by ML Mystrom
“No, you won’t.” Table shifted restlessly. “I suspect you may be right. Someone is definitely fuckin’ with my family, but you’re in my family. They fuck with one, they fuck with all of us. My family protects its own.” His voice was low and heavy. He squeezed me again.
“I don’t mean to sound negative, Table, but you have two old women and a baby here.”
He sighed against my neck and the tiny hairs all along my spine pricked up in a thrilling, sensitive wave. “You still don’t quite get it, Lori. When I say my family, I’m talking about the biggest badass brotherhood ever known in the history of these mountains. There’s not one club brother who won’t throw down for me when I call, no questions asked. The Dragon Runners live in peace with the rest of the world, and we like it like that. The club works hard to keep it that way, but anyone starts somethin’ with us, we’ve been known to finish it. Whoever is doing this shit brought it to the wrong house. Yeah, you’re leavin’, but you ain’t leavin’ tomorrow and you ain’t goin’ alone. Time for me to go home. The Dragon is awake and ready to hunt.”
Eighteen
It was nearly a week later, coming up on Valentine’s Day, when a light snow fell during the night and coated the trees in a sparkling white blanket. More snow was on the way, but that didn’t make Table change his mind about traveling. The drive wasn’t a long one, but it felt like we went to another country. Most of the drive was on highways so we didn’t have any problems in Table’s truck. By we, I meant Table, Angel, and me. Martha and Carol both insisted they stay at their own place. Martha’s exact words were “no damn Yankee’s gonna make me move!” Ditch and several others from the Asheville Dragon Runners chapter volunteered to stay there at the farm at night. Even better, one of the other grandsons was planning on moving into the room I’d just vacated. I could tell that brought Table some relief. He had finished all of his lingering clients at Asheville Ink. I had helped Connie with a few more clients, and Maddie from the bar had taken over for the rest. We were free and clear.
Angel was as good as gold on the trip, sleeping most of the way and cooing the few moments she was awake. I, on the other hand, had been suffering from insomnia and worry for the last week, ever since finding that damned scarf. Nothing else had happened, but still every creak and noise at night had me spooked. Table insisted I move into the main house, but in deference to Carol’s views, Table slept on the couch and I took his bed.
We arrived at the Lair late in the morning and were greeted by an enthusiastic Betsey, who immediately claimed Angel. I felt like I was being welcomed back home, and the tension of the last few weeks melted from me, leaving exhaustion in its wake.
“Brick and the other Runners are waiting on me, baby girl. We got church called the moment we got here. Get on back to my room for a bit and get some rest.”
“Church?”
“Yeah. It’s what we call a meeting of the club members. It shouldn’t take too long but still, you need to grab some shut-eye while you can.”
My eyes were growing heavier as he walked me back to his room. Sleep seemed like a great idea.
“What about Angel?”
Table’s light chuckle hit my ears. “Don’t worry about Angel. You’ve already seen how Betsey loves to be grandma to everyone. No tellin’ how spoiled she’s gonna get.”
He pressed his lips one last time to my forehead. “Now quit fightin’ it and rest. I’ll come check on you later.”
I heard the door click shut and then I was out like a light.
Table entered the meeting room to a round of one-armed man hugs and back slaps. Everyone was glad to see him back in the fold and not shy about showing it. Table felt humbled by the attention and relieved by it as well. When he had driven up to the Lair earlier, he’d had the sense of being the prodigal son returning home at last. This place was where he belonged.
“All right, people, we got some stuff to talk about.” Brick sat down heavily in the padded chair at the end of a long table, custom carved with the symbol of the Dragon Runners MC. “Table’s already spoke to me ’bout some stuff, but there’s more we need to know. Table, the floor is yours. What’s going on?”
Table took a big breath and outlined the last months. The problems at the farm, the deliberate tampering with her van, the vandalism, Tamara’s sudden change of heart about Angel, and Lori’s story of being Vivian Townsend and why she was hiding. When he spoke about the attack and the rape, audible growls were heard in the room and the temperature dropped to ice cold.
“Half the news lately has been about the foundation being investigated. Seems like someone else has blown the whistle on their accounting mess. The Senator has claimed his son and daughter-in-law gave him control by proxy, but there’s not been proof of that and the numbers don’t add up.” Stud speculated while tapping his fingers on the smooth wood surface. “He’s got plenty of legal troubles that put him in a big steaming pile of shit, and there’s videos out there that Jeffery is whooping it up somewhere other than where he’s supposed to be. According to the press, the FBI is asking a lot of questions the good senator can’t answer, some of those being about Vivian. Or Lori, as she calls herself now. She makes a sudden appearance, she may be in as much legal trouble as the rest of them. That flash drive is her only ticket out.”
Dodge cracked his knuckles. “Seems to me Mr. Townsend needs to produce his daughter-in-law posthaste. Doesn’t make a lotta sense to chase her down or harass her. Why try to kill her with the brake thing on the van?”
Mute, who’d lost his voice due to a vicious fight when he was younger, typed a single word in his phone and turned it to Brick to read aloud.
“Money.”
Table shook his head. “Lori mentioned that she has a trust fund she turned over to her lawyer for safekeeping. She said he can’t get to it and she can’t either until after the divorce is final. I have no idea how much money she has in the trust, but she said it’s peanuts compared to what the senator has.”
Brick steepled his fingers under his beard. “Ain’t her money they’re after. It’s the foundation money and from what you’re sayin’, I ’spect she don’t got a clue ’bout what them assholes is doin’ to it. Dirty Senator. Asshole wife-beater ex. Fuckin’ FBI. That’s a lot of baggage for a woman to carry. I don’t know this Lori or Vivian or whatever the hell her name is. Betsey said she’s good for your Angel and is a sweet girl. Right now that’s all she is. A sweet girl. She ain’t an old lady and not even claimed by the club. That gonna change soon, Table?”
Table knew what Brick was asking. “Yup. I claim her, and sometime in the future she’s gonna be my old lady. We ain’t there yet and I don’t need to tell you why she’s hanging back, but it will happen.”
“You love this woman?”
Table looked at his club president dead in the eye. “I’d take a bullet for her.”
Brick nodded in affirmation. “All right then. Bruiser, take the flash drive and get on that computer of yours. Dig around for whatever shit is out there on these two Townsend assholes. We don’t know what’s coming, so everyone rides with protection and no one rides alone. I ain’t gonna lock down the Lair unless we get a real threat, though. Them fellas ain’t got much in the way of balls if they think puttin’ out scarves ’n’ breakin’ windows is gonna scare us.”
Table waved at the large man sporting a short bobbed ponytail on the back of his balding head. “Hey, Bruiser, mind doin’ a check on the court mess Tamara is throwing at me?”
“Sure thing, brother. It’ll cost you though. I want a tattoo of a sugar skull on my left shoulder.”
Table grinned and stuck out his hand. Bruiser grasped it and pumped twice.
Dodge leaned back. “We ’bout done here? There’s a beer and a shot in the big room with my name on it, just waitin’ for me.”
Brick tapped his gavel on the table once. “Adjourned. Now let’s get some grub and booze. My beautiful Betsey is ready to get this party started so we can welcome our brother home good an�
� proper.”
Nineteen
I woke up groggy but feeling better than I had in a long time. I didn’t know if it was the purest of mountain air or the sense of security I felt that had caused me to sleep so hard. I got up and rummaged through my stuff to find fresh clothes. The shower was hot and I wished I could stay under the spray a bit longer. My hair was growing out, showing golden blonde roots, and soon I’d have to make a decision about what to do with it. The short black-dyed do was not my favorite, but it had served its purpose in keeping me hidden.
I had just finished putting on jeans, a tank top, and a plaid work shirt when I heard a knock at the door. Table opened it and stuck his head inside. “You hungry? Betsey’s got chili on the stove and homemade cornbread.”
My stomach gurgled at the thought of food. “Yeah, I am. Where’s Angel?”
“On Betsey’s hip. I’m never gonna get my daughter back.”
His look was so exaggerated, I laughed lightly.
He came over to me without asking and folded me into his strong arms. “It’s gonna be fine, baby girl.”
I had come to love the endearment that at one time I’d hated.
He cupped my cheek and raised my head to look into my eyes. “I need to know something before we go out and join the crowd. Vivian or Lori?”
I looked up into his gaze and only saw gentleness. “I don’t know,” I answered honestly.
He nodded. “I figured it was confusing to you as well. I’m still gonna call you Lori. That’s how I met you and that’s how I know you. This Vivian person’s not real to me.”
I thought for a moment. “You know, even when I was Vivian, I don’t think I was a real person. I’ve been Lori for only a year and have been more real as her than I ever was as Vivian.”
“Where did you get the name?”
“My grandmother’s name was Lorelei. She died when I was a child, but I remember her holding me on her lap and singing to me. She loved bright colors and always smelled like flowers. She was the happiest person I knew, and I guess I wanted that for me. Lorelei is a name that stands out a bit, so I shortened it to Lori. Easier to hide.”
He lowered his head and brushed my lips with his. I felt that simple touch deep in my belly.
“Your days of hidin’ are done. Come on, let’s get some food.”
The Lair was full of life and sound. Music was playing and people were laughing, talking, eating, and drinking. Some men wearing their leather cuts were shooting pool and others were playing video games on one of several flat-screen TVs. The club children were running through the adults like an obstacle course, but no one minded except a random shout of “be careful.” I had been to many high-society events where the formality was stiff and no one dared act out. I watched Betsey, with Angel on her hip, and the other ladies of the club joke and laugh loud and free. Vivian wouldn’t fit in here, but Lori could and she wanted to, badly.
Betsey spotted me and I was whisked through a volley of introductions. I saw Mute and Kat. Mute was a little frightening, but his frown softened every time he looked at his wife, Katrina. Stud and Eva looked like complete opposites, but anyone with eyes in their head could tell he was totally devoted to her. She was starting to show her pregnancy and it was funny to watch him fuss over her and her fuss right back at him for hovering. Table took my hand and held it the entire time, not leaving my side once. I noticed I wasn’t just introduced as Lori. I was Lori, Table’s girl. I would never be able to describe in a million years how good that felt.
I watched Tambre and Molly refresh the food table with new pots of chili. The spicy aroma set my mouth watering and my stomach gurgling again.
“Food?”
Table’s single-syllable question was all I needed. We moved to the table, and the club president approached us. I had seen Brick earlier but had not been formally introduced. He was someone I’d heard enough about that I was a bit scared of him. He was stout with gray-streaked auburn hair and beard, and there was an aura of power around him. His smile to me was nice, but his eyes were steely. I couldn’t tell if he was friend or foe, and I shrank into Table’s body like a turtle. Brick must have picked up on the movement, because he shared a look with Table that seemed confirming.
“Nice to meetcha, Lori. Name’s Brick. I ’spect you know who I am.”
“Yes, I do. Nice to meet you too, Mr. Brick.”
His expression lightened up and he fought back a grin. “Ain’t no mister, darlin’. Just Brick. Papa to my own grandkids and everyone else’s here. I know Betsey has a few other names for me, but none Imma gonna say in public.”
I chuckled lightly while Table let out a huge belly laugh. “You ain’t lyin’! I’ve heard Betsey get her dander up at you more than once.”
Brick huffed. “Love that woman from the bottom of my heart and I wouldn’t trade her for the world, but there are times I think about it.”
Table laughed again. “Damn, Brick. Your mouth’s gonna get you in trouble.”
“Wouldn’t be the first time.”
He stuck his hand out to me. “I know you’ve got a lot of bad going on. I’m here to let you know the Dragon Runners got your back.”
I looked at his giant outstretched paw and place my hand in it. He pumped it twice and let go. That was it. I knew from conversations with Table that Brick was old-school and a handshake from him was a binding contract. This was a humbling experience and I had the urge to cry. “Thank you.”
Betsey came up with a serious look on her face and a sleepy Angel nestled on her shoulder. “Imma put the baby down for the night. You need to come see what just came on the news.”
Several people had gathered around the giant screen. “Breaking news” scrolled across the bottom while live camera footage rolled with a split screen of a newsroom and a reporter desperately trying to keep up with a crowd.
“We come to you live from the capital where this evening, Senator Jeffrey Townsend has been formally charged with embezzlement and fraud in connection with the Townsend Foundation. He has been placed under arrest pending an arraignment in the next few days.”
The TV screen showed a shaky clip of my father-in-law being led out of his house in handcuffs. I used to think he was the ultimate power in Washington. Now he just looked like an old man. The film clip ended and an image of my ex and me in formal attire came up. I remembered when that picture was taken. Jeff was in his tuxedo, smiling and dashing, making it appear we were the perfect couple. I was in an iridescent cream-colored gown, my long golden hair pulled back in a classic chignon, and a diamond choker sparkling at my neck. I had my gold scarf around my shoulders to hide the latest round of bruises. I smiled brightly, but my eyes were empty.
“Senator Townsend and his family foundation has been under FBI investigations for months, triggered by an anonymous source within the Townsend’s personal staff. Both Jeff Jr. and Vivian Townsend were reported to have left the country for a philanthropic and humanitarian mission; however, up until now, no one has heard from them except through foundation emails.”
The image cut to the long-distance one that had been making the rounds on Facebook and Twitter.
“Photographs have surfaced showing Jeff Townsend with a Brazilian model and have been confirmed as being legitimate. Vivian Townsend has not been seen or heard from since their supposed mission trip. Rumors have been circulating for months that foul play has occurred and Vivian Townsend is deceased. We’ll bring you details as they become available. This is Martin Ford with WK—”
The screen went as blank as my face. I could feel eyes on me as I stared at the dark TV. The room was deathly quiet and I started shaking. Tears formed in my eyes and I fought to keep them from tracking down my face. I lost.
“I’m—I’m sorry, I don’t know—I—”
“Hush, baby girl, I got you. No one here’s judging. You’re in the family now,” Table muttered, pressing my face into his chest.
“Damn straight.” The declaration had me looking up. Betsey had co
me back from putting the baby down and was heading our way. “Problem with some folks is they get so fancy that they forget that we commoners have more going on than they think. This club is a strong one and a smart one. Ain’t nothing gonna break the line of this brotherhood. You can take that to the bank, cash it, and spend it.”
Betsey hugged me and I suddenly found myself surrounded by Dragon Runners and their women. Mute looked like he was ready to chew nails and smile while doing it. I wasn’t sure who looked more determined, Stud or Eva. Brick cleared his throat.
“I been around a long time. I seen a lotta stuff ’n’ met a lotta different people. Black, white, brown, don’t matter none to me. I seen rich people with so much money they don’t know what to do with it and I been around some poorer than a church mouse. Fact of the matter is I don’t give a rat’s ass about money, race, religion, politics, or any of that other shit people get so caught up in they cain’t tell their ass from a hole in the ground. All that Facebook postin’ crap don’t mean nothin’. This club is for riding free and living high and I’ve spent my whole life makin’ and keepin’ it that way. There ain’t a whole lot I cain’t see myself gettin’ mad at enough to wake the Dragon, but I can name a few. One is beating up children. Ain’t no call for that. Ever. Two is beating up on a woman. Don’t matter if she’s being a bitch or a pain in the ass, no real man should ever lift his hand against a woman. It ain’t right and ain’t never gonna be right. A real man don’t touch his woman like that. He don’t talk her down or call her names. He don’t disrespect her and he especially don’t hit her. Any man does that shit, ain’t no man. He’s a fuckin’ coward who ain’t got the balls to step up. Third is threatenin’ my family. Y’all know what that means.”
I saw Table and the surrounding Runners nod.
Stud said it out loud. “The Dragon is awake and hunting.”