"Is everyone in position?" Duke asked over the mic. Various people answered and I sniggered knowing that Duke would respond. "Alright smart arses, try not to deafen me this time. Is there anyone that is not in position?" The radio was quiet, "Thank you that's better."
"Right, Stoney and Lyric you're our lookouts. Let us know when you see movement."
"Will do Woods, it's all quiet at the minute." Stoney responded.
"Yep all quiet here also mate." I could hear the nervousness in Lyrics voice.
Duke and I sat in the van, I glanced at my watch and knew that they were due any minute now and couldn't help but tap my feet. Duke glared at me, "Sorry mate but I'm fucking nervous about this shit. You know I'm a lover not a hater."
Duke sniggered, "As long as you're loving the right people I don't mind." I rolled my eyes at his comment in reference to Chloe, this was neither the time nor the place to discuss her.
"Right we have two vehicles entering the estate, a 4x4 and a people carrier so a maximum of twelve people," Stoney stated over the Mic.
"Show time," Duke rubbed his hands together and stepped from the van, I followed suit to stand in the middle of the car park.
The 4x4 pulled up beside us and I was worried that they may just get out and take us down but the driver turned off the engine and the passenger door opened.
"Good evening gentlemen, this is quite the welcoming committee." Flex extended his arms to the guys positioned around the car park. I noticed that the people carrier had hung back but Justice had moved his car forward so he was blocking the 4x4 in the car park should there be any trouble.
"Well you know Flex it's better to cover your arse than not. How you been?"
"Yeah not bad, I've brought someone to see you." Flex indicated to the 4x4 and the rear door opened. A badly beaten lad got out and as he neared I realised it was the young boy from the bar.
"And what do you have to say Jarrod?" Flex asked not even looking at him
He held his side and stepped closer with a limp, "I'm sorry for disrespecting you and wearing my colours in your territory."
Duke nodded at me and I stepped forward to pass the cut to Flex. He didn't make any attempt to take it he simply waited for the young lad to hobble over to collect.
"Thank you," he whispered.
I almost felt sorry for him, being a prospect was like an apprenticeship this is where you learned your craft and proved yourself in order to be offered a position at the end of the training. This was also the time when you could fuck up because you were still learning and this kid certainly did that. I knew one thing for sure, he wouldn't give up his colours so easily next time.
"So are we cool?" Flex asked as Recon joined us from across the car park.
"We certainly are as long as you keep your guys in check." Recon folded his arms across his chest looking menacing.
"Oh they're in check mate don't you worry about that." Flex turned to leave, "Oh I nearly forgot." He dug around in his pocket and pulled out a photograph. "I don't suppose you've seen this girl on your travels have you?"
I took the photo and noticed that it was the same girl, that Jen had shown us earlier on in the evening. I shook my head, "Not that I recall." I passed it to Recon and raised my brows as our eyes met.
"Who is she?" Recon asked.
"Just a friend's sister, we're worried about her. Could you pass that around to see if any of the guys recognise her?"
Duke nodded his head, "Of course I can man that's the least I can do." Flex extended his arm and they shook hands. "I'll be in touch should any of the guys know anything."
"Thank you." Flex turned on his heels and walked towards the 4x4. As he entered the vehicle, I let out a sigh of relief although it wasn't totally over until they'd gone.
The driver reversed and pulled up at the exit that Justice was still blocking, once Duke gave the nod he reversed the vehicle allowing Flex to leave. The people carrier followed and they made their way up the road out of sight.
"She's the same girl," Recon stated flicking the photo in his hand.
"Yep, now what would he want with her?" Jen had said that she was or should've been running so if Flex didn't know where she was then she'd obviously got away. So where was she and was she significant to anything to do with the Aces?
"Do I need to know?" Duke asked snatching the photo from Recon so he could have a proper look.
"Not at this stage but should it develop we'll let you know." I wasn't quite sure whether it was important or not but I was planning on doing a bit of digging to be on the safe side.
"Good coz my fucking brains hurting from all this shit." Duke rubbed his forehead to ease the tension before he turned back to myself and Recon, "And don't wander off too far tonight as I'm sending you two on another job tomorrow." I groaned, "Got a problem with that Woods?"
"No it's just I'm forgetting to remember what Lauren looks like." I'd been staying away more frequently and I was worried that this may upset Lauren.
"She'll be fine, I'll make sure the girls go round there tomorrow to give her a makeover or something equally as girlie."
What choice did I have? I knew that I needed to do as I was told considering the shit I had caused lately concerning Chloe. "Okay, where are we going?"
"I need you two to conduct some research for me."
"What kind of research?" He'd piqued my interest.
"I need you to visit a variety of strip joints for me and feed back what you find out."
Recons mouth fell open, "Are you having me on?"
"No I'm deadly serious, I want to know how I can generate more money? What are they doing that we aren't?"
Duke strutted back to the van leaving me utterly gobsmacked, there was only one bird that I wanted to be researching with and that was Chloe.
Chapter 4
Lauren
I was alone yet again. Duke had kept Mark busy recently, he'd been sending him on all the excursions lately, which was unheard of but Mark had said Duke wanted to keep him away from Chloe. I sniggered at the thought, they were perfect for each other, even with such a big age difference they just seemed to get on well but Duke didn't want their relationship to flourish.
I walked into the living room holding my cup of coffee and heard a knock on the front door. I rarely had visitors when Mark was away although I had my extensive list and knew that I could contact various people should I need anything. I placed my cup on the coffee table and slowly made my way over to the front door to peek through the spy hole.
I smiled when I saw Ink and Chloe and opened the door to greet them.
"Good morning ladies," I moved to the side giving them enough space to enter the living room.
"You're looking a little tired Lauren," Ink stated giving me a gentle kiss on the cheek.
"I've just been studying hard and staying up late, I'm going to have a day off the books," I lied.
"Good coz all work and no play is not good for you babe," Ink looked around the living room giving it a quick once over to make sure everything was okay.
"We're going to the cinema tonight if you fancy coming," Chloe stood on the front porch with her hands firmly in her pockets.
"Can I let you know, it's just that I want to catch up on some well deserved sleep."
She nodded, "That's fine no pressure this end but it would be good to see you out for a change."
I sniggered at her comment although more for her than me, I enjoyed my own company and was quite happy to study. I know I came across as a bit of a bore but there were so many different sides to me that I only allowed certain people to see.
"Okay well we'll leave you to it." Ink stepped from the house onto the front porch and glanced around the front garden.
"Is everything okay Ink you're acting a little strange."
She giggled, "Instructions from Woods."
I rolled my eyes, "I'm fine honestly and I have my list of numbers if I'm not."
Chloe laughed and pulled out her phone to swipe thro
ugh her photos, "Does it look like this?" she held it up so both Ink and I could see and I smiled.
"Yep!"
"What are they like?" Chloe locked her phone and placed it back into her pocket.
"They'd say it's because they care, I'd say it's because they're over protective." Ink flicked her hair revealing her beautiful tattoo's on her skin.
"High five to that," I leaned on the doorframe as Chloe and Ink walked away from the house.
"Well hopefully we'll see you tonight. If not I'll catch up with you real soon," Chloe waved and they made their way to her car.
I waved back and closed the door behind them, making my way over to the coffee table to grab my cup. I couldn't function without my morning coffee although this tasted off, maybe the milk was turning.
I turned to walk into the kitchen but heard a faint knock on the door. "I told them I'd let them know about the cinema this evening," I said to myself huffing as I opened the door.
"What's that face for? You should be pleased to see me." Ramsey stood on my front porch with a bag from the local bakery. "I've brought a couple of rolls, cakes and cans of drink as I didn't know what you'd have in." He brushed passed me and walked into the living room without an invite.
"Erm...okay...please come in and make yourself at home." I was still confused as to why he was here but he'd brought lunch so I could hardly send him away.
"So how you doing without Woods around?" He took a ham roll from the bag and sat on the sofa taking a large bite. I watched at how comfortable and at ease he was.
"I'm used to it to be honest, he's out quite a bit and I appreciate the quiet so I can study."
Ramsey waved with his hand toward the food on the table as he took another bite of his roll, the crumbs fell onto the sofa and I was annoyed that he hadn't asked for a plate. I smiled politely as I took the paper bag containing the roll and sat beside him on the sofa.
"Do you get out much?"
"No but that's by choice, I obviously have friends but I limit my socialising." This was a fib but he didn't need to know the truth at this stage.
"You're very headstrong." His statement surprised me.
"I just know what I want to achieve in life."
"There's nothing wrong with that," Ramsey took another bite of his roll.
"So what do you want out of life?" I asked intrigued to see if he had any plans.
"I'm looking to become a patched member and then find a job within the club that I'm suited to. I'm currently studying for a sports degree so the natural progression would be to work at the gym with CJ and possibly become a personal trainer." He sniggered, "Do you want to close that it's a little unsightly?"
Ramsey was referring to me gawking at his response. "Oh sorry, I'm just a little surprised." I could feel my blush by his comment.
"That's okay."
"No it's not, it's very rude of me to just presume." I was annoyed with myself for judging.
"Well you should never judge a book by its cover that's true."
"You're certainly right and I can only apologise." I picked at my roll and placed it on top of the bag on the coffee table.
"You not hungry?"
"Not really, to be honest I haven't been up long."
Ramsey sniggered, "Well you obviously needed the sleep then."
"Yeah, I've been working through the night I'm a bit of a night owl should we say."
"I know how that feels. The guys at the club have me running errands at all times of the day and night that my body clock is all over the place."
"See I don't get this, you're obviously educated to be able to study for a degree so why would you join the Aces especially at the age you are?"
"Are you saying that only uneducated people should join the club then?" Ramsey didn't ask the question horribly, it was as if he genuinely wanted to know my thoughts.
"Not at all but why would you not complete your studies, get your dream job and then join the club?" I'd often thought this of some of the newer guys that joined. Diesel, Duke and Spike all had family members involved in the club, even Whip and Jayden so I just didn't get it with the other guys.
"It's that sense of belonging, why does anyone join a club? Sports, crafts, cooking, reading, it's no different they're just a group of guys that enjoy motorcycles."
"Erm...I'm not a police officer."
He sniggered, "Well you get my drift. The other stuff just sort of happens and is part of the experience of being in a club."
"Ok, I sort of get it. They've been good to me over the years and I see what they do with the charity runs and the giving of Easter eggs."
"Exactly, it's about family and the togetherness a big group like ours brings."
"You've surprised me again Ramsey," I smiled and picked up the can of drink that he'd bought me.
"Is that a good thing?"
I opened the ring pull and took a swig, "Yes I suppose it is."
"Are you wanting the rest of your roll?"
I laughed and waved my hand towards it, "Be my guest."
He gave me a wink and picked up the half eaten roll, "I love ham come to think of it I'm a right foodie and eat most things. I've even been known to steal food from other people's plates." I raised my brows making Ramsey snigger, "Do you eat steak."
"Yeah why?" I asked confused by his question.
"I bet you're a well done kind of girl?" I giggled, "I bloody knew it." He seemed pleased with his analysis of my eating habits.
"And I suppose you're a rare kind of boy, the bloodier the better?"
He smiled, "How did you know?"
"That's disgusting."
"Ever tried it?"
"Well...no!"
"Ah then you can't judge!"
I was enjoying the banter between us, he had an easy manner about him that made me feel comfortable. I yawned and covered my mouth quickly looking at him apologetically.
"Oh, am I boring you?"
I sniggered, "I'm sorry that's so rude of me."
"That's okay babe, have a lay down." I looked at him confused, "Go on have a lay down I don't mind." He took the cushion from behind him and placed it on his lap, "I don't have to be anywhere for a while, I'll keep an eye on you and make sure you're safe." Ramsey leaned forward and untied the laces of his boots and slipped them from his feet, he then out stretched his legs placing one onto the coffee table and crossed the second over at the ankle. "Ah," he picked up the remote and turned on the television to flick through the sky channels until he found a documentary on the police force. Ramsey glanced in my direction, nodded towards his lap before placing his hands behind his head and slouched further into the sofa consumed in the programme. I hesitantly took the cushion from his lap and propped it against his leg to snuggle into the sofa. I closed my eyes just resting them while I listened to the programme but found myself drifting in and out of sleep. I tried to stay awake but sleep consumed me quickly before I could do anything about it.
I woke with a startle and felt someone's hand on me. "Fuck!" I jumped from the sofa a little disorientated to where I was but held my hands out in case anyone tried to grab me.
Ramsey slowly roused from his sleep and rubbed his eyes before trying to focus on me, "What you doing babe?"
I lowered my hands as my breathing slowly returned to normal from my fright, "You had your hand on me." I stated brushing the area trying to get rid of the feeling.
Ramsey narrowed his eyes, "I apologise if I did but as you can see I was asleep."
I nodded, "Sorry I'm being silly." I let out a sigh and paced a small area like a caged lion in captivity. I couldn't lose it in front of him, I'd been so good keeping it together that I couldn't possibly have a break down.
"Do you want a drink?"
"Nah I'm good..."
"I'll make you a tea or a coffee or even get you a beer if you prefer?" I noticed his reaction to me blabbering but ignored him and walked into the kitchen to turn the kettle on.
"What you doing?" I jumped startled by hi
s presence, I didn't know he'd followed me into the kitchen.
"Making a hot drink silly!"
"I know that but why?"
"Coz everything is better after a cup of tea, isn't that right?"
"In the movies maybe but I fucking hate tea." Ramsey stepped closer and placed his hands over mine as I shakily held a mug. I closed my eyes fighting the feeling to pull away, "Who hurt you Lauren?"
I breathed in and out trying to keep my composure, "Honestly I'm fine."
"That's not what I asked you." Ramsey's phone rang, "Shit! I need to answer that." He removed his phone from his pocket and swiped the screen, "Duke." I noticed the concern on his face, "Yeah I'll be there in ten minutes at the most." He ended the call, "I've gotta shoot Lauren." He turned and stomped into the living room to put on his boots.
"Is everything okay?" I asked concerned. I knew that the guys weren't allowed to divulge any information but I just wanted him to know that I cared.
"Hound's had a heart attack, I don't know any details I've just been told to go to the hospital with the van." He stood to straighten his clothes, "Sorry to run out on you, we'll catch up soon." He bent down and kissed my cheek catching me unaware before he quickly made his way through the living room to leave.
I threw myself onto the sofa, what the fuck was all that about today? Why did he feel the need to stay with me or had Mark asked him to? I sniggered, I very much doubt that after the way he reacted when he found out Ramsey had given me a lift home. I sighed and placed my arm over my face as I relaxed on the sofa, I could feel myself feeling tired again, I really needed to find the correct work life balance as I was burning myself out.
Chloe
I burst through the doors to the A&E department, "Where is he mum?" Tears were streaming down my face as I franticly glanced around the room.
"He's okay baby, calm yourself down he's going to be okay."
"Are you sure? How do you know? Have you seen a doctor?" So many questions, I had so many questions that my head was hurting as I looked for answers. I clasped my fingers around the back of my head and paced the waiting area as I tried to calm down.
Woods (Aces MC Series Book 5) Page 7