Tenn looked at her strangely. “No. He hasn’t really been looking for a long time. Not since high school.”
He sounded disapproving . . . and she was confused. “He found someone in high school?”
He shook his head. “For someone so aware . . .”
“Wait. You’re talking about . . . ?” She couldn’t get the last word out, so she simply pointed to herself.
“Clueless,” Tenn muttered. “You’re it for him, Maddie, okay? The two of you, you’re like ghosts haunting each other. And I know ghosts too damned well to know it’s not going to end well. It’s going to fucking kill him when you leave. Again. And I know you will, so do me a favor and go ahead and do it already.”
And then Calla came in and gave Maddie a sympathetic look while putting a hand on Tenn’s forearm, urging him to “calm down” and “come with her.”
Thankfully, Tenn listened. Preacher started to say something to her, but sighed instead and followed Tenn.
She fought tears. Sat on the table and buried her face in her hands, looked up when she heard Bear ask, “You all right, Maddie?” He added, “Of course you’re not.”
She raised her head, wiped her eyes. “I guess you heard. I’m sure the whole clubhouse heard.”
“Everyone’s worried. When Tals bails out—”
“I think I should do what Tenn says and leave.”
Bear shook his head. “Tals will not be happy about that.”
“Well, I’m not happy at the thought of breaking up his relationship with Tenn. And Cage and Preacher. All of this is my problem, not theirs.”
“He can handle it.”
“I know he can, but . . .” She shook her head. “He shouldn’t have to. He’s had to pretend too often.”
“He’s not pretending with you.”
“I know that. It’s just that he’s not what most people think.”
Bear went to the fridge, took out two beers, opened one and handed it to her. “He’s easygoing. Fun. But—”
“He’s not happy—not the way he appears,” she told him. “It’s not an act, exactly. He’s trying to convince himself . . . It’s like wish fulfillment.”
Bear stared at her, his surprise obvious. “How’d you know that?”
“Because I’m exactly the same way.” She gave a one-shouldered shrug. “I know that’s not who he is. I know he’s a good guy. I’ve just started scratching the surface. I didn’t want to in high school. I never wanted to get that close.”
“Scared he wouldn’t be what you wanted?”
“Just the opposite,” she said ruefully. “How did you get involved with the MC?”
“Through Tals.” Bear took a long drink of his beer. She thought he wouldn’t elaborate, then, “I was about ten. He was just out of high school. Almost. Then . . .”
Bear stopped. Shrugged. And she realized that, along with everything else, she was also responsible for separating Bear from Tals for a while, since he’d gone into the military after the Earl incident.
“Maddie, listen, he was going into the military no matter what. Preach got involved, and when Tals finished his tour and was doing the National Guard stuff, he started to pull me in more. Got me into repo work.”
Bear was perfect for that job based on size alone. He had an intense expression too—when he didn’t let through the inherent kindness she saw in his eyes.
And obviously, it was Calla’s turn to try to help Maddie feel not so alone. Or responsible, because she came in next, apologizing. “I’m sorry—I tried to talk Tenn out of coming here. He’s upset.”
“He has a right to be.”
“Maybe. But he shouldn’t take it out on you.” Calla sat next to her. “I think he’s angrier at himself that he can’t protect Tals all the time. From everything.”
“He’s a good brother. I’m an only child.” She shrugged.
“Me too, for all intents and purposes. My stepbrother was a bad guy.”
“How long have you been involved with Vipers?” Maddie couldn’t help but ask.
“I met Cage—well, technically, I met Tenn first. I was working for their Army CO and there was some trouble,” she explained. “I was in trouble. And I fell in love with Cage from a phone call.” She laughed. “I’m sure some people would say that was crazy, that it couldn’t happen. But all I can say is, if it doesn’t happen to you, how can you be so sure?”
Maddie nodded. She understood, because she was pretty sure she’d fallen for Tals the first time she’d seen him in the halls of the high school. “This lifestyle . . .”
“You grew up around here, right? I mean, you see what these guys do. I used to tend bar in Upstate New York, so I had a good idea what MCs were like. It’s not always easy, but Preacher’s smart. And since he raised Cage and Tals and Tenn . . .” Calla trailed off. “Anyway, Tals will land on his feet. These guys always do.”
Maddie agreed, but this time she was going to take herself out of the equation in order to facilitate that.
* * *
When it was too late to take back, when Maddie knew the security guards her dad hired for her were close to the Vipers clubhouse, she found Preacher and broke the news to him. She dressed in the outfit she’d worn on her date with Tals—seemed like a lifetime ago.
“One of the guys will drive my car home,” she said. “I just need the key.”
Tals had parked it in the back lot for safekeeping.
Preacher didn’t answer her at first; then finally he said, “We can’t stop you, Maddie. But you’re putting yourself in a hell of a lot of danger.”
“My dad’s got security coming to get me. He talked to Hugh. He said Hugh needs to talk to me.” She stared into his dark eyes. “It’s better this way, for everyone.”
Preacher looked like he was going to say something, but ultimately he simply told her, “If this is what you want, I’ll let you know when your security detail’s here.”
And he did, ten minutes later. He gave her the key to her car and walked her outside, delivering her into the waiting SUV, pointing out her car to the big man who got out. She watched Preacher give him the side eye, would’ve laughed if she wasn’t so miserable.
“Do you want me to give Tals a message?” Preacher asked right before she closed the car door.
She bit her bottom lip, then said, “Just tell him I’m really sorry.”
Preacher nodded, let her close the door, and the SUV left Vipers territory and headed back toward Jessamine. The driver was quiet, but kept looking back at her in the rearview mirror.
Finally she asked, “How bad is it back at the house?”
He sighed. “You shouldn’t be involved with Vipers. That’s all I’m saying.”
“I’m sure you’re not the only one with that opinion,” she muttered.
Chapter 21
Half an hour later, her father was repeating, “I don’t understand, Maddie,” over and over. Like she’d disappointed and confused him so much, he’d become a broken record of disbelief.
Her grandmother’s silent, icy treatment was actually preferable at this point.
Although neither of them seemed to remember she was a grown woman, way too old to be lectured like this. But she’d put herself in this position. She wasn’t stupid enough to think she could handle what was happening without protection.
As her father finally broke out and used his words, things got worse. It didn’t matter what she countered with. He couldn’t seem to get past the fact that she’d, according to him, thrown her entire career away, jeopardized her future and now she was acting just like her mother.
From everything she’d heard about Margaret Wells, she had to agree.
“And after all of that—after leaving Hugh, quitting what you worked so hard for—you come back here and hook up with Tals Garrity? The same motorcycle-gang juvenile delinquent who nearly killed Earl?” her father demanded. “Maddie, do you have any idea how hard I fought to keep what happened under wraps for your sake? Earl’s parents were not h
appy. They could’ve ruined you—”
“Ruined me?” she repeated incredulously.
“I really thought you understood what you needed to do, Maddie. I wanted you independent. I wasn’t thrilled when you got married, but at least you were smart about it. Divorce is one thing, but what you’re involved in—”
“What I’m involved in? Dad, I don’t think you understand.”
“I understand that Vipers Motorcycle Club is responsible for almost killing Hugh and that Tals is under arrest. I’m thankful you came to your senses and came home. Hugh has been waiting to speak to you.”
“Hugh’s here?” She glanced around, and her grandmother nodded.
Her grandmother sniffed. “He’s very worried about you. In fact, he was the one who informed us of where you were. I thought you were at a hotel, which I didn’t understand.”
“I’m sorry I lied. I wasn’t ready to talk about Tals yet.”
“There’s nothing to talk about, Maddie. There is no you and Tals,” her father said sternly. “I’ve spoken with Hugh about you returning to work.”
“I’m not working for Hugh any longer.”
Her father studied her. “Fine. I can pull a few strings and get you seen.”
“I’m capable of getting my own job. And I’m not talking about this now, Dad. You don’t get to come in and dictate my life. I’ve been doing fine on my own.”
“If fine is almost getting yourself killed,” Hugh broke in. She whirled around to see him standing in the doorway of the sitting room.
“We’ll leave you two alone,” her father said, extending a hand to her grandmother to help her up and walk her out of the room.
Hugh looked as exhausted as she felt. Had it really been less than two weeks since she’d left him at the party? “I can’t believe you’re here,” she hissed.
“I can’t believe your boyfriend tried to kill me.”
“He’s not my boyfriend. He’s someone I knew in high school,” she lied casually.
Hugh was pacing the room. “I almost got killed tonight.”
“Join the club.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Didn’t Detective Flores tell you about the bomb? I told her, the same night you tried to have me brought to you by the police.” She crossed her arms in front of her body as he pulled up short. “It’s pretty obvious you’re trying to frame Vipers because I’m with them.”
“You’re with them?” he asked sarcastically. “What exactly does that mean?”
“It means they’re protecting me from whoever tried to murder me last week,” she shot back, and Hugh started. “Or at least they were. What aren’t you hearing? There was a bomb in my car. If Tals hadn’t noticed something funny with the remote . . .”
Shit. She’d never really let herself think about that, because Tals had been there. Her knees trembled a little as the realization of just how close she’d come to being killed flashed through her mind.
It obviously hit Hugh too, because he started, “The detective didn’t . . .” before sinking into the closest chair. “She told me you were staying with Vipers, that you refused to leave and she couldn’t be one hundred percent sure you wanted to be there. But she said there wasn’t much she could do to get you out.”
“Vipers isn’t trying to kill you, Hugh. But they are trying to figure out who you pissed off. So maybe you could share that information with me?”
“Jesus, Maddie, what’s wrong with you? I’m the CFO of a major corporation. You’re the one sleeping with criminals, and I’m the one who’s doing something wrong?”
Hugh was lying to her. He was capable of sleeping around and lying about it, but this was a whole other level. Had she ever really known him? “Someone’s trying to kill us, Hugh,” she reiterated. “Don’t try to bullshit me—I know you’re involved.”
“And you don’t think it has anything to do with the company you’re keeping?” he demanded.
“Let’s not even talk about ‘company.’ Obviously, you neglected to tell my father any of that. So he thinks I just walked away from you and quit my job on a whim?” Of course he’d believe that—he’d always lectured her that she was too much like her mother, which really, was a horrible thing to say to a child.
“No one I slept with ever tried to kill me.”
“Give it time,” she told him through clenched teeth.
He pointed at her. “The man you’re fucking is trying to have me killed, and you’re caught up in whatever illegal shit he’s into, Maddie. Wake up and deal with that. He’s on video coming to my hotel room.”
Maddie knew that the only way to get Tals off the hook—and Rocco and Rally too—was to convince Hugh to recant his story. Especially since it wasn’t the truth. But this was . . . “If you really and truly believe that, why not tell him you’ll take him up on his offer to protect you?” she asked, as the pieces began to click together in her mind. “Don’t you think it’s possible that Tals was coming to get you, but he was too late?”
Hugh’s mouth opened, then closed. His jaw clenched.
“Think about what you really heard and why. Do you think men who kidnapped you would use their names? Be scared away that easily? Tals was going to protect you even after the trouble you’ve gotten me into—or maybe because of it. You still need that protection, Hugh, so don’t be stupid. Make a call to the police and maybe Vipers will still consider that protection.”
There was a long pause as Hugh considered this. And then he took out his cell phone, dialed and said, “I need to speak with Detective Flores please.”
Because he knows he needs protection. The thought chilled her.
She turned and walked away from him, went upstairs and locked herself in her room. She hoped to God he wasn’t staying here in the house, but she had to assume he was.
Chapter 22
Twenty-four hours after Tals, Rocco and Rally had been escorted into jail, they were released. They’d figured they were out on bail, but as it turned out, there was a sudden lack of evidence to hold them.
Or at least, that was the company line they were fed—Tals knew they’d get the full story soon. Although Rocco was always in charge of the club’s legal matters, they retained a woman named Callie for matters like conflicts of interests . . . and for when Rocco was arrested himself. Tals assumed she and Preacher had worked some magic, and he was damned grateful for it.
None of them had slept much, even though they were in a quiet cell, just the three of them. Any longer, and Tals had no doubt they would’ve been transferred to the state-run facility.
“What the fuck happened?” Rocco demanded when he saw Preacher.
“Witness recanted. Said it was a misunderstanding. Said he never heard your names. Flores knew the patch was bullshit anyway . . . and the surveillance video? Hugh said he invited you guys to come see him,” Preacher said. “Hugh even admitted he was jealous of Tals and that’s why the whole thing started.”
“Fuckin’ A,” Rocco muttered.
“Must’ve killed Flores to let us go,” Tals muttered, his voice rough as he rode in the backseat of Preacher’s truck, Tenn and Rally next to him, Rocco up front with Preacher.
“Just about,” Preacher replied.
“How’s Maddie?” Tals asked, and he swore there was a noticeable tension that passed through the car before Preach assured him she was fine.
But Tals wasn’t going to believe that until he saw it with his own eyes. And so when he first noted that her car was missing from the lot, he tensed. When he went inside and headed to his room, from behind him Tenn said, “Don’t bother—she’s gone.”
She’s gone.
That echoed through Tals’s mind, turned him cold, but he didn’t turn around when he asked, as calmly as he fucking could, “What do you mean, gone?”
“She went home,” Tenn said unapologetically. “To her grandmother’s house. They have security for her.”
Tals drew in a breath. “Whose idea was that?”
“Maddie’s.”
“Just out of the blue, she decided to go hang out at home?” Tals asked, his resolve not to punch his brother beginning to wane.
And when Tenn finally admitted, “I think I know why,” Tals turned to him slowly, his hands fisting.
He took a couple of steps toward Tenn, whose jaw was clenched, and asked, “What the fuck did you do?”
“She thought she was breaking up your family.”
Tals frowned. “She told you that?”
“In so many words, yes.”
“And you did nothing to dissuade her of that?”
Tenn shook his head. “Look at the trouble—”
And that’s when Tals lost it, shoving Tenn back. As his brother stumbled a little, Tals told him, “You’re the one breaking up our family—it’s you, Tenn. You don’t get to pick who I love.”
Tenn stood up straight, dangerously still for a moment before he lunged for Tals. Even though Tals was ready for him, it still motherfucking hurt, because Tenn hit him like a brick wall. They slammed to the ground, rolling, punching, Tenn trying to get his hands around Tals’s neck.
They didn’t fight often, but when they did, it was messy and dirty and so goddamned bad that Tals could taste the anger for days afterward. It was like fighting with himself, with his own conscience.
With that in mind, Tals slammed Tenn in the ribs and rolled out from under him, simultaneously coughing from the hold Tenn’d had on his throat while trying to draw in air.
“Who you love got you arrested three times now. Are you just waiting for one to stick?” Tenn challenged, even as he panted, holding his side. “Fucker. You’re listening to your dick. You’re living out some teenage fantasy.”
“That’s rich, coming from you. How’s your love life, Tenn? Still running Ward off?” Tenn looked like he’d been slapped, but Tals pressed on. “Yeah, I know you tell everyone he left you. Maybe you even believe it yourself, because that’s what you need to do to convince yourself it’s not your fault. But you pushed him away. You can lie about that to everyone but me.”
Tenn stared at him. “Go fuck yourself.”
“You’ve done a good enough job of fucking me over already.”
Vipers Rule Page 16