment, she had to get the girls to take the food out and put it on the table. Cassy came through the kitchen with the four dogs. Rainy watched her through the window as she made her way towards the back of the yard. She seemed to disappear behind the big tree. After the last of the food was in the other room, Rainy went out the backdoor. She wanted to see where Cassy went to. She knew she was taking a chance and might get caught. But she would just have to deal with that if it happened. The way she saw it, she had to see every inch of these grounds in order to get away from this club.
Following Cassy’s movements, she went behind the tree, and low and behold, there was a farm. Horses, cows, and dogs. And she saw cats. This place was a lot larger than she thought. And it seemed to go on for miles.
She turned to return to the clubhouse before she was missed. When she got back to the big tree, Maddog stepped in front of her. Rainy gasped, knowing she was in deep trouble now. She turned back and ran towards the farm, pumping her arms and legs as fast as she could make them move. Zig zagging across the field in front of her, Maddog caught her and slammed her to the ground. Rainy was fighting with everything she had. Kicking, screaming and crying out for help. Her head exploded with pain when he slammed his fist into her head. Then he rolled her over and started to rip the clothes off of her. Rainy knew she was fighting for more than her womanhood; she was fighting for her life. Grabbing the side of his face, she dug her fingernails in deep and pulled, tearing into his flash. Maddog yelped out in pain, and then he hauled off and punched her hard in her face. Not once, but twice. Rainy stopped fighting as the pain took over, and she started to black out. A shotgun blast was the last thing she heard.
Cassy held the gun pointed right at Maddog. He brought his hands up and held them high. “Come on, Cassy, you know you’re not supposed to interfere with club business.”
“Then don’t bring your fucking business to this farm. I run things here, Maddog, not you.” Holding the gun steady, she reached into her back pocket, pulled out her phone, and called Tinman. “You need to come get this girl and your pet. He almost killed her.” She waited as Tinman talked. “Look, Tinman, we had an agreement. And I don’t want to watch this asshole beat and rape this girl. So send someone over to get her,” Cassy snapped.
It wasn’t long before a small army of bikers came from around the big tree. And two of them were Tinman and Decker. Decker flew into a rage as soon as he saw Rainy on the ground. He jumped Maddog and knocked him down. Then he straddled him and beat him in his face over and over again until Tinman ordered the other bikers to pulled him off. “That’s enough. We don’t kill our brothers over a bitch.”
Decker jerked away from them and said, “When she’s my bitch, I do.” He turned to go and pick up Rainy. But she was gone. So he headed back to the clubhouse. When he walked in, he went looking for her. But she wasn’t anywhere inside the clubhouse. Then he saw Handlebars at the bar with three other bikers. Walking over, the four of them were all watching him. He stopped and said, “Where is she, Hans?”
“Tools and Barb took her to the hospital. She pretty banged up, John.”
“Which hospital?”
“Eastside Medical Center.”
Decker went right out the door and headed for the hospital. He was so upset, he was shaking. He didn’t even know what had taken place. But if this girl died he would lose everything, because he would kill that sick son-of-a-bitch, Maddog. Walking into the ER, he saw Tools seated alone in the waiting room. He walked over and stood in front of him. “Have you heard anything?”
“No, but Barb is with her, so don’t worry. I don’t think the girl will say anything.”
“Is she okay? Is she still out?”
“No, she woke up, and she doesn’t remember anything. But Barb said she doesn’t think that they will keep her. She doesn’t have any insurance.”
“What name did she give them?”
“I don’t know, but Barb was with her when they asked her all the questions.”
“Okay, thanks,” Decker said, then he went to the front desk.
“I would like to see my wife,” he told them.
“What’s her name?” Oh boy, now what do I say? But then he remembered what she had told him. “Samantha Perez.” He stated as if that were a fact. I know that’s not her real name, I just hope it’s the name she used. If not, won’t I look like a damn fool.
“She’s in x-ray right now, sir, but you can go in as soon as she’s back in her room.”
Decker nodded his head and went and took a seat next to Tools. “I’m sorry this happened, Decker, but now that Tinman has her cooking, I can’t watch out for her that well.”
“You don’t have to apologize for anything, man. It’s not your job to babysit her.”
“I know that, Decker, but I happen to like her. She’s a sweet kid.”
“Yeah, but she’s going to get herself killed doing stupid shit,” Decker said and ran his hands through his hair. He leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. “That girl has my stomach in a knot. She’s so damn headstrong. I don’t know what to do with her.”
“This has been a really long haul, Decker. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel. You know how close we are. Just try and stay focused. This is no time to get distracted.”
Decker sat up and looked at Tools. “Is that what you think, that I’m distracted?”
“I’m scared you’re going to get killed over this girl. I think it would be better if she is out of here.”
“I hear what you’re saying, man, but with all the fuss I’ve made about this girl, do you really think Tinman would believe she got out of the clubhouse without any help? And even if he did, you know we can’t risk letting her go.”
“I know, but maybe we can talk to her. Let her know she has to keep her mouth shut. Everyone in the club is going to the Mississippi rally. Maybe we can lose her there.”
Decker shook his head in disbelief. “You don’t know this girl, she will spit in the devil’s eye and never think anything of it. And you believe she will keep her mouth shut.”
“Whether you like it or not, Tinman will do something with the girl now. Maybe he will do something with you and Maddog. He will not put up with the two of you backstabbing each other.”
They sat there for the longest time. “I’m going to find out what’s going on,” said Decker as he got to his feet. At the front desk, Decker insisted on seeing his wife. However, the nurse told him the girl was being released as they spoke.
***
In the room, Rainy looked up at Barb. “Is Decker mad at me?”
Barb shrugged. “I don’t know.”
“He’s not going to beat me, is he?”
Barb gave her a surprised look. “I don’t know what he going to do, sweetheart. But I don’t think he will beat you. I’m sure he is worried about you. Hell, you scared all of us.”
Rainy gave her an odd glance and thought, since when do The Screaming Bandits give a rat’s ass about anybody?
; ***
Liz could not believe what she was seeing. She turned her Motorcycle around and rode back to get a better look at the billboard. She pulled her bike to the side of the road that ran beside the expressway. Liz looked up at the large sign. It read, “$200,000 dollars for any information leading to Rainy Graystones whereabouts.” Who the hell was this kid that her family would put up that kind of money? It could be her; there is a likeness. Oh God, Decker is going to have a fit. What the hell are they going to do now? If any of the bikers see this, they will have a field day holding this kid for ransom. Liz knew she had to get back to the clubhouse as fast as she could before this all blew up in Decker’s face. She knew how he felt about this girl, and it’s more than him wanting to protect her. She knew he couldn’t help it. After all, three years is a long time.
Before she returned to the clubhouse, she decided to do some research. She headed into the city and went to the library to use their computer, not wanting to use her phone, just in case.
Two hours later, she was back at the clubhouse. And when Handlebars told her about what happened to the girl, it made her ill. “Where is she now?” Liz asked.
“At the hospital.”
No sooner did he say it when Decker walked in with the girl in his arms. Her face was battered, and she looked pale. Liz followed them to their room. Entering the room, she looked down at the girl, giving her a look of sympathy.
When Decker came back out of the bedroom after he settled Rainy in. he went right to Liz, “What are you doing back here, Liz? I thought you would be gone for a while,” Decker asked.
“I have to talk to you, and it can’t be here.”
He frowned at her. “Okay, where then?”
“There is a bar named Ray’s about two miles from here. Hans and I will meet you there. Tools can look out for the girl.”
Decker nodded his head. “When?”
“As soon as possible.”
“Alright, I’ll go and get Tools,” Decker said and made a fast exit. Liz wasted no time. She headed out, grabbing Handlebars as she went out the front door.
They sat in the parking lot and waited for Decker to show up. “What’s going on here, Liz? You going to tell me or not?” Handlebars said in a gruff voice.
“I’ll tell you both at the same time.”
Decker finally pulled in the lot and cut his bike off. Putting his kickstand down, he dismounted and said, “What is it, Liz?”
“It’s the girl.”
“What about her?”
“Turn around and take a good look for yourself.” She pointed up towards the billboard.
Both men turned and looked up at the billboard that was high above the trees. “What else do you know?” asked Decker.
“That little girl is about to become one of the richest women alive. Her grandmother was Elissa Masterson.”
“Holy hell!” Decker moaned.
“That dance studio she was coming out of belongs to The Amakey Dance Company. Her father, or should I say, the man who raised her is named Donavan Graystone. Her mother is Jessica Graystone. Whose father is none other than H.W.Edwards the famous actor. Should I go on?” Decker shook his head. “Okay, gentlemen, now what?”
Decker looked back up at the sign. “With all the makeup she wears, I don’t think they will know it’s her. I mean, it looks like her, but it could be anyone. And the way she talks, well, she doesn’t act like a rich kid to me. More like she came off the streets.”
“That could be because Jessica her mother was once a hooker; a famous one. And Rainy’s parent’s are middle class, not rich. But they will be when their folks pass on. But from what I’ve read, they both work,” said Liz.
“Well, tell me something. Does she have a sister the same age?”
“Yes, Quinn Masterson, Jessica and Donavan’s biological child. And a brother who is a doctor and an older sister who has passed on.” Decker shook his head and chuckled.
“What’s so funny?”
“She told me her story, and I’d heard it before. So I thought she was lying to me. I mean it sounded too fantastic to believe, so I didn’t want to believe her, and yet I did. But I was planning to look it up when I got a chance.”
“Do I need to remind the two of you we have more than one girl to worry about here?” Handlebars pipped in.
Decker nodded his head. “We know, Hans.”
“So what are we going to do?” asked Liz.
“Not a thing. I will talk to the girl, but I won’t tell her I know.”
“Decker, where’s Grisly?”
“I told you I dumped him on the side of the road.”
“You’re full of shit. I know better than that Mr. Soft Heart.”
Decker gave her a smirk and said, “Cassy has him.”
“Good. Give the dog back to the girl,” Liz ordered.
“I don’t see a reason for that.”
“I do. She won’t leave the dog,” Handlebars put in. “And you could have told me the dog was still around, John,” he stated with anger.
Decker motioned his head towards Handlebars then look at Liz. “And you say I’m the soft one.”
“You are, but Hans is invested in the dog. After all, he did save him and has cared for him.”
Decker looked at Handlebars. “I’m sorry, I should have told you. I wasn’t thinking.” Handlebars waved him off grumbling.
***
They returned to the clubhouse, and Decker went to his room. He had planned on returning the dog, but he wanted the girl to prove herself first. He had a plan though. The club was going on a run tomorrow. He wasn’t planning on going because of the girl. But with Maddog out of commission for the next few days, he felt it was safe to leave her alone. He had to know she would keep her word to him because she sure didn’t today. He entered the room to find she was sleeping. Her face was so swollen, he wouldn’t have known her if he wasn’t there and saw what happened. He didn’t know if Maddog was still in the hospital or not, and he didn’t care either. If the bikers wouldn’t have pulled him off of Maddog, he was sure he would have killed him. Looking down at Rainy, he wasn’t sure he could leave her like this. But he would wait and see how she was doing in the morning.
***
Rainy woke up, and it was already morning. Decker wasn’t in the room. For that, she was thankful. She didn’t want to face him. She already knew he was going to be upset with her. She tried to stand up, but it was harder then she thought it would be. The pain shot right through her body. She laid back down, closing her eyes and wishing the pain would ease up. After a few minutes, she pushed herself into a sitting position, hoping this would help with the pain. The door opened, and Decker came in. He only gave her a venomous glare and went into the bathroom. Then he came back, grabbed his cut and pulled it on. He stood at the end of the bed and stared at her. If he was trying to intimidate her, he was doing a good job. She cast her eyes down and was fighting back tears. Slowly, she looked up at him, and the tears started to shimmer in her eyes. “You’re not going to beat me, are you?” Because if he was, she thought it might kill her.
“No!” he said bluntly. “This wouldn’t have happened if you didn’t try and run.”
“I wasn’t trying to run.”
“Then what were you doing, Sassy?”
“I just wanted to see what was behind the trees.”
Throwing his hands out and shaking his head, he asked, “What did I tell you about nosing around?” She cast her eyes down again. “I’m waiting for an answer.”
“You told me not to.”
“Look at me, Sassy.” She didn’t. “I said look at me!” His voice was stern. Rainy looked up and waited to hear what he was going to say. Not that she wanted to hear it. “I have to leave. Please stay in this room. I’ll be back tonight.” He tilted his head. “Can you do that for me?” She nodded her head yes. “Okay, I’ll see you tonight.” He turned to leave the room.
“Don’t I have to cook for Tinman?”
“He’ll be
with me. You rest, and take your pain medication. If you need anything, Liz will be here.”
***
As he walked out of the room, it bothered him that she could even think he would beat her. But he realized that to her, he was just one of the bad guys. God, he just wanted to hold and kiss her. This whole mess was starting to get to him. And that might cost both of them their lives.
Chapter 15
Grisly
Rainy knew exactly when the bikers returned to the clubhouse. The loud music and commotion had started an hour earlier. It must be the weekend. She swore she would keep up with the time. But right now, her entire body was hurting. And she just wanted a quiet place so she could try and sleep. There was no sign of Decker yet. But maybe that was good. She really didn’t want to be around anyone at the moment. And if he were here, she’d have to talk to him. And even talking hurt because that meant she would have to think. Rainy turned to her side very slowly, trying to avoid the pain. But she wasn’t successful. There didn’t seem to be a way she could do anything without the pain rippling through her body. She moaned loudly when the door opened. Decker frown at her. “You okay?” he asked. Funny, he even looked concerned. Rainy gave him a shy smile and nodded her head yes. “Did you take your pain medicine?” Oh, now he’s going to ask me a ton of questions. God! She nodded her head to let him know she had. “What time?” She glared at him. Oh come on, are you for real? “Sassy, what time did you take the medicine?” Christ, he not going to give me a break. She lifted one finger. “An hour ago. Did you eat?” She nodded her head yes. “Good because there is someone here to see you.” She shook her head no. “Oh, I think so. This is the best medicine for you,” he said and went back out the door.
Rainy waited, trying her best to keep her eyes open. She thought he would be right back. But he didn’t come right back, and she started to worry. Where did he go, and who was he talking about that wants to see her? There was no one here that even liked her.
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