by Tess Oliver
I looked up at him. “No, you’re not. I want to talk to some people, and you’ll just be in the way.”
Jericho’s mouth tightened. “Fuck you, Barringer. How will I be in the way? I’m your ticket to getting in to talk to people. You think you’re just going to walk up to the clubhouse or the Rookery and talk to Bedlam members?”
I looked at him. “The Rookery? Is that that bar on Haven Street? Sounds like a good place to start . . . alone.”
He laughed grimly. “You can’t just walk in there. They’ll toss you out on your ass if you start asking questions.”
I shrugged. “I can be pretty persuasive when I want to be.” None of this conversation was helping Angel’s mood. Her eyes were red from crying, and her face was pale. “Look, Jericho, let me go to Nevada and find out what’s happening. I need you here. When Gage is at work, Angel will be all alone.”
“Do you really have to go?” she asked weakly.
“I need to find out what’s going on.”
Jericho kicked the fallen crutch out of his way and tried as hard as he could to stomp off in anger, but his injured leg really ruined the effect.
Angel got up. “I’ll go in and sit with him. Growing up, Gunner and Cash were like Jericho’s older brothers. This is going to hit him hard.”
I got up and followed her out of the kitchen. She knew I was behind her, but she didn’t look back at me. I took hold of her hand, and she spun around and fell against me. Her tears moistened my shirt, and her body trembled in my arms. “It’s never going to be right, is it?” she said faintly. “This nightmare is never going to end.”
I rubbed my hand over her back, and my touch seemed to settle her shuddering breaths. “I’m going to make it right, Angel. I promise.”
She peered up at me. Her long black lashes were clumped together with tears. “I know you have to go, but I really wish you weren’t leaving.”
“Yeah, me too. You know I can’t stand to be away from you.” I pushed a long strand of hair from her face. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
Chapter 6
Luke
Carson picked me up at the airport. “Sally’s out of town visiting her sister,” he said as I tossed my bag into the backseat. “With no one watching your house, it’s safer if you just stay with me.”
“That’s fine. I’ll pick up my mail tomorrow. So, what’s been happening?”
“Not much, yet. A witness came forward, someone who knew Gunner, and said he’d seen a guy in a Bent for Hell cut walk over and confront him at a bar. That was the last anyone saw of him.”
“Did this witness know the man or give a description?”
“He only saw the cut. Nothing else.”
“Who was this witness? Is he a Bedlam member?”
“Nah, just some guy who was hanging out at the bar. It’s a sleazy place called the Rookery. A lot of bikers hang out there. The management tolerates them.”
“That sounds like a good place to start.”
“Start what? You’re getting yourself in pretty deep, Luke, and with this suspension on your record now—”
“You mean I won’t be up for any promotion soon?” I asked.
He rolled his eyes at me. “Stop with the smartass shit. I’m just trying to watch your back. And it’s not an easy task.”
“I know. But I’m already in deep. I’ve got Angel to think about.”
He looked over at me for a second before returning his eyes to the road. “Never thought I’d see Luke Barringer hand over his heart to a girl.”
I stared out the window. Traffic was sparse and most of the businesses were closing up for the evening. “It’s been handed, sealed and locked away for good, Carson. I’ll risk everything to keep her safe.”
He reached into the console and pulled out a stick of gum. He held one up to me, but I shook my head. “I finally get rid of the cigarettes, and now, I’m ruining my teeth with gum. But it helps and it’s a slightly less vile vice.” He unwrapped the gum and stuck it in his mouth. “Only you would fall for the granddaughter of one of the most dangerous men in the region,” he mumbled over the gum.
“Yeah, typical isn’t it? I’m not really into easy, as you may have noticed.”
He turned onto the off-ramp. “Well, here’s something interesting— the homicide detectives couldn’t contact next of kin. Apparently, his parents are both dead and there’s a brother out there somewhere, but he couldn’t be reached.”
“Michael Jr., Gunner’s older brother. Angel told me he wanted nothing to do with the club. Gunner’s father, Mike Paxton, had been the president, and Dreygon was his vice president. Gunner wanted to take the presidency from Dreygon. That’s why he took Angel. I’d always considered Gunner a bit of a knucklehead, but now it seems he might have made a better president. Dreygon is nothing short of insane, and Gunner’s death proves it.”
Carson shook his head. “That’s what I wanted to tell you. Sharpe stepped forward as Gunner’s next of kin. Told the detectives the boy was like a son to him. He made all the funeral arrangements. The detectives aren’t even looking at him as a suspect. Guess he put on quite the drama scene at the morgue when he showed up unexpectedly.”
“That’s why I’m sure it was him. He is that cunning. He can turn on the feeble old man act when necessary.”
“He sure had Homicide convinced.”
“Can’t believe they were that easily tricked.”
“They don’t know him like you do.” Carson turned down the street that led toward his house. “And since Dreygon knows you well too, he knows you’re going to be digging into this, which brings me back to our earlier conversation.”
“I’ll be careful. I’m just going to see if I can talk to a few people, that’s all.” My phone rang. I’d texted Jericho once my plane landed to let them know I’d arrived. He was calling back. “Hey, Jericho, how are you doing?”
“Fine.”
“How’s Angel?”
“Dude, you just left her a few hours ago. I’ve been watching out for Evie her whole life.” He was still holding a major grudge for leaving him behind, among other things.
“I know you have, Richo. I was just asking. What’s up?”
“I got a call from a club member, Rick. He’s the guy who came in to identify Gunner’s body. He says he needs to talk to you.” I heard some paper rattling. “I wrote it down. He wants you to meet him at Grand Central Coffee Shop at eleven o’clock tonight. They’re open late. Rick’s a big dude with red hair.”
“Great. I think he was there with Gunner at the industrial park.” I paused and he read my thoughts through the phone.
“Here she is,” he said, slightly exasperated.
“Miss you, Reno.” It was evident in her tone that she was still shaken.
I glanced over at Carson and lowered my voice. “I miss you too, Baby.”
Carson held back a smile and shook his head.
“Jericho just gave me a lead, so hopefully, it won’t take me too long here.”
“Hurry back,” she said.
“I will. Love you. Bye.”
Carson was still shaking his head. “Luke Barringer is love struck. Never thought I’d see the day.”
“Shit, you act like I was some cold, emotionless bastard when it came to girls.”
“No, you weren’t that, but you were definitely what they refer to these days as a player.”
“If you say so. Anyhow, I have a lead. I’m meeting with one of the Bedlam members later tonight. We’ll see if my hunch about Dreygon is right.”
***
I stepped inside, and the earthy, rich aroma of coffee swirled around me. While most of the customers seemed to be there for the free internet, it amazed me how many were still sipping coffee at such a late hour. These were
the all-nighters, the people who preferred the quiet solitude of night to the clamor and crowds of day. I walked up and bought a bottle of water. I recognized the tall red haired guy who’d seemed relieved when I took Angel from Gunner. He was dressed in a t-shirt and jeans but no cut. This wasn’t exactly the place to wear one. There was no bike out front, so I could only assume he’d left that at home too.
He was sitting in the darkest corner of the shop with a cup of coffee between his massive freckled hands. I looked pointedly at the chair across from him, and he motioned for me to sit. He glanced around the room and took a moment to survey the small parking lot in front.
“I’m alone, if that’s what you’re wondering,” I said.
“It’s not you I’m worried about.” He made an obvious attempt to not look tense.
“So, Jericho said you had some information.” I stopped for a second. “I’m sorry about Gunner.”
“Yeah.” He ran his fingers through his hair and it stood up on end. “I knew he was playing with fire, but Gunner had a hard head. He would never listen to advice. That morning when we got to the diner and saw Angel, he decided to grab her. He’d had no real plan. It was just take her and we’ll deal with the consequences later.” He took a sip of coffee. “A few of us tried to talk him out of it. We’re all fond of her. She’s always been like a piece of sunshine in this club, so sweet and innocent. I’d told Gunner, if he wanted the club, he had to do it the hard way, earn our loyalty. Taking Angel was only going to make that harder for him.” He took another glance outside and then looked back at me. He was young and seemingly the nervous type. But he’d had balls enough to meet me, so he earned a lot of credit for that.
“What did Gunner think he could gain from taking Angel?”
He seemed to ponder my question as if he wasn’t completely sure. “That’s just it. The whole thing got weird. I just figured he’d hold her ransom for territory or even the president’s patch, but that wasn’t the case.” He moved closer as if he was sure the walls were paying attention to our conversation. “Gunner had something on Dreygon, something that would get him in trouble, and somehow, it all centers around Angel. That’s why I think he had Gunner killed.”
I sat forward with interest. “So, it wasn’t Bent for Hell. Some witness came forward to claim that they saw Gunner having words with one of their members.”
Rick shook his head. His shoulders relaxed some as if he’d gotten the biggest thing off his chest now. “I’m sure that was a paid off witness. Gunner wouldn’t be stupid enough to piss off one of those guys. It would start an entire war. But if Dreygon keeps trying to blame them, that battle isn’t too far off. And Bedlam doesn’t have a chance against them.”
The door opened and Rick looked up. It was two girls with books. He sat back against the chair. “I don’t have any proof that it was Dreygon. He’s an expert at cleaning up his tracks. Besides, he wouldn’t have had any direct involvement with the murder.”
“No, I know. Nothing ever sticks to that bastard. He’s making the funeral arrangements and playing the part of the beloved friend.”
Rick shook his head. “With friends like that . . .” He glanced outside once more. “How’s Angel doing? Are you taking good care of her?”
“I am. She’s a good distance away from here. I’ve got to keep her away from Dreygon. Now, more than ever.”
He drained his cup. “This should keep me staring at the ceiling all night. I guess I’ll head to a bar and drink some beer to counteract it. I’ll leave first.”
I nodded. “And thanks. If you find out anything else—”
“I’ll get in touch with Jericho and then he can contact you. I hope you find something on Dreygon that will finally stick. He’s out of control right now, and the whole club is going to peel open from the inside soon.”
Chapter 7
Angel
The horse bounced across the pen as if tight springs had been attached to each hoof, but Gage managed to hold on.
“Shit.” Jericho leaned his arms on the railing of the corral. “And they say that motorcycles are dangerous. At least I have control over which way the bike is going.”
“Maybe, but you have no control over the other cars and trucks that are sharing the road with you,” I said.
Gage trotted the horse around several times and then seemingly decided it was a good place to end a first ride. He’d landed on the ground only once before getting the horse to settle into a frenzied trot.
Gage motioned to the chestnut horse we’d saddled earlier. “Why don’t you put the bridle on and then you can ride in here. Turbo is a really fun horse and well broke.”
Jericho looked over at me. “You’re going to ride a horse named Turbo? Reno will have my head if there’s even one scratch on you.”
“I’ll be fine. And I think you’re over exaggerating a bit.” I walked over to the horse and grabbed the bridle off the fence post.
“Am I?” Jericho called across the pen. “I don’t think so.”
I slid the bit into the horse’s mouth and pushed the bridle over his ears. Chance was still on stall rest, and I hadn’t been on a horse since I’d left the compound with him. I was looking forward to it. I hoped it would take my mind off the darker thoughts I’d been dealing with since Luke had told us that Gunner was dead.
Gage walked past me. “I’m going to take him into the barn. Walk Turbo around for a good ten minutes first. He’s always stiff when he comes out of the stall. I think the pasture has drained enough to let them graze again. The summer grass is coming to an end, so we might as well let them enjoy it. Saves me money on feed too. But your boy will have to stay in.”
“Chance is not going to like that.” I laughed. I led the horse into the pen and closed the gate behind me. Turbo was a perfect gentlemen and stood still as I climbed onto his back. I glanced down at Jericho from the saddle. “I need Gage to teach Chance all these nice manners. I practically have to take a running start to climb on his back.” Turbo went right to the railing and I walked him around. He needed only the slightest touch to move. He was a dream horse compared to my ornery beast.
Jericho was just putting his phone away as I walked past.
“I can’t believe what great service we get out here in the middle of nowhere,” he said. “Luke just texted that he’s coming back tonight.”
“Yay,” I said. “What do you think Rick wanted to talk to him about?”
“Your guess is as good as mine.”
“I’m so glad Luke is coming back so soon.” The horse moved on automatic pilot. I hardly had to move my arms or legs.
“Yeah, it’s been pretty awful slumming it with the guy who used to be your best friend.” Jericho put on his well-practiced sad face.
“Richo, you’ll always be my best friend.”
“If that isn’t the biggest piece of bullshit.”
I stopped the horse in front of him with just a quiet ‘whoa’. “Holy shit, this horse is nicely trained.” I looked down at Jericho. “You’re in a really sour mood. What’s wrong?”
He scowled up at me. “Do you really have to ask, Evie? See? A few months ago you would’ve known, but now, you only think about Luke.”
“Richo, stop. What is it?”
“Let me start the list with my fucking leg is screwed up forever. Gunner is dead, and I can’t even be with the club or attend his funeral. My Harley.” He peered up at me. “My most loyal friend, is stuck inside the compound, and my best friend only has eyes for one guy and that guy is not me.”
“I don’t know what you want me to say, Richo. I still love you as much as I always have, and I have to agree with Luke, it’s not safe for you to be around the club right now. It seems Gunner’s death is proof of that. This is the perfect opportunity for you to make sure that leg heals back to normal and then you’ll be strut
ting your stuff at all the clubs and making the girls crazy.” I started the horse around the pen again but glanced back at Jericho. “What happened to that girl from the Raven’s Nest, the one who gave you her number?”
He shrugged. “I talked to her once on the phone, but she’s too good for someone like me. I’ve got nothing to offer. The club was all I had, and that’s a pretty shady thing to lead with when you meet a new girl. Especially if she is not the motorcycle club type, which she’s not. She mentioned that her uncle had been a Hell’s Angel, and her father stopped talking to him once he joined up.”
I circled around to his side again. “I think you’re just having an absurd pity party for yourself today. You’ve got plenty to offer. Maybe you just need to start thinking of life outside the club.”
Jericho’s expression soured more. His phone rang, and he yanked it out. His face pulled scrunched in confusion when he looked at the screen. “What the fuck?” he muttered, and turned away to answer it.
Gage walked out of the barn. “He looks warmed up. Go ahead and trot him around.”
I looked over at Jericho. His head was down, and he was deep in conversation. He held his shoulders rigid as he listened to whoever was on the other end.
I squeezed my legs and the horse moved easily into a trot.
Gage leaned his arms up on the pen to watch.
“You need to work this magic on Chance,” I said. “He needs some ground manners too. I’ve spoiled him rotten.”
“When he’s feeling better, I’ll get him out and work with him.”
I reached Jericho’s side of the pen just as he was sticking his phone in his pocket. I was not imagining the pallor of his skin.
“Who was it?” I asked.
He shook his head, and it was obvious he was formulating an answer. “Apparently, I won a free two week trip to Hawaii as long as I’m willing to listen to a timeshare sales pitch.”
“Really? That’s why you look so shaken?”
“Yep. Those sales calls always piss me off. I’m going to head inside and let you two play with the ponies. My leg is starting to hurt.” He walked away.