by K. J. Dahlen
Mountain chuckled, “I guess she did.”
Boone yawned. “I think I can sleep now, thanks.”
“No problem. If you need something just ask, don’t suffer through it. You aren’t alone anymore.”
Boone grinned. “Yeah, I get that now. It’s just hard to get used to, I guess.”
Mountain got to his feet and patted Boone on the shoulder. “Get some sleep, we’ll talk more in the morning.”
“Good night,” Boone called out.
“Night kid,” Mountain called back. He closed the door behind him and raised his head to meet Izzy staring back at him from their door. Tears rolled down her cheeks. She turned and went back into the room.
Mountain closed the door behind him and followed her to the bed. She was laying there sobbing. Gathering her gently in his arms, he let her cry for a moment then carefully wiped her tears away. “Hush now. It’s all right. He’s going to be fine and so are you,” he whispered as he wrapped his arms around her.
“Hold me tight because right now I want to kill someone,” she whispered back.
“I know baby, believe me I know and I promise you Michael Clemends will get what’s coming to him,” Mountain vowed. He stretched out and pulled her close. Eventually, he felt her fall asleep. Closing his eyes, he joined her and both slept the rest of the night.
~* * * *~
Later that afternoon, Mountain was called to the phone. When he answered he found Deke on the other end.
“I think you guys better come to the clubhouse,” he said. “All of you and bring the boy with you.”
Mountain stiffened. “What’s going on Deke?”
“Do you know a man named Timber?”
Mountain frowned. “Yeah, I met him the other day in Chicago, why?”
“He came here to give you a warning. Somebody is following you home and he doubts they mean you any good. His words, not mine.”
“Ok, we’ll be there,” Mountain assured him. He went in search of Sam.
A short time later, they pulled into the dooryard of the clubhouse. Mountain saw two old trucks sitting there and he glanced over at Izzy and Boone.
Boone leaned forward. “What’s going on?”
“I’m not sure,” Mountain told him. “Why don’t we go inside and find out?”
While he was helping get Boone settled in his chair, Sam and Melora and the baby arrived. When they all went inside, they saw five older men sitting at a table with Deke and Gator.
“Timber,” Izzy called out. “What the hell are you doing here? Did something happen? Is everything alright?”
One of the new men got to his feet. He chuckled and held his arms open.
Izzy ran into them and hugged the older man tight.
Melora handed the baby off to Sam and joined the other men. After greeting them all, Melora stepped back and repeated Izzy’s earlier question. “What’s wrong?”
Timber glanced over at Mountain. “When you stopped at the restaurant the other day, you stirred up a shit storm.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Mountain frowned.
“Maybe we should go somewhere else to talk about this?” Timber suggested.
“Right here is fine, old man,” Mountain assured him. “If this concerns them, they need to know.”
“Well, after your powwow the other day with the mob boss, one of my men was watching, you know just in case. Well, after we left to pick up Miss Izzy and her brother, my man Harry said a very angry young man rushed out of the restaurant. This young man did not look happy and the fact he was wearing a very large bruise on his face didn’t help.”
“And who was this young man?” Sam frowned.
“His name is Stephan Rizzi,” Timber replied. “He’s an underling of Dominic Marconi. Within hours, he was asking questions about you.”
“What kind of questions?” Mountain crossed his arms over his huge chest.
“Like who you were and where you could be found.” He reached up and scratched his ear. “I got a visit from Jumper, one of the Saints and Sinners and he told me I needed to get in touch with you and give you a warning. He gave me some money and told me it might be a good idea if I gave you this message in person, if you know what I mean.” He shrugged. “So me and my buddies drove out here to tell you in person.”
Mountain reached out and shook his hand, then turned to each of the men who’d come with him. “Thank you for that. My earlier offer still stands.”
Timber nodded. “Much appreciated.”
Mountain turned to Izzy and Boone to explain, “While we were in Chicago I made a visit to see Dominic Marconi. I wanted him to understand what I knew about the bet. I didn’t know anything about the key yet and he said he would look into the bet and he assured me he would take care of it.” He shrugged. “I know MC’s not the mob. Somehow, I don’t think this Stephan Rizzi is going to let this go. I may have messed up and put you in more danger than I needed to.”
“I think you need to talk to Leon,” Deke suggested. “He might be able to smooth things out.”
Mountain nodded. “Maybe he could at that. I’ll give him a call.”
“Why don’t you use the phone in my office?” Deke nodded down the hall.
Mountain gave him a nod and turned to walk down the short hall to Deke’s office. While he waited for Leon to answer his call Mountain thought about what he’d said to Marconi the day he spoke to him. He tried to see the faces of the other men but he hadn’t really taken his eyes off Marconi.
When Leon answered, Mountain sat down and began telling him the story. He told him the whole story as he knew it and it wasn’t until he mentioned Roxi that Leon began asking question.
“Did you say this woman’s name was Roxi?” Leon asked.
“Yeah, she was married to Sonny Clemends.”
“When you met with Dominic did you mention Roxi by name?”
“No, I only mentioned Sonny’s name. Why is that important?”
“I’m not sure, it could be. What is so important about this key?” Leon asked.
“No one knows for sure but uncle Mike has been asking about it since Boone came to live with him, and Sonny was going nuts when he thought he lost it,” Mountain told him.
“I can call Dominic and speak to him about this,” Leon offered. “If what I think is true, you’d better protect Izzy and her brother. I’ll call you back as soon as I speak to Dom.” Leon hung up.
Mountain was left with frustration. He still had no idea what was going on. He went back out to the main room to join the others. He found Melora and Izzy sharing stories about the past with the five guys that came from Chicago. Everyone was laughing and joking.
Sam, Deke and Gator joined him.
“So what did Leon have to say?” Deke asked.
“After I told him everything I knew at this point, he asked a few questions, mostly about Boone’s mother then said he’d call Dominic. I’m not sure what’s going on but he said he’d call back.”
“Then, all we can do is wait.” Deke sighed.
“He also said we had to protect Izzy and Boone,” Mountain informed them. “What I want to know is why would he say that? Why specify protection when we would do just that anyway?”
Deke frowned and swung his gaze over to view where Boone and Izzy were sitting. “Maybe we should lock things down until we know what’s going on? I’d really hate to be surprised and caught up in a situation when we don’t need to be. I’ll get Amos and Frankie to bring the women back from Redemption House. I don’t want them caught in the crossfire.”
Sam turned to Mountain. “What the hell is so damn important about that fucking key?”
“I don’t know but I’m beginning to feel like Izzy does. I wish I’d never heard of the fucking thing.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
A short time later, the main door opened. Cassie, Peaches and two small children were herded inside. Amos and Frankie followed.
&nb
sp; When Timber looked up and saw the other man, he got to his feet. “Well saints preserve my soul. If it isn’t Amos Billings!” he called out.
Amos looked up and when his eyes met Timber’s then the other four men, he broke into a smile. “John Patrick Timmons, you old sonofabitch. Where the hell did you come from?” Amos stepped over to the other man and held out his hand.
“Chicago was my last port of call.” Timber chuckled. Turning to his men he said, “I’m sure you remember these guys as well?”
Amos grinned. “As well as I remember anyone.” He shook hands with all of them. Turning to Deke and the others he announced, “These men and I served together in Vietnam. Together, we were the Fifth Infantry Unit. I lost track of them when our unit was ambushed during the Evac of Saigon. I never knew they made it back to the states.”
“Those were dark times Sarge.” Timber shook his head. “Dark times indeed.”
“What brings you bozos all the way here from the streets of Chicago?” Amos asked.
Timber turned to Izzy. “Miss Izzy and her brother.”
“Oh, trouble coming?” Amos asked.
“Trouble may be here already,” one of the other men told him.
“Damn,” Amos whispered.
“I been hoping trouble wouldn’t find us for a while.” Frankie shook his head. “These are good people and they sure don’t need any more trouble.”
~* * * *~
Just as they sat down to eat lunch, Wiley came into the clubhouse and whispered something in Deke’s ear.
Deke nodded and looked at Peaches. When he found her looking back he announced, “Your granddad and dad are here.”
She frowned. “Why? Why are they here in person?”
“Do we need a reason to visit?” Leon asked from behind her.
Peaches jumped up and hugged both men. “Of course not, but we’re on lockdown for a reason no will tell us about then you guys show up? That makes me just a little bit nervous.”
“There’s nothing for you to worry about,” Calderone assured her.
Peaches watched as some of her grandfather’s men moved around the room. “That is not a reassuring sight.”
Leon turned to where Mountain sat with Deke, Sam and Gator. He nodded at Mountain.
Mountain nodded back. “Just tell us what you know. The women would find out anyway, sooner or later. This way, its sooner.”
Leon shrugged. “Dominic was grateful for the call. He didn’t know Stephan was on his way here. He had no idea what was bringing him here until I mentioned the key. Then he became very interested. He had no idea the key was missing all this time and he’s furious Stephan betrayed him. He’s on his way to confront him and settle something he thought was lost to him all this time.”
“And what would that be?” Mountain asked. His inner gut was burning like fire and he knew he wouldn’t like what was coming.
“I don’t know. I’m sure he’ll explain it all when he gets here. He said he would be here as soon as he could.”
“So Marconi is coming here?” Sam asked.
Leon nodded. “That’s why we came. He asked if we could mediate.” He swung his eyes to Mountain. “He mentioned the fact that his brotherhood was like the brotherhood of the MC.” He shrugged. “I wonder where he got that comparison from.” He raised a brow at the larger man.
Sam turned to Mountain. “Yeah me too, but you know in a way, it’s probably true.”
“I know.” Leon agreed.
“Well, I guess we’ll find out which one will get here first.” Peaches shrugged. “Stephan Rizzi or Dominic Marconi.”
“Either way, we’re here to stop any trouble,” Calderone assured her.
“I don’t think you can stop this trouble from coming,” Mountain warned. “I have a feeling someone is going to die today.”
Izzy looked to Boone. “I hope not, lord I hope not.” Reaching out, she grabbed his hand and held it tight.
~* * * *~
Two hours later, another car stopped at the gates and waited for them to be opened. A single man stepped out and was surrounded by two men wearing MC vests. They escorted him to the clubhouse and waited outside when he stepped in.
Stephan glanced around the room quickly. He paused and cocked his head as he stared at the large wall murals of tigers. He looked a little perplexed by the sight. He turned and nodded in reverence to Leon and Calderone, then moved on until he came to Izzy. He studied her for a moment then went over to her. “You must be Isabelle.”
Izzy frowned. “And what business is that of yours?”
Stephan smiled. “It might be more my business than you realize.”
“Your uncle didn’t know you were coming Stephan,” Leon warned him.
Stephan sighed. “I’m sure he knows now, though, doesn’t he?”
“Yes, he does,” Leon admitted. “He’s on his way as well.”
“Damn it, old man. Why couldn’t you just mind your own business?” Stephan swore. He’d known days ago that his involvement in this whole fucked up mess would come out but he had hoped to get the key back and into his uncle’s hands before he knew everything.
“You put innocent lives in danger, that’s why. What exactly did you hope to gain from this?” Leon asked. “It was none of your business.”
“It was my business. It involved family, and family, means something to me,” Stephan argued.
“It does to me as well,” Leon told him. “As does respect of which you have shown very little. I suggest you start. I have earned it.” He growled at the younger man.
Stephan tipped his head. “My apologies. I meant no disrespect but this is trying for me. Things have gotten so out of control and I hate lack of control.”
“I think we all do.” Leon stared hard at him. “Why don’t we just sit down and wait for your uncle to arrive, then many things will become clear to all of those involved.”
“Why can’t you just fill in the blanks Grandfather?” Peaches asked. “That way, we’ll have some idea what’s coming.”
Leon shook his head. “It is not my story to tell and no one but Dominic knows the true story. It is his story and he will tell it.”
“I was a kid when all this went down,’ Stephan interjected. “But I remember the anger and the constant worry everyone felt back then. My uncle and his associates spent some time searching the city for someone they never found. My uncle was heartbroken.”
“Yes, he was and in a sense still is but soon, everything that happened will come out,” Leon assured them. “So why don’t we just wait for him.”
~* * * *~
Less than an hour later, another car stopped at the gate. Three men stepped out of the limo and approached the gate. Wiley stood there while the gate opened and escorted the men to the clubhouse.
When Dominic Marconi stepped inside the clubhouse, he saw everything at once. The sheer number of people present made him raise his eyebrow. He saw his nephew Stephan first and frowned in his direction. Then he turned to see Leon and Calderone. He nodded his head to them to acknowledge his respect. Then he spotted Mountain. Making his way over to the other man, he held out his hand, “We meet again.”
Mountain nodded his head. He shook the other man’s hand, “This is unexpected.”
“True but your call to Leon made it necessary.” He turned to view the people at the table. He paused when he saw Boone sitting there and his eyes were drawn to Izzy. He gasped slightly and for a moment, he couldn’t take his eyes off her.
Mountain came to stand behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders. “This is the woman I was telling you about the other day. Izzy Clemends, and her brother Boone.”
Dominic nodded but still didn’t take his eyes off her. Then he heard Leon clear his throat and reluctantly he looked away. “I’m sorry but she looks so much like her mother, I couldn’t help myself.”
Izzy frowned. “You know my mother?”
Dominic nodded. “I
should, since she was my wife.”
Izzy gasped and paled.
“Your wife?” Mountain questioned.
Dominic nodded. “I met Janet Zackery twenty seven years ago. I loved her when I met her and I love her yet today.”
Melora glanced quickly at Izzy and found her looking back.
“What?” Dominic asked when he noted the look passing between the two women.
Melora shrugged. “Izzy used that same last name for a number of years, that’s all.”
“As I was saying, I met Janet twenty seven years ago and we quickly fell in love. I think I married her within two weeks of meeting her. She didn’t understand what I did for a living and I was hiding the truth from her because I knew if she was aware of my job she would leave me.” He shrugged. “I hid the truth for two years, then her sister informed her of who and what I was. Janet confronted me about it and I told her the truth. She told me she couldn’t raise a child in that environment, so I lost her anyway. Her sister Roxi made sure of that.”
Boone started and swung around to stare at Dominic. “My mother was her sister?”
Dominic frowned. “You are Roxi’s child?”
He nodded.
“Do you know where your mother is? I have been looking for her for a very long time,” Dominic asked softly.
Leon cleared his throat again. “Now, is not the time for vengeance Dom.”
Dominic snapped his head around and glared at Leon. “One day, no one will stand between us and the wrath of my anger will burn her.”
“But not today,” Leon told him.
Dominic closed his eyes and when he opened them, he found Izzy again. Taking a deep breath, he continued his story, “When your mother left me she was carrying you. Roxi joined her in hiding and helped her through the pregnancy. I looked but could never find them. Then one night I received a phone call from a midwife. It seems my wife had given birth, but something had gone wrong. By the time I got there with a doctor, it was too late to save her life. She died within minutes of my arrival.”