by Erin Trejo
Twirling my finger in the air in the silent gesture for us to move, we head in.
The back door was open just like I thought it would be. I can only thank God for that part of the plan. We make our entrance as the others fan out to cover their areas. I can hear the shots being fired from across the lot where the Dusts’ are. In my mind I’m praying all of our guys make it out alive.
I hit the top of the stairs and start toward the doors. Thankfully there are no guys up here right now. Pushing through the first door the girls don’t make a sound. They were expecting whoever rented them for the night to come in. High as fuck and out of their little minds.
“Come on darlin’. We’re gettin’ you outta here.” Pulling one by the arm she looks confused.
“What? No, we just came back. We can’t go again.” Tears fall down her face and I don’t have the heart to ask where they just came from. I can’t make myself do it.
“No, I mean out for good. We have a safe house for you to go to. I just need you to be quiet and follow what we say yeah?” Looking down at her she cries harder.
“Ok. I can help you with the others. A few may not go.” Looking into her eyes she doesn’t seem to be as fucked up as the others.
“I don’t swallow the pills; I just act like it.” With a quick nod, I get what she’s doing. I can’t say that I blame her but to a point I don’t think I’d want to be in my right mind doing the things they are forced to do.
“Let’s roll.” The girl jumps up and grabs the other one off the bed as I head to the next room. To my surprise they are all filtering out into the hallway following all the rules. I didn’t know what to expect coming in here looking like we do and then telling them we are taking them somewhere else.
“You got this?” Looking at the little girl from the first room I nod into one of the others where Torch is trying to sweet talk the girl out.
“I got her.” With a whistle and nod to Torch he stands as the girl walks in. I watch in amazement as she talks to her sweetly. I don’t know what she says to her but the girl smiles and nods her head following her out of the room.
“What’s your name?” She stops and looks up at me. I can see the wheels turning in her mind. She doesn’t know if she should tell me or not.
“Cassidy.”
“Bella’s Cassidy?” The girl looks at me confused as I narrow my eyes at her. I don’t remember seeing her the last time we were in here.
“You know Bella? Is she ok?” I nod my head as I look around a little more.
“She’s with our club. She’s the one that told us about you and Deb.” Another tear slides down her cheek and I know Deb didn’t make it.
“It’s ok. You’re safe.” With a quick nod she moves to help out in another room while I stop at the last door at the end of the hallway.
Chapter 41
I stand with my hands on the door for a minute before I push it open. Every memory of Jersey rushes me at once. I didn’t see it coming but there they are. I can picture her scared little face when I first walked into this room. I can see the broken girl they left to be used and mistreated.
“I’m gonna find you darlin’ and when I do, I will make them pay.” Saying the words out loud seems to calm something inside of me. I know in my mind that I would do anything in the world for that girl. That includes killing each and every one that has ever hurt her.
“We’re secured!” Torch yells letting me know that the top floor is ready to move to the van. With a quick look around, I step out closing the door to the past. She will never know that struggle again as long as I’m alive.
Walking back down the hallway I take it all in. I already know I’m about to blow this motherfucker to pieces as soon as we have the all clear. I can only hope that these girls will see it as a new start. A chapter closed in their book of life. It’s time to start over and live.
“How many we round up?” Looking at Torch as I walk outside and light up a cigarette, he smiles.
“26 brother. They said that’s all that’s left of them.” Scrubbing a hand over my face, my heart drops. That means there were more. We missed the fucking time line to getting them out.
Rage simmers just below the surface of my skin.
“Hey, that’s a good number Ryker.” With a quick nod, I motion for Rob.
“Move them to the van. Cover your ass.” Rob nods as he starts rounding the girls up. A few of the others follow behind him but I set my sights on the Dusts’ across the lot.
The shots have stopped which only worries me slightly. I know Creed and Tank are careful with what they do.
“Let’s go get ready to play light the night.” Chuckling I make my way towards the rusty shack they use as a secondary club house when I see Tank.
“Everybody good?” His eyes dart to mine before he nods.
“Yeah but there’s a situation. Your boy Bone is in there.” Nodding towards the building I make my way over there. No one will be taking him out. He has laid his ass on the line for all of us for far too long.
Walking in I see death all around me. Not all of them are dead but a lot of them are. It almost brings a smile to my morbid face.
“Thing is; your boy isn’t doin’ so good.” Creed looks at me as I make my way towards him. I know that look. He isn’t good means he’s dying.
“Where is he?” I know how this scenario plays out. I don’t like it at all but I know it needs to be me.
Creed directs me to a backroom where one of the other guys stands.
“Get out.” Growling at him, he quickly leaves the doorway he was standing guard at. I take a deep breath before pushing through the door. I never expected this. I never thought I’d see him this way.
Bone is on the bed bloody and broken. He looks like he should already be dead but I can tell by the cuts they made on him, they wanted this to be long and drawn out. My hands clench at my sides as I walk up next to the bed.
“God damn brother.” He’s barely breathing from what I can see. He isn’t good at all.
“Ryker. I tried brother. I tried.” In the weakest voice I think I’ve ever heard, he tries to speak to me.
“I know you did. You chanced a lot on this brother. I just don’t know what to do now.” His eyes barely open as he looks over at me. I can see the look but hell help me I don’t want to do it. I don’t know that my head would ever be right if I do.
Shaking my head, Bone can see the look on my face before he grabs my hand. SHIT! I can’t handle this.
“I’m gone brother. Just finish it yeah?” Shaking my head, I can’t force myself to look at him. I can’t see the pain and pleading in them.
“Ryker. You’re the only I want to finish it brother. It would be an honor. Don’t leave me like a fuckin’ dog.” I look down at the person that risked his life to give those girls theirs back. The man that is lying here bleeding to death to make sure they didn’t suffer the same fate. How the hell could I walk away and leave him like that.
“You know you’re a good man Bone. I never doubted that.” Bone tries to nod his head but he can barely move. It kills a piece of me to see this.
“You too brother.” The words barely leave his mouth as I pull my gun out of the back of my jeans. Placing it to his forehead, he gives a slight nod before closing his eyes.
Chapter 42
I lie here in the apartment with tears rolling down my face. I don’t know if it’s because I miss Jersey so damn much or the fact that I put my best friend out of his misery tonight. A man that risked his ass for the sake of girls he didn’t even know.
To all those motherfuckers that say time heals, it’s all a fucking lie. Time has done nothing but make my heart feel like a lead weight in my chest. It gets heavier and heavier every day. I never knew missing someone could take its toll on me the way not having Jersey has.
We’ve searched and put out calls. Nothing comes back to her. Shifter’s have moved from their old locations and club house to God only fucking knows where, taking my world with them. I
don’t know if I will ever see my wife or child again. It all slams into me every single day.
I try to hold back as much as I can but there is so much heartache in there.
It’s been almost four months now. I never give up though. She’s out there somewhere and any day now she will be having our baby. My baby. I can’t think negatively because that’s all I want anymore. I want them both back in my arms.
I sit up and look at the furniture I bought and set up in the room. A crib, dresser, clothes. I have everything with the help of Bella, Jada and Cher. Who knew those girls would get so excited. Bella has been a light in all this darkness. Even though she fights her own battles, she never once said no to helping me. She has been around almost every day.
I can’t function these days. I can’t focus on shit either. My mind whirls as I try to come up with new plans and ways to find out where the hell the Shifters’ have her. I know she’s out there. It’s like I can feel her presence out there somewhere. It’s calling to me and I want to answer.
Standing up I look at all the little clothes that are folded neatly in the drawers. I want my baby home. I want to be the father I never really had. I want to be the man that Jersey and my child needs. The provider, the keeper. I want to be their world.
Grabbing my cut, I make my way towards the door knowing that I need to get the hell out of this apartment before I lose my mind completely. I have barely been around the club but it’s just too hard to look at them there. I can’t see the girls with their kids so happy and smiling. It eats at me to know that mine is out there somewhere waiting for me and I can’t do shit about it.
Walking out the front door, I spot my neighbor Steve. I haven’t talked to him either.
“Hey man.” Steve turns to look at me.
“How you been brother?” Steve shrugs as I walk over towards him.
“Just trying to live. How’s everything?” Shaking my head, I don’t know how to answer that. I don’t know how everything is.
“I’m not sure brother. My life is a fuckin’ mess right now.” Steve sighs like he understands. He doesn’t, not even close.
“I heard about your girl. I’m sorry man. If I hear anything I’ll let you know.” With a quick nod, I don’t want to rehash this shit again. I quickly turn around and make my way back to my bike. Climbing on I’m overwhelmed with grief. I know I need to get my ass back to the clubhouse but this shit isn’t working out for me. The fact remains I lost her, my baby and I was forced to take my friends life. What does that make me? At the end of the day what kind of person am I?
Driving back to the club it’s with a heavy heart. As soon as I pull into the parking lot my phone rings.
“Yeah?” I cut the engine and pull my helmet off as I bring the phone to my ear.
“You comin’ back to the world of the livin’ motherfucker?” Piper’s old ass voice booms through the phone making me laugh.
“I’m in the God damn parkin’ lot asshole.” The slight chuckle leaves my throat before I can stop it.
“Oh thank shit! Get the fuck in here.” Piper hangs up as I shake my head. I make my way towards the door in a fog. I don’t know how I feel about coming in here right now.
Stepping inside, my heart flips in my chest. Everything that I’ve tried to stay away from slams back into me. My past, my present and my God damn future. I don’t know how this is going to work out.
“Good news motherfucker.” Creed comes at me smiling like he won the lottery. Crazy son of a bitch has lost his mind.
“Oh yeah? What is it?” Tank comes out of the office smiling too. Hell, if both these motherfuckers are smiling there has to be some kind of good news.
“We got a hit on Shifters’.” Waving his phone in the air, I shake my head.
“Give it to me.” Sitting on the stool at the bar, I watch as Creed waves the other guys over. This must be good if he’s getting them all in on it.
“We got word on Shifters’. They were last seen over in Wolves’ territory. They had a very pregnant girl with them.” Everything else fades out. All I can hear is that she’s alive. She’s still alive. My stomach swims with the news that her and the baby are alive. I don’t give a shit about anything else that he has to say.
“Where the fuck are they?”
Chapter 43
My heart slams in my chest as I run my hand through my hair. She’s ok. The baby is ok. That’s all I can keep thinking to myself. Now I need to know where the fuck they have her and put a plan of action into motion. I want to make every motherfucker that had anything to do with her being taken to suffer at my hands, I want blood.
“Calm down brother. We talked about this.” Nodding my head, I already know this. I’m going to be calm and try to be level headed about this.
“We know they have her. We know the Wolves’ are backin’ them. Why, we don’t know. I have eyes on them. Boys up north have that covered. As long as they stay there we will move on them in a few days.” Creed’s eyes land on mine as if to ask permission. I already know he has final say so my opinion means shit right now.
“This is good news. We know she’s ok.” I can’t say that I disagree. It is good news that we know she’s alive and the baby is ok but what has been done to her is still unknown.
Jersey came a long way from the hell she lived in before. She was used to being abused but she never let that keep her down. She rose up and became stronger from all the shit that she lived through. She made herself into a better person, my person.
Grabbing a beer off the bar I take a drink before I light up a cigarette.
“We will get her back.” Piper slaps my shoulder as I nod. I don’t need the reassurance from them, I already know I’ll get my family back. I never thought that I’d say that but here I am saying, my family.
“I know. I’m bringin’ my family home brother.” Piper smiles over at me as I shake my head and smile.
“Don’t underestimate me Piper.” His laughter fills the room. I can’t stop myself from laughing with him.
“I never underestimate any of you. I see the power in your eyes, Ryker. You don’t always know it’s inside of you but I see it.” Piper turns and walks away before Cher sits down.
“You good? Ready to be a daddy soon?” Her bright eyes shine as she smiles at me. I have to say that Cher has been the calmest of all of the ladies about this shit. I don’t know how she does it, but I love it.
“You damn right I am. I’ve had enough practice with the kids around here. Shit, I’m 34 years old, it’s about damn time.” I smile over at Cher as she narrows her eyes at me.
“When was your birthday?” I knew she would catch that shit.
“A few days ago. I didn’t celebrate. Not without Jersey. It didn’t feel right.” Cher nods her head knowing exactly what I meant.
“What are you hoping for? Boy or girl?” There’s a question that I haven’t thought about. In all honesty what man doesn’t want a son? But then again who wouldn’t want a little princess that hangs off her daddy?
“Both! Shit I was hopin’ for twins! Really though, I don’t care either way. I can always make more yeah?” Cher giggles and it reminds me of Jersey. Hell, everything does these days.
“You think so but I bet Jersey has other ideas about that.” Glancing over at her, I smile.
“That girl loves me. If I tell her I want a million babies she’ll give them to me.” Cher slaps me making me chuckle. I feel slightly better as I sit here joking around with Cher. I think the knowing that Jersey is ok and alive has set me a little at ease.
“You show that baby off and she’ll have a million. Tank is the same way. He said he wants more kids too. I don’t know about all that.” Cher giggles wrapping her arms around herself.
“You know you’re a great mother. Don’t doubt that, Cher. I see the way you are with Griff and Bella. You’ve taken a big fuckin’ step taken on a teenager. You should be proud of yourself.” Cher’s little cheeks turn red as I reach over and pull her to me. Hugging her s
he looks up at me.
“You’ll be a great dad too.” With a quick nod, Tank walks over.
“Get off my woman!” With his cocky ass voice, I look over before letting go of Cher. I can’t stop the smile that crosses my face when I see him with Griff. He’s such a good dad.
“You know she likes me, Tank. Can’t help that.” Shrugging I tickle Griff’s little belly.
“You think everybody likes you, motherfucker. I’m glad to see you smilin’ yeah?” I nod my head because it actually feels good to be smiling. I know in my heart that this is going to work out for the best.
Chapter 44
I woke up extra early this morning. Surprisingly I am ready to start this day. I have a fucking plan in mind and I need to set it in motion before I bring Jersey home.
I came into the club to find everyone in bed except Bella. I stand in the bathroom holding her hair back while the poor girl throws up.
“You sure I can’t take you somewhere darlin’?” Bella shakes her head but this is ripping my heart apart seeing her like this. I wish there was something more that I could do for her.
“I knew not to eat this early. It always makes me sick. I’ll be fine.” Letting go of her hair, I walk to the sink and grab a rag. Wetting it, I reach down and wipe her face before she looks up smiling.
“You need a daughter. You’ll be a great dad.” Wiping her face once more, I extend my hand helping her up.
“Why don’t you talk to your dad about this Bella?” Her eyes dart to mine before she shakes her head and looks away. Leaning over the sink she rinses her mouth before grabbing the towel again.
“I won’t do it Ryker. I told you, he needs to enjoy his life. I want to do the same. Everyone except you would treat me like I’m already dead. Fuck that.” Bella’s eyes are so bright even with all she’s dealing with. She amazes me every day that I see her go on like there’s nothing wrong. She makes me look like a fucking bitch for moping around the way I do.
“What are you doing here so damn early anyway?” We walk out of the bathroom and towards the kitchen before I answer her.