by Jamie Begley
“If you want me to find out who killed Samantha, I’m going to have to step on some toes. Are you going to give me shit every time?” Diamond asked bluntly.
“We’re not giving you shit. The men that Samantha associated with were dangerous, and those are the ones we know about. Obviously someone killed her, so eventually, you’re going to come into contact with the person who did. The best way to handle this situation is to keep someone with you who can keep an eye on the situation so that you won’t get hurt,” Viper cautioned her.
“I don’t need someone to watch my back. I can take care of myself,” Diamond said, becoming angry.
“I’m sure you can. We’ll merely provide you with back-up if you need our help,” Viper reasoned.
“I can’t find out what I need to know with you guys following me around,” Diamond argued back.
“You won’t need all of us, one will do. Knox and Rider can take turns keeping an eye on you.” Viper crossed his arms over his chest, giving Diamond the impression that the decision had been made.
“Hell, no.” Diamond refused to have either of the men following her.
“Why not?” This time it was Knox who answered. “I should be helping. It’s my ass that will be back in jail if we don’t find out who killed her.”
Diamond couldn’t argue with that reasoning. The stubborn male faces staring at her weren’t going to give in unless she agreed to have one of them watching her.
“Fine, the next time I want to talk to someone that is in a motorcycle club, I’ll give you a call.” Diamond opened her car door, slid in and slammed the door closed. The men moved out of the way as she reversed and pulled out of the parking lot.
“Knox,” Viper ordered.
Knox nodded and headed to his bike to follow the stubborn attorney. Whether she liked it or not, he had just become her shadow.
Chapter Six
Diamond pulled into her office parking lot and got out of her car. Seeing Knox pull in behind her, she didn’t stop. She merely ignored his presence and opened her office door.
Holly was sitting behind her desk on the computer when she entered the room.
“I put your messages on your desk. You had a couple of calls from potential clients; One a DUI another an assault.”
“I’ll call them back.” Diamond stopped briefly at her desk. Opening her briefcase, she pulled out the notebook she had used to take notes of her conversation with Mrs. Langley. “Could you type this up and place them in Knox’s folder.”
“I’ll take care of it.”
“Thanks, Holly.”
Holly smiled. “No problem.”
Diamond went into her office and made several calls. She returned the phone calls to the two potential clients, turned down the DUI and accepted the assault case, scheduling an appointment for the client to come in the next day. After she disconnected the call, she pulled up a list of pawn shops online and called, seeing if anyone had pawned jewelry fitting the description Mrs. Langley had provided.
It was a long shot, and Diamond wasn’t surprised when nothing turned up. Leaning back in her chair, she stared up at the ceiling, contemplating her next move. Deciding to call it a day, Diamond shut down her computer and placed her papers back into her briefcase.
“I’m leaving early today, Holly. Finish up what you’re working on and you can leave.” Diamond paused in front of her secretary’s desk.
“Thanks, Ms. Richards. I’m not feeling well, so an early day sounds good.”
“Are you all right?”
She noticed then, for the first time, that her secretary was pale. “I’m fine, probably a virus.”
Diamond tried to discreetly take a step away from her desk without causing offense. When Holly gave her a faint smile she knew she had been unsuccessful.
“If you don’t feel better, don’t bother coming in tomorrow. I’ll handle the office,” Diamond offered.
“I’m sure I’ll feel better,” Holly protested.
Diamond left her secretary finishing up her work. When she opened the door, she came to a full stop. Knox was sitting casually on his motorcycle with a couple of secretaries from the building talking to him. His eyes met hers as she walked up to him.
“Do your bosses know you’re out here on their dime?” Diamond said to the two women.
“We’re on break,” the model thin blond stated, giving Diamond a hard glare.
“Well, breaks over,” Diamond snapped.
Diamond’s lips tightened at Knox’s raised brow.
“I don’t need you to sit in my parking lot. I told Viper I’d call when I need assistance, and I will.” Diamond spun on her heel before he could answer then turned back in case he hadn’t listened. “I’m off for the day anyway, so you can head home to the women waiting for you there,” she said disdainfully.
Diamond got into her car and then drove out of the lot without a backward glance.
* * *
Knox watched the stone-faced bitch pull out of the parking lot. “Fuck it.” Starting his bike, he followed her through town. He made sure to stay far enough back that he didn’t draw her attention and was surprised when she headed out of town. He trailed behind her as she drove, surprised when she drove through Jamestown twenty minutes later. Sure this didn’t have anything to do with his case, he almost turned around, but his curiosity had him continuing to follow.
When she drove through a neighborhood that had seen better days, he hung back further, not wanting to alert her to his presence. Ten minutes later, she pulled in front of an older home that was in better condition than most. She then got out of her car, going inside. Knox sat watching the house she entered, curious as to who she was visiting. She had an apartment in Treepoint, Viper had told him, so this must be family or friend.
An hour past before Knox picked up the sound of another bike, which was coming from the opposite direction he was sitting. Knox watched as a biker swung familiarly into the driveway. From the jacket he spotted on the biker’s back, he recognized the man belong to the Destructors. The man’s long, grey ponytail reached down his back, yet Knox could tell from the way he moved that he was still in good shape. As the biker climbed off his motorcycle, Knox saw him eye Diamond’s car before he went inside.
Knox was surprised to see the door open minutes later and Diamond rush outside, followed by an older woman that resembled her. Knox instantly knew he was looking at Diamond’s mother. Her hair was a brighter shade of red than Diamond’s and she was pretty; dressed in tight jeans as well as a tight top that would have younger women envious of the sultry curves she possessed.
He watched as the two women argued while the biker came to the doorway to watch. The biker’s face was unguarded with Diamond’s back to him; Knox easily read the man’s hurt. Diamond shook off her mother’s restraining arm then headed straight to her car and drove away.
Knox watched the mother turn back to the house with anguish on her face while the biker left the doorway, taking the woman in his arms. Knox figured there was some heavy shit going down in that family for there to be such pain on her parents’ faces. The stuck up bitch probably figured she was too good for them now that she was a lawyer.
That realization had Knox liking the lawyer even less than he had before. Starting his bike, he went back through the neighborhood, not surprised when he came back to the main road and Diamond was a few cars ahead. He maintained his distance as she drove back to Treepoint without stopping until she parked at her apartment.
When she got out of the car, she took her briefcase, letting him know that this time she was in for the night. Continuing on, he headed back to the clubhouse where he parked his bike then went inside the house.
The large house had initially been intended to be a bed and breakfast when Viper’s brother had come to town to explore the possibility of opening the business The Last Riders owned. The living room, where they held their parties, was easily the size of four normal living rooms with a bar in the corner while the kitchen was
a chef’s dream. It was more than able to cook the large quantities of food that they needed. The attached dining room was also large, as was the meeting room off to the other side. The many bedrooms upstairs provided all the brothers with their own rooms as well as several of the women, though they were more than likely to end up spending the night in whichever bed they wanted.
As he entered, Knox spotted Viper sitting on the couch with Winter close to his side. “What are you doing back so early?” he questioned.
“She’s in for the day,” Knox answered his president. “I’m going to grab a shower then I’m going to Rosie’s.”
“I’m in for that,” Rider said, coming into the room.
By the time he was showered and changed, several others had decided to tag along.
“Stay out of trouble,” Viper warned.
Knox gave him the finger as he walked out the door. What trouble could he get into at Rosie’s? It was The Last Riders favorite bar. The only fight he had ever gotten into there had been with Viper’s father, Ton.
Knox, Rider, Train, Cash and Shade all headed to the bar with several of the women riding at their backs. As they pulled into the lot, Knox recognized Diamond’s car in the lot. The woman actually surprised Knox. Not only had she not stayed in for the night, but she had not called Viper to tell him she would be going to Rosie’s. The woman had no fear.
Knox was about to show her just how much she had to fear.
Chapter Seven
Diamond had showered and changed into more comfortable clothes when a thought occurred to her. Looking at her watch, she knew it was early enough that it shouldn’t be too busy at Rosie’s. Deciding not to call Viper, she put on her tennis shoes, not wanting to take the time to change back into her other clothes.
The drive to the bar on the outskirts of town, halfway up the mountain, was a short one. Diamond was happy to see the empty parking lot. After the day she’d had, she would have broken and called Viper if there had been too many bikes around.
Once inside, it took Diamond’s eyes a few minutes to adjust to the dim lighting. The bar was old and looked it, however it was clean with tables and a dance floor. In the middle of the dance floor was a pole that Diamond was sure had been taken advantage of after a few drinks.
The bartender was watching her from behind the bar, so Diamond pasted a smile on her face as she went to the counter and climbed onto one of the stools.
“Hi.” Diamond tried her most disarming smile.
“Hey.” The bartender didn’t return her smile. “What can I get you?”
“A beer would be great.”
The bartender reached into the cooler and brought out a beer and a frosted mug, placing both in front of her.
“Thanks.” Diamond reached into her pocket, pulling out some cash then placing it on the counter.
She then watched as the bartender went back to cleaning his glasses before she cleared her throat. “I was wondering if you could help me. I was trying to find out some information on a woman.”
“Don’t know nothin’.” He didn’t stop what he was doing.
“You don’t even know who it is.”
“I don’t want to know. Finish your beer and get out. You want information, go to the computer. It knows everything about everyone now.”
“It doesn’t know who’s fucking around, but I bet you do,” Diamond snapped.
The man stopped cleaning his glasses, his lips twitching. “Who’s the woman?”
“Samantha Bedford.” She watched for a reaction.
“She ain’t fucking no one anymore.” He moved to stand in front of her. “Why do you want to know about that slut?”
Diamond thought that was kind of harsh considering she was dead, but she kept that opinion to herself. “I’m representing Knox.”
The bartender’s whole attitude changed. “What do you want to know?” he asked with a friendly smile.
“Did Sam come in here often?”
“A lot when she hung out with The Last Riders. Not so much after she tried to hurt their women. She came in here a couple of times with a couple of Blue Horsemen. After they got arrested, I haven’t seen them since. Heard they skipped bail and disappeared.”
Diamond took a drink of her beer. “Anyone else since then?”
He shook his head.
“How about before she was involved with The Last Riders? She come in here then?”
“A few times, always trying to pick someone up and go home with them, but I can’t remember anyone in particular.” He started wiping the bar top down with a cloth. Something bothered Diamond and she couldn’t place what it was. She thought he might not be telling the truth with the way he avoided her eyes.
“I can be very discreet; no one needs to know how I found anything out,” Diamond said.
“I’ve told you what I know. If I remember anyone in particular, I’ll give you a call.”
Diamond sighed. She had pushed hard enough. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out her card, which she placed there before leaving for her apartment.
“My name is Di Richards. If you think of anything, let me know. I’m trying to help Knox. Anything could be of help and you may not realize it.”
“Names Mick. If I remember, I’ll call.”
As she turned to leave, the door to the bar slammed open and The Last Riders filed in. Diamond could tell by the look on Knox’s face he was angry. He was an imposing figure dressed in his dark jeans and black t-shirt with his boots swallowing up the floor as he strode across the room.
“What the fuck are you doing here?” Knox asked angrily.
Diamond’s back stiffened. “Drinking a beer. What business is it of yours?”
“Since when do you hang out in biker bars?” Knox inquired.
“Is this a biker bar? I wasn’t aware of that. There weren’t any motorcycles out front. Nor were there any signs saying ‘Assholes only’,” Diamond mocked him.
“She was asking about Sam,” Mick interrupted. Diamond threw a look at the traitorous man for disclosing why she was there.
“What did Viper tell you about letting us know when you were going to be snooping around?”
“You might have to bow down and kiss Viper’s ass, but I’m not one of your members that actually give a damn what he wants.”
“He the one that pays you?” Knox asked, already knowing the answer.
Diamond knew she had stepped on a landmine. “Yes.”
“Then you better be worried about what he wants.”
“It doesn’t matter; I’m done here.” Diamond knew when a strategic retreat was in order.
“Since you’re here, you might as well stay and have another beer.” He turned to the bartender. “Mick get her another beer on me.”
Mick turned around, reaching for another beer.
“I don’t want one.” Diamond started to slide off the seat when she found an arm around her waist and her ass planted back on the barstool.
“But I want you to stay. At least then I’ll know where you are.” His body blocked her from getting off the stool.
Reluctantly giving in for the moment, Diamond took a drink of her beer, aware that the dumbass was trying to frighten her. Two could play at that game. She relaxed. Turning her face toward him, she then gave him a venomous smile.
“You think your macho attitude is going to send me running? You’re just pissing me off, Knox. I’m trying to find out who killed the woman you’re going to go to jail for murdering unless I catch a break and find out who did.”
“What did you think you would find out here?” He reached for his own beer, his chest brushing against her shoulder.
“I thought I would find out if there was someone else in town that she was sleeping with that might have a motive. Until I can find the men who were with her that day at the diner and find out if they could be responsible, then your ass is still the best suspect the jury will have.”
“They weren’t responsible for Sam’s death, so if that’s yo
ur only lead, you need to start searching somewhere else.” Diamond watched as a group of The Last Riders sat at the tables while others went to the dance floor.
“How can you know that for sure?” Diamond questioned.
“Because they’re not in town. If they were, the sheriff would have them locked up. Find someone else.”
“It’s not that easy,” Diamond snapped.
“If it was going to be easy, Viper wouldn’t have hired you.” His brown eyes stared down into hers, making her aware that she wasn’t wearing her suit. She had on soft blue jeans and a low-scooped, blue top that hugged her breasts, showing the generous swells of her breasts. She felt his eyes brush them each time she leaned forward.
“Let’s dance.” The abrupt change in topic had her speechless as Knox, not waiting for her answer, took her hand and led her to the dance floor. She tried to pull back, but he didn’t loosen his hold.
On the dance floor, he turned her into his body, pulling her hips close.
“Let me go. I don’t want to dance with you. This is unprofessional.”
“Move your ass.” Knox took her hips in his huge hands. She felt like an idiot for arguing with someone who was dancing against her seductively while she stood still, however Diamond was stumped as to how to react.
“One dance won’t kill you,” Knox answered, as if he read her thoughts.
Gradually, Diamond began moving to the music. She couldn’t remember the last time she had actually danced; probably as a freshman in college, but she wasn’t sure.
The music wound through her body, relaxing her and Knox used the opportunity to move her body closer to his, swamping her senses with his masculinity. Her eyes escaped his to watch the other dancers. Bliss was grinding against Rider while Evie was dancing seductively with a man that she hadn’t seen before. Two other women in seductive clothes were dancing together.
As soon as the music ended, Diamond moved away and Knox released her hips before catching her hand and leading her back to the bar. He picked her up and placed her back on her stool.
“I need to be going.” Diamond finished her beer so it wouldn’t appear as if she was running away.