by K E Osborn
“He’s come to you?” he asks desperation in his voice.
“I need to know he’s safe Frank—”
“Don’t call me that, Millie… and yes, he should be—”
“What do you mean… should be? Is he or isn’t he? It’s a simple question.”
He exhales and I chew on my bottom lip. “I called church the day after Dylan left. Told everyone he went nomad and took Willow with him. Everyone was asking questions, but I told them all that Steel was gone for good. I told them no one was to go looking for him or his Old Lady, and that she had proved herself loyal to the club by not going to the cops. I made my point to Chops, in particular, that Steel is still a brother and therefore his Old Lady is not to be hunted down and in no way harmed. Any harm that came to him or Willow would result in immediate depatching and they would meet with wreaking havoc.”
Taking a deep breath, I slump my body against the headboard of the bed and relax slightly. “So Chops won’t be coming after them?”
“No! He knows wherever Dylan and Willow go she will be protected. I just hope they find somewhere safe.”
Shaking my head, I sigh. “I don’t think that’s going to happen. Our son is lost. He doesn’t know where to turn or what to do for sanctuary. I’m asking you for help. Please Frank, please find somewhere for them to go.”
There’s a pause and then I hear him exhale. “Okay. Leave it with me. I’ll make it happen. By the morning, they’ll have a place to go. But Millie, don’t tell him, just let the call come.”
Nodding even though he can’t see me, I smile. “Okay… How have you been?”
“Really? You really want to ask me that?” His tone clipped and deep.
Shrugging, I tilt my head and wince. “Sorry, it’s just been a long time. Hearing your voice again—”
“If you tell me you miss me, I’m going to fucking crack the shits woman.”
Huffing, I swallow hard and nod. He’s still angry. “Okay, sorry, I get it. Just keep safe.”
He grunts and I try not to laugh at that, I know what that means.
“Frank—”
“Don’t call me that Millie!”
Giggling, I smile and nod. “Mad Dog, thank you for helping me with Dylan. Thank you for calming the hound, and thank you for answering the phone.”
He scoffs. “I nearly didn’t. I almost threw the phone against the wall when I saw your name light up. Then I thought you haven’t called in eight years, so I knew something was up.”
“So you do still care about me?”
“Fuck woman, don’t be a bitch. You left me remember.”
Nodding, I frown. “Hardest day of my life.”
He groans. “I can’t do this with you. Millie, look after Dylan. Make sure he answers his phone tomorrow and takes the offer. I can’t talk to you anymore. Have a good life.” He hangs up the phone and my chest tightens as the end call tone sounds in my ear. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. I wanted to hear his voice a little longer. But I made my bed so I have to lie in it. At least, he’ll arrange something for Dylan and Willow and that eases my mind. But the ache in my chest as the water forms in my eyes tells me I’m not as over Mad Dog like I thought I was. Swallowing hard, I take a deep breath putting my phone back on charge and slide down into the bed. Pulling the sheets up over my neck, I curl into a ball as a tear freefalls down my cheek. I close my eyes and think of all the time I had with the man I’m still in love with, but who I had to leave behind.
STEEL’S POV
After the best night’s sleep I’ve had in a very long time, Willow and I get up and move out to the kitchen where Mum is making a massive big breakfast for us. The full works, she’s spared no expense as I stumble into the kitchen to the mouth-watering smell and sizzle of bacon in the pan. Willow walks over to the dining table and pours some orange juice for us, but I head straight for the coffee. Even though I slept like a log, I still feel like I have two weeks’ worth of sleep to catch up on. That plus the worry of what my next move will be is weighing heavily on my mind even more now. We can’t stay here, the longer we do, the more danger I’m placing my mum in.
Mum looks over at me as I sit at the table, and as if to read my mind she exhales and shakes her head. “Dylan, don’t worry. Opportunities come along. Something will soon, I’m sure.”
“Thanks, Mum, I just have no idea where to go from here—” My phone rings in my jeans pocket and I furrow my brows wondering who the fuck is calling me. We’ve been on radio silence since we left the club and I only turned my phone back on this morning.
Mum smirks and turns to continue cooking as Willow sips on her orange juice. Pulling out my phone I look at the screen to see its Gator from Aldinga. Scrunching my brows even tighter together, I wonder why the fuck he’d be calling me. I almost decide not to answer, but chance it to see what’s going on. Standing up and walking through the doorway, I pull back the screen door. It creaks as the metal scrapes along the track and I walk outside to a bright, beautiful summer’s day. The freshly cut grass fills my senses and the lemon tree down the back of the yard is in full bloom with bright, bulbous lemons dangling from its green leafy stems. Walking over to the rickety old wooden bench, I sit down on it thankful I’m wearing jeans I don’t get splinters in my arse. Swiping across the screen, I answer the call.
“Gator?” I ask to confirm it’s actually him.
“Hey, brother. How’s life treating you?”
I tilt my head and exhale wondering if he knows what’s happening. “Interestin’, would be the word I’d use right now. Is somethin’ goin’ down, Gator?” I want to get to the point so he can fill me in so I can get back to thinking of what the fuck I’m going to do.
“Straight to the point, hey. You must be doing it real tough, brother. Listen, Mad Dog called me, told me you’re in need of a place and some protection for your Old Lady.”
I exhale slumping back and running my hand through my hair. “Shit! How did Dad know I was looking for a place?”
“He said your mother rang him looking for help.” I open my eyes wide. “Mad Dog rang me asking for my guidance and if I could offer you a place to hang your cut. Aldinga is far enough away from Virginia, so your Old Lady shouldn’t run into Chops. You and Flame can join our chapter under our watchful eye. You can patch in straight away as a member, and Flame can stay in the clubhouse with you under guard. I’ll make sure she has someone with her at all times if you want… after all, you helped us out when we needed it. You’re a mate, a brother. I can offer the same help to you… I can offer you a new home… What do you say, brother?”
Shock floods through me making my blood run ice cold, but I honestly have no other ideas at the moment. Aldinga is an excellent chapter—although recently burdened with some heavy shit coming down on them—that’s all sorted now. He’s right, though, it’s far enough away that we wouldn’t run into trouble and, at least, it’s still in South Australia. Willow could still see her parents if she wanted to. If we’re stationed at Aldinga, the protection element for Willow will be there. I wouldn’t have to worry, and we wouldn’t be on the run. Just one problem—it’s a biker club—Willow doesn’t like clubhouses very much. So living at one will be hard for her. But surely if it keeps her alive she’d be open to it?
“If I say yes, I have your word that Willow will be protected undoubtedly? And if I’m not around no one will touch, harm or harass her?”
“You have my word, brother. She’s your Old Lady, we respect that unconditionally here.”
It sounds like an offer too good to refuse. I’m not going to check it over with Willow because I’m pretty sure she’ll say no to living at a clubhouse. But there are no other viable options. I need her protected and I miss the brotherhood. Plus, living in a car can’t continue.
“Gator, this is so fuckin’ ace of you to do this for us, brother. Thank you. We do have a pet with us, though. Is that okay?” I don’t tell him it’s a fucking pig. I don’t know how he’d react to that. It’s best to let
him assume it’s a dog.
“Yeah, that’s fine brother animals are allowed. We’ll await your arrival and get a room ready for you.”
“Thanks, brother, we’ll arrive sometime today. I really appreciate this and I owe you.”
“No brother, you don’t. See you soon.” He hangs up the phone and I take a deep breath and let it out slowly slumping my body. Shaking my head at the lifeline thrown my way, I stand up running my hands through my hair and walk back inside to see Mum chatting to Willow. She notices me and smirks widely like she knows exactly what’s going on.
“Who was that, my boy?” Mum asks still smirking.
I purse my lips and flare out my nostrils at her. “Gator.”
She tilts her head and nods. “Oh yeah? What’s he got to say?”
Stiffening my posture, crossing my arms over my chest and leaning against the cupboard, I look down at her shaking my head.
“I’d like to know how you are after calling Dad to sort this shit out?”
She stiffens and then fakes a smile as Willow furrows her brows paying close attention.
“I have no idea what you mean, son.”
I half laugh and shake my head. “Uh-huh,” I murmur and walk over grabbing her head forcefully, pulling her to me then lean in kissing her forehead.
She laughs and smacks my chest with a spatula as I huff thinking how hard that call would have been for Mum to make. But she did it anyway—for me. Letting her go, I move around the dining table and take a seat next to Willow, who’s half smiling but her eyebrows are slightly furrowed like she’s confused by what’s going on.
“Is something happening?” Her voice is high pitched like she’s afraid of what I’m about to say.
“We’ll be hittin’ the road again today, babe.”
Her lips fall downward in a frown and she exhales slumping her body. “Can’t we stay a couple more days?”
Reaching my hand out to hold hers in a comforting squeeze, I tighten my grip on her skin. “I’ve found somewhere more permanent for us to stay.” I don’t elaborate as she nods chewing on her bottom lip slumping into her chair. The silence in the room is deafening as she says nothing, not asking the dreaded question I was certain she was going to ask. Where are we going?
I tighten my hand on hers and she exhales looking at me furrowing her brows and glaring like she’s waiting for me to tell her without speaking the words. But she’s not going to ask and I’m not going to tell. My heart begins to race at the standoff between us as the bacon pops in the pan breaking the tension. She looks away from me relaxing back in the chair and I lean back in mine relieved she didn’t ask because I really don’t want to fight in front of Mum.
“Breakfast is ready!” Mum walks over with two plates full of grease and protein.
I love her even more right now.
“Thank God, I’m starved.” Willow smiles at Mum as she places a plate in front of her and Mum looks at me and winks. At least, I know I’m in Mum’s good books again, but for how long that will last, it’s anyone’s guess.
CHAPTER THREE
After gormandizing on a late breakfast, we packed up everything and we’re now headed back to the car to make our way to Aldinga. It’s been good seeing Mum again, and I’m going to come back and visit her more often. She strolls with us to the car, and Willow wraps her delicate arms around my mother in an embrace. They hold each other tightly.
“It was nice to meet you, Willow. You look after my boy. And don’t let him do anything too stupid. You hear me? You’re his boss now.”
Willow laughs and I scowl at Mum and shake my head. “Hey, careful! Don’t go fillin’ her head with garbage, Mum.”
She lets go of Willow and rolls her eyes. “Oh, you know it’s true. An Old Lady holds all the cards, Dylan. The quicker you learn that, the better off you’ll be. Keep the shiny side up, sweetheart.”
I laugh and shake my head. “She’s not ridin’ a bike Mum. You can’t say that.”
Mum scoffs. “I can say whatever I damned well want. I’m just saying keep your chin up, keep smiling, be safe and all that jazz.”
“Well, it was great meeting you too, Amelia. And you can say whatever you want to me.”
I click my tongue against the roof of my mouth. “Suck up,” I tease.
“Ingrate,” she flies right back at me. Then she smiles at Mum and picks up Petunia and steps over to the car getting in the passenger side leaving me with Mum.
Taking a deep breath I walk up to Mum and take her hands. Her eyes glisten as they brim with unshed tears and she frowns. “Now Dylan, I know Gator, he’ll protect her. Just promise me that you’ll look after yourself. I’m pretty sure Flame has made her mind up to stick with you through this. I know that determined look, it reminds me of me. So treat her right, okay? Don’t lose sight of her. She’s a keeper, Dylan. She has a lot to learn if she’s going to be sticking around. Now you promise me that you’ll keep the fuck away from danger. I couldn’t handle getting bad news after seeing you again.”
I squeeze her hands and nod. “I’ll look after her Mum. I fuckin’ hope she’s determined to stick with me ‘cause once she knows where we’re goin’ I don’t know how she’ll feel about it. I just hope she realises it’s for her protection. To be honest, I’m gonna protect her with my life.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of.”
I smirk. “Don’t worry, I’m not dyin’ anytime soon.”
She sighs. “You better not! But she’s stronger than you give her credit for Dylan. She’s left everything behind for you already. That says a lot about how far she’s willing to go.”
I raise my eyebrow because Mum’s right. Willow didn’t need to leave with me. She could have been stubborn and stayed getting the police onto Chops and the club. But she didn’t. She came with me and that does mean she’s strong. I’m only just now realising that maybe I’m not giving her enough credit. “Thanks, Mum. And I’m gonna try and come and see you more.”
She smiles and her hand comes up to caress my stubbly face. “I’d love that son. Just stay alive. That’s all I ask.”
Nodding, I pull her to me for a hug. “I promise, Mum… I promise.”
Wrapping myself around her and squeezing tightly, I let the last eight years of missing her ooze away from my pores. She holds me back with just as much enthusiasm. Taking a deep breath, I finally pull back and hold her at an arm’s length. “I love you, Mum.”
“Right back at ya, son. Now go… go before I cry in front of you and look like a pansy arse bitch.”
I laugh shaking my head. Turning around, I walk to the car and slide into the driver’s side. The car is so small my legs almost won’t fit behind the wheel. Willow looks at me and my chest feels tight at leaving Mum, but I know the longer I stay here the worse for her it will be. I have to go, and I have to get Willow into protection. Closing the door, Willow’s hand rests on my knee sending a soothing, comfortable warmth through me that I need right now.
“You okay?” Willow whispers.
I turn to look at her, her kind eyes shining at me softly like the sparkling orbs of an angel. “Yeah, babe. I am now.”
I wave my hand out the window as Mum wipes a tear from her cheek. My chest tightens again as I start the car and reverse out of the driveway back on the road to begin our journey toward our new lives. Honking the horn twice, Willow waves too as we drive away from my mother. I take a deep breath as I look in the rear view mirror taking one last look at her before I round the corner and she’s gone from my sight.
“You doing okay, baby?” Flame’s delicate voice brings me back to the now, and I glance at her to see her studying me intently. Her eyes squinting and her brows furrowed.
I nod and grab her hand interlacing our fingers. “Yeah babe, I’m good. Was great to see her, but we have to keep moving.”
She nods and sits back in her seat. “She was lovely. A little rough around the edges, but lovely.”
I chuckle. “Yeah, she’s great.”
&
nbsp; Silence filters through the car, only the hum of the tyres grinding against the bitumen can be heard. My heart is racing in my chest at the thought of Willow finally asking where we’re headed. I don’t want to fight, and my bones are telling me that this will ultimately lead to an argument. The blood pumping in my ears along with the hum of the tyres mixed with the awkward silence is grating on my nerves. I need to fill the vast deafening silence with something to stop the echo of nothing. Reaching for the radio, I turn up the volume and like a sign from the heavens the All American Rejects ‘Dirty Little Secret’ is playing. How fitting that a song about secrets is playing right now when I’m keeping a big one from Willow about where we’re headed. The tension in the car is obviously because of it. Fucking irony!
My hand moves from the volume control to her knee and she grabs my hand interlacing our fingers. I glance at her as a spark rolls through my skin and up my arm at her touch. I love it when that happens. She smiles and I realise maybe all this tension is just one sided? Maybe I’m imagining it, and she’s just along for the ride.
Fuck me, my head hurts.
I just want her to be happy.
I just want to make her happy.
And I hope to all fuck that I can do that at Aldinga.
***
After driving for nearly forty-five minutes, the petrol gauge is in the red and it beeps telling me we’re not going to make it to the clubhouse. Huffing, I pull into a servo as Willow looks across at me.
“Sorry babe, we need petrol.”
She nods, and grabs her phone starting to play with it as I step out pulling the fuel tank lever. Walking around, I grab the nozzle and begin to fill the car as music plays in the background. The cars drive by on the road in front of me and a bunch of guys on crotch rockets ride past making my lip turn up. Not only because they’re sports bikes, but also because I miss my Hog, and would do anything to have her back with me. But that’s an unrealistic expectation. I’d have to go back to Virginia for that and that’s not a possibility right now. My bike is out of reach and I have to accept it.