by Nina Levine
We demolished the turkey lunch, and I’m serving Christmas pudding and custard.
“How long are you back for?” Jase asks, taking the plate of dessert from me.
“I was going to head back before the New Year, but I’m contemplating staying to help around here.” Placing the bowl of brandy custard in front of Rhett, I still and wink at Tori. “That’s if this big ape wants me to stay.”
He digs an elbow into my side. “Suppose I can put up with you a little longer.” Tori rolls her eyes at Rhett. “In fact, you can help with some carpentry for the other wing?”
“The other wing?” I take my bowl and sit opposite him at the table.
“We’re renovating the entire farmhouse to give it a Hampton’s appeal. The new extensions will sit either side of the original building.”
“You’re bringing the Hamptons to the river? That’s a new concept.”
“It’s a design I’ve always loved,” Tori says. “And I showed your mum the plans first to get her opinion.”
“I also love it,” Mum reinforces. “And we’ll all have our own wing,” she says in a posh tone.
I raise my brows, showing appreciation. “Then, I look forward to seeing it all completed.”
“When you’re finished, Tori, can you give my old place a facelift?” Jase says and chuckles.
“Of course,” she replies and smiles.
My phone rings, and it’s an unknown number. Usually, I would ignore it with the possibility it’s a scammer. Not today.
“Hello.”
“Dustin.”
I stand and leave the room.
“Star. You had me worried. I—”
“I haven’t got long. Viper took my phone. I’m at the club while they work out what to do with me. Everyone got called to an emergency job except Simmo, who’s watching over me. He left his phone unlocked and went to the toilet.”
“Are you okay?” I probe.
“Yeah. I have a few bruises from Viper… but that’s not why I called. He intends to take me to Sydney. I don’t want to be with him, but I can’t get away.” She sobs quietly into the phone. “Dad’s gone, and now I have no one. It’s so fucked-up.”
I pace the floor. “I’m coming to get you.” I’m not leaving her to the wolves. “It won’t be until tonight, but I promise I’ll come for you.”
“You can’t. They’ll…” she pauses and changes direction “… it’s too dangerous. I wanted to tell, so if you don’t see me again, you’ll know why.”
My fucking stomach clenches, and there’s nothing I can do to stop the anger rolling through me. “You’ll see me again,” I say firmly. “Tonight.”
“Hey.” A male voice echoes in the background, and Star inhales a sharp gasp.
“Switch your phone on private,” she whispers, then silence.
I do it immediately.
Dragging my hands down my face, I weigh up what to do. First, I check the airlines and book a flight out of Adelaide for six tonight. It’s a small fortune on Christmas Day, yet I don’t care. The drive from here is around three hours. I throw a few things in a small backpack, then head out into the kitchen.
“I have to go. Hopefully, I’ll be back in the morning.” Ignoring the blank expressions, I address my mother directly, “I’m sorry. I know you wanted today to be special, but someone needs me.”
“You’re fucking kidding,” Rhett barks.
“C’mon,” Tori says and pats his hand. “Dustin needs to talk with his Mum. Jase, do you want to come out to the patio with Rhett and me?”
“This better be bloody good,” Rhett fires at me, only I won’t look at him.
Jase tilts his head, and with his drawn eyebrows, he maintains strong eye contact, but I know he will show more understanding than our eldest brother. I can’t work out Mum’s expression. Her forehead pulls tight, but I can’t tell if it’s concern or something else because there’s a hint of curiosity in her eyes.
“What is it?” she asks when the others leave the room. “Is it a girl?”
“So, if it’s a girl, you’ll excuse my absence?”
Mum tilts her head.
It’s up to me to explain my behaviour. “Yeah, it is. I care about this chick, and she has gotten herself into a bit of trouble.”
“What sort of trouble?” Mum folds her arms and gives me a look that tells me it better be a damn good reason to leave on Christmas Day.
“That’s her dad on the news. The one who was shot.”
“Gang-related?”
All I can do is nod because I know what’s coming next.
“Dusty. No. You can’t—”
“I like her. A lot.” I swallow hard, realising I do more than I previously acknowledged. “She could be next, and I have to get her out of there.”
“And you’re going to bring her here?” Mum’s eyes round.
Fuck, I’m about to put my family in danger.
“She can stay in Adelaide at my house, and I’ll come back. Either way, I have to get her out of the state until things settle.”
“Can you get hurt?” she asks tentatively.
I lean on the back of the chair and bow my head. “Maybe. I shouldn’t implicate you, except to know where I am in case—”
“I’m calling Terry. He needs to be informed.”
Terry is a family friend and the local cop. Usually, I’d say no, yet my gut instinct tells me otherwise. “Tell him I’m going to the Silver Hell Motorcycle Club in Brisbane where Star is being held against her will.”
“Star,” she repeats, her fingers hover over the screen of her phone.
“Yes. Her ex-boyfriend, Viper, has kidnapped her and is trying to take her to Sydney.”
“Are you sure?” Mum says in a high tone.
“No… I don’t trust him.”
Mum holds my gaze before swiping her eyes. She takes a steadying breath before speaking, “I want to tell you not to go, but I can’t. Star must mean a lot for you to do this and risk everything. I may be afraid, yet I’m proud of you, son.”
I hold her gaze, so she understands what I’m saying. “She needs someone to help her.”
“Well, I know it’s more than that.” Mum walks around the table and hugs me. “Stay safe and check-in regularly.”
“I will.” I hug her back and then stride to the door without looking back.
I can’t say goodbye because hell only knows how this will end.
10
The one and only time I visited the Silver Hell MC was to pick up Star, and it was daylight. Even then, I was shitting myself and couldn’t get out of there quickly enough. I remember the look on the dude’s face when Star waved us past the guarded gate.
Today my heart is beating so fast I can’t think straight. I haven’t thought this through as to how these arseholes will react. What can I say that will convince them to let me take her? They’ll want to silence me, and then there’s the chance they’ll want to dispose of any evidence.
I’m not considering the consequences of my actions, though, only Star and keeping her safe.
Mum thinks she means more to me. Yet, how the fuck can I love anyone? I’ll mess up somehow, and I’ll lose them. Fate will make sure of it. I won’t let these bastards ruin her life if it’s something I can prevent because I know I do care about her.
On a dark, isolated road on the outskirts of Brisbane, I’m a few kilometres from the club. They won’t recognise the rental I picked up at the airport.
Easing my foot on the brake, I cruise toward the gate. The entire area is in darkness, yet some fucker will be manning it. I set my phone to Facetime, and Rhett comes into view. He knows to shut his mouth and not say anything. He is recording everything for me—a plan he came up with after Mum filled him in.
I slow to a crawl and then a dark figure steps into the middle of the road and then walks back to the edge. My headlights shine in his eyes, the biker squints yet doesn’t back down. Ink covers his entire face and half of his bald head except for one long p
iece of hair hanging to the side. A leather jacket conceals large shoulders, amongst other things I am sure. His stance is wide. One hand rests near his pocket. There’s no doubt, these guys are packing heat and a lot of it. Shit, I’m lucky he didn’t shoot considering I’m in an unknown vehicle. I hit the brake when I’m alongside him and lower the window enough for him to hear me.
He shines a torch directly in my eyes. “What the fuck do you want?” he growls.
“I’m here for Star.”
The laugh that erupts from his chest reminds me of a hyena. “Fuck off.” His hand disappears into his coat pocket.
“The police know I’m here.” I look straight ahead, maintaining an at-ease persona, to the haze of lights the club is projecting into the night sky over the tall brick fence. “The police in South Australia have also been alerted.” I don’t look at him, although I catch every movement out the corner of my eye. As an elite athlete, that’s what I train for—to be aware and ready for your opponent to attack.
“Pigs don’t scare us,” he snarls.
“If you believe you can simply dispose of me, then I suggest you think twice,” I warn without looking at him. “The interstate police are aware you’re keeping Star against her will. They also believe I’ll be bringing her back with me.”
“There’s no fucking way—”
I turn and glare at him. “She. Is. Coming. With. Me.” My teeth grind out the words individually.
The arsehole pulls out a gun and points it at my head.
Fuck!
I damn well hope Rhett is getting all of this.
Sweat runs down the back of my neck, but I ignore it as though the gun pointed at my temple is not even there.
My heartbeat is relentless, and if he looked, he’d notice every beat like a punch to my chest.
My thoughts begin to scramble, but I rein them in. “See that,” I announce.
He leans closer to check where I’m pointing.
Perfect.
We’ve got an image of the fucker’s face on my phone.
With a deadpan expression, Rhett waves at him in a condescending way yet says nothing.
“He is recording everything, and now he’s captured your identity.”
“You cunt—”
“Let’s cut a deal. Since your club can’t afford further implications, especially after Phoenix’s death, I suggest you call your boss and have Star out the front waiting when I drive up. Otherwise, this guy…” I poke a finger Rhett’s way, “… only has to make one call, and the cops will be here in a matter of minutes.” I push his gun away from my face with a snarl while the arsehole’s lips turn up as though he’s going to tear me a new one. I point to my phone again sounding impatient this time. “Call your president.”
“I don’t give two fucks what you want. You may be a fucking football star, but that means nothin’ around here.” Spittle flies from his mouth as he roars out his words.
I wipe his spit from my face. “Is that right? Your club sponsors my club and pays for corporate seats. My football club has a history with yours…” I change tact and speak forcefully, “… which will end when you’re exposed to the entire league. It mightn’t be what you want, considering your boss’s boss obviously enjoys the game.”
He steps back and spits on my car.
Big. Fucking. Hero.
The arsehole pulls out his phone and makes the call I’ve been waiting for. He steps into a small structure behind the trees I didn’t notice previously.
Minutes pass.
The gate opens in the distance.
A car speeds toward me.
Fuck, do I stay or take off?
Headlights blind me, and I raise an arm to shield my eyes.
“What’s going on?” Rhett asks.
“A car is coming right at me. I can’t see anything with its fucking high beam directed at me. Are you getting all this?”
“Yep. Got the dipshit’s face, too. My phone is recording it all, and I’m taking photos on Tori’s phone.”
“Christ,” I mutter.
The lights are fucking bright.
The only way to escape is to reverse the fuck out of here.
Brakes screech when the car pulls directly in front of mine, then a cloud of dust wafts over the car. I can vaguely make it out to be a black van. My spine tingles, and I panic knowing I’m in well over my head.
“I’m out of here,” I say to Rhett.
I smack the gears into reverse, but before my foot hits the pedal, the door of the van opens, and a body falls to the ground. The van reverses at high speed, leaving the back door open. The car spins around and speeds back toward the gates.
When the dust settles, the figure pushes up and uncurls.
“Shit.” I slam the car into park and push open my door. “They dumped her in front of me,” I tell Rhett. “I’m getting her now.”
With quick movements, I fly out the car, and the moment she realises it’s me, she falls into my arms.
“You came,” she whispers as though saying the words exhaust her.
I lift her into my arms. “I wouldn’t leave you, I had to help.”
Star buries her face into my chest and whimpers softly, “Thank you.”
Holding her in my arms, I carry Star to my car, balance her while I open her door, gently lower her to the passenger seat and close the door. Looking around, I assess if there are other men. I have no idea where the other fucker disappeared to, or if he has a gun pointed at me from beyond the trees.
It’s dark.
It’s too damn quiet.
I can’t be complacent.
“Ready, princess,” I ask as I ram the car into reverse, hit the brake again and the tyres screech when I make a one-eighty turn. Then I plant my foot and flick the headlights to high beam.
“Got her,” I say to Rhett. “I’ll call you from the airport.” Then I end Facetime.
“Where did you learn to drive like that?” she rasps.
I smile, then rest a hand on her thigh. “As a teen, I made some rules of my own. Being on a farm, I learned to drive years before it was legal.”
“I’m thankful you weren’t always a good boy.” Star covers my hand with hers. She leans back on the headrest and closes her eyes.
“We’re going straight to the airport,” I tell her.
“I can’t. I need some clothes,” she murmurs without opening her eyes.
“I’ll buy you some when we arrive.” I check my rear view mirror, half expecting the bastards to be on my tail.
“Your house,” she mumbles. “I left a couple of things at your place. Can I least get those?”
I contemplate the risk. There’s time before the next flight to Adelaide. “Fine. Rest up, and I’ll wake you when we’re there.”
Another hour passes before I veer the car into the driveway of Braxton’s house.
“Wait here,” I tell her then rush inside, being grateful to everyone visiting their family on Christmas Day. Rohan and Henry are both in Melbourne, and Brax’s family live on the other side of Brisbane.
Switching off the alarm, I rush into my bedroom. I open the bedside drawer on the side where Star sleeps and find some underwear, tops, and a skirt. It’s enough. I shove them into a bag, then head to the bathroom to a small pouch where she keeps her toiletries. I shove a toothbrush and moisturiser into the bag, jog down the stairs, reactivate the alarm and run to her.
“Got it.” I slam the driver’s door and pull out before merging into the traffic.
She has said nothing.
“You okay?” I glance over, but she’s asleep.
I should take her straight to the hospital. Only it will risk questions, and the pricks will be too close to her. She needs to be far away from here. Mum has contacts so someone can look over her when we arrive. I press the button to activate Bluetooth and call Rhett.
“Everything okay?”
“Yeah, man. We’re heading to the airport now. We’ll get in around two-thirty, so don’t wait up fo
r us. Can you ask Mum to get Terry to come around tomorrow to check Star out?”
“Sure. Keep me updated. Let me know when you’re in the car.”
“Will do. And Rhett…”
“What?”
“Thanks. I owe you one.”
“Forget it. I’m glad it worked out. Call me when your flight lands in Adelaide.”
I end the call and take a deep sigh.
He’s right. This shitshow could have ended all kinds of different.
“Star,” I whisper and place my hand on her thigh.
Her eyes flutter open as I look back to the road. “We’re near the airport. Are you okay to walk? Can you do this?”
She nods slowly. “I need the bathroom. I have to clean my face.”
I do a double-take. I didn’t look at her properly as it was too damn dark, even in the car. I was only concerned about getting her to safety. “Are you hurt?”
“Nothing I can’t conceal with a bit of makeup,” she mumbles.
“Did they hit you?”
“Only the once.” She rubs the side of her brow. “I was arguing with Viper, and he lost his temper.”
A ball of rage grows deep in my gut which causes me to clench my knuckles on the steering wheel. “I’d like nothing more than to unleash my anger on that son of a bitch.”
“He’s not worth your energy.” She turns and stares out the window. “I want to erase him.”
“Kill him?”
She chuckles lightly and stops to grab her stomach. “The notion sounds appealing, only I’d be no better than them. I want to erase him… no, all of them… from my mind.”
I nod yet say nothing for a moment as Star sighs heavily.
“You want to start a new life?”
She makes a disgruntled sound. “I’d be happy if you drop me off at a soup kitchen. Being homeless is more appealing than going back to…”
I peek at her.
Star’s face shines as a reflection in the window, and she wipes her eyes.
“You believed they were family.”
Star remains quiet, looking out at the bright lights of the city.
“And now you don’t know who you can trust.”
She shakes her head as though I don’t understand.
“You can trust me,” I tell her.