Unruly Defender

by Schmidt, Esther E.

  It’s not going to work; I’ve made up my mind. Besides, I need to do this, not just for him, but for me. “I ran away from Spencer once and ignored everything to pick myself up and start over. Look what that got me. Almost losing my mother’s family’s legacy to a man who never loved my mother but wanted her money instead. And he might be getting it too. I’m done ignoring things and not stepping up for what’s right. So, you forget about stashing me away because I’m not going to leave your side, understood?”

  “You’re right,” Eddie says with determination now evident in his voice. “How badly I want to keep you out of this, it’s not possible because you’re connected to all of this too. Come on, we have to pack a bag for my mother and get back to the clubhouse. I need to talk things through with Clemente first before I get my brothers up to speed. Then we’ll drop the bag off at the hospital and hopefully get some good news.”

  “I’m sure she’ll be awake when we get there, and if she’s not, you know it’s for the best that she rests up to regain her strength. And maybe those papers made a huge impact on her and explains why her body reacted this way. We have to stay positive for now until we know more. One thing at a time, remember?”

  The corner of his mouth twitches. “Mr. and Mrs. Positive, huh?”

  “You know it,” I quip. “Go grab those papers and tuck them away safely. I’ll head into the other bedroom and grab a few things for her.”

  I turn on my heels and head for the door but Eddie snatches my hand and makes me glance back.

  “You’re really something, Gracelynn,” he murmurs. “A reason to live beyond the need for justice to prevail. I’m one lucky man to have such a good thing in my life. A strong woman who doesn’t let anyone interfere with what she wants.”

  My chest blooms with warmth. “Save the sweet talk for later, pretty boy. Because saying things like that will get you laid and we don’t have the time...we have work to do.”

  He barks out a laugh and tries to keep from smiling big. “Yes, ma’am,” he finally says and heads for the bed to snatch up all the papers.

  It takes me a few minutes to grab what I need from the other bedroom and I hear Eddie throw a question at Rhett as he steps from the patio into the living room. “What were you doing out there?”

  “I had to get some fresh air, Pres,” Rhett groans. “You and your old lady were getting it on in the bedroom and the dog takes after the owner because he’s rubbing one out on a stuffed animal while I’m here twiddling my thumbs. Yeah, stepping out there and enjoying the ocean view seemed like the right thing to do.”

  My cheeks heat when I hear Rhett mention he heard me and Eddie having sex, but his ramblings right after make me giggle. I place Maggie’s bag in the hallway and enter my own bedroom to pack myself a bag because we’re going to be staying at the clubhouse. With everything going on and Eddie being the president of Unruly Defenders MC, that’s where he needs to be.

  I make sure to bring Finn’s bowls and food so everyone is set for at least a few days. We all head out and a few minutes later we’re walking into the clubhouse. It’s crowded and Yates comes rushing toward us to take the bowls and Finn’s food out of my hands.

  “Where do you want me to put them?” he questions.

  “My room. I’m not trusting Finn running around here when I’m handling things so he can sleep, eat, and stay in our bedroom when we need to do other things and can’t bring him along,” Eddie tells him.

  “Smart,” Yates quips. “But I’m sure the little dude is going to fit right in. It’s all of the others who need to adjust to having a dog around. And an old lady, let’s not forget Gracy is the first old lady of this MC’s new generation. You’re moving in too, right, Gracy?”

  I have to swallow a few times at the dryness in my mouth to form a word, and I’m glad I don’t have to because Eddie is answering for me.

  “Are you seriously stealing my thunder, VP? I was thinking of having her hang around here for a few days and letting the guys and the place grow on her before popping the question.” Eddie shakes his head and hardens his tone. “If she runs away, I’m blaming you.”

  Yates’ eyes slide to me and they widen as crinkles appear in his forehead. He holds his fingertips in front of his mouth and by doing this he’s clearly saying “Oops,” without words and it makes me smile big. The mischief dancing in his eyes makes him appear ten years younger and I have to say, he makes me feel at ease.

  “Don’t worry, Yates, I’m not going anywhere. Well, not without Eddie.” I shoot him a wink and head for the room we were in the last time.

  Eddie follows me and we drop our stuff on the bed. I scoop Finn up and it makes me wonder. “Did you mention we were leaving Finn here? In this room or with the guys? Did you need to have the meeting now or are we going to your mother first?”

  Rooney pops his head into the room. “I could watch the little doggie for you. I’m going to do some reading so I could be in my room or in the main room, whatever makes you feel at ease but Finn won’t be alone, he’d be with me.”

  “Okay.” I give Rooney a grateful smile. “But don’t feed him any chocolate.”

  “No worries. I used to own a Dutch Shepherd. I know how to take care of a dog.”

  “A man with many talents,” I compliment. “Wait, what else can you do, and did you bring me some more chocolate? I need more. I would love to pay for them too.”

  Rooney steps inside the room and lowers his voice. “I’m testing some new stuff. One of those is vanilla truffle with a twist of caramel. I could use a test subject if you’re offering.”

  “Hells yes,” I squeak and add, “I’m never going to leave you guys ever again. Well, I probably can’t in a few months of testing, my ass will be too big to fit through the door with all the chocolate I’m going to stuff into my mouth.”

  Rooney snickers, “From what Rhett mentioned, Pres here will make sure to burn those calories right off.”

  Eddie growls low in his throat.

  “I’m outta here. Come find me when I need to look after Finn, and I’ll have some chocolate for you, ‘kay?”

  “Thanks Rooney,” I quip and have to smile at Eddie’s reaction, being all protective while Rooney was only joking around.

  Earlier at the house I was slightly embarrassed when Rhett mentioned he heard me and Eddie having sex. And with Rooney mentioning it I know these guys are all close friends. A bunch of dirty gossip, teenage level, bachelors. But I have a feeling I’m going to fit right in, because they all seem nice, supportive, and caring. I can see why Eddie is fighting hard for this place and those brothers along with it.

  “Let’s head over to the hospital first, I’ll postpone the meeting. I hope my mother is awake since I need to ask her where she got the papers from,” Eddie says, rubbing a hand over his neck and he looks so tired.

  “Let’s go, hopefully we’ll get some good news about her, and the papers.” I take his hand and give a little tug to get him moving.

  I grab both the stuffed animal and Maggie’s bag with my other hand along the way. We walk into the main room and I notice Rooney is sitting next to Hudson at the bar. I bend down to scoop Finn up and hand him over to Rooney.

  “He’s in your care now. Don’t let him slip out of the front door and if you want him to sleep, give him this.” I thrust the stuffed animal in his lap and Finn starts to squirm to get it.

  Rhett starts to laugh and snatches up the stuffed animal. “You guys go ahead, I’ll watch Finn and Rooney. I’ll show everyone else Finn’s neat trick.” He ushers us away and starts to explain. “Check it out, you know the whole statement how the dog takes after the owner? And how Pres walked out of prison, stepping in here with an old lady attached to his arm? Look.” Rhett throws the stuffed animal on the floor and takes Finn from Rooney, placing him on the floor. Finn heads straight for the stuffed animal and starts to hump.

  “For fuck’s sake, this is why Finn stayed at my mother’s most of the time,” Eddie mutters while laughter fills t
he clubhouse.

  “Come on, I need to head out of here with these teenage fucks with one-track minds,” Yates grumbles before he raises his voice. “Ash, tag along. We need eyes on our Pres’ mother, that’s you.”

  The four of us head out and I’m hoping with all my heart we will get some positive news about Maggie. And hopefully Eddie will get an answer about where the papers and the envelope came from.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  — EDDIE —

  I’m listening to the doctor’s ramblings but nothing is making sense because I’m not paying attention. When we arrived at the hospital and were about to go into my mother’s room, the doctor stopped us and wanted me to answer a few questions.

  First question? Did my mother endure any extreme pressure or does she have any underlying stress? Naturally my thoughts went straight to the papers and everything else faded to the background.

  “Could you please rephrase what you just mentioned? I’m not sure if I understand completely what happened with all the medical terms,” Gracy says, and I’m thankful she’s with me.

  The doctor nods at Gracy but turns his attention to me again. “We believe your mother had a vasovagal syncope. This caused her heart rate and blood pressure to suddenly drop, which led to reduced blood flow in her brain. It was the reason she lost consciousness. We were worried she might have an underlying medical condition such as a heart or brain disorder. Your mother mentioned she’s had a low heart rate all her life, has something like this happened before? Do you know if she endures underlying stress or maybe extreme pressure? Were there recent changes that could have triggered a stressful moment?”

  I now know for a fact what happened to my mother was because of the papers Gracy noticed on the table. I don’t know where my mother got them from, but it’s the damn reason she’s in the hospital. More anger hits me because this whole thing that landed me in prison is like a black hole, swallowing everyone around me into this mess.

  “She’s been missing her husband more and more these days, and Eddie just came back after a long time, and he has been wrapped in some issues. I’m sure as a mother she’s worried and maybe it all became too much,” Gracy offers because I’m still tongue-tied. “But I also know that she’s been more tired the last few months and has made a few changes. Less work, more time to relax. She assured me nothing was wrong with her physically and that it all had to do with getting older one day at a time. Should we have been more alert? Should I have forced her to go to the doctor? Would it have prevented what happened to her today?”

  Everything is running through my head and it’s mostly guilt when I hear the last few things Gracy is mentioning. Should I have been more alert too? I can’t think of anything to say to mingle in this discussion, mainly because I haven’t been around my mother in a while.

  And for fuck’s sake, what do I even say to this doctor? The truth? I can’t even comprehend everything myself. And do I even want to talk to my mother about this while it’s probably the reason why she’s in this hospital bed? The doctor in front of me offers me his hand and I warily take it. Seems I missed half of the conversation yet again.

  Gracy squeezes my hand and says, “Let’s go see your mother.”

  Yates and Ash are waiting across the hall as we enter my mother’s room. Like last time there are beeping sounds and machines surrounding her but she’s sitting slightly up. The smile she gives us both is warming my chest.

  “Hey, Ma,” I croak.

  She waves me over. “Edgar Augustine, come give your mother a hug. I won’t break.”

  Little does she know my own heart is breaking seeing her like this and knowing what put her in here isn’t over and handled yet. It makes me feel even more like a failure. I drag myself over to the bed and carefully hug her. The deep sigh ripping from her body is letting me know the hug is something she gathers strength from.

  “Don’t ever scare me like that again,” I mutter. “I’m not ready to lose you too.”

  “I’m still here, son. I’m not going anywhere. Well, maybe home soon because I would like to spend the night in my own bed but they have mentioned I needed to stay overnight.”

  “Yes, they need to keep an eye on you but from my understanding if everything goes well, they will release you tomorrow and Eddie and I will be right here to pick you up. So, you’d better do as ordered and get some rest. And I will make sure you won’t have any extra work or stress, you need to take it slow for a while,” Gracy says, though she too knows about the papers.

  I’ve never trusted a woman or shared crucial information with one. The world I grew up in was one raised in an MC where brotherhood was strong but crucial information was club business. Things discussed in church aren’t meant to be out in the open.

  Though, I know very well each club and president have their own little rules, but I know for a fact my father never involved my mother with club business. And yet it doesn’t stop her from worrying about all of it. It’s the reason I convinced my father that me buying the estate for her was a great way to keep her mind busy.

  The little things she did for the construction company weren’t really needed and she would always rave about her dream to run a tiny bed and breakfast. Being in the construction and the real estate world along with it, I got wind about the estate becoming for sale.

  It cost me almost my whole savings I had gathered through investments, but it was worth it when I saw her face the moment I brought her to the gate and told her it was hers to run and turn into her little paradise.

  Though my father was a hard worker and a man of little words, he helped me and my mother after I bought the estate. There was some construction work needed and he took control. And I know it bothered him when I bought the estate but I also knew all his money was wrapped up in his company.

  It’s always the next job where money is needed to be pumped into, it’s the way he’s always worked and how we all got to where we were. But I owed them both. Every cent I made was with the help of my father as I worked my way up his company where he gave me all the possibilities.

  He allowed me to go through college, get a degree and through working for his company, I made my first paycheck. Due to the MC I could save on everything so I could invest and I was lucky enough it all worked out.

  It’s the reason I invested it all back into property. The whole needing money to make money was true for me and the reason I was able to have enough to do everything I wanted. Though the estate I bought for my mother was different.

  After I bought it, we all decided it was better if it would stay in my name, because my father kept telling us how fragile running a construction company was. Investors failing, market plunging, if I kept it in my name my mother would always keep her dream if something happened to my father’s company.

  It’s also the reason why I bought the MC property and the bar next to it. Both investments and making sure everything was kept in the family. And with the estate being my mother’s dream, I know it’s not causing her any stress, if anything it’s a stress relief because she’s mentioned many times how waking up every morning in her bungalow and seeing the view of the ocean sets her mind at peace.

  “The estate practically runs itself, it’s not what’s caused this nor will it cause her the added stress,” I grumble. “Ma, it was the papers we found on the table that landed you in here, wasn’t it?”

  Her whole face falls and the bleeping of the machines starts to change.

  “Calm down, Maggie,” Gracy says, her tone filled with worry.

  “The papers,” my mother gasps and grabs my arm. “You need to get them. They can prove you’re innocent and there’s a note from your father. You need to read it because he wrote down his thoughts about what went wrong with the mall project and how he was heading to meet Rush along with Nicolaus. He confronted Nicolaus earlier that day with the two sets of documents he found and how he saw Nicolaus’ son, Rush on camera exchanging them. Your father took the papers out of the container outside where Rush
threw them in and put everything in an envelope along with a copy of the video. He needed to know if Nicolaus was in on it too.”

  My mother furiously shakes her head as her hand tightens into a fist. “William never should have tried to solve it internally like club business. What was he thinking accepting Rush’s suggestion to meet up in that building? He should have gone straight to the police with everything he had, and the suspicions. But instead he put it in the safe and went to meet Rush along with Nicolaus. And the note your father wrote clearly states Nicolaus didn’t know and didn’t believe Rush would do such a thing. It’s obvious Rush killed them both. It wasn’t an accident; Rush took my William away from me. I didn’t know, Eddie. I didn’t know this envelope was in the safe all along, and I wouldn’t have ever found it if it wasn’t for you and Gracy.”

  Her words thunder through my head. There’s a video showing Rush swapped those documents? Clearly, I didn’t check inside the envelope well enough, only the documents concerning the investment for a mall project where investors transferred thousands of dollars into a bank account. One of the two versions we now found was in Rush’s name and bank account.

  But that fucker changed it all when he got caught and made it seem I was the one ripping everyone off. He must have done it in the days after the deaths of our fathers. So, ultimately there were three sets and no one knew about these two my father had safely stashed in his safe...to protect the evidence as he went out to investigate on his own.

  I had my suspicions Rush had something to do with everything. Mainly due to a text I received right before my father left for that meeting where he let me know he needed to talk to me about Rush and the company.

  Why the hell didn’t my father do things differently? Trusted another person to have his back? Trusted me. I’ve asked myself these questions many times. Even more because I’ve been stabbed in the back by one of my own brothers. And now I realize he not only betrayed me, my father, and his own father. But I’m sitting on evidence that gives motive for the murder of my father and his own.