“Matty, get us out of here, now,” Macie seethed, handing him their sons’ diaper bag.
“Look, there is one of them now,” Aria yelled into the microphone, pointing her boney finger in their direction. It took everything in Matthew not to curse and run to the stage to beat the old woman to death. She was slowly creating a small riot as many of the townsfolk turned, nodding their heads, glaring in their direction. They looked at Macie and the women next to her, but when his eyes met Aria’s, he saw the evil grimace appear on her face, and he knew she wasn’t done spouting her filth.
“See how she runs. She knows she is wrong. She is just like her whoring mother, who inflicted her evil ways onto this town’s most revered judge. Her mother’s loose morals corrupted Judge Connelly and destroyed the man and his family, and now she has set her hooks into our very own attorney!”
“Fuck you, you crusty old bitch!” Charlotte shouted, flipping the old woman the bird. Jordan grabbed his wife and forcibly carried her away from the crowd, with Janie and her men quickly following.
“The day of repent is here! Help me to rid our town of their kind, so we can live in peace!” the old bitch shouted as some of the crowd started shouting profanity.
Matthew didn’t need to be told what to do, he immediately turned his back on the crowd, and with the other men, gathered their women, and children and left before things got out of hand, as Andrew ushered Lilly and her men towards the clinic.
* * * *
Macie walked furiously toward her diner with Matthew and the boys, who thankfully were still sleeping in their stroller, when she heard Janie shout. “Macie, wait up.”
The comforting chime of the bell above the door soothed her as she walked in. She held the door open and helped Matthew with the stroller.
He placed them near the back booth as she went to pour herself a glass of sweet tea. However, what she seriously wanted was a shot of Jack Daniel’s followed by his cousin from Mexico, Jose Cuervo! She knew the moment that old bitch took the podium whatever she had to say wasn’t going to be good. Nothing good ever did come from pure evil.
The only thing that worried Macie was that she never expected an all-out assault on her or her friends. Living in the Town of Treasure Cove, everyone knew of the founding families and their chosen way of life. For generations it never bothered anyone, well, maybe some, but nobody came right out and said it.
Courtesy and respect, that was what was given. That was why Treasure Cove was so unique from other towns. People could come here and live their lives without fear and ridicule. It had been that way from the start. It was a sad day when a member from this town no longer felt safe and secure and it was all because one old cankerous bitch.
The door chimed.
Looking up, Emma and her family walked in. Tabitha, who generally was such a happy child, full of life and energy, looked pale as she held tight to Tucker. Janie, Jeff, and Caleb soon followed, silently finding a seat. Even Charlotte, who was the most outspoken of the group, was subdued as she squeezed Jordan’s hand, looking out the window for something. Seconds later, Annie walked in and rushed to her brother Jeff, hugging him as her husbands quietly followed. All around her, her family began to filter into her diner, and within minutes, her place was full.
“Macie, I’m going to make sandwiches, I can’t sit and do nothing,” Tomas said, getting her attention. Nodding, her friend, on his day off, grabbed his apron from the wall and started grabbing bread and cold cuts.
Nobody was saying anything. They were all just sitting around, staring and looking at each other, too afraid to say a word. She knew the feeling. She, too, really didn’t know what to say. Hell, it was one thing to be attacked personally, but as a whole, it was as if they were being systematically singled out as a group, which was on the verge of being eradicated. It wasn’t a good feeling, and the urge to defend their way of life rushed to the surface. Nevertheless, knowing the old bitch, Macie knew that whatever they said, it would only give her the ammunition she needed to prove her point.
Leaning against the counter, Macie wondered if she should say something. Maybe apologize. She had heard Mrs. Van Ottoman loud and clear. Macie knew the woman was pointing at her and talking about her. The only problem was Macie didn’t know what she ever did to incur the woman’s wrath. If anything, Macie was polite and courteous every time she was around the woman. Yet nothing she ever did seemed to quell the woman’s disgust whenever she was around, and now, she was interfering with Matthew’s job.
She heard when the woman mentioned the town’s attorney, and since there was only one, that pretty much summed up who she was talking about. However looking over at Matthew, he smiled lovingly at her as he held one of his sons.
She was about to say something when the door chimed. Everyone turned or looked up to see who it was, their bodies tense and apprehensive. Macie didn’t blame them. She was on guard, too. Something was going on in the town, and it was directed at those families who lived an extraordinary life.
In walked Braxton, who looked worried and very agitated.
“Gabriel, you best get over to your club. There is a small mob headed out to your place. I have called over to Celestial and Silver Springs. They are sending reinforcements. We need to get the women and children out of here. I have Brannon guarding the front, and Rafe is out back. Whatever that bitch said has riled up some of the residents, and they are madder than hell.”
Gabriel immediately reached for his phone. Within seconds, he was heard barking orders. “Matthias, lock down the club, immediately. You are about to have unexpected guests. Nobody comes in or gets out. Secure the women in the dungeon. Make sure all the Doms are carrying. No, I will be coming in through tunnel six, so don’t shoot me. I don’t know. I will let you know when I get there,” he said before hanging up. Getting to his feet, he took his wife’s hand and nodded to his brother.
“The club is a fortress. I suggest we secure the women and children there, where they will be better protected, until we can defuse this situation. If you want to go, I suggest we leave now, while we still can,” Gabriel added, moving toward the rear of the diner.
“Gabe’s right. I don’t know what is going on out there, but it’s chaotic. With only two deputies, and myself, I can only stall them until the others get here. I think we need to listen to Gabriel,” Braxton said, backing up his friend.
Travis stood and nodded. “Tate. Emma and the girls are your responsibility. Keep them safe. Tucker, head out to the ranch. Get the boys armed and protect what is ours.”
“Janie, go with Emma. Caleb and I need to stay and help,” Jeff said, hugging his wife who had tears rolling down her face. Though Macie knew Janie wanted to argue, she just nodded her head and helped Emma with Tabitha.
Just then, Vanessa ran into the diner, yelling. “They just set Hazel’s place on fire!”
“Get the women and kids out of here now!” Braxton yelled.
Within seconds, the calm Macie had been experiencing erupted into total pandemonium. Before she could say a single word, strong arms grabbed her and she was being yanked from her diner and thrown into the backseat of a waiting SUV. Frantically, she turned, looking for her sons. Yet, before she could scream, Vanessa was sitting next to her, handing her Collin while she had Trace in her arms.
Gone was the hope of civility and common sense. Now it was a matter of survival. She knew as she watched the town slowly fade into the background that the town of Treasure Cove would never be the same again. She prayed for the men who stayed behind, that God would watch over them.
* * * *
Over the next few hours, more women and children made their way to the Pleasure Cave. No longer a BDSM club about sex and different sexual appetites, the club now became a safe haven from the chaos outside the walls.
With the help of the in-house residents, the media room was converted into a mini daycare and romper room for the children as mothers and a few resident Doms helped to ease their discomfort. Gone was the twenty-four hour porn on t
he televisions. Now SpongeBob, Dora the Explorer, and Thomas the Engine played constantly. The bar that once served alcohol now served Kool-Aid, sodas, and ice cream as the older kids talked and started to laugh once more.
Looking around the large room, Macie wasn’t surprised to see just women who married multiple men, but monogamous relationships, too. The room encompassed everyone, from young to old, many whom she had known from birth, went to school with, even worked alongside with. These folks were just families living their lives as best they could.
There was no discrimination in this room, only love and acceptance. That was what she remembered most about growing up in Treasure Cove. Sure, there were the few who stayed away, but most smiled and never looked down upon anyone. Most just wanted to live a happy life as best they could, find love, and if they made friends along the way, they were happy.
The town had been through its fair share of drama since its inception, but no matter what life brought their way, those who believed in their town and loved what it stood for stood up and fought for their way of life. Looking at her two sleeping boys, that was what she wanted for them. She didn’t care if they married the same woman, were gay, or decided to go their separate ways. None of that mattered to her. All she cared about was if they were healthy, happy with who they were and the decision they made.
She had made her choice, but her sons’ lives were their own. She didn’t want anyone dictating to them what they could or couldn’t do, and that was exactly what that old bitch was promoting.
“Macie?” a firm male voice said behind her, making her jump. Turning, she saw Matthias and Judas behind her. “Jacks, Doc, and Lilly are here. Can you come help us?”
“Lilly?” she whispered worriedly. She knew that Lilly wasn’t feeling well at the ceremony, and when they started to leave, Andy ushered her and her men into his clinic. Nodding, she looked around, trying to find someone to watch the boys.
“Cricket, Fern, and Apollo showed up about forty minutes ago. Cricket’s in the kitchen helping Tomas. I’ll go get her to watch the babies,” Judas said, immediately leaving to find the woman.
“Come with me,” Matthias said, taking her wrist and leading her away. She followed silently, passing many faces she knew and a small few she didn’t, but it didn’t matter. Those who had made it to the club were safe.
Walking into the main reception all, she noticed that two men stood guarding the front entrance, with shotguns in their hands and colts strapped to their waist. Gone were the leather pants and masks. They were just men protecting their home and the innocents that remained.
Without stopping, Matthias ushered her down a long hall, which led to the dungeon, but instead of entering it, he turned at the last minute, opening a door. Inside, she saw Lilly sleeping peacefully on a single bed as Jacks and Doc held two tiny bundles in their arms.
“Andy, is Lilly okay?” Macie asked, rushing over to her. She looked a little pale, but she was resting. Since Macie had just gone through birth herself a couple of months ago, she knew exactly how the young woman felt.
“She’s was phenomenal, Macie, a real trooper. My brothers and I are so proud of her,” Jacks whispered as he looked down at his beautiful wife. “I always knew she was the one for me. I loved her from the very first moment I laid eyes on her, and yet, today, I can’t seem to find the right words to express how I feel. My cup runneth over.”
“Macie, I have to get back to the house. Matthew is there with Richard and Jon Masterson. When they saw the smoke, they came running. Thank God they came armed because some of the residents have started shooting anyone who tries to enter the town. It’s crazy out there. Some of our people are still trapped in some of the buildings. Under no circumstance are you to leave this place, am I clear? You will stay here until I or Matthew come and get you.”
“I understand, Andy.” Macie flinched at the severity of his tone but knew it wasn’t directed at her. She wanted so much to soothe him, to help take away some of the burden he was now carrying. She didn’t say anything when Andrew handed over the small bundle in his arms, or when he leaned down and kissed her lips so sweetly it made her knees go weak.
“Matthias, where’s Gabriel?” Andy asked, turning to the big Dom standing in the doorway.
“Rec-room coordinating,” Matthias replied, and with that, Andrew left her.
* * * *
The O’Brian farm had become the gathering place for the men who stayed, deciding to fight for what they believed in. Sitting on the outskirts of the county, bordering the town of Celestial, the O’Brian farm was an ideal spot. The house itself sat on a ridge, so those watching could see anyone coming for miles and they had a good view of the town.
Coordinating everyone’s movement, Braxton and Micah worked closely, trying to gather as much information as possible, while Matthew tried talking some sense into the town mayor.
“Look, Mr. Mayor, you can stop her. She does not control what happens in this town. As an elected official, I suggest you remove yourself from this situation. Anyone caught aiding that woman will be held accountable when the FBI arrives. Yes, sir, the sheriff called them in when the mob she created set fire to some of the businesses in town. How could you not see! You were there! Look, Curtis, I don’t know what that bitch’s plan is, but she can’t create a mob and expect the rest of the town to sit idly by and do nothing. I don’t care what she told you, I can’t speak for everyone else, but me and my brother will defend what is ours with our life. Is that what you want? What do you mean? What ability?” Matthew asked as everyone around him waited in silence.
“What! Are you sure? Can you fax the document? Yes, hang on. I’ll get you the number.” Matthew hurriedly said, then turned to Micah. “I need your fax number.”
Quickly Micah jotted down the number, and when Matthew relayed it to the mayor, he rushed over to the fax machine and waited.
Within a minute, the machine started beeping, and soon Matthew had the paper in his hand. “Yeah, I got. Now where did you see it? Paragraph seven? Yeah, I found it. I’m reading it now. Thanks, Curtis. No, I think its best you get Rose and head back to your place. Don’t let anyone in and unplug your phones, but keep your cell handy in case I call you. I know. Nobody knew. We can discuss it later. Be safe.”
With those last words, Matthew hung up and sat at the table and read the sheet of paper.
“Uh, wanna let us in on what’s going on?” Caleb asked, looking at him.
“Hang on. I’m almost done,” Matthew muttered as he continued to read. When he was finished, he picked up his cell and dialed a number. He knew the men around him were getting anxious and wanted answers, but he needed to be sure before he blurted anything out.
“Hi, Janie, how are you and the girls doing?” he kindly asked, watching as Caleb and Jeff started, stepping closer. Putting her on speakerphone, he laid the phone down.
“Janie, I need to pick your brain for a second. Do you have a minute?”
“Sure, hang on. Let me find a quiet place. All right, I’m ready, shoot.”
“Write down the name Aria Van Ottoman.”
“Okay, done.”
“Take a few minutes and look at it,” Matthew asked, praying the young woman didn’t see anything. He knew from experience that Janie Hicks had a very methodical brain, which loved to work puzzles and such. It was one of the things that made her a good researcher and an excellent librarian. Her attention to detail was uncanny, making her a huge asset when he needed help organizing the genealogy of the town.
“Matthew, take me off speakerphone,” her soft voice said after a few seconds. Placing the phone at his ear, he listened and agreed. “Thanks, Janie. Once again, you’re amazing. Yeah, I’ll tell them. Sure thing, honey, okay bye.”
“What the hell is going on?” Caleb asked angrily.
Ignoring him, Matthew looked up at Braxton. “You told me the other day that Glenn was killed by a female, right?”
“Yeah, the FBI found DNA, but the prints were unident
ifiable. All we know is that he was working with a woman. Why?” Braxton asked.
“I need to talk to Miss Anne and Sophie,” Matthew stated, getting to his feet.
“Why do you need to talk to my mom?” Brannon Kincaid asked, stepping forward.
“Yeah, why our mothers?” Steven Conner said, moving closer with his brother Neil beside him.
“Because I know who Glenn was working with. After Margaret died, Anne and Sophie brought me a box of things that Margaret insisted I should be given if anything happened to her. I went through it, but it was just a bunch of old journals and photos from when she and her sisters were younger, nothing significant, but before I say anything more, I need to make sure of one more thing, because I do not want to accuse someone if they are innocent. I need all the facts.”
“Here,” Brannon said, handing him his phone. “Mom and Aunt Anne are in Celestial, visiting with Ms. Raven. They don’t know anything, and if you can keep it that way, I would appreciate it. I don’t want my mom upset.”
Taking the phone, Matthew nodded and said, “Hi, Ms. Sophie, how are you doing? Wow, um, that is interesting. Look, I rather need your help on something. Can I ask you a question? Okay, thanks, when was the last time, you saw your sister Tatiana?”
Instantly Travis and Tucker Quinn barreled through the men, furious. Matthew knew Tatiana Romanov was a sore spot with the Quinn brothers. All three of them blamed her for their father’s death. Even though they knew it was actually Glenn who stabbed him and then left their father to burn in the McKenzie house. For the entire time their father was married to that woman, she made each of their lives a living hell, and when their father divorced her, they had thought they were rid of her for good.
“And that was when? And you haven’t heard anything since? Okay, thanks, Ms. Sophie.” Laughing, Matthew nodded. “Yes, ma’am, I will, and tell Moon Goddess thanks.”
Handing the phone back to Brannon, Matthew looked directly at Travis and Tucker. “Aria Van Ottoman is none other than Tatiana Romanov. I’m sorry boys, but your stepmother is back. I would bet every dime I own she was the one backing Glenn, and then she killed him, and since she has been living under our nose for the last two years, I would also bet she is the underwriter.”
Mastering Macie [The Men of Treasure Cove 7] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 25