“Huh?”
“We’ve been checking into this guy, Trucker. He provides babies to desperate couples. For a price. His goal with Helen was to sell the baby. From what Data found, every time he does this, the mothers are killed after the child is born. I have no idea how many kids he’s sold off or how many women he’s killed, but it sounds like he moves around a lot. Probably from one moderate-to-small town to another.”
“A fucking serial killer?”
“And a black-market baby factory.”
Trucker felt like someone had punched him in the gut. “Cain gettin’ a team together to go rip this guy’s nuts off?”
“You know it, brother. Sword, Bohannon, and Shadow are doin’ some recon. Once we know what we’re going into, we’ll shut those motherfuckers down.”
“What the fuck?” Rage simmered close to the surface inside Trucker. “How did Cheetah get involved in this?”
“It’s a miracle she was, Trucker. She just happened to know Helen, or the girl’d be dead right now. Missed her a few months ago and started lookin’ for her. Went for her soon as she found her. Apparently she cut it fuckin’ close. Bastard was fixing to --”
“I get the picture, Torpedo! What the fuck?”
“Hey. You asked.”
“Yeah. I did.” He bumped his head against the wall a couple of times, trying to process everything Torpedo had told him.
“Tell me what you’re thinking, Trucker.” Of all his brothers in Bones, Torpedo probably knew him the best. Hell, Torpedo was vice-president for a reason. Cain knew their capabilities and unique skills intimately. He also knew how far he could push them, when to push them, and when to back off. Torpedo could read their emotional states and was able to balance his knowledge with Cain’s. Right now, Torpedo could probably tell how confused and upset Trucker was when he was normally solid.
Trucker took a deep breath. “Torpedo, there’s a woman in there I can’t seem to let go of. I saw that knife sticking out of her belly and looked into her eyes and knew I’d do anything in the fuckin’ world to protect her. She don’t know me, and she’s under a tremendous amount of stress, but my mind and heart are tellin’ me she’s fuckin’ mine. I can’t seem to back off.”
Torpedo shrugged. “Show her why she should accept you. Then protect her and her child with your Goddamned life.”
That must have been all Trucker needed to hear, because he took a deep breath and his mind seemed to center. Things had just become simple. He had one job. Protect Helen and her baby, and she’d accept him. He knew because of the way her gaze had clung to him earlier. Before he’d acted like an ass. She trusted him. Probably because he was a big son of a bitch.
Just in time, too, because Mama opened the door to her clinic and stepped out. “Trucker. You’re still here?” She raised an eyebrow. “I thought you be somewhere kicking puppies.”
He winced. “That’s harsh, Mama.”
“So’s upsetting that girl so much she becomes physically ill. You should be ashamed of yourself.”
“Believe me, Mama. I am.” He nodded toward the interior of the clinic. “Helen all right?”
“No. But she’s better.” Mama looked him up and down. “If you’re looking to make a better impression, I suggest you mind your manners this time. That girl needs a rock in her life. Not a boulder smashing down on top of her.”
“Understood. Can I go in?”
“You’re a good man, Trucker. Normally, I’d tell you to go to hell. Helen has been through more than any woman should have to endure. It’s only because I happen to believe she needs you that I’ll make an exception. I saw the way she looked at you. She believes you’re the best person to keep her safe. Probably because you’re fucking big.”
Trucker grinned. “I had that exact same thought.”
“Then get on with you,” Mama said, an exasperated look on her face. “But this is it, Trucker. No more second chances.”
He wasn’t giving her time to change her mind. Trucker nodded once then entered the room, shutting the door behind him.
* * *
Was there anything as soothing as holding a sleeping baby? Helen didn’t think so. Mama had given her some comfortable pajamas that didn’t aggravate the surgical incision or the wound on her abdomen where she and the other doctor had delivered her baby and repaired the damage done by the knife. Now she sat in a rocking chair, surrounded by pillows and rocking the baby girl she’d yet to name. Her mind was just… overloaded? Was that the right word? She couldn’t think. Not about anything. So she sat there, rocking her daughter and humming softly.
The door to the clinic opened and Trucker stepped inside. His gaze found her immediately and seemed to hold her captive. Like a coward, Helen broke his stare by nuzzling the baby in her arms.
She should have known he wouldn’t stay away. He was the kind of man who was persistent, not letting something go until you kicked him in the balls. She could tell that by the way he’d shouldered his way around the other man who’d entered the RV to get to her side. He’d done his best to soothe her and had stayed with her. He’d even been the first person she’d seen when she woke up. Mama had said he hadn’t left her side during anything. He’d changed into scrubs and done everything Mama had told him to in order to stay with her. She’d been a staunch advocate for the big man, and Helen had to wonder why.
When he entered the room and looked at her, her breath had caught. One of the reasons she’d had to get away from those all-seeing eyes. She wasn’t sure if she were sexually attracted to him because she wasn’t ready to think about stuff like that, but she certainly loved to look at him.
He had the look of a man who could get things done. Brawny and rugged, he wasn’t a man whose capabilities you had to question. She could well believe he was capable of anything he wanted to do. He was big. Like hella big. Muscles bulged from his arms, and veins roped the length from his biceps to his hands. Thick, chestnut-colored hair grew past his collar and was just messy enough to make him look like a woman had been steadily running her fingers through it. The color matched his beard, which was thick but cut neatly in contrast to his hair. Dark brown eyes seemed to glitter at her as he looked her over from head to toe. But it was his hands that fascinated her. They were large, but lean. They looked like they were skillful with small things. Dexterous.
“Hey there,” he said by way of greeting. “How you doing?”
Helen tucked a curl behind her ear. “Good. Mama said I need a few weeks of rest then I’ll be out of your club’s hair.”
He tilted his head, his eyes narrowing. “Who said you were in our hair? We’re glad you’re here. Cheetah did the right thing bringing you to us.”
“I’m glad she did. I just don’t want to be a bother. You have to know I bring a lot of baggage with me.”
“Doesn’t everybody?” He stalked toward her. It was the only way she could think to describe the way he moved. When he knelt down in front of her, he took one of her hands in his big, rough ones. “We’re looking into the situation. Cheetah told us she suspected he targeted you because you were pregnant. We’re pretty sure he’s a serial killer and sells babies on the black market. If that’s the case, he moves from place to place. We’re going to find him and take care of the situation. Until then, I’d hope you’ll trust us to make sure you and your daughter are safe and taken care of.”
God, she wanted to believe him! She almost could when he was gentle like this. But she’d seen his ruthless side. Just a peek, but it was there. “I appreciate it, Trucker. Really. But once Mama says I’m OK to leave, I intend to. I want as far away from Somerset as I can possibly get.”
He sighed, obviously disappointed. “If that’s your wish, none of us will stop you. You’re going to be here for a while anyway. Why not think about it? Get to know the women and let them help while you’re here. You may find having a big family like this is just what you need right now.”
She hadn’t thought about it like that. “I thought this was a mot
orcycle club.”
“We are. But we’re also a paramilitary organization and a family. All the men have served together in one capacity or another. Some for ten years or better. We’re all part of ExFil. That’s Cain’s company. The women are here for various reasons. Some of them, like Cheetah, have military experience of their own.”
“Cheetah. You mean Carol?”
“Yeah. Not sure any of us knew her real name before you came along. Well, other than Cain, and he don’t spill stuff like that.”
“She’s been my best friend since we were five,” Helen said softly. She remembered the wonderful times they’d had, the trouble they’d gotten into. All of it. “If she hadn’t missed me…”
“But she did. And she brought you to us. If you don’t trust me, trust Cheetah. Can you do that?”
“Of course.”
“Good. We’ll get you settled in a room with an extra bedroom you can use as a nursery. You’ll have privacy and space, as well as someone close by if you need help.”
She found herself nodding even though she didn’t really think it was a good idea. If she entrenched herself here, she’d never want to leave. Regardless of what she’d been through with Levi, she did feel safe here. More, she felt herself latching on to Trucker. She’d been in his company for less than an hour that she remembered, but she could feel herself reaching out to him and his strength. If anyone could keep her safe from Levi, it was Trucker.
“Good. Now.” He grinned at her. The effect was devastating. She was in so much trouble. “Introduce me to the little one here.”
Chapter Three
The morning of her eighth day at the Bones clubhouse, Helen awoke in her room alone for the first time. Up until today, every time she’d woken from a nap or a night’s sleep, Trucker had been there, lazily dozing on the couch. She’d found him more than once changing the baby and making baby talk with the girl, which Helen thought was uproarious. The child had cooed and gurgled, not paying him much attention past the bottle or the dry diaper. Now, Helen was alone. No note. No telling her he was outta here before he left. Nothing. She was surprised at how much it hurt.
There was a knock at her door, and she just knew it was Trucker. She hurried to open it and found Carol there with a big smile and a hot breakfast.
“Hey, girl. Glad to see you on your feet this morning.” It was the first time Helen had been out of bed for more than a few minutes at a time since she’d awoken from her ordeal. Carol had been to see her every day.
“Are you going to tell me what’s going on today?” It was a point of contention between them. Helen knew Bones was planning something, but refused to tell her what. Instead, she just changed the subject. Her favorite topic?
“Have you thought of a name for the baby yet? You can’t keep calling her Bunny, Honey Bunny, and Sugar Plum forever.”
Helen sighed, more disappointed that she was ready to admit. “No. I’ll think of something soon, I’m sure.”
“Well, if you can’t figure something out, you might keep Carol in mind. That’s a good name.”
“Better than Cheetah?” She asked the question while looking her friend in the eye. She was grateful beyond measure for the other woman’s interference, but this was a whole other world her best friend was involved in. And Carol had never said a fucking word.
“Ouch.” Carol winced. “I guess I deserved that.”
“I thought I knew you. You certainly knew me. This is off the charts, Carol!”
“I know. But it’s just not something I talk about. I’m here with Bones because I’m an employee with ExFil. This is a way to de-stress and be around people who know what it’s like to be in a combat situation. This feels more like a home than I ever had with my folks.”
Helen didn’t know what to say to that. She sighed. No reason to hang on to resentment. Helen was a bit of a goody two-shoes in that department. She’d never had so much as a speeding ticket. Ultimately, it was more important to have Carol’s friendship that it was to have been in the loop on this. “I’m glad you found a place you belong, Carol. And thanks for coming after me.”
“Couldn’t let my best girl disappear on me.” She tried for a bright smile, but the tension was just too much. “I’m really sorry I didn’t tell you about this, Helen. I just didn’t know how you’d react to me being involved in a motorcycle club.”
“So, tell me about it now. Are you a member?”
“No, not as such. They haven’t started patching women yet, but I think Cain’s considering it because of me. He’s mentioned it several times, just hasn’t taken the plunge yet.”
“Wow. Sounds kinda chauvinistic.”
“Not really. At least, not this club. They treat me like a patched member in some cases. They let me in on meetings and even ask my opinion on occasion. It’s just not official, and I don’t get a vote.”
“What about the other women here? Are they like you?”
“Naw. Most are patch chasers. Women who want to be with a patched member either as a steady lay or an ol’ lady. Some just like the atmosphere and the partying. There are currently five ol’ ladies in Bones. Cain’s wife, Angel. Bohannon’s woman, Luna. Storm and Magenta are a couple as well as Viper and Darcy and Arkham and Rain.”
“Are they good people? MCs have a certain reputation. I hope you haven’t fallen in with the same kind of situation I was stupid enough to get involved in.” Helen was more than a little ashamed she’d gotten herself into such a mess, but there was nothing for it now.
“They’re really good people, Helen. Give them a chance, and I think you’ll love them.”
“You’re not usually up here this time of day. Something going on?”
Carol looked at the tray of food she’d set on the table. “Why not come eat? Pops fixed pancakes just for you. Said you wolfed them down yesterday.”
Avoiding her question again. “Fine,” she said softly. In Carol’s defense, the pancakes were awesome. They were worthy to be a distraction, but Helen resented her friend not being straightforward with her. Instead of trying to carry the conversation, Helen just ate in silence. Carol seemed content to do so as well. Which was just for the best. Helen saw the anxious looks her friend was giving her between bites. No doubt, whatever was going on had something to do with her and the baby.
She cleared her throat. “You know, if Trucker is with another woman, it’s fine with me. It’s not like we’re an item or anything. I know he’s been here a lot, but I’ve got more important things to worry about, and I’m sure he does, too. You don’t have to be uncomfortable around me because of him.”
“No, Helen! Trucker isn’t with another woman. It’s got nothing to do with that.”
“Then it’s me. Did I get you in trouble with your club when you dragged me home? I’m sure I’m a mess they didn’t need.”
Carl grabbed her hand. “You listen to me, honey. Right now, nothing is more important to this whole club than you and this baby, and Angel and her baby. Everyone is circling the wagons to keep the two of you safe while they hunt for Levi.”
“You think Angel is in danger from Levi? Oh, my God!” Helen was horrified. It was bad enough she’d caused so much trouble already, but to think she might have put an innocent woman in the same position she’d been in made her want to vomit.
“God, no! Are you kidding? These men would crush any trouble headed Angel’s way! Hell, so would I! I’m just saying they consider you just as important as Angel. And that’s saying a lot. Angel is Cain’s ol’ lady. If you weren’t already aware, Cain is the president. His interests are always put first with the club.”
She wanted to question Carol further, but there was a knock at the door followed almost immediately by the door opening. Trucker stepped through it with several bags.
“I come bearing gifts,” he said with a smile. Then his gaze landed on Helen’s. Immediately, it shifted to Carol, a thunderous look coming over him. The man was seriously protective. “What the fuck’d you do to upset her?”
Carol raised her hands. “Wasn’t me, bro. You don’t want your woman upset? I suggest you don’t leave without telling her where you’re going.” She grinned before leaning in to give Helen a hug. “I’ll see you later. Mama says you still need rest. Make sure you get it.”
She nodded faintly, but her gaze was glued to Trucker. God, he was sexy! And big. She doubted she’d ever met a larger man. Probably her hormones giving her a workout, but just that intense look he got sometimes was enough to send her libido into overdrive.
When Carol was gone, Trucker sighed. “I’m sorry,” he said, looking very contrite. “I shoulda told you I was leavin’.”
“No. You shouldn’t have.” She shrugged. “It’s not like we’re a couple. You don’t owe me anything. If one of us owes someone, it’s me.”
“Then what’s got that worried look on your face, little mama?” He was gentle as he raised a hand to brush her cheek gently before tucking a curl behind her ear.
“You guys are doing something that involves me. I don’t want anyone hurt because of it.”
“Believe me, honey. No one’s gonna get hurt. Especially not because of you. But we are hunting that son of a bitch Levi Redding. We can’t leave him loose in our territory. Too many people at risk.”
“What have you found out?”
“You sure you want to know? I won’t lie to you, but you need to make sure you’re ready to hear more about this guy. You need to heal, and you have a new baby to take care of and bond with. I don’t want you stressed.”
“I’m sure. I need to know.”
Trucker sighed, but nodded as if expecting her answer. “Data’s back-trackin’ him over several states. Everywhere he goes there’s a pattern of missing pregnant women. Some turn up. Others not. So far, we’ve not found any evidence any of the babies have died, so he’s had some practice.”
“Oh, God,” she whispered, her hand reflexively going to her abdomen where she’d been stabbed. Where her baby had rested until a week ago. “How many times has he done this?”
Trucker (Bones MC 6) Page 3