by L. Ann Marie
"I didn't even look at anything but the kids’ rooms so I'll take your word for it. Do you think someone can get the clothes rounded up? I just got Taylor a couple of days ago. Most of the clothes on the line were his; he didn't have much to begin with." I'm a little embarrassed because I saw my panties hanging from a tree out there.
"I'll make sure everything is taken care of and put back where it belongs. Thanks for being so understanding. Christian can you take Bob to the car so he can help get the kids in it?" He looks at Christian with a smile.
"Yep, come on Bob." He's standing straight looking amused, he probably already knows what Danny is going to say. Damn kid. I smile as he walks out, I love that boy.
Danny waits until he's out the door. "The man that we tracked here was a convicted rapist. He made it here from the state penitentiary that he escaped from three days ago. Baxter Security and the MC worked together, this is the first time that happened and we didn't expect him to be holed up in a house with so many kids. If there was another way we would have done that. Because of the kids we couldn't wait to clear the house first, he was armed and we had to make sure he wouldn't have the chance to take a hostage. We have a therapist that will meet you at the Diner, he can help the kids deal with what happened here. If you need anything, call the number on the card." He hands me a card with the MC logo. "Keith has been instructed to get you any help you need. The old ladies will keep you in supplies until you're home. Is there anything we need to know or help with since you won't be home?"
Wow, they're going to make this easy. "Case workers stop by, that may happen while we're gone. You can just let the guys know to have them call me. There are a couple of bathrooms that don't work; you might want to mention that to the workers. Other than getting the kids to school, I should be fine. Thank God it's Friday, life is easier on the weekends." I say smiling.
He laughs. "I'm glad you're not pissed. We can help get everyone to school. I'll have Rob coordinate that with you while he's at the Diner. Your bags will be brought to the hotel. Call if you need anything."
"Thanks Danny. I will." I'm smiling as I walk out the door. An armed rapist was in my house with my kids and we all made it out unscathed. I can live with this. Cloud is waiting by the van with Bob. They have the kids laughing; even Jeremy has a smile on his face. "Thanks guys. Looks like we're all set to go have dinner at the Diner." The kids all yell. Oh Brother.
"It's not even the second Saturday!" Joey yells so excited.
"Nope, we'll be eating out all weekend." I tell her. They yell again. Bob is just watching but Cloud laughs. "Thank you for keeping watch Cloud."
"It was my pleasure CJ. I'll check on you at the hotel tomorrow." He says with a smile. Damn he is handsome with that smile. I feel the heat working its way up my face so I turn quick and get in the van.
I let out my breath and start it up. The kids are yelling and waving to the guys as we pass by them. We pass trucks and a trailer with wood on it. Holy cow they work fast. I'm smiling the whole damn way.
Cloud
Fuck I hope she's not married, she's not wearing a ring. She treats every one of those kids as her own, she got away from both Bull and Chet. The Brothers won't let them live that one down. Her red hair and green eyes suit her personality. She's sweet as pie but don't get her riled up. I flip my ear piece back on. "Ops one, Blackhawk requesting to stay and help the work crew."
Beau comes back. "Blackhawk, Steady is on his way with your truck. He'll bring your bird home. Have a good weekend. Ops one out." Fuckin Beau is laughing. I pull my shirt off and jog to the chopper. Pulling my flight bag I pull on a t-shirt and make it back when the crew and supply trucks pull in.
Walking in I go right to the office and pull the books I saw earlier. Each kid has a book with their name on it, she fosters every one of them. I smile, there's something here that is causing me to want find out everything about her. I call Geek, "Cloud Brother, you have CJ Lescault, can you copy me on that?"
He laughs, "I can but Beau already has it. He just sent it to me."
I smile, Mitch must be in the big batcave. "I'd rather not ask him for this." My phone pings I got the file.
"Done. Have a good weekend Cloud." He laughs. Fuck but they're all the same, I think with a smile. I sit and read about CJ and then I read about the kids. The books have all the court documents and vital records. I look around the room and see the board with activities, menus, appointments and incident reports. I read everything I see and file it away. These fuckin kids have been through hell and back. Christian and Joey have been with her the longest; she's had them for four years. Brantley got here two years ago and the twins last year. Taylor just got here a few days ago, he replaced Keisha.
Walking through the first floor I see Danny in a doorway. I look in; this must be Joey's room. "What have you got Cloud?" He asks. Fuckin guy sees more with one eye than most people do with two.
I smile. "Fosters all of them. Joey and Christian four years, Brantley two, the twins last year and Taylor a couple of days ago. He replaced Keisha, she was here a year. She has two houses, this one opened when her aunt died and left it to her. Her other house takes female teens, this one siblings and singles with special need or emotional issues. Husband walked with the older kids’ caseworker two years ago. Didn't seem to slow her down. Good credit but not much cash, she seems to put it all into the houses. Biggest expense, food and clothes. She pays out of pocket for some of Joey's needs. She bought the new wheelchair for her last year. She has a chart in the office marking money she's raised so far for new beds. They eat out once a month but have planned free activities all month long. It's a good home for these kids Brother. I want to make it easier for them."
He looks at me. "Ok, see if the roll of paper came in yet, I'll need it at the table. I've got Chris working in the day and the Brothers at night." He walks away pulling his phone. I smile walking through the kitchen. The paper is on the counter with pencils, fuckin Brothers know how to get it done. I smile delivering the paper to Danny. I climb the stairs and check out the other rooms. There's a room with men's clothes. I look through it, college kid, third year, I type his name in my phone and send it to Geek. The other rooms are in different stages of being updated. The kids’ rooms are lived in and bright. They have everything they would need but it's old and patched furniture. Danny will fix that. I can't wait to see what he comes up with.
Going back down I see a Prospect with an armful of clothes. Danny tells him to get sizes from all the rooms especially for Taylor and send it to Sally; she'll coordinate with the old ladies and get clothes for him. He wants shelving and bins with clothes organized by size in the last unused room upstairs. Tiny will have the shelves and bins here in a few minutes. Fuck! I'm smiling. Danny goes back to drawing; I find a Brother giving orders and volunteer to help.
Rob
I make it to the Diner before the family I'm supposed to meet. Digs sent me video of the little woman kicking Chet then Bull. She had them both doubled over, I smile thinking of their faces. They're going to get shit for months over this. The door opens and I stand to help. Walking over I see the boys have it under control. I introduce myself and shake hands with CJ. Fuck she's a pretty little thing. I get us all seated and learn the kids names. They crack me up with the marbles. The boys saw it on Home Alone. They were trying to keep the bad guys from getting them. "You did a good job. The bad guys didn't even come close to you. Good thing you had the marbles and remembered. You kept yourselves safe." They smile proud. Jeremy looks at me. It's the first time he does. I wink at him and he turns his head. We eat chatting about school and soccer. Taylor wants to play but all the teams are picked already. I tell him I can check if someone needs a sub getting me a smile. I ask what team Brantley is on. He says Pirates. I call Steve, "VP I got a boy that needs a team, do you have room for one, he's Brantley's new brother." He says he'll take him. I smile and tell him he's on the Pirates. They cheer. Cute kids. They pull for each other.
CJ is smili
ng. "I should have done that, I never thought about it. Now I know."
"I'll write it on the board for you. Call VP for boys’ soccer." Joey says.
I laugh, "Steve Knight is one of the coaches for the Pirates. Call him and he'll get you squared away." Joey nods. "You met another of the coaches, Danny at your house. He's the patch guy. He coaches the Braves. If you need to get into different age groups call Keith and he'll get you in touch with the right Brother."
"You're all brothers?" Christian asks, he doesn't look impressed with me.
"Yeah, we're Brothers in the MC. For some of us it's the only family we have, we work together to make our family and community safe. We take care of our own." I tell him with a smile.
"Little Ben and Jessie say that. They're your Little Brothers?" Brantley says. I nod.
CJ tells everyone we need to get to the hotel. It's almost time for Joey's treatment. I sign for the meal at the register. Not one complaint in the group, they surprise me by getting out to the van and into it while Joey gets the lift down. It takes forever to roll out then lift up. I need to ask someone about fixing it to work a little faster.
I follow them to the hotel and walk into the lobby with them. At the desk I tell Rena it’s for the MC. She smiles and hands me the cards. We ride to the top with the kids chattering the whole way. They’re excited. CJ doesn’t seem fazed by their excitement; she smiles and answers all their questions laughing with them. I walk them to the suite and open the door. They run wild. It is so funny to see them all run in different directions. Joey rolls in and maneuvers around the furniture. There are two cots set up against one wall, Brantley and Taylor claim them. One bedroom has two queen sized beds the other a king bed and a twin on the side against a wall. It looks like Danny got it set up for them. The kids check the drawers and yell out that the clothes are even put away.
CJ laughs, “I guess they really mean everything when they say they’ll take care of everything.”
I show her the bin of snacks. Danny had it put in her room along with drinks. "The kitchenette is fully stocked with oatmeal, cereal and coffee makings. The Bakery will deliver breakfast and coffee of your choice if you tell me what it is.” She likes coffee regular. The kids give me their favorite flavors and I text it into Peg. “You can eat at the Diner, The Sub Shop, The Concession Stand, The Pub, The Cone and The Deli by signing the register receipt. Don’t worry about the cost, all those are MC regular businesses. They’ve been notified and will be expecting you. The hotel will sign for pizza or any other take out and add it to the bill so make yourself comfortable and don’t worry about eating, we know you had the meals at home and you can’t be there because of the guys messing up your house. I think I even heard about them flying out a window. Security is a little too gung-ho sometimes. I’m sorry we put you out; if I know Danny they’ll have it looking better than when you left. He’s a Premiere builder. He’ll get it done and it will be right.”
She’s shocked. “The Biker Building Super is LaPonte Builders?”
I smile, “Yeah, that’s Danny. He’ll do a good job for you.”
“Oh my friggin word, he built my old bosses house. It’s a masterpiece.” She thinks about that then smiles. Fuck it’s a nice smile. “I need to get Joey her treatment. I don’t mean to cut you short Rob. Thank you for all this and everything that the MC is doing. It was nice meeting you.”
She’s trying to get rid of me. “If you think the kids need to talk give me a call.” I give her my card. “Would you like me to take you around tomorrow? I can show you all the MC businesses.”
“Can we do it on Sunday? We have some shopping to do tomorrow for Taylor. He’s new to us and needs some bedding and clothes.”
“I’m pretty sure the clothes are being bought already. If you tell me his favorite character I can get the bedding on his bed before you get home.” She looks shocked again.
“Um. I’m not sure what to say about that. I guess you can ask him. They’re buying him clothes? Why would they do that?”
I laugh, “The MC takes care of their own, since they wrecked your second floor, they’ll take care of everything you need. You are under our protection now. If you need anything you just have to ask.”
She doesn’t look like she believes me. “I need to take care of Joey.”
“Have a good night CJ. I’ll call you tomorrow.” I nod and walk over to Taylor.
I ask all the kids their favorite characters and music, games anything the old ladies might ask me. I send it over to Sally copying it to Danny and take my leave. Going down in the elevator I’m thinking CJ might be someone I’d like to get to know better. She’s got fiery red hair and a sweet disposition. Her killer little body looks like it needs some exploring.
I make the lobby and Rena calls me over. “You haven’t called me, did you meet someone?” She asks. We have a friend with benefits thing going on and it works well for both of us. I hate seeing the whores at the Club. “Just been busy Re. What are you doing after work?”
She smiles, “I’m meeting up with my favorite biker.”
I lean over and kiss her. “Meet me at the Pub.” I peck her lips. My dick stands at attention. She is more than willing. When I step back and turn CJ is standing there smiling at me. Fuck! “Did you need something CJ?” I’m praying she doesn’t look down.
“I didn’t mean to interrupt. I just need some hand towels and I’m hoping to get more every day that we’re here. I need them for the breathing treatments.”
Rena jumps in, “I’ll get you some right now and get them to deliver the extras for you. We have strict instructions to make sure you have everything you need.” She smiles at CJ making me feel better. My dick isn’t paying attention to my head. I think about the treatments.
“I’ll let you go Rena. Good night CJ.” I turn and walk out mentally kicking myself.
Chapter Two
CJ
I keep the kids busy all day. The MC sent breakfast like they said and we went to the Sub Shop for lunch. The kids have a good time and I’m glad they’re not complaining about the loss of all their things at the house. We’re picking up electronics and heading over to the park. By tomorrow they’ll be climbing the walls. I decide on a hike and call the Diner asking for lunches to go. The woman is so sweet telling me they’ll have them delivered at ten for us. She tells me Sam wants us to come for dinner; he has some mac and cheese in the oven hoping we’d be by. How friggin sweet is Sam? I tell her we’ll be by at six and get the kids and electronics out the door. We set up the blanket and I let them run. Christian stays with me and Joey playing a game on his tablet. I keep watch on the boys and read on my tablet.
A shadow falls on me and I look up with a smile. “Hi Cloud.”
“Hi guys, I thought I recognized the van and stopped. I was on my way back to your house, is there anything you need while I’m there?” He asks while sitting down. He does it so gracefully its seems odd in such a big man.
“We seem to have everything we need. Thanks. If I think of something I’ll let you know.” I smile at him; he looks so intent on what I’m saying. I like the way he he’s focused on me. I’m not going to read too much into it, I thought the same thing about Rob and he’s obviously taken. I’m lousy at men.
“Do you have plans tomorrow?” He asks making me wonder if he’s offering for the kids or me.
I shake my head, friggin idiot I just went through this. “I got the Diner making us a lunch to take up to Colt State Park for a hike.”
“Would you like company? I haven’t been there in a while.” He asks and I nod automatically.
“Sure, we’re leaving a little after ten.” I can’t believe I’m doing this. Didn’t I learn my lesson with the man thing?
He smiles and my brain stops filtering for me. I smile back. “I’ll meet you at the hotel about ten then.” He ruffles Christian’s head and stands in one fluid motion.
“Where’s your helicopter Cloud?” Joey asks him.
He laughs. “It’s no
t mine I just fly them. It’s Baxter Security’s. I’m off this weekend so I’m working on your house with the Brothers. The more help they get, the faster you can get home and be comfortable again.”
“Thank you for helping.” Christian says. He’s such a friggin good kid. If Cloud wasn't genuine he wouldn't be so nice to him. I’m reminded that I have others running around and do a head count. They’re all playing on the playground. I look back and see Cloud get on a motorcycle.
“He likes you CJ. You should go on a date with him.” Joey says. Dear Lord!
“They’re being nice. They must have done some major damage for them to be doing all this. I’m glad I didn’t look around.” I tell her, still watching Cloud drive away.
“It’s bad. The bathroom, stairway and meeting rooms were trashed. The banister is off the back stairs and there’s a big hole in the wall of one of the bedrooms. They should fix it, those guys were nuts.” Christian says with a smile.
Shit! He sees too much sometimes.
Cloud
I watch her in my mirror. She follows me with her eyes until I can’t see her anymore. I smile the whole way to her house. Brothers are painting the outside, the window is fixed and the porch is being repaired. They added a ramp to the side and extended the porch to go around the house. Joey will be able to get in the front and back doors. Nice. Fuckin Danny has it going on.
I walk in and see the stairway is being refinished, wainscoting is being installed on the bottom half of the walls covering the wheelchair scrapes, an electrician is wiring the new lights and fans.
In Joey's room the same wainscoting is being installed, her room is being painted and her bed is framed as a carriage. She has a mirrored half wall on one side and balloons with fiber optic twinkling lights on the other. Fuckin unbelievable. I hear kids upstairs and follow the sound.