Legacy - Night Horde SoCal 3

by Sarah Osborn

  “Hey, sweetheart.” Beth looked up and smiled as Spike wandered over and rubbed her arm. “You look like you could do with a minute of quiet. It'll be a while till everyone's ready to move out. How 'bout we take a little walk to the creek.”

  “I should stay here.”

  “Beth, a blind man can see that you're hating this. C'mon, just for a minute. Yaz has got the kids, and Sophia is inside being taken care of.” He frowned. “Where's Samson? I thought he was going to stay close.”

  “He was... is. He had to take a call. I should wait here.”

  “No. You should give yourself a break.” Spike took her hand and led her down a dirt track that led by the side of the clubhouse to a log lying next to a small creek. “Sit for a minute.” Knowing there was little point in arguing, she complied. “I'm getting the feeling Vince pushed you into all this.”

  “It's what Joe would've wanted.”

  Spike shrugged and watched the water as it danced over a rock. “Tiny ain't here. I'm sorry, Beth, but you gotta stand up to Vince. I've gotten wind that he's got eyes on Tiny's share on the car shop. He'll try an' get you to either sell it at a lowball price, or put it in your name an' let the club run it.” He took her hand. “Vince is my brother, an' I shouldn't be saying this, but he's got those dollar signs in front of his eyes, an' he ain't gonna offer you a good deal.”

  “So what am I supposed to do? I just want it gone, Spike. I'm planning on moving back to Seattle when the current tenants move out, I need the money, and I don't know anything about running a garage.” She really didn't want to be talking about this right now.

  “Sell it to me. Davey an' me go way back, and the kid working there is pretty damned good, an' more'n capable of running the place. I'll give you a good price, an' Vince never needs to know.”

  “Why would you do that?”

  “Cuz I loved Tiny, an' I promised him a long time ago, that I'd look out for you an' the kids if he wasn't around.”

  “You don't need to do that.” She had no intention of her kids ever being around a Freak again. Even Samson, who she loved like a brother, despite promising to be there for her, was still putting the club first.

  “Yes, I do. I like you.” Spike gave that crazy grin. “An' that psycho bastard you married will come back an' haunt me if I don't keep my word.”

  “We should get back.” Beth stood. “I'll think about your offer, but not today.” She swallowed. “I just need to get this over with and concentrate on the kids right now.”

  “I know.” Spike bent and kissed her cheek. “You need anything, just say the word.”

  Samson was in deep conversation with Bugs as they returned. It occurred to Beth, as she watched him, that Tiny's death had had a massive effect on him. She wasn't sure exactly how old he was – younger than Tiny, she knew – but he'd always been kind of ageless. Now though, he looked old, and tired. She knew he was hurting, not just physically, that was something he lived with all the time, but emotionally. When she next spoke to Emma, she was going to give her a piece of her mind. She should be here, if not for her, then for Samson like a good... Beth stopped in her tracks. Like a good old lady. That was what she'd been, and all it had gotten her was a dead old man.

  He looked over and smiled, then limped towards her. “Hey. We're gonna be heading out in a couple of minutes. Yaz has got the kids in the car.”

  She nodded. “Will you walk into the chapel with me?”

  “Sure. Whatever you need.” He glanced over at Spike. “Will you see that Sophia is taken care of? She's a tough ol' broad, but she's really struggling.” As soon as Spike was out of earshot, Samson touched her hand. “He's a good guy. Let him help.”

  SIXTY-FOUR

  Emma sat in the little rental car and watched as the procession of bikes and funeral cars slowly passed and pulled up outside the cemetery. Both Deke and Bugs had insisted that she stay away, and she'd really tried, but she needed to be there, not just to say goodbye to Tiny, but for Deke. He'd be pissed, but she didn't care. All of this was her fault, and he needed her.

  She waited until all those who were going into the small chapel were inside, then walked slowly past the remainder of patches who were waiting outside and quietly slipped through the door.

  She recognized the big nomad leaning on the wall at the back: Tank, one of the guys who'd rescued her and Deke. He raised an eyebrow as she stood next to him, but made no comment. From what she remembered, he wasn't a big talker.

  For a while, the minister spoke. It was clear he knew nothing about Tiny, and his words felt meaningless and generic. Emma hardly registered what he was saying; all her attention was fixed firmly on Deke and Beth sitting in the front row with their heads bowed. The minister stepped down, and Deke stood and slowly made his way to the lectern.

  He cleared his throat. “Tiny.” He looked over at Beth. “Joe was my brother and my friend. He.... he.” He swallowed and screwed up the piece of paper in his hand. “Shit. I guess he wasn't...” Again he faltered and Emma pushed herself away from the wall and walked towards him. He looked up and frowned, then looked away.

  He'd probably rip her a new one for this, but Emma knew he wasn't going to be able to continue. She stepped up to the lectern and slipped her hand in his. “It's okay, Deke.” She looked out at the packed chapel and smiled. “Tiny was my friend, and I loved him very much. Some of you know what happened to me, and how it was Tiny who saved me, both literally and figuratively. For that, he will always have my undying gratitude.” She gave a small chuckle. “The first time I set eyes on him, he scared the shit out of me, and I couldn't see how anyone could consider someone so cold and emotionless as family. I was wrong. Tiny felt the same as everyone else, but you had to look real hard to see it. He was an extremely complex man, and I don't think he ever considered himself good. But he knew how to love, and I don't think I have ever met someone as loyal and steadfast as him.

  “He promised me that he'd always be there if I needed him, and never once did he go back on his word.” She smiled. “No matter how much crap I threw in his direction – and trust me, I threw a lot – he stood by me, and I know that I wouldn't be standing here today were it not for him.

  “He made me laugh – often unintentionally – and I don't think he could've lied if his life depended on it.” Emma looked down at Beth and smiled. “He loved Beth and his kids and always said that a man was nothing without his family. He loved his brothers, too, and I personally think it was an honor to be loved by him. It wasn't something he gave easily, but when he did he gave it his all. He may not have thought he was a good man, but to me, he was. And he was the best friend I could ever have wished for.” She smiled again and looked up at Deke. “Sorry. I'll go now.” The squeeze on her hand, before he let her go, was all she needed, and she looked over at the casket. “Goodnight, big guy. Thank you.”

  ~ oOo ~

  Fuck. Just when he thought he couldn't love her any more, she proved him wrong. Deke watched his amazing ol' lady as she resumed her place at the back of the chapel and smiled. “What she said.” He cleared his throat and swallowed, then turned to the casket. “Sleep easy, brother. I'll take care of everything.”

  Beth wiped her eyes and blew her nose as he sat down. “Don't ever let her go, Samson.”

  He couldn't if he tried. Taking her hand, he smiled. “She's one of a kind, ain't she?”

  Beth nodded and leaned against him, as Vince stood up and talked about what a good brother Tiny had been and how he'd never shied from what needed to be done. There was no mention of his family, and never once did he look in Beth's direction. Samson sighed as, finally, he was done and the curtains closed around the casket. Picking up Alice, he led Beth outside.

  Emma was leaning on his bike, smoking a cigarette. She looked up and smiled, but stayed where she was. Beth took Alice from him and kissed his cheek. “Go, we'll be okay. You two need to fix whatever it is that's going on between you.”

  “I'm sorry, Deke.” Emma passed him the half-s
moked cigarette and dropped her eyes. “I know you said I should stay away, and I probably shouldn't have jumped in like that, but....”He lifted her face and kissed her. “But why change the habits of a lifetime. You really loved him, didn't you?”

  “Yeah.” Her face was wet with tears. “He was my friend.”

  “You know you're gonna have to hold it together, right?”

  “Yeah.”

  Deke sighed. “Vince is gonna call a vote. I dunno how it'll go, but I know he's got nothing. He wants me gone, Emma, and he's a man used to getting what he wants. I need to know that you ain't gonna do anything stupid.” She tried to look away, and he grabbed her jaw. “This has nothing to do with Tiny. You gotta sit tight and keep your mouth shut. If you say anything to anyone, you'll be killed. Do you understand?”

  “I'm not going to do anything stupid. I just wanted to be here... with you.”

  From the corner of his eye, Deke could see Bugs standing with Yaz, watching them intently. He was pissed and Deke could understand why. Emma had been told to stay away, but his girl had known he'd need her. He smiled, took the helmet from the handlebar and handed it to her. “Wanna take a ride?”

  ~ oOo ~

  After less than half an hour, Deke turned off the highway and took them along a little-used road to a small wooded area overlooking the bay. Emma removed the helmet and followed him through the trees to an old bench that looked as though no one had sat on it for decades. She sat down and looked out over the ocean. “It's beautiful.”

  “Yeah, it is.” He smiled. “So are you.”

  For a while they sat in silence; they didn't need words. Never once had she ever doubted his love for her. The connection between them was unbreakable. Sure, they fought and sometimes they hurt each other, but this thing they had – this love – withstood every obstacle, every crisis that came their way. Before Deke, she'd believed that the idea of a soulmate was a myth. But that was what he was. She leaned against him and ran her fingers over his. He was her other half, and completed her in a way she'd never thought possible. If she lost him... She closed her eyes and took a deep breath as she thought of Beth, left all alone without the man she loved. “How am I going to face Beth?”

  He shrugged. “You'll just put the guilt behind you and be there for her. Ain't gonna pretend it'll be easy, but you'll do it.”

  “I can't begin to imagine what she what she must be going through right now, and it's all my fault.” Her heart hurt with the magnitude of what she'd done. “I will never forgive myself.”

  “No, you probably won't.” He took her hand and brought it up to his lips. “It was an accident, Emma, and he would have killed me, make no mistake about that.” He chuckled. “Wasn't any shades of gray in Tiny's life. He had his orders, and he could no more disobey them than breathe under water.”

  “I just don't know how Beth moves on from this.”

  “She has her family, and Spike will take care of her.”

  “Spike?”

  He grinned. “Yeah, I know. He wouldn't be my choice, but Tiny wanted it to be him.”

  It took a moment for what he'd just said to sink in. “He left Beth to Spike? Jesus, I can't believe Tiny would do something like that. She's not a fucking oil painting to be handed down.” She ran her fingers through her hair. “Do not leave me to anyone.”

  Deke laughed and, cupping her face in his hands, kissed her. “I really fucking love you, d'ya know that? And, no. I'd never subject you to any of my brothers.” He kissed her again. “And before you go into a full rant about this. Spike likes Beth and will happily be there for her, but if isn't what she wants, he'll stand back. This was just Tiny's way of making sure she'll be taken care of.”

  Emma wrapped her arms around his neck. “One day, someone will pull that fucking club, kicking and screaming, into the twenty-first century.”

  “Never gonna happen, baby girl.” He pulled her onto his lap.

  Maybe this wasn't the time, but Emma needed more. Straddling him, she began unbuttoning his shirt and sank her teeth into his neck. He groaned and slid his hands along her thighs, pushing her dress up around her waist. His wonderfully big fingers pulled her panties to one side and began to stroke her clit. Emma squirmed as that familiar warmth spread through her and moaned as his finger thrust inside her.

  Leaning back slightly, she began to unbutton his fly and wrapped her fingers around his cock. Deke groaned and pushed her off his lap. “Bend over and show me that fine ass, baby girl.” Emma bent over the bench, with her hands on the backrest. “That's my girl.” He pulled her panties down and, grabbing her hips, pushed himself inside her.

  Oh, sweet Jesus, he felt so fucking good. Emma felt her legs tremble as her orgasm started to grow, and the only thing that was stopping her from collapsing into a heap of quivering jelly, was his big strong hands gripping her hips. “Oh, fuck! Deke!” She cried out so loud that a flock of birds in a nearby tree took off, squawking loudly. “Yesss. Oh God. I'm gonna....” Her vision blurred and the whole world fell away, until all that was left was her and Deke. Then, all too soon, it was over and he pulled out, leaving her bereft.

  Deke turned her around and pulled her, sobbing, into his arms. “Shhh, baby. Everything is gonna be alright.”

  SIXTY-FIVE

  Beth didn't know why she'd agreed to go back to the clubhouse after the funeral; she wasn't an old lady anymore, and she owed the club nothing. As she sat at a picnic table at the edge of the field next to the old farmhouse, she berated herself for her lack of backbone. She guessed a lifetime of bending and compromise had created a hard habit to break.

  The small building could in no way accommodate all the visiting Freaks, so much of the activity was taking place outside, and what, to her, should have been a somber affair felt more like a party. She sighed and sipped her warm beer. Sophia and her friend, Betty had taken the kids back home and, despite being surrounded by dozens of people, Beth had never felt so alone in her entire life.

  She looked up at the sound of yet another bike, and watched as Samson and Emma dismounted and walked across the field towards her. Since the arrival of his old lady, Samson appeared younger, less weighed down by grief. He barely limped as they threaded their way, hand in hand, through the crowds, as if her touch alone was enough to ease his pain. Shit, what must it feel like to be loved like that? Beth stood and allowed Emma to pull her into her arms. She guessed she'd never know.

  “I'm so sorry, Beth.” Emma took her hand as they both sat down. “I wish there was something I could do to make this better.”

  Beth shrugged. “You're here. That helps.” She looked up at Samson, who'd wandered off to talk to Bugs. “Are you two okay?”

  “Yeah.” Emma smiled. “Till the next time.”

  “You love each other, that's all that's important.” Beth sighed. “Thank you for stepping in back there. It was nice to hear something that came from the heart.”

  “I loved Tiny.” Emma swallowed. “So did Deke, I... Tiny... Shit, Beth. I'm so sorry.”

  “I know. Everyone is.” She didn't mean to sound so bitter. “Sorry, Emma.” Beth squeezed her friend's hand. “I think I've had my fill of condolences today. The truth is, I don't even know how I feel. Sometimes it hurts so much, I can't breathe, then I feel angry. But mostly, I'm just numb.” She sighed. “I wish... I wish... Shit, I don't know what I wish. That he was still here, and that I hadn't spent so many years doubting his love for me. It feels like...” She searched for the words and, again looked up at Samson. “When I look at you and him together, that's what love should look like.”

  Emma followed her gaze. “He's my safe place. But don't kid yourself that it's always been easy.”

  “I know. But even when things were really bad, you never doubted that he really loved you.”

  “Sometimes I did. I've given him plenty of reasons not to.”

  Beth fell silent. She wasn't sure whether Emma was just placating her, or whether she'd misunderstood, but she didn't believe the woman sit
ting next to her had ever truly doubted Samson's love for her. She had no idea what it felt like to live with the feeling of being second best. Joe had loved her enough to put his mark on her, and they'd had four kids together, but he'd never looked at her like Samson did Emma, and her touch had never eased him in the way her friend's eased Samson.

  With a sigh, she pushed herself to her feet. “I'm going to head home. Will you be staying tonight?”

  “Yeah, if that's okay. I have a flight booked for tomorrow evening. I'd have stayed longer, but Felix is taking care of Lottie and the animals, and he has plans for the weekend.” Emma stood and hugged her. “We'll join you as soon as Deke's done talking.”

  SIXTY-SIX

  He had to hand it to the Twins; once they were on the scent, there really was no hiding place. Samson took the stairs to the rundown apartment two at a time, pushed open the door and grinned at the figure trussed up on the bed. “Remove the gag, fellas.”

  Fox struggled against his bonds. “This is gonna cost you your patch, asshole.”

  Samson shrugged and sat on a wooden chair in the corner of the room. “That's been on the line for a long time, brother.” He chuckled. “I don't plan on hurting you, in fact, I think I could be saving your life. I'm pretty sure Vince won't want the risk of you singing – you really think he was going to let you come back here?”

  “You think I believe that? I'm tied up, here, Samson. Not the actions of a man who doesn't plan on hurting me.”

  “My brothers gave you the option of coming quietly.” He leaned back and stretched his legs in front of him. “We are going to head back into Bay View, and you and me are going to have a little talk with Vince.” Samson grinned. “Word on the grapevine is that a prospect gave me up. Now we both know that someone fed him that lie.”

  “And you think that someone was me?”

  “Oh, I know it was you, brother. Ain't hard to scare the bejesus outta some kid, hurt him just enough, then tell him that you already know who the rat is – slip the name to him, an' reassure him that if he cooperates he'll live – you forget, Fox. It was me who taught you that little trick.”