“Really? She looks like your mother?”
He nodded.
“I think she looks like you,” I said.
His smiled widened.
I grinned up at him. I could tell he was happier than I’d ever seen him. “So, how does it feel?”
“Right now, I’m the happiest man in the world,” he said, nuzzling my neck. He lowered his voice. “I’ll be even happier once I get you alone in bed later.”
“Just make it home,” I whispered back.
“I will.”
Chapter 47
Tarot
We left my apartment and headed straight for the clubhouse. When we arrived, I was pleased to see everyone was there. Including Tank, Raptor, and a few others from the Iowa chapter. There was also another man with them not wearing a cut.
“This is Jordan,” said Tank, introducing him. “He’s here to help take care of those assholes.”
“I’m here as an advisor and nothing more,” added Jordan, giving Tank a sharp look.
Tank grinned. “Damn, my sister really has your nuts, doesn’t she?”
“I wouldn’t talk,” replied Jordan. “Raina called me earlier. She wanted me to remind you that she’s only loaning yours for the next twenty-four hours, so don’t get them shot off.”
Tank’s smile faltered. “Did she really call you?”
Raptor and Jordan laughed.
Tank turned and winked at me. “Anyway, on a more serious note, how’s your new friend doing? I heard what happened.”
I explained that Peyton was doing okay. “Although, we didn’t have much time to talk. I wanted to get back here to take care of business. Have you guys come up with a plan yet?”
“We strike at night. When it’s dark,” said Tank. “Luckily, they’re on a farm and not close to anyone else, from what Digger told Phoenix. So, there shouldn’t be any other casualties.”
“You actually got confirmation that Blade is there?” I asked, not caring much about the others anymore. I just wanted that asshole.
“Blade hasn’t been seen, but I did get confirmation that there are Blood Angels on the property,” said Phoenix.
“Peyton stabbed him. Twice. So, he’s probably inside recovering,” I said.
“Nice,” said Tank.
“Or Blade could be dead,” replied Len.
“I hope not,” I said. “I want the honors of doing that.”
“If he’s alive, he’s all yours,” said Tank.
***
The next couple of hours were spent going over strategies. Jordan organized it, making sure we knew exactly where we needed to be when we arrived, and what precautions to take.
“Sounds kind of like a lot of shit to worry about,” said Len, scratching his head.
“You go in there with guns blazing and your thumb up your ass, you’ll be behind bars in less than twenty-four hours—or maybe even ten feet under,” said Jordan, frowning. “You need to get in and out quickly and efficiently.”
I thought it seemed like overkill myself, but being thorough couldn’t hurt.
“Afterward, one of us will torch the place,” said Tank, looking at all of us. “To make sure that no evidence is left behind.”
“Who’s going to do that?” asked Smitty.
“We’ve already got that covered,” said Tank. “Don’t worry about it.”
“Hey, Tank. What if the Blood Angels saw you arrive at our clubhouse. They’re going to know something is up,” said Smitty.
“Yeah. I’m sure they’ve got someone posted, especially after what happened last night with Blade,” said Len.
Tank and Phoenix both looked at each other and smiled.
“We’re hoping they do,” said Tank.
“Oh, they definitely know about it,” said Jordan. “I made sure of it.”
Chapter 48
Blade
After getting a few more hours’ rest, Blade woke up to the sound of several voices talking in the living room. It was obvious the Blood Angels were excited about something.
“What’s going on?” he asked, noticing that the entire club was there, smoking cigarettes and drinking beer.
“We’re celebrating,” said Dice with a triumphant grin. “We just received word from a couple of friends that the Gold Vipers of St. Paul have been stripped of their new cuts. Apparently, Tank and his club drove up earlier today and shit hit the fan.”
Blade sat down on one of the folding chairs, wincing in pain. “How do you know for sure that they were stripped of their new colors?”
“Because there was a fight outside. Dom and Phoenix went at each other until Tank pulled them apart. Phoenix threw his cut at Tank. Then, when all was said and done, Tarot took off with the Gold Vipers,” said Dice.
“What did I tell you?” said Cane, smiling like the Cheshire Cat. “My plan worked and now the Steel Bandits are without protection.”
Blade frowned. “So, there was just a scuffle between Dom and Phoenix? No all-out brawl between the clubs? No bloodshed?”
“Maybe inside the clubhouse,” said Cane. “We don’t know. But, it doesn’t matter. Phoenix gave up the cut because Tank is backing Tarot. Just like I thought he would.”
“Who tipped you off?” asked Blade, wanting to feel good about the story. But something wasn’t settling right. It seemed too easy. There should have been an all-out war between the two clubs. The streets should have been paved with someone’s blood.
“A couple of girls working over at Danny V’s,” said Dice.
Danny V owned the strip joint across the street from Phoenix’s clubhouse.
“One of them even got it on video,” said Cane, nodding toward Dice. “Show him what they sent you.”
Dice stood up and walked over with his phone. He played the brief video for Blade. Sure enough, they’d filmed some of the exchange.
“Jet, why don’t you give Blade a beer and a cigar? If anyone deserves it, he certainly does,” said Cane.
All Blade really wanted was more morphine and the rest of the twenty-thousand dollars they’d promised him. He’d already received half, but now that the job was apparently done, he was due the rest.
“Actually, I need to get back to Florida soon,” lied Blade. “If you don’t mind, now that my end is finished, I’d like the rest of my money. Then I can get out of your hair.”
“You can celebrate with us first,” Cane said. “Besides, you’re in no condition to drive.”
“I’m fine,” he said, although he was so sore, he could barely move.
“We’ll get you your money,” replied Cane, his eyes hardening. “After you tell us what in the hell really happened last night.”
The room went silent and everyone turned to look at Blade.
“I told you,” said Blade, suddenly anxious. “I was keeping an eye out on Peyton’s place when one of Phoenix’s assholes took me by surprise.”
“You mentioned two earlier,” said Jet. “So, which was it? One or two?”
“Two,” Blade said angrily. “Look, what the hell is this? I did what you asked and the job is done. I even sustained some injuries doing it. If anything, you guys should pay me more.”
Cane ignored him. “Interestingly enough, some of Peyton’s neighbors were on the news today. They claimed a man in a van was chasing her across their yards, trying to run her ass over. Allegedly, this same guy broke into her place and tried assaulting her.”
“Allegedly, being the key word,” said Blade, seeing the rage build up on Cane’s face. “Right?”
“What in the fuck were you doing?” Cane barked, standing up.
“I don’t know what the big deal is,” Blade replied loudly. “So, what? I broke into her place and was caught. I thought I could stir up some more trouble. Unfortunately, it was a mistake on my part. I’m the only one who paid for it.”
“You were driving our van, asshole,” said Jet, looking pissed off as well.
“If anyone would have gotten the license plate number, you’d know ab
out it by now,” argued Blade.
“Nobody knows we’re staying here,” said Cane. “So if the cops are searching for us, we don’t fucking know.”
“Did they mention anything about identifying the van on television?” asked Blade.
“No. But they’re not going to give that information out freely,” said Jet.
Blade sighed. “Fine. Whatever. I’ll take care of it.”
“You’re damn well right you’re going to,” said Cane. “We need to report the van stolen and get a new one. You’re going to have to foot the bill on that, Blade. Say goodbye to the balance we owe you.”
“What? Don’t you have insurance?” asked Blade angrily.
“Yeah, but why should my premiums go up because of the bullshit you pulled?” said Cane. “Besides that, it’s a hell of an inconvenience that we have to give up our van to buy a new one.”
“I’ll take care of it,” Blade mumbled, knowing Cane was right. “But that fucking van isn’t worth ten-grand.”
“No, but my inconvenience is,” said Cane.
Blade was in too much pain to argue. Plus, the entire club was eyeballing him and the atmosphere in the room was brutal.
He got up slowly. “I guess if our business is finished, I’ll be on my way then.”
“Hold up,” said Cane.
Blade looked at him.
Cane pulled out the keys to the van from his jean pocket. “You said you’d take care of the van. Do that, and you can have your motorcycle back.”
Blade had to force himself not to take a swing at him.
“Call us when you need a ride back,” said Cane with a small smile. “Hopefully, one of us will be sober enough to come and get you.”
“He can always call a cab,” said Jet.
Blade gave him a dirty look.
“You got something to say?” Cane asked gruffly.
He reminded himself that he was the outsider. Starting anything would get him killed. And he was in no way able to defend himself. “No. I’m just in a lot of fucking pain. Don’t mind me.”
“Guess you did that to yourself. By the way, was it the prospect or the woman who fucked you up?” asked Jet, smiling.
Instead of answering, Blade limped out of the room and went outside to the van. As he was driving down the dirt road, away from the farmhouse, something caught his eye in the rearview mirror. It was a man, and he was watching the house with binoculars. Thinking it might be the cops, he tried reaching for his cell phone, but realized that he’d left it at the farmhouse.
“Fuck.”
Looking down onto the seat next to him, he noticed the Gold Viper’s prospect’s phone from last night. He tossed it out the window and continued driving. If the feds were on their way, he didn’t want to be around and he didn’t care much about the Hog he’d left behind. He’d stolen it anyway. Blade had other things on his mind—like getting a new license plate and finding Peyton. She’d just cost him ten-grand, and he was going to take it out on her hide.
Chapter 49
Tarot
While we waited for dusk to arrive, I called Peyton to find out how things were going.
“Great. Ruby and I have been playing Yahtzee and Monopoly,” she replied.
“Good. You found some of my games,” I replied.
“Among other things,” she answered dryly.
I knew the board games had been in a box next to a stack of Playboy Magazines.
I smiled. “What can I say? I haven’t had a girlfriend in a while.”
“Apparently, not since 2012?” she replied.
“Some of them are worth money,” I argued.
She snorted. “Great, I’ll help you sell them on eBay. Do people even buy used Playboys?”
“They’re as good as new. Definitely not… used.”
“Hey, I’m not judging,” she replied, a smile in her voice. “You’re not the only one who hasn’t been with anyone for a while.”
“Does that mean if I go looking through your drawers I’ll find some mags, too?”
“No. Maybe some tools,” she replied.
My own tool suddenly was charged and ready to go. “Sounds kinky. You going to give me some demonstrations on how to use them?”
“Who needs battery-operated toys when you’re like the Energizer Bunny? I could barely keep up with you the other day.”
I grinned at the memory.
“Anyway, we’d better change the subject,” she whispered. “Ruby just walked out of the bathroom.”
“Oh. Right. I just wanted to remind you that it’s going to be a late night. If you need anything, you can use my truck. The keys are hanging up in the kitchen on a hook.”
“I saw them. Actually, I was thinking about stopping home and grabbing the stuff I bought for Ruby. And Chilly is getting into all kinds of mischief here. She’s been barking up a storm. I’m pretty sure your neighbors have heard.”
“Shit. I didn’t even think about that.”
“I can bring her with us and let her get some exercise, too. Do you think it’s safe to go home?”
“Yeah. From what we can tell, Blade is in Cottage Grove. Probably recovering from the stab wounds you inflicted on him. We’re keeping an eye on the place where he’s holding up.”
“Oh, good. Crap. My cell phone is about to die. I forgot my charger at home.”
I pictured mine on the counter. “I have one in the kitchen.”
“It doesn’t work with my phone. I already tried it. You should really think about getting a new one. How old is yours, anyway?”
Mine was about five years old, and I was fine with it. Now that I had Ruby, however, I knew that I needed to shopping around for new ones. Although she was very young, I wanted her to have a cell phone. For emergencies. “Old. It’s probably time to replace it and get one for Ruby. Maybe the three of us could get on a family plan?”
“If that’s your way of proposing, you’d better rethink your technique,” she said, a smile in her voice. “You make scream-o music sound smoother.”
I chuckled. It was far too soon to talk marriage, but the thought of her moving in with me was definitely on my mind. I told her.
“That’s a little fast, isn’t it?” she replied softly. “Not that I’m totally opposed to it.”
“We’ll talk about it tomorrow.”
“Sure. We can do that. It’s kind of crowded in your apartment. I was thinking that Ruby and Chilly could stay with me for now, if you’d like. I could also take the next few days off of work, too. The agency owes me some time off. I can find someone to handle my shifts at Olive Garden, too.”
“That would be awesome,” I replied, relieved. “I’ll even pay you.”
“Nonsense,” she replied, sounding almost insulted. “Ruby needs someone to help her adjust to everything and I’d love to be there for her. You’re going to be busy with packing and… other things, I’m sure.”
She wasn’t kidding. There was a lot to do and I definitely could use her help.
“Well, I appreciate what you’re offering,” I replied, wondering where she’d been all my life. The woman was beautiful, thoughtful, and giving. I probably didn’t deserve her, but Ruby did. I could only hope I didn’t fuck anything up between us.
“No problem. My phone is about to die here. So, we’ll head over to my place with your truck. Call me later.”
“I will.”
“Remember,” she whispered. “Don’t you dare die. You have a daughter that needs you. I need you.”
I was about to answer when her phone went dead. Swearing, I put mine away. If there was ever a time when I needed things to go perfectly, it was today.
I need you, too, I thought, picturing Ruby, Peyton, and Chilly in my head. All three of them.
Chapter 50
Peyton
After talking to Dom, I asked Ruby if she wanted to come to my place.
She gave me a strange look. “But, that’s where you got hurt, right?”
“Yes, but… there’s no
thing to be afraid of there. Not now.”
“What if the bad man is there?”
“He isn’t,” I said, trying to reassure her.
The truth was, I’d been worried about the same thing. But Dom said he knew where Blade was. That was good enough for me.
“Now, let’s put this stuff away and head on over there. Your dad told me where his keys were. We’ll even take Chilly with us. I’ve got a big yard. She can run around and get some exercise.”
Her face lit up. “Okay.”
We put the games away and then I put Chilly back into her kennel.
“What about my suitcase?” asked Ruby, as we were walking toward the door. “I’ll need it, right?”
I gave her a surprised look. I hadn’t told her she was staying with me yet. “Probably. Can you grab it?”
Nodding, she walked over to where Dom had set it down and rolled it over to the doorway.
“Okay,” I said, almost forgetting the dog food. I picked the bag up. “My hands are full.” I looked at my own overnight bag. It could wait. “Are you ready?”
“Yes,” said Ruby.
We headed out the door and down the hallway. Fortunately, nobody saw us with the puppy. After stepping back out into the daylight, I found Dom’s truck parked in the same spot as the other day. We walked over and I put the kennel into the back of the pickup, along with the bag of food. Then I picked up Chilly and put her back in the rear cab, with Ruby. Excited, the puppy started running around, and I soon began to wonder if I’d made a mistake. She was so hyper. I didn’t want her to get in the way of me driving.
“Chilly, get back here,” I said sternly.
The puppy ignored me.
I groaned and looked at Ruby. She looked like she’d seen a ghost. “What’s wrong?”
“I’m… I’m afraid of the bad man,” she said, shrinking down into the seat. “I’m afraid he’s going to get us.”
Luring the Biker (The Biker) Book 7 Page 17