by Debra Kayn
She listened in on their conversation, curious about the wives of the miners. All these years and she'd never had a chance to get the people in Robert's employ.
A thirty-ish year old woman in a summer dress held her arm out in front of her. "Days, unless infection sets in his arm."
"What happened," the other woman asked.
The woman in the dress shook her head in disgust. "He stepped off a shelf in the number eight tunnel. He has stitches from inside his elbow, around his forearm, and clear to his wrist. By the time he came home, hours had passed since the accident, and do you know what the manager of his shift said? Apparently, Meghoni Mine has a new policy that they'd treat any non-life threatening emergencies at the mine. Luckily, the part time nurse that's on location was there. She used super glue and bandaged him up like it didn't even matter that the wound was contaminated from the mine tailings."
"I heard the same story about our medical coverage, but we were hoping it was a rumor." A shorter woman nodded enthusiastically. "Gerald says they're cutting corners everywhere within the company."
"I know." The original woman shook her head, her eyes hardening. "I called our doctor yesterday to make an appointment for Jed and guess what I found out?"
"What?" A woman, her hair pulled back in a low ponytail moved closer to the group.
The outraged woman said, "Our insurance was dropped a week ago. If the Oman brothers weren't already dead, I'd kill them myself. My husband could've died, and who knows if his arm will heal with all the lead dust they glued inside of him. We can't afford to take him to the doctor without insurance."
Natalie stepped back, reeling from the information, and hit a solid wall of man. Hands clamped down on her shoulders, and Kurt said, "Hang on, sweetheart. It's just words. Words never hurt anyone."
Her attorney had confirmed that the managers of Meghoni were running the company under the same contract the union put in place. As for the workers, they wouldn't even feel the ripple of losing Robert and Chad in the office. None of this made any sense. Why wouldn't the workers have insurance coverage?
Her body shook in shock over the news. She turned around, diving her hand into the pocket of her shorts for her cell. "I need to make a phone call."
"Come on." Kurt slipped his hand under her arm and led her down the street and into an alleyway. "Let's wait until Remmy gets back, and you can let him deal with finding out whether what we heard is the truth."
"I know it's the truth," she spit out. "Will did this."
"Sweetheart, citizens talk and when you have a big company that—"
"No." She paced in front of him. "This is Will's doing, because he's pissed at me. Robert and Chad protected the workers. They'd never let the miners and their families be without health insurance. Not in the mining industry. I need to call my attorney."
Kurt's eyes softened and he dipped his chin. "I'm going to have to warn you that giving your location out to your attorney is a bad idea, and you can't tell him you're staying with Bantorus MC."
She blinked, not understanding why. "He's my attorney."
"Right." Kurt looked to his left and lifted his chin. "Remmy's here. He'll deal."
She turned her gaze and found Remmy stalking toward her. Relief swept through her. He'd know what to do.
"What the hell happened?" Remmy reached out, hooked her neck, and brought her to his chest. "Ink said you two both took off without saying anything."
She swallowed the emotions back and said, "Will stopped paying the miner's insurance. I need to make sure he reinstates their policies and the miners have their medical expenses covered, the way they're supposed to be. The percentage of injuries is high with the kind of work they perform. One of the wives, her husband, he needs to see a doctor. He was hurt on the job and they refused to send him up to the hospital and they can't afford to pay on their own."
"Jesus," he muttered. "Who's overseeing the company?"
"Pedgrow. He's the president of the union, but I gave my control of the day to day operations to Will. He knows this stuff, inside and out. I don't. But any changes or grievances brought to the union are to be given to both of our attorneys." She tilted her head and looked him in the eye. "I'm surprised the union hasn't had the miners walk off the job. I don't understand how this can happen without an uproar."
"Unless the union hasn't been notified and the miners haven't gone in front of the board," Remmy said.
"It's only a matter of time. Once the union finds out, all work will halt." She held up her phone and pushed the button. "I'm going to call my attorney."
Remmy put his hand over the phone. "Do not inform him of where you're staying. Bantorus MC's protected, and I don't need your former brother in law to know where you're staying. The less trouble around Bantorus, the better."
He was right. Bantorus didn't need anything happening because of her, and she was safe with them. She nodded and put the phone to her ear.
Steven Kraum answered after the third ring. "Hello."
"Steven, it's Natalie Oman," she said, stepping away from Remmy and Kurt.
"Natalie, how are you doing, dear?" Steven asked.
She ignored the question. He knew what she'd gone through during the days, weeks, months, after learning what her husband had done to her, his family, his company. "I've received information that Meghoni Mining has become lax in paying the worker's health benefits and the employees are currently without coverage. Can you tell me how this can happen when money is coming in and we're under the regulations of the contract to uphold all agreements?"
Several beats passed, and finally Steven answered. "Will Oman had his attorney freeze the holdings he controls since Robert and Chad's unfortunate deaths. Simply, the account ran out of money and should've had money transferred from the municipal account. I have a meeting with the union on Tuesday, and they'll be informed of what is happening."
"The mine will shut down," she said, blowing out her breath.
"I'm sorry. I've been calling and leaving messages for you the last three days, but I get no answer at your apartment."
"I'm not staying there." She closed her eyes. "I'm using a pre-paid cell, so I'll have to call you."
"Where are you staying?"
"I'm...spending time with friends, and I don't know how long I'll be here." She glanced at Remmy and Kurt, who watched her with quiet interest. "Is there anything I can do to divert this problem going in front of the union? Can I reinstate the miners' insurance, reimbursing anyone who used out of pocket expenses for medical care?"
Steven cleared his throat. "Will informed his attorney that until you sit down with him and discuss business, he won't let the company distribute the funds. You're still locked out of your accounts."
"I've already told Will everything," she said, turning her back on Remmy. "Will knows what happened. No matter how many times we talk, he won't believe that Robert took his own life. There's nothing I can say or do to convince him that his brother was the one responsible."
"I know, dear, but he has a right to freeze his assets because he owns fifty percent of the company," Steven said. "Just as you can freeze yours."
"But, I wouldn't do that." Steamed, she couldn't imagine making any more families pay for what Robert had done. "I'll call you in a couple days. I need to think about what is happening and what it means to the company. I'll talk to you on Monday, before you attend the meeting, and hopefully I'll figure out a way to fix everything, so the mine doesn't have to shut down."
"I'm here if you want to ask any questions, but my hands are tied." Steven exhaled. "In the meantime, I'll continue talking to Will's attorney and keep abreast of the situation."
"Thanks," she mumbled, disconnecting the call. "Dammit."
Remmy approached her. "What can we do?"
"Nothing." She leaned into him. "Will's an asshole, and my hands are tied. Some days, I want to walk away from this mess. It's only going to get worse. Will is so set on believing Robert didn't kill himself and Chad, he's goin
g to destroy the company. I don't think I even care anymore. I'm through fighting with him."
"You'd let the mine close?" Kurt asked.
She turned her head. "Yes...no. God, I don't want anyone to suffer anymore, but what can I do?"
"Let the union handle the miners." Remmy's hand curved around her neck, grounding her. "Worst that will happen is they'll be off work until a new agreement can be reached."
"Let it go," Kurt stated. "Count yourself lucky, and take your loss."
She glanced back and forth between the two men. "It'll damage the town. Even Risa puts in several hours a week, supporting the community. She knows how important silver mining is to the town."
"She'll get over it." Kurt, hard and stubborn, gazed at Remmy. "Take care of this, today."
"Got it, prez," Remmy said, his mouth hardening.
She understood their indifference when it came to mining. They were bikers. None of them had any investment in the mine nor were they relying on a steady job and supporting a family. She groaned, wanting to punch someone, especially Robert who started this mess.
"I don't expect you or Kurt or anyone to understand." She held up her hands. "I need to finish this business with Will and hope I can save the mine. Then I'm going to sell my shares. This isn't healthy. I need to distance myself from everything that had to do with Robert, but I also deserve to walk away with a little security of knowing I have a roof over my head and enough money for my own insurance and expenses."
He rubbed his hand over his whiskered jaw. "First riders are riding out in two day for Pitnam. We're going to be gone four days, and when I get back, we'll talk about what kind of options you have regarding Meghoni Mine. Until then, let it rest. Don't call your lawyer, and don't worry about the miners. Just hang out with the girls at the club. You'll come up with an answer when you can sit back and cool off. Then, when I get back, I'll help you."
"It's not your business to help me. I've been handling everything for the last eleven months," she said, feeling irritated. "And, when were you going to tell me you were leaving?"
He raised his brows. "Club business."
She rolled her eyes, feeling juvenile. She had no stake in what Remmy did or where he went, but he could've talked to her about this before now. He'd told her they'd take one day at a time together, but she would've liked to have had some warning that he was leaving. Communication flowed two ways, and she stood here spilling her guts about her personal life and he had other plans he hadn't shared with her until now.
"Fine." She shrugged. "Just go."
He cocked his head and studied her. "You're staying with Bantorus. I have your back, and so do the members. The girls will keep you company. From your end of the conversation, you can't do anything to help the miners right now anyway."
"I know, but I need to do what's right for the first time in my life. I stayed quiet for too long, and no one else should suffer for Robert's choices," she said
"Not until I get back from my trip," he said.
"I said, fine." She walked away.
One foot onto the sidewalk, she found herself pressed against the wall, Remmy's hands planted on the brick surface, trapping her. "What are you—?"
He kissed her deeply, giving her no room to move. She bit down and caught his lip, but he only growled, swiping his tongue into her mouth, keeping her teeth apart. He dipped, bending his knees, and pressed his pelvis against hers, and at the pressure on her sex, her knees weakened. Her jaw loosened. Her thoughts wavered.
She inhaled and succumbed to the kiss. Powerless to stop the thrill of leaving her troubles behind, she greedily took the distraction. Drugged and weak, she preferred the kiss to anything that had to do with Meghoni Mine.
Remmy pulled back, leaning his forehead against hers, breathing heavy. "Nothing will stop me from taking care of you, but you have to trust me that I'll see this through and not fight me. When I get back, I'll deal with Will and find out what you can do to help the miners. Until then, the only thing I want you to do is lay low, stay at the club, and be safe."
"I can work at finding a solution while you're gone," she said.
"God dammit, lady." Remmy exhaled in a rush. "You can't miss the scar on Risa's face. You can't miss the lockdown at night while everyone beds down. You can't miss how you have someone with you twenty-four/seven. There's a good fucking reason why I have you protected, and the only way you will stay safe is if you trust me."
"What happened to Risa?" she asked, curious because no one ever talked about the scar running down Risa's cheek and it would've been rude of her to ask.
Remmy's body hardened and he tapped the bricks with his fist. "Los Li. They're the strong arm for the Mexican mafia on this side of the United States. We've been in a territory war with them for years. They want all of the Pacific Northwest, and that's Bantorus territory—except years ago, they were able to take Seattle and Puget Sound away from us. I haven't known a time when they weren't a threat. They've scarred Tori, our president of the Bantorus MC's old lady and Risa. Both of them could've died. Los Li has also gone after several other Bantorus women directly and indirectly by either terrorizing or killing family members. Do you get what I'm saying?"
She nodded, afraid that she'd jumped from one mind-game situation with Will to a bigger, more dangerous situation with Remmy. "You're afraid they'll come after me because I'm now associated with you?"
"I won't lose you." He rocked back on his boot heels and opened the edge of his vest, showing his pistol. "I also won't give them a chance to put their hands on you, but I need to know when I ask you to follow the rules, you'll do it without question."
She cupped her elbows and inhaled confidence she wasn't feeling. "You're scaring me."
"Good." He brought her to his chest again and wound his fingers in her hair, tilting her face to him. "You'll be fine as long as you listen to me, which is what I've told you from day one."
She wanted to believe him, but his world was foreign to her. The idea of Will bullying her and taking her half of the company away or leaving her penniless was bad enough. A Mexican mafia? Suddenly, she wanted to go somewhere and hide, because the world became a darker place with the knowledge of what Los Li had done to Remmy.
"Can we go back to the club?" she whispered.
He kissed her forehead and keeping his hand at the back of her neck, led her to his bike. She hurried beside him. Even the friendly town of Federal no longer seemed quaint and safe.
Chapter Twelve
Remmy stood at the back of the warehouse, packaging the last crate of weapons. Natalie sat on the workbench watching him, and wishing there was something she could say to change his mind about going to Pitnam.
But, she stayed quiet.
Living at the clubhouse wouldn't be the same without having him here. The other men left her alone, and she knew it was because he claimed her as his woman. The women were friendly and pulled her into their conversations and outings, and she wouldn't be surprised to find out that had to do with Remmy's influence too.
Already she missed him and he hadn't left yet.
He looked over at her. “Meant to have more time with you before I left, but we need to get the shipment ready for when we get back, and the others are working on the motorcycles for Lagsturns MC.”
“I know.” She slid off the bench and approached him. "Club first."
"Right." He leaned to the side and kissed her. "You doing okay?"
"Yeah." She lied.
"You'll be safe." He turned and pulled her to him. "You're my woman. Everyone will protect you."
Desperate to prove she was strong enough to manage a four-day separation, she tagged his vest and kept him close. "How much time do you have until you leave?"
"Not long," he said, bringing his hands to the front of her, and strumming his thumbs over her nipples. "I'm going to miss this. You."
“I think I can help you not miss me so much." She slipped her fingers through his belt and lowered herself to the floor.
His hand twisted in the back of her hair, tilting her head. She gazed up into his face and saw the desire in his eyes. This position was new to them. She'd never performed oral on him without letting him have his turn in return, and they were always in bed on equal ground. Her own needs overrode practical reasons why there were better choices than kneeling on concrete out in the warehouse.
She needed him to know she'd do anything to stay with him.
She wanted him to take the proof with him that she was willing to listen, to be loyal, and yes, to obey.
Being Remmy's woman took nothing from her, and instead gave her foundation. A solid foundation to cement her trust in him.
She fumbled with his belt, struggled with the buttons on his Levis, and carefully pulled his jeans down his hips. His cock, hard and elongated, came free. She inhaled a shuddering breath.
He rubbed her head. “Jesus, Nat...that's a sight I'll never forget. You, on your knees, in front of me.”
She waited, knowing speed was not her goal. Slowly, the engorged head of his cock nudged her lips. He moved his hips, sweeping his hardness along the width of her mouth.
She watched his face.
The lines between his brows smoothed over. His nostrils flared. His upper lip curled as he fought for control. Still, she waited to take him into her mouth, because she wanted to draw out the pleasure. Her lower stomach fluttered, and she squirmed, impatient and aroused.
He fisted the base of his dick. “I will make fucking time and have you afterward."
Her pussy dampened. Her nipples peaked.
She licked her lips and fought to hold still. “Remmy...”
“Raise your hands,” he said.
She did as he ordered. He grasped both her wrists in one of his hands and held her in place. Unable to touch him or move, she mewed.
“Open.”
She parted her lips, more turned on than she expected. As his heat touched her tongue, she sealed around him with her mouth and sucked him greedily. She stroked the underside of his length with her tongue.