The Winter of Regrets

by Needa Warrant

  “Nailz! You’re drinking while I’m bathing the twins? When do I get a break from kids and cleaning? How dare you sit there drinking when I am breaking my back for all of you!”

  “Yeah,” he grunted. “I’m drinking, Jo, see the damn bottle? I’m sitting here wondering what the hell happened to my life and why you’re always such a fucking bitch lately. I’m pissed at how you treated my daughter. I hear you calling your mother and taking shit about Kima. I don’t know why you’re lying to people either, and I’m pissed off. If you don’t want me drinking here, I’ll go the fuck out. Maybe when I get home tonight—if I come home—you’ll be back to your old self. For your sake, I hope so.” Nailz heard the boys crying upstairs. He looked toward the stairs and shook his head as he headed to the closet to get his leather. Shrugging into it, he snarled at Jo. “I ain’t fucking kidding, Jo. I’m sick of your bullshit.”

  He was out the door before Jo could say a word. The door slammed so hard the walls shook and the twins howled louder. Jo stood there speechless for a few minutes. She couldn’t even hear the boys crying anymore, too stunned to pay attention to anything else.

  The doorbell pulled her out of her shock. Katri and Thrash were finally here. When Thrash came in, he dumped Katri’s belongings in the living room, then headed over to Veiko and Kima’s house for dinner. Katri headed upstairs to comfort the twins, who were still crying.

  Jo sat down quietly on the couch and wondered why Kima hadn’t invited them to dinner. That was so rude of her, but Kima only thought of herself lately, it seemed. Jo was bitter because everything seemed to go right for Kima, but not her. It always had, and now it was time for things to even up between them. She was tired of feeling second to Kima.

  She shut her eyes and thought about how she used to wish she were Kima when they were younger. She hadn’t wanted another baby so soon after the twins, and that filled her with resentment. Damn Nailz! Even being part of the Regan family, she didn’t feel like she was fully accepted. How could Anya have left her completely out of the picture? She had always been nice to the old bat when they were younger. It would have been fair to give her a share of her property, too. It burned deeply into her that she wasn’t really accepted outside of the immediate family by all of the extended family. It was so unfair.

  Jo brushed tears from her eyes and looked at the mess Katri had left. Before she went to bed, everything needed to go into her room and there was no way she was going to help; Katri had to learn right away that Jo didn’t like messes. Jo’s long red hair was dirty and she was in need of a shower. At least with Katri here she could do those things now. Suddenly, she wondered if she had told Nailz she hired Katri. His parents had said they would pay for help, and she planned to call them in the morning. Nailz was being so mean lately and he couldn’t face the truth about his selfish daughter either.

  As she pushed off the couch, she wondered why everyone had been so nice when she was pregnant with the twins, but seemed to ignore her with this baby. If Kima was having a baby, she knew the family would be checking on her every day. Jo bit her top lip, thinking how Dee seemed to prefer Kima to her. Jack and Dee saw entirely too much of Thorn and Tears lately. How could Kima not be more loyal to Bound for Hell MC too? She tried to be polite to Jack, but that was it. He could have joined the club, but instead had spit in her husband’s face by joining Nefarious MC.

  As for Nailz, he was out of control tonight and had better get his ass home. What about all his promises to her? At least Katri would listen to her tales of woe.

  Dinner was delicious and the banter at the table, fun. Veiko, Thrash, and Thorn headed off to the clubhouse for their meeting. Kima, Elena, and Tears did their makeup while waiting for Amy to arrive. Rhiannon and Josie were asleep and Kima left plenty of snacks out for Amy. Going out tonight was a huge step for her and one she knew she had to take. She took extra care with her makeup and clothing. Since Tramp was there, she wanted to make a good impression on Veiko’s national president. She’d never really made a good impression on Tramp because she refused to involve herself with pushing Jules toward him.

  Joy was already waiting on them. Kima wished Jo could have come, but lately Jo was acting strange. She was never happy, and this pregnancy was kicking her ass. Kima stopped calling her every day because Jo was sullen and all she did was bitch and moan. Why Jo and Nailz didn’t use birth control, she would never understand. Veiko tried pushing her into having a baby again, but after dealing with a fussy baby, he had quickly changed his mind.

  Kima smiled as she thought of Veiko walking Josie night after night until she fell asleep. She knew he wanted sons, but she wasn’t ready to have baby after baby; he’d have to wait until she decided it was time. Elena and Tears were laughing in the other room and Kima felt much better than she had in a very long time. Tonight, they were going to have fun like they used to have before the babies and getting married.

  Thorn needed to speak to Veiko privately, so they sat away from the other bikers.

  “Veiko, I wouldn’t bring this up, as it’s personal, but I’ve lost three fisherman to your marina. You’re offering boat slips that undercut my prices, and I need those slips filled. I would’ve lost a fourth boat, but it was Gus, and he wanted to know why Jo’s involved in the business. He said she drove right into the Lodge and was talking to anyone she saw, offering them a better deal. I guess the deal with you to do my mechanic work is off. I may as well hire JJ and try to offer more services if I want to keep my slips filled.”

  “What the fuck are you talking about, bro? Jo can’t offer slips undercutting your business. She isn’t involved in the marina or any of the businesses. If Nailz has her working even for him, I’d be shocked. If you want JJ to be your mechanic, I can understand that.” V frowned and pushed his drink forward for a refill. “So Jo showed up and was talking to boat owners saying she represented me? My price for boat slips isn’t determined yet since I have dock repairs to make. No way am I ready until spring to take on any boats. I’ll fix them, but that’s it. We need to talk to Nailz about this shit.”

  Thorn rubbed his temples. “Not me. I got nothing to say to Nailz. Bro, I don’t know if I even want to be in the club anymore. I’m thinking of leaving, to be honest.” Veiko shot him a stunned look. “Seriously. Jack was smart to go to Nefarious. I‘m broke and I need to winterize the Lodge and Nailz is being an asshole about Hunter’s will. I gotta call a meeting with the lawyers. I don’t think Hunter was sane when he added him to that codicil in the will. I’m gonna try to break it since I’ll lose the Lodge if I depend on his approval. Elena and I know how the Lodge runs and I plan to keep it in my family. I know Nailz and Jo are pissed I married Tears. To be honest, I’ve already talked to Darko, I ain’t gonna lie to you. I think I’d be happier and better off with Nefarious.”

  V held up his hand. “That matter was settled the day of Hunter’s burial, I thought. Now Nailz isn’t good with you and Tears being married? Fuck, what the hell’s going on?”

  “Jo came down on Tears today and it wasn’t the first time either. I think it would be in everyone’s best interests if I joined up with Darko. I’ve really given it a lot of thought. I see problems coming with Nailz. I don’t want that for the club, family issues don’t mix and you know it. You and Thrash fought over China.” Thorn drank from his bottle of beer and let V think about it.

  “Thorn, listen to me.” V leaned in closer. “Before you jump, you gotta talk to Tramp, and I ain’t gonna say I’m good with this. I see your point, but …” He sighed heavily. “Let me talk to Nailz first, alright?”

  “Yeah,” Thorn decided. “I’ll wait for a few days, but I gotta do what’s best for the Lodge and Tears. Good luck trying to talk sense into Nailz.” Thorn got up, pushed his barstool back, and headed toward the pool table.

  Veiko sat there thinking as he looked around the clubhouse. Although Hunter’s colors were buried with him, there were plenty of pictures of him adorning the walls, along with bike pics and other memorabilia.<
br />
  New blood was coming into the club as Cisco refilled V’s glass. This prospect was a tough, no-nonsense man. Veiko liked him because he asked few questions. Most of Hunter’s old club had retired, but a few of the older guys’ sons were joining up. Losing Thorn would sting, but what Thorn had said was true.

  Jersey slid next to him and they watched Thrash try to beat Thorn at a game of pool. Neither said much until Joy joined them.

  “What’s taking them so long to get here, V?” Joy was always impatient and drummed her fingers on the bar.

  Veiko shrugged. “You know Kima. She’s taking her sweet ass time.”

  Joy leaned over Jersey to speak to Veiko. “You know Jo’s filling your mother in law’s ears with bullshit about Kima, don’t you? If Jo wasn’t pregnant, I’d kick her ungrateful ass. She’s telling Tears to divorce Thorn if she wants help with school. Ask Elena if you don’t believe me. The only one that doesn’t know seems to be your ol’ lady.”

  Jersey pushed her back into her seat. “Not now, blondie. V don’t need to hear this shit. I told you to leave it the hell alone.”

  “What the fuck bullshit you taking about Joy? Jersey let her talk.” He patted the bar stool next to him. Joy moved over, then began to spill all the gossip, including the fact about Tears planning to dance to help out Thorn. Veiko listened silently, but his temper was building up inside. Joy noticed and scooted back to her stool and the safety of her ol’ man Jersey.

  “Blondie, go play the jukebox. This place is too quiet and I need to talk to Veiko before he blows his top.” He shot a pissed off look at his Joyful, who just smiled sweetly as she wiggled her cute ass to the jukebox.

  Jersey turned to Veiko at once. “Brother, you know Joy can’t keep her trap shut. I’m sorry. I’d have told you, but I didn’t see the point in doing it tonight, and—”

  “Did she also tell you Jo told Tears to divorce Thorn?” Veiko thumped the bar to get Cisco’s attention. “I want a shot of JD, too. Fuck, make it a double.”

  “V, you knew this shit wasn’t ending with Hunter’s letters. There’s gonna be trouble. I hate seeing bros fighting bros, but it’s gonna happen.”

  He kicked back his drink and waited for V to respond, but the door opened and slammed shut before V had the chance. An angry Nailz stomped into the clubhouse. He sat away from everyone else and pulled his own bottle of Jack out of his leather jacket. He spotted Thorn and began to glare his way, his face filled with rage. Cisco hurried over with a glass, but Nailz shoved it away and glared at the prospect.

  Tramp and Marco came in from the kitchen and looked around. After checking out Nailz and the glower on his face, Tramp sat next to Veiko. His nomads were scattered around the bar. Hyway was watching Nailz intently and Inky was trying to join the game of pool. The other two just drank at the bar watching Tramp, which was their job.

  “I ain’t seen Nailz look so pissed off in years,” remarked Tramp, curious. “What the fuck crawled up his ass?”

  Veiko growled, “Family issues and problems with Thorn. I may as well tell ya now, Tramp. Thorn wants to jump to Nefarious. I think we may as well let him because, well, look at Thorn glaring right back at Nailz. This shit is now moving to my house with Nailz’ ol’ lady saying shit about Kima, too.” With that, Veiko got up and made his way toward Nailz.

  The three women entered the bar in a whirl of chattering voices and color. Kima rushed up to meet her man, jumping into his arms. Laughing, he brought her over to meet Tramp. She smiled sweetly, muttered hello, then strutted over to where the other women were going to sit.

  Elena and Tears noticed Nailz and moved as far away from him as they could. Tears felt shaky and hoped her father wouldn’t start any shit tonight. It was evident he was past his way to being drunk.

  “I’m not speaking to him, Elena,” Tears whispered.

  “Why?” asked Elena.

  “I’ve got a bad feeling about my dad tonight.” Tears sighed. “Maybe I should just leave and walk back to Kima’s house.”

  “Don’t be silly,” Elena shot back. “Nailz isn’t going to start shit in front of Tramp. I need you here to keep Thrash from being too friendly, anyway. We’ll all leave together. Joy’s moving over by us to let them all talk. It will be fine. Kima’s coming to sit with us too.” Elena caught Thrash’s eye and looked pointedly at Nailz. Thrash glanced at Nailz and put his pool stick down. He slowly made his way to Nailz who slurred an insult at him.

  Thrash came up to Elena. “Why don’t you and the chicks move to one of the tables in the back? I see an issue coming with Nailz and I don’t want you in the way.”

  “No,” she said, her voice tight and her mouth twisting into a defiant frown. “We’re sitting right here, Thrash. I’m not moving because Nailz is loaded. Let Tramp’s nomads deal with his drunk ass. You’re doing it again, by the way … acting like an ol’ man!”

  Both watched as Veiko moved to sit by Nailz, Thrash sticking close to Elena and the other women. Jersey too moved next to Thrash, forming a barrier from the drunken biker and the women.

  “This shit pisses me off. Nailz knew we had to talk to Tramp. It makes Veiko and I look weak.” Jersey was keeping his eyes on Nailz.

  “Nah, Tramp’s known Nailz a long time, Jerz, it’s all cool.”

  Thrash had barely uttered those words when Nailz’ fist hit Veiko in the side of the face. The next instant, holy hell broke loose as Veiko swung back at Nailz, punching him in the head as hard as he could. Tramp’s Nomads stood around him as Nailz and V swung at each other.

  “You fucking scummer!” V shouted. “You let your wife try to involve herself in my business and talk shit about Kima?? You tell your daughter she can’t go to school??” Veiko was right in Nailz’ face, screaming.

  “Fuck you, V! Fuck Thorn, too!” Nailz shouted back. “He shouldn’t have touched my daughter. He ain’t man enough to even admit it!” Nailz let the words fly out of his mouth in a drunken rage.

  Jersey and Thrash stood together trying to keep the women out of this fight. Elena had something to say and she had snuck around the other side of the bar. Thorn tried to grab her as she went by, but he missed.

  “Nailz, you remove yourself from the will,” Elena demanded. “You weren’t meant to be on it and you know nothing about running the Lodge.” Just as Elena managed to get in Nailz’ face, he slapped her. Elena flew backward into Thorn, who pushed her toward Hyway. He grabbed and held her back.

  “You motherfucker! Now you hit women, Nailz? Fuck you, bro. If you want a piece of me, here I am.” Thorn stood in front of Nailz as the clubhouse grew quiet.

  Nailz shook his head and tried to make sense of what had just happened. Had he really hit Elena? His fist clenched and he swung at Thorn who blocked it. Nailz grabbed the bottle of JD off the bar and smashed it. Thorn moved back as Nailz came toward him. The Nomads went to get the pool sticks as everyone watched in disbelief at Nailz wildly swinging a broken whiskey bottle.

  “Daddy, if you cut my husband with that bottle, I will never, ever speak to you again. Drop the bottle right now!” Tearney was up on top of the bar screaming at her father.

  Nailz dropped the bottle and Thorn swung and clocked him in the jaw. Nailz swung back and the two men fought each other until Tramp motioned for his boys to take Nailz out. Inky cracked the pool stick over his back as Slick and Thrash pushed Thorn aside. Nailz was one of Bound for Hell’s best fighters, but Thrash was younger and faster. He pounded into Nailz for hitting Elena. It took four men to get Nailz settled and into a corner.

  Broken glass, blood, and spilled alcohol littered the floor. Tears was crying as she tried to stop the blood from flowing down her husband’s face. Joy had gotten ice for Elena’s face and Kima was staring at her husband. Veiko’s face was twisted with pure rage.

  Tramp walked over to Nailz and stared him down. “Go home, bro. Tomorrow, we’ll settle this shit. Sleep it off and get your shit together, you got me?”

  Nailz didn’t speak. He only nodded, then left
the clubhouse abruptly, staggering into the doorframe on his way out. No fucking way was he going home. He started his truck and headed toward Ocean Cove and his old clubhouse. He liked it better up there, anyhow.

  Thrash walked over to Elena and saw the red welt Nailz had left on her face. He was livid that Nailz had belted Elena, but she had been so fast to jump into his face, nobody had a chance to do anything. He stroked the top of her head softly as she held the ice to her face.

  “What the fuck were you thinking?” he asked her softly, the fury building inside. “Fucking Nailz is nuts when he drinks and is in a bad mood. You knew that.”

  “Fuck Nailz,” she muttered coldly. “I said what needed to be said. We’ll get him off that will. Take this ice and let me get out of this damn place. If Hunter was alive, this shit wouldn’t be happening.”

  Elena pushed Thrash’s hand away and stood up, handing him the cloth filled with melting ice cubes.

  “Elena …”

  “I hate this club and all it stands for,” she stated. “I knew coming here was a big mistake. I’m going to get Rhiannon and go home. I’ll see you around, Thrash.” She turned to Joy. “I need a ride to Kima’s house to get my truck.” She either didn’t notice the look of pain on Thrash’s face, or deliberately ignored it, her own emotions getting the better of her. She grabbed her coat and walked to the door, waiting for Joy to meet her so she could leave.

  Joy grabbed Jersey’s keys off the bar and looked up at Thrash. “Tell Jerz I’ll be right back. Thrash, she doesn’t know what she just said. Nailz never should have hit her, drunk or not. Your asshole brother just knocked any relationship with Elena off the table. I hope you know that. Elena doesn’t forgive like Kima does.” She gave him a look of pity, then went to give Elena her ride.

  Kima sat watching everyone wondering what the hell would happen next. How could Jo be telling their mother anything when Jo wasn’t even coming to her house? Jo had closed herself off completely to everyone since the day Dee had taken them shopping for the wedding dress. She pushed her hand through her hair and wanted to go home. This was not the night out she had hoped for and she was tired. Veiko was busy talking to Tramp as Kima put on her coat. Tears was still with Thorn, so she motioned to Cisco. The large man came over to her immediately.