Trusting Nicole

by Muriel Garcia

  “You mean choose between a lifestyle that is slowly killing me or one that makes me feel something, that gives me that same rush of adrenaline that being a detective used to bring me?” Lies, lies, lies, all lies. “The choice is easily made, but the decision will be made in due time. I think it can be beneficial until we know more about those Hades’ Disciples, don’t you think?” I don’t cower under Ray’s intense gaze.

  “You’re starting to grow on me.” Ray chuckles.

  “Not too much I hope. Next thing we know, you’ll be the one throwing a badge around.” We all burst out laughing.

  “You’re funny. That’s a good thing to have.” Ray smiles.

  “Glad you think so. Anyway, my sources tell me that they should be in New Orleans in a couple of days or sooner, they are moving fast. I don’t know what we should expect, but it’s not going to be good considering the chaos they are already causing.”

  “What do you mean?” Ric looks at me, obviously not liking what’s being said.

  “They are keeping true to their Kings days. Mainly using and hurting women. The local MC’s aren’t too keen on letting them through, but they want to keep their women safe. We d-”

  “Who’s that source you’re talking about?” Ant looks at me, suspecting something.

  “I can’t reveal their name, but I trust them with my life.”

  “It’s weird. You’re a cop, you shouldn’t have intel on any of the other MC’s, at least not that specific. Unless you have a man inside, which would be highly suspicious as it’s a brand new MC that’s causing the chaos. What evidence do we have that tells us that you aren’t one of them? We don’t know what you’re up to when you’re not with us.” Ray glares at me. I try to keep my cool. They aren’t even remotely close to the truth, but the fact that they doubt me isn’t any good.

  “Do you really think I’d come here and help you out of fucked up situations for two fucking years, risking my life, if I were a part of the Kings? Why would I help take down the whole fucking MC?” I glare back at him.

  “To become the Prez. Hungry for more power.”

  I chuckle. “I’m wearing a badge and I’m working with all of you. I’m not sure I could get any more power than this. I have the badge allowing me to shoot any of you at any time considering the amount of proof I have illustrating that you partake in illegal activities.” I smirk, shutting Ray up.

  “One point for Sanders.” Aleck chuckles.

  “Fair enough. What’s stopping you from shooting us then?”

  “All in due time, Ray.” I can’t help smirking.

  “So you are planning on killing every last one of us.”

  “Who says I am? If I wanted to, I’d have done it already. I’m just saying, I have the power to either put you all behind bars or kill you without any consequences for me, but it wouldn’t be beneficial. I want the same things as you, get back to a much more normal life without worrying that someone is going to try to kill me one day.”

  “You don’t have that pressure, we do.” Ric chimes in.

  “You really think no one is after me? I’m as much in this as you are. I might not be wearing the patch, but wearing a badge and hanging out with you puts me in the same basket. I know club wars have always been part of your daily life but with the Kings gone, I’m sure you were hoping for some peace and quiet for a change, but that’s not happening because of the Disciples. I’ll help you take them down, then you decide if you still consider me a traitor.”

  “Guess some cops do have the balls to be more than cops. You sure that’s what you’ve always wanted to do?” Ray questions me.

  “Why would I say it if I didn’t mean it?”

  “I don’t know, trying to save face? You know too much to be just a cop. If you aren’t a part of the enemy, you know someone who is, which still makes you a traitor.”

  “My source isn’t part of the enemy, they are just well aware of what’s going on. I’m not going to reveal who they are, you can torture the truth out of me but it won’t work.” I taunt him, getting a kick out of this show off with a man who’s killed more men than he can count.

  “If he’s proven to be a traitor or working with the enemy, I want the first blow.” Ray snarls at me. Looks like someone doesn’t like a bit of competition.

  I chuckle. “Trust me, if I’m a traitor you’ll have to get in line, I know these three will want the first blow.” I point at Ant, Gabe and Aleck.

  “I trust him. Might not know everything about him or his past, but I trust him. Not gonna lie, I’ve looked into you and haven’t found a thing that’s suspicious. Your file is picture perfect which is odd for a cop, but that doesn’t mean he’s going to turn on us. He’s had plenty of opportunity to do so and he didn’t,” Ant says surprising me.

  “Fair enough, but if anything happens, it’s on you Ant.” Ray glares at Ant, not happy that no one is following his lead. I’m fucking grateful that Ant trusts me. He might not when he finds out the truth.

  I hate having to lie to them, but it is for the best. I’ll only be able to reveal the truth when all of this is over. I’ll probably meet my end then but I won’t have any regrets, I’ll have done all I could to help them get rid of the scum that’s threatening our lives. Actually, that’s a lie, my only regret will be Nicole, not meeting her but leaving her without telling her how I feel.

  After the meeting with the clubs, I drive back to the station. I’ve been living this double life for so long that it doesn’t even faze me anymore, it’s just a pain in the ass. Not the MC part, but the being a good detective and doing my job part. I’m sure I used to enjoy my work at some point, but that’s long gone. A lot has changed. I’m not the same man anymore. What used to bring me joy and give me a purpose in life is now feeling like a chore.

  I park my car in front of the station and climb out. I have yet another meeting about the Hades’ Disciples, but this time with my squad. All the local MCs and local police enforcement are out to catch and stop them but they’re being smart, they aren’t going to let themselves be caught or killed. I don’t know exactly why they are coming here, besides revenge but why go out of their way to cause chaos everywhere else? It doesn’t make sense.

  I walk to the conference room, but not before grabbing a cup of disgusting coffee. It might taste like shit but I need it. Something stronger would be better but I can’t possibly bring out a bottle of whiskey and take a swig, even though I’m sure a few other agents wouldn’t mind a drink.

  I walk into the room and take my spot behind the reading desk. I set my cup down and pull the file we have in front of me. I don’t know exactly how this is going to go, whether they are going to question my relations with the Last Hangman or if they are just going to let it go. Things were pretty shaken up after what happened to Viv, Nic and Jenny. The two ‘cops’ used to transport the girls were some of my men. I thought I could trust everyone, but clearly looks can be deceiving. The head office did a background check on everybody who works here and three people were fired because they didn’t meet the right criteria to work for the law. They had passed all other tests so it was surprising they were let go. We still don’t know what had them gotten fired, but good riddance. Don’t need any more shady people here. I wonder what they found out about me.

  I clear my throat to get everybody’s attention, I’m not well liked here so I’m not expecting a lot of them to willingly help in the man hunt that will need to happen when the Disciples get to New Orleans. The only person I can relate to and who actually doesn’t question every single one of my moves, is Lewis. She’s still pretty young and new to the force, but she’s the best asset this station has.

  “Thank you all for joining me this morning, I won’t take much of your time. As you all know, after what happened last month with the Hades’ Kings motorcycle club, only ten of their original members were left alive. They moved out of Louisiana having lost their turf but have allied themselves with one of their chapters from Texas. Their other chapters have p
retty much left them and are now laying low. The new MC is called the Hades’ Disciples. They are keeping in with the lineage of the Kings, being ruthless and attacking innocent women, mainly the ones who are scared and want nothing to do with them, they get a sick kick out of it. We’ve gotten wind that they’re coming to New Orleans to avenge the fallen Kings. We assume their main target will be the three MCs that caused the destruction of the Kings, meaning the Last Hangman, the Fallen Angels and the Bastards from Hell. We-” I stop, hearing a couple of officers scoff and chuckle. “Problem?” I glare at them, not sure it’s very efficient but it keeps me from fully snapping at them.

  “Stupid names for stupid people. Seriously, who wants to get into a club that will get you killed at some point. I say we let them fix their problems amongst themselves and don’t bother trying to help or stop those Hades’ Disciples.” Walkers, one of my officers, says whilst laughing.

  “Clearly you haven’t heard what the Disciples are doing, have you?” I ask, my voice laced with sarcasm.

  “Enlighten me then.” He crosses his arms over his chest, provoking me. I hate that fucker.

  “My pleasure.” I pick up my mug and take a long disgusting gulp before moving around the desk. “You see, those men are capable of things much worse than the Hangman, Angels and Bastards. It is well known that they kidnap women, any random woman they see fit to fill their need. And when I say need, I mean anything, testing out drugs on them, new torture methods, sexual abuse, gang bangs within the club. They also do a lot of this in random public places, humiliating them and making them wish they were dead. Anything to feed their sick and twisted minds. Now, how would you feel if your wife or your sixteen year old daughter were the ones being taken by those men, if I can even call them that? Huh? Would you still want the MCs to solve their problems amongst themselves whilst we just sat back to wait and see what comes out of it?” I’m getting a kick out of seeing him pale at the realization of what those bastards are doing. I should be locked up with those fuckers. “Nothing else to say?” I raise my eyebrow at him and he shakes his head. “Good.” I walk back behind the desk and look over at Lewis who’s walking over to me with a slip of paper and an envelope in her hand.

  “I’d suggest keeping the envelop for later,” she says quietly.

  I nod, putting the envelope in my pocket and reading the slip of paper. “Looks like they are moving faster than we anticipated. They were last seen in Baton Rouge. They tried to grab two women outside of a club last night. The guys put up a fight and the bouncers beat them up but that means they will be here in two days, three at the most. We need to set up a plan of action to stop them from causing chaos in New Orleans.”

  “What can we do?” Rienks, another officer asks, clearly worried about what might happen if we were to sit back and watch.

  “We need to get all the forces from the surrounding cities to set up road blocks and stop them, arrest them, kill them, I don’t care as long as they are stopped. You might not care about what damage they might do to the people living here besides your families, but the women of the three MCs I mentioned earlier will be the targets of the Disciples, and there’s no way I’m allowing any of them to be hurt again because of those low life assholes.” I exhale harshly, trying to calm down. I don’t even want to imagine any of my newfound friends being hurt by those fuckers.

  Lewis steps up on the platform and faces the officers. “A plan will be drafted and distributed by two pm, make sure you read it thoroughly and stick to it. No rogue behavior will be tolerated. This is a serious case that needs to be shut down ASAP.”

  I nod at Lewis then walk to my office. Talking about this case is affecting me a lot more than I thought it would. It’s hitting too close to home. Jenny died because of some of those men. Charline was targeted by them and so were Gabe and Aleck. I need to stay focused and not let it get to me as much as it is, but the reality is that I care for those people. I don’t want any of them to be hurt by those fuckers.

  I rub my face and remember the envelope Lewis handed to me. I open it, not thinking much of it, but my blood turns to ice as I look at it. It’s not a normal letter. It’s from the Hades’ Disciples’ President.

  Jase,

  I don’t know if you remember me, but I remember you.

  I remember you, very well.

  I remember what you did to my parents.

  I remember what you did for my brother’s killer.

  They are still roaming free when he’s six feet under.

  You and your accomplice will pay for what you did.

  Your friends will pay for what you did.

  I’d say your wife will pay for it too, but she’s already dead.

  Good riddance to be honest.

  Nobody loves a whiney bitch.

  I hope you are prepared for what’s coming your way.

  I’ll see you very, very soon.

  You should warn your Hangmen friends why we are coming for you.

  Not sure they would still protect you knowing

  who you really are and what you’re capable of.

  You’re no better than any of us.

  Slider

  I’m fucked…

  CHAPTER 5

  Nicole

  I drive to the small café Ayden picked for our lunch today. I was supposed to go with Viv but I woke up late having studied all night for my exams. I can’t wait to be done with college, it’s going to be so good to finally be free from school. I drive around the block for a couple of minutes trying to find a place to park. It’s always the same here, loads of cars and no spaces anywhere. At least none close enough to the places we usually go to, and I’m too lazy to walk from the parking lot that’s ten minutes from the café.

  I finally manage to find a spot behind Charline’s Thunderbird. I hurry inside and wave at my friends.

  “I’m not the last one for once! Go me!” Ayd exclaims, fist pumping the air.

  “Sorry! Woke up late and couldn’t find a damn parking spot.” I smile, hugging my friends before sitting down next to Viv.

  “Woke up late because of…?” Charline grins at me mischievously.

  “I was up till three am studying for exams, don’t get any dirty thoughts.” I narrow my eyes at her playfully.

  “Studying Jason’s anatomy?” She waggles her eyebrows. I can’t help the chuckle that escapes my lips.

  “No, Italian art history.” I frown.

  “Why the frown? You’d rather study Jason’s body than that, right?” Viv chimes in.

  “You’re supposed to be on my side!” I pout.

  “I am. But who would pick art history over a hot man.” She shrugs and they all nod.

  “Alright, alright.” I roll my eyes.

  “Why art history, by the way? That sounds way boring.” Charline frowns and takes a sip of her cranberry juice.

  “I always loved art and had no idea what to pick.” I shrug.

  “No idea what to pick or you wanted to get away from Gabe?” Ayd giggles.

  “You’ve got a point there. I just needed a break from his constant watch, not that he didn’t have someone keep an eye on me where I was.” I roll my eyes.

  “It’s for our safety, you know we aren’t capable of doing anything on our own.” Ayd pulls a face, making all of us laugh.

  “True that!” I smile and order a Cherry Coke.

  “So, what’s the story between you and Jason? And don’t say nothing, we know something is going on between the two of you, don’t deny it,” Ayd says before popping an olive in her mouth.

  “Nothing is going on, I’m just there for him when he needs to talk.” I shrug, trying to play it cool.

  “Come on, we know Gabe and Aleck went all ‘overprotective brothers’ on you when you were hanging out with him after the funeral. You two don’t act as if you’ve just met, you act like friends or lovers. Just saying.” Viv grins innocently.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about, but we aren’t lovers, friends yes, but that�
��s it. We did meet when I was in college. Something happened in one of the dorms and he was the officer on call, I gave a statement but that’s it.” I shrug. Not really the truth, but at least it should keep them occupied and away from asking what really happened.

  “No way. Does Gabe know?” Viv asks.

  “No, I don’t think so. It’s not really a secret though, Gabe knows someone was killed at one of the dorms.”

  “What happened?” Ayd looks concerned.

  “Fight gone wrong. It was at a party and they had too much to drink. They fought in the courtyard. No one stopped them so they fought until they couldn’t stand anymore. No one bothered calling for security or the cops until it was too late and they were too far gone.”

  “Well that sucks. Bet it was weird after that.” Charline frowns.

  I nod. “Yeah, I mean I didn’t know any of them, but it was still weird knowing they literally fought each other to death. It shocked everybody.”

  “Something similar happened when I was in college. Seems like it’s a reoccurring thing amongst the male students.” Ayd says.

  “Yeah, I’m just glad Gabe didn’t order me to come back home straight away, knowing him I’m surprised he didn’t.” We all laugh and order our food.

  “So, how do you feel about Jason?” Charline grins.

  “Not again.” I shake my head, laughing humorlessly.

  “What? We wanna know!”

  “I’m sure you do, but as I said, we are friends. He’s a widower and still grieving, it hasn’t even been a month.”

  “So you do want him.” Ayd smirks.

  “No, I don’t, what’s with you lot today?” I ask incredulously

  “We just wanna know the truth. We’ve seen how you look at him, that’s not how friends look at each other.” Ayd grins, proud of herself.

  “He’s hot, I’ll give you that, but that doesn’t mean I want him.”