I was at a loss for words. I didn’t know exactly what to say.
“There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t dream of killing him with my bare hands. This guy,” Rick nodded toward Blade, his eyes filling with tears, “deserved what he got and nobody else should suffer because of him. Even your biker friend.”
“Thank you,” I said, my own eyes growing misty.
He nodded.
I stayed with Rick until the cops showed up. After questioning all of us, they took the body away and nobody went to jail. Not even Rick, who everyone agreed, was only doing what he had to do to save me.
Chapter 57
Tarot
8:30 p.m.
After the cops left, Peyton and Ruby were still very shaken by what had happened. We decided that instead of staying at her place that night, we’d get a hotel room. A nice, luxurious one, with two bedrooms. I wanted to pamper both of my girls, at least for one night. They’d been through so much. Fortunately, Rick and his wife volunteered to keep Chilly until we returned.
“Your neighbor is incredible,” was all that I could say when we were in my truck, heading toward the hotel.
“He is,” she replied, staring out the window. She looked at me. “I found out he lost his daughter. She was murdered. That’s why he sympathized with our situation.”
“You’ll have to tell me about it later,” I replied.
Peyton nodded.
***
After we’d checked into our hotel, Peyton helped run a bath for Ruby and I ordered room service. We ate like kings and queens, and afterward, I told Ruby a bedtime story.
“Can you tell me another one?” she asked, yawning. I’d told her the one about Cinderella. My sisters’ favorite growing up.
“I’ll tell you another one tomorrow. I’m exhausted, baby girl,” I replied, yawning.
She smiled. “It’s okay. I liked the voices you made. Can you do that again tomorrow, too?”
I grinned back. “Sure.” I tucked the covers around her.
“Goodnight,” she said, closing her eyes.
I leaned down and kissed her cheek. “Goodnight.”
***
“How did it go?” Peyton asked.
“The story? Good.”
“Which one did you tell her?”
“Cinderella.”
“Impressive.”
“I’ve got a story for you, too,” I said, putting my arms around her. “It’s the one about Pinocchio. Only, my version is very different.”
“I bet. Are you going to use props?”
I grinned wickedly. “Of course.”
“Are you lying? Because, something is definitely growing,” she said, touching my crotch.
I chuckled.
Peyton stood up. “I’m going to take a shower,” she said, heading toward the bathroom. “Care to join me?”
I was undressed before she turned on the water.
***
Thirty minutes later, Peyton was drifting off into dreamland, but I knew that I needed to find out what was happening with the Blood Angels. I checked my phone and saw that I had a message from Phoenix to call him back. I’d already updated him on the Blade situation before getting questioned by the cops.
“Nothing went down,” said Phoenix, sounding frustrated, when I called. “They split before we got there. It was a total waste of time.”
“Do you have any idea where they went?” I asked, wondering what had happened.
“Nope. I think someone tipped them off.”
“Maybe they spotted Digger?”
“Oh, they definitely found him and fucked the poor guy up pretty badly. But, it sounds like most of the Blood Angels were on the move before they saw him.”
“Is Digger still alive?”
“Barely. I think they thought they’d left him for dead.”
I closed my eyes. “Fuck.”
Phoenix sighed. “It’s just our luck. I really wanted to take care of this tonight, especially with Tank and the others in town. Now, it’s back to square one.”
“So, we don’t know where they went?”
“Not yet, at least. Our only consolation is that you were able to take care of Blade.”
“Yes.” It was a victory, but not as exciting as I’d imagined it to be. I’d wanted a real fight. I almost felt cheated.
Someone spoke in the background.
“I’ve got to go. Lily is calling me,” said Phoenix.
“Okay. Are we meeting tomorrow?”
“Yeah. Same as always. Seven o’clock. Tank and the others are heading back to Iowa in the morning. Also, Jordan is going to try and help us find the Blood Angels.”
“Good.”
“See you tomorrow.”
Chapter 58
Three months later.
Peyton
“Is that the last of it?” Dom asked, grabbing the box sitting on the kitchen counter
“I think so. There’s still Lucifurr,” I replied.
I’d wanted to leave him for last. It would be quite an adjustment for the temperamental feline, who’d be in a new place and sharing it with a dog.
“I’ll let you handle him,” Dom said dryly.
I smiled. “I figured as much. “I’ll meet you outside.”
“Okay.”
He left and I gazed around my empty kitchen. I was moving into Dom’s new place and so much had changed within the last three months. I’d quit my job at the real estate company, Dom and I were engaged, and now this. I was relieved to be leaving because of the horrible memories with Blade, and yet I felt a little sadness, too. I’d grown up in that house and had been happy there, once-upon-a-time. Now, I was entering another chapter of my life in which I would be a fulltime mother, an aspiring author, and Dom’s wife. It seemed so surreal.
“Peyton,” said Ruby, rushing into the kitchen. “Can I carry Lucifurr out?”
“Sure,” I said.
Ruby loved Lucifurr and he seemed to have a soft spot for her as well. Not only did he put up with her petting him, but he’d sometimes even purr.
We put Lucifurr into the pet carrier and headed out to Dom’s truck. I noticed he was on the phone.
“I’ll be there in a couple of hours, Phoenix. We’re just moving the last of Peyton’s stuff,” he was saying as we got in.
After he hung up, he explained that they had a meeting and would be gone for a few hours.
“Really?” I said, disappointed. I’d been looking forward to cooking dinner and celebrating the move.
“Sorry, babe. Some club business has come up that can’t wait,” he replied.
I sighed. It was always something with the club. But, I’d expected it and he’d even warned me.
“What club business?” Ruby asked.
“Sorry, baby-girl. I can’t get into it. Grown-up stuff,” he said, looking back at her over his shoulder.
Ruby didn’t reply.
“You ready?” Dom asked, looking at me.
I nodded.
We pulled out of the driveway and I glanced back as we headed off, still feeling a tinge of sadness.
“You okay?” he asked me.
I nodded.
He reached over and squeezed my knee. “I know. There were a lot of memories in that house. Both good and bad.”
“Yeah,” I replied.
“Don’t worry. We’ll make even better ones together in the new place.”
I smiled. “I know.”
“By the way, I almost forgot to tell you—the bank called. I’ve been approved for the loan. I’m buying the Wild River Saloon.”
I smiled. “That’s great. You must be so excited.”
“Relieved, more like it. Looks like those years of dancing really paid off,” he replied.
I was excited for him. He’d been talking about buying it for the last several weeks. Ever since he’d learned that the owner wanted to sell.
“Anyway, we’ll go out and celebrate tomorrow,” he said, grinning. “I’ll see if we can g
et reservations at Melano’s and maybe even get a tour of the caves.”
Ruby asked what he was talking about, and he explained.
“I want to go!” she said loudly.
“Oh, you’ll definitely be joining us,” he replied, glancing back at her in the rearview mirror.
As we were driving, I noticed he was smiling a lot.
“Things are going great, aren’t they?” I said, grinning back.
“I couldn’t be happier,” he replied, taking my hand.
Chapter 59
Tarot
Things were going great. Not only was Peyton finally moving in with me and Ruby, but I’d received good news from Phoenix.
They’d located the Blood Angels.
***
“So, what’s the plan?” Len asked, as we sat around the table in the clubhouse.
Phoenix let out a frustrated sigh. “I received a call directly from Bastard before the meeting. He’s called for a truce between our two clubs.”
“You’re fucking kidding me?” growled Smitty. “Why?”
“Apparently, he’s entered into some kind of business deal with them. He wouldn’t get into specifics, but said that we’re not allowed to touch them,” replied Phoenix, looking pissed.
“What about Tom and his wife? What about Devon and Lily getting kidnapped? We need to avenge their deaths. This is a slap in the face,” said Brass. “What the fuck?”
Phoenix waved is hand. “I know. I’m disgusted just as much as you are.”
“Have you talked to Tank about this at all?” I asked, surprised at the turn of events.
“He’s supposed to call me in an hour,” said Phoenix. “That’s all I know.”
“So, let me get this straight—if I see one of those assholes walking down the street, I can’t do anything?” said Smitty, pulling out a cigarette.
Phoenix sighed. “Not unless we want to cause a war between us and the mother chapter of the Gold Vipers.”
“I can’t believe this,” I said, shaking my head in dismay. “What kind of business deal could they be involved with?”
“The kind that’s apparently worth more than honor and integrity,” muttered Smitty.
***
The feeling left in the room was dismal and after the meeting adjourned, Phoenix and I sat quietly alone, waiting for Tank’s call.
“Brother, I’m going to be honest. I’m starting to have regrets about getting patched-over,” said Phoenix, pouring himself a shot of whiskey.
I couldn’t blame him. Still, this didn’t sound right. I’d known Bastard for years, and to think he’d do business with the Blood Angels… It was crazy.
“I’m sorry this has happened,” I said, not knowing what else to say.
He shrugged. “You want a shot?”
“Nah,” I said.
Phoenix’s phone rang. It was Tank. He put him on speakerphone.
“You here?” Phoenix asked.
“Yeah,” he replied.
“I mean no disrespect toward Bastard, but this is bullshit,” said Phoenix angrily. “I just can’t believe he’d fuck us like this.”
“Relax,” said Tank. “He’s not fucking you over. In fact, that’s why I wanted to call you.”
Phoenix and I looked at each other.
“What do you mean?” Phoenix asked.
“Just, watch the news tomorrow,” replied Tank. “That’s all I can say.”
Chapter 60
Cane
“So, what do you think of the new clubhouse?” Cane asked Jet.
It used to be an old liquor store, in South Minneapolis, but was now theirs. It had been completely gutted and remodeled to accommodate the Blood Angels.
Compliments of Bastard.
“It’s great,” said Jet, looking around.
The place had everything they wanted, including a stripper-pole. There was a fully stocked bar. A meeting room. Several small bedrooms. Even a fully stocked kitchen. “The boys are going to love it.”
Cane smiled. “Yep.”
“So, all of this because of your connection to Montez?”
“Yeah.”
Montez was married to Cane’s cousin. He was also an arms dealer. Apparently, the Gold Vipers needed weapons and had negotiated a deal with Montez. It included a truce between the Blood Angels and the Gold Vipers. And, because Cane’s club had been run out of town, he’d also negotiated for a new clubhouse.
“I bet Phoenix is pissed off as all hell,” said Jet, taking out a cigarette. “I would have loved to have seen his face when he learned of the news.”
“Me, too,” said Cane, smirking. “Even better, Bastard is footing the bill on a party here tonight. I wonder if we should send out an invitation to our friends in St. Paul. I bet Phoenix would love one.”
Jet laughed.
***
A few hours later, music blasted through the clubhouse, drugs were in abundance, strippers entertained his troops, and Cane was delightfully drunk and horny. One stripper in particular, had been giving him the eye all night. A curvy, platinum blonde, with round breasts, and a firm ass that could crack walnuts. Currently, she was dancing for Jet, but was also watching Cane in the process.
“Damn,” Cane said, when she ripped off her top and juggled her tits against Jet’s flushed face. “Those might just be real.”
Suddenly, the stripper grabbed Jet’s hand, making him stand up. She led him over to Cane and grabbed his hand as well.
“What’s up, sexy?” he asked, as she pulled him out of his chair.
The stripper batted her eyelashes. “I want to give you both a private dance.”
Cane and Jet looked at each other.
“You won’t regret it,” she said, touching Cane’s zipper.
“We don’t… usually do this shit together,” said Cane, getting a good whiff of her perfume. It was something fruity.
The stripper leaned over. “Why not?” she whispered in his ear. “I’ve got more than one hole.”
Cane’s jeans tightened.
“By the way, my name is Candy,” she said.
“I’m Cane. Looks like we were made for each other,” he replied, grabbing her ass.
The stripper slapped his hand playfully away. “You can’t touch me out here. But you can do anything you want to me in your bedroom.”
Cane looked at Jet. “You don’t mind sharing, do you?”
“Like she said, she has more than one hole,” he said, grinning. “And, I’m in the mood for some Candy.”
“Me, too,” replied Cane, licking his chops.
***
Two minutes later, Candy had the two men alone in one of the bedrooms, and neither could keep their hands off of her.
“Wait,” she said, pushing them away. “I need music. It really turns me on.”
Cane walked over to a small radio that was sitting on the nightstand. He turned it on and changed the channel until he found an old rock song, Crimson and Clover by Joan Jett.
“I love that song,” she said, digging into her purse. She pulled out a set of handcuffs and smiled wickedly.
“Who are those for?” asked Cane, looking amused.
“Me. I love feeling vulnerable. Chain me to the headboard,” she said.
The two men looked at each other.
“Come on,” she said, crawling onto the mattress and turning over. She put her hands above her head. “Do it.” She looked at Jet. “I’ll even let you choke me, if you want.”
It was well known that Jet had a freaky side. One that included sex and violence.
Jet’s eyes gleamed. He leaned over her and handcuffed her to the metal headboard.
“Now, take off your clothes and fuck the shit out of me,” she said loudly.
The two men began undressing. Once they were naked, they got onto the bed and began groping and kissing her. Neither noticed the door open behind them.
A woman entered quietly and approached the three on the bed. Raising her gun, she nodded to Candy.
&nbs
p; Candy closed her eyes.
The silencer blocked out the sound of the gunfire, but Candy flinched with each shot. She opened her eyes and shuddered, but didn’t say anything. The two men had been shot in the head and bleeding everywhere.
“Give me two minutes,” whispered the shooter, lowering the gun.
Candy nodded, grateful she’d been paid as much as she had. It was enough to pay off her school loans and purchase a new car she’d been eyeing.
The woman slipped out of the bedroom and the stripper waited, watching the alarm clock. At exactly two minutes, Candy opened her mouth and started screaming her head off.
The first to arrive on the scene was Dice.
“What the fuck?!” he hollered, seeing his president and V.P. lying dead on top of Candy.
Boomer walked in and gasped. “Who did this?”
Candy, who was crying, described a man wearing a Devil’s Rangers cut.
“He shot them and took off,” she cried. “It was horrible!”
Chapter 61
Tarot
When I saw the morning news, the next day, I was shocked as all hell. Both Cane and Jet were reported murdered. The police had suspects, and when they mentioned who, I was even more stunned.
The Devil’s Rangers.
I called Phoenix.
“Did you see the news?” I asked him.
Phoenix sighed. “Yeah. It’s great, but you know how much I wanted to be part of it.”
“I know. But this way, we won’t be implicated.”
The Devil’s Rangers were longtime enemies of the Gold Vipers. Bastard had done what he could to appease us and set up another enemy to take the fall. I felt a mixture of relief and pride. Our club leader had come through.
Luring the Biker (The Biker) Book 7 Page 19