by Jamie Begley
Groaning in despair, he reached for the television remote, throwing it at a framed picture of The Last Riders on the wall that Peyton had drawn for him. “Taylor, come back!”
It was the twenty-five-year-old Gavin who started for the door, unable to merge back with the reality that the love he’d had for Taylor, the only life preserver keeping his head above water, was gone.
He was pulled back as he reached for the door handle.
“Taylor, come back!” Infuriated that he wasn’t strong enough to jerk away from Calder’s restraining arms, he desperately tried to make his way to the door.
“Let me go, Calder. I don’t want to hurt you, but I will if you don’t. Taylor! God … please don’t leave me.”
“Gavin, she’s gone. Don’t make it harder for her.” Calder tightened his grip on him.
“Harder for her? What about me? She’s the only reason I’m alive.”
Listening to his own words coming back at him, he stopped struggling against Calder. If she loved him, she would have come back when she had heard him calling out for her. Even if he no longer loved a woman, he would have come back and talked to her if the positions had been reversed.
Blindly, he sat down on his bed, staring at the blank wall where the picture had hung. Slate had told him that Taylor wanted him back. In his mind, he could see Slate laughing at him.
Incoherent words tried to filter through Slate’s maniacal laughter. Slate’s imaginary body grew in size, blocking him from reaching out to the voices that were trying to call him back. Drowning in a sea of Slate’s malicious taunts, he had no way to rise to the surface. Even if he did, he had no way to remain afloat without Taylor.
He didn’t fight as hands laid him down on the bed, or when he felt a needle prick, grateful for the oblivion that came, not caring if it didn’t come with the same rush as the ones that Butcher had given him, allowing him to find the only escape he could—through sleep.
He sat outside, senselessly staring out at the white concrete that kept him inside these walls. It was the only barrier left to protect the world from Reaper and what he’d once believed was the only thing that had kept him from Taylor.
Single thoughts swirled through his consciousness, and every one of them were as fucked up as the things that were done to him in that basement.
I wish they never found me.
Then I would have never known she moved on.
That she was carrying a child that wasn’t mine.
I could still be down there.
Just die there like I should have.
And those tapes … would have died with me ….
Each thought became harder to form in his listless stupor as warmth radiated from a hand placed on his shoulder. It was like he was being pulled up from the darkest depths of the ocean until he floated just beneath the surface, seeing the sun glowing brilliantly through the water.
A heart-wrenching song filled the water, calling to him. The mournful voice that he had heard that day in Lucky’s church had him wanting to find the solace the beckoning voice promised … until he finally reached up … breaking through the water.
Reaper shook his head as if blinking water out of his eyes and found himself sitting at the table on the balcony, and a man was sitting in the chair next to him. Normally, he would have asked why the hell the man was there, but he felt a sudden peacefulness that kept him strangely calm.
“I recognize you. You came with Shade one time when I first arrived here.” Reaper remembered the brief meeting. The man had come, but after being introduced, he left quickly, saying he would wait for Shade in the car.
“Greer Porter,” the man reintroduced himself. “I knocked; you didn’t hear me, so I waited five minutes for you to say fuck off or come in, but I ain’t got all day to be wastin’,” he explained, then nodded at the untouched food on Reaper’s plate. “You gonna eat that?”
Reaper looked at the unappetizing sandwich. When he had been held captive, he had sworn to never eat another sandwich, yet they were the only thing he could hold down without vomiting.
“No, you can have it.” From his ashen features, Greer looked like he needed it more than Reaper did—and that was saying a lot.
“Thanky. I appreciate the hospitality.”
Reaper watched as Greer carefully unfolded a napkin, placing the sandwich inside. Then he wrapped it neatly before looking at him.
“You ain’t never going to get any meat on those skinny bones of yours by eating puny sandwiches like this. A few T-bones will fatten you up in no time. If I had a brother as loaded as Viper is, I’d be eating steak every night, and a few for lunch, probably a bitty one for a midnight snack. Why you settling for cheese sandwiches?” he barked. “There’s a good steakhouse about a mile away from here. Made Shade take me there when I came here with him.”
“They’re the only thing I can keep down,” he admitted, feeling like he was a ten-year-old being scolded.
“Then order two. Eat one, and when it comes up, eat the other one. You’ll be able to keep the second one down. If not, who cares? You ate two steaks.”
Reaper stared at the man who was laughing at his own joke, beginning to understand why Shade had been in such a bad mood the whole time he was there the day Greer was with him.
Greer’s face turned serious when Reaper didn’t laugh at his humor. “If your stomach is giving trouble, quit trying to eat meals. Just take a couple of bites at a time. If you can keep it down, take another couple. Start slow. I’d go with the petite sirloin then work myself up to one of those T-bones. They have a special going on now; you can get unlimited shrimp. Pop a couple of those babies in your mouth with a couple bites of steak, and you’ll be right as rain in no time.
“Just don’t tell them I sent ya. They might still be a little peeved at me. I ate dinner there last night. The manager had to send a worker to another store for more shrimp. Pissant manager wouldn’t let me in the door this afternoon when I went there for lunch. Going to talk to Diamond—that’s Knox’s wife—when I get back home. I think they violated my constitutional rights by refusing to serve me. What you think?”
Reaper wanted to tell him that he was crazy as fuck but restrained himself, afraid he would send the man into another rant. “I wouldn’t know.”
“I’ll let you know what I find out after I talk to her. You met her yet?”
“No.”
“She’s a decent lawyer. My wife works for her. When you meet her, don’t mention my name. Me and her had dealings in the past. She gets a little testy when she hears my name. You ever need her services, make sure you get a set fee, or you’ll be buying her more than one of those expensive shoes she loves.” Reaper watched the man in stunned silence. He wouldn’t shut up.
“Damn,” Greer swore, staring down at his watch. “Got to be going. My old woman will be wondering why I’m not home for dinner. Word to the wise: marry a woman that can cook.
“Oh, by the way … I forgot what I came for.” Standing up, he went around Reaper’s chair to pick up a box that was on the ground. Reaper couldn’t understand how it got there. “I need to leave this here for someone to pick up. You got a place I can stash it?”
Looking at the large box, Reaper shook his head.
Greer ignored him, carrying the box into his room, then shoved it in the closet.
Reaper gaped at him. “You can’t leave that here.”
“Why not? There ain’t nothing illegal inside. I’ll have you know that I’m an officer of the law … part-time,” he clarified, walking back to the patio table to pick up the sandwich. “You can open it if you want. Just give it to anyone that asks for it.”
“When will they come and get it?”
“Don’t know.”
Greer moved to his side, laying a hand on his shoulder. “Order that steak, you hear me? You’ll be able to keep it down. When you get back to Treepoint, ask Shade to bring you around the house. I’ll introduce you to my old woman and the kids. Shade said you like light
ing one up on occasion; we’ll celebrate your homecoming in style. Of course, we’ll have to go to the barn. My woman gets a little touchy about us lighting up the green around her and the kiddos.”
“You do know I’m here because I’m a recovering addict, right?”
“Of course. Do I look stupid? I ain’t offering you one now. I said when you get back to Treepoint.”
Reaper’s face went ice cold. “I’ll never go back to Treepoint.”
Greer’s lips quirked up in a smile. “Why not? What you got against Kentucky? Loretta Lynn was born there. You like music, don’t you?”
“Yes.”
“Besides, you’ll like living in Treepoint now that you know me.”
Reaper didn’t think it was a point in the state’s favor. “I’ll never step foot in Treepoint again.”
“Let me give you another piece of advice. Never say never. Swore I’d never marry a woman who couldn’t cook. Ask me how well that turned out. Holly couldn’t make a pan of cornbread if her life depended on it, and I have to sit at the table every Sunday and pretend it’s the best I ever tasted.
“Never only lasts as long it takes a woman to change your mind. I should know; I’m an expert on women. Had three women wanting to marry me. How many women you got wanting to marry you?”
“None,” he ground out between clenched teeth.
“See? That’s another reason to come to Kentucky—I’ll get you married off in no time. I’ll even be willing to vet their cooking skills before introducing you to them. Of course, I’d expect a finder’s fee if you decide to pop the question—”
“I thought you needed to leave?” Reaper interrupted him.
“You trying to get me out the door?” Greer didn’t skip a beat, taking it in stride that Reaper was trying to get him out the door.
“Yes.”
“Cool. I respect an honest man. I need to be hitting the road anyway. Did I mention don’t tell anyone I was here or about the box until someone asks?”
“No, you forgot that part.”
“Now you know, so don’t. I wouldn’t want you to spoil the surprise.”
“Are you sure you’re okay enough to drive?” As much he wanted Greer to leave, the man was looking sicker by the moment.
“I’ll be fine once I eat and get some sleep. If I wasn’t on the down low, I’d get one of The Last Riders watching the building to take me out to eat before heading home.”
“The Last Riders are watching me?”
“You don’t seriously think any of them wouldn’t make sure you’re safe and sound before they can get you home?” Greer snorted in disbelief.
“If you’re on the down low, then how did you get inside?”
“The day I can’t outsmart a Last Rider is the day my kin will be burying me.”
“If money is an issue, there’s cash in the drawer under the microwave.”
Greer gave him a pained look of regret. “I can’t take any money from you.”
“It’s not my money; it’s Viper’s. He left it for Peyton or Calder in case I want any food from the restaurants nearby.”
“In that case, I might take enough to grab a burger on the way home.”
Reaper turned in his chair to watch Greer go inside to the small kitchenette. Opening the drawer, Greer pulled the cash out before coming to the table to show him. Unfolding the wad of cash, Reaper didn’t miss the avaricious gleam in Greer’s eyes.
Thumbing two tens off the top, Greer tucked them into his front shirt pocket. “That’ll buy me a nice burger. I’m kind of running low on gas; you mind if I take enough to get home? Viper can afford it.”
Reaper tightened his lips. “Go ahead.” He would give him the whole thing if he would just leave.
“Thanky. I appreciate it.” Greer thumbed off three twenties. “My truck has a big tank.” Shoving the sixty dollars in his pocket to add to the twenty he already took, he gave Reaper a pained look before setting the remaining cash down on the table.
Reaper told himself not to ask but couldn’t help himself. “Is there something else you’re needing?”
“Now that you mention it, that steakhouse I was telling you about has another restaurant on my way home. I could stop there and take a breather. That is … if you don’t mind?”
Reaper gritted his teeth. “Help yourself.”
“Thanky.” Greer took the cash again, peeling off five twenties.
“That’s an expensive steak.”
“They charge nine ninety-nine extra for the unlimited shrimp, and I always like to give a good tip.”
Putting the hundred dollars in his pocket, he set the remaining cash down on the table, then picked up the sandwich he’d put down.
Reaper side-eyed him for taking the sandwich when he was going to a restaurant.
“It’ll give me something to snack on during the drive. Besides, I done told ya you need some red meat. Don’t forget to get Calder to order you one when he gets back from picking Peyton up at her apartment.”
“How did …?”
Greer tapped his forehead. “I wouldn’t be a Porter if I let anything get by me. The Last Riders need to start thinking like me.”
“I’ll tell them you said that.”
“Do that. Just wait until after someone comes asking for that box.” Tugging up the belt on his jeans, Greer gave him a nod. “Good seeing you again, and thanks for the cash. I’ll thank Viper too. Of course, I’ll have to wait—”
“Until someone comes for the box,” Reaper finished for him.
“Of course.” Greer smirked, then his expression changed as if an idea came to him. “On the other hand, I’m going to do you a favor. I’m going to put this cash on a tab for you.”
“For me?” Had Greer become a patient here? The man was crazier than he was.
Greer nodded seriously. “Yep. I’m going to find you a wife.”
Reaper wanted to strangle the man. He put his hands on the table to help himself rise.
A firm hand pushed him back down.
“Ain’t no need to get up to thank me. I already have a woman in mind for you. Of course, I’ll be having to taste her cooking before I can introduce you, but if she can cook cornbread, we can get you hitched in no time. I’ll keep in touch.” The man picked up the remaining cash, then went back inside to put it back in the drawer.
“Greer?” Reaper called out before he could get out of the door.
“Yo?”
Rolling his eyes, Reaper was again tempted to strangle him, but he wanted to make sure of one thing before he left.
“Do you have my phone number?”
Greer gave him a Cheshire smile. “What’d you think? I’m a Porter, ain’t I?”
He was towel drying his hair when Peyton and Calder came into his room, looking at him as if they had never seen him before.
“You’re looking better,” Peyton said hesitantly, giving Calder a surprised glance. Calder seemed just as stunned.
“I feel better. Calder, would you mind going out again to get me something to eat?”
“I’ll call the nurse and get her to bring—”
“No, I’m in the mood for take-out.”
Calder and Peyton stared at each other before turning back to him.
“I can get you anything you want.”
“Good. There’s a steakhouse nearby; can you order me a petite sirloin? I like it medium-rare.”
Calder’s face broke into a happy smile. “I’ll be right back.”
Reaper’s stomach began hurting from the thought of the food. Swallowing hard, he forced the next words out. “Order two.”
Striding out the side door, wearing only shorts and running shoes, Reaper took a deep breath, filling his lungs with fresh air as the wind blew the leaves on the trees. The private grounds of the treatment center were picturesque, giving the illusion of freedom while the strategically placed cameras around the grounds monitored the patients.
Raising his chin up, he let the sun hit his face, enjoying its
warmth.
Starting out by walking, he placed the wireless headphone in his ear as he gradually eased his walk into a jog while listening to music. Taking deep breaths when he wanted to quit, he pushed past the limit he had set for himself the day before. Hatred motivated him onward, as he made plans for his revenge.
Hatred for Slater.
Butcher.
Ink.
Vamp.
The Count.
All names and then some that were tattooed on his soul forever like the dark tattoos inked on his skin.
Reaper started running again, this time tuning out the beat of a heart that had nothing else to lose….
Chapter Thirty-Five
Reaper glanced down at the suitcase on the bed. Neatly packing the Destructors jacket that Stud had given him and the Blue Horseman jacket that Calder had given him, he zipped the suitcase closed before setting it upright on the floor.
Reaching for the third jacket that had been in the box that Greer asked him to keep, he started for the doorway when Viper walked in his room.
“I signed the discharge order. I’m ready to leave.” He gave his brother an impatient look. Viper was supposed to have been there thirty minutes ago.
His brother let Reaper’s irritation slide off his shoulders. “I was taking care of the bill, and I had to wait and sign for the meds they want you to continue to take.” At one time, Viper would have snapped back at him instead of explaining what had taken him so long.
Taking the discharge paper, Reaper handed Viper his jacket, then opened the top of his suitcase to put the paper inside.