Delayed Love

by Sandra Richmond

  Harley made two large pots of chili to feed this small army. All the brothers are either talking to Caleb or watching him. He has made an impression on all of them in some sort of way. Prez grabs a bowl of chili and sits next to me.

  “That is an amazing kid right there.” Motioning to Caleb, who is talking about Bronx to Cole, who only nods and smiles at him as they eat at the bar.

  “What’s his deal?” I ask, throwing my head towards Cole. Prez just smiles and shakes his head.

  “I was wondering when you were gonna ask. The rest of the club has.”

  “Well.” I wait for his response.

  “Go ask him.” is all he says to me. Well, if that didn’t peak my interest. Damn it. I eat my dinner in silence for a few moments longer.

  “Harley says Melissa made movement today.” I say, cutting into the silence.

  “Yea, I heard. That’s good. Jack isn’t going to leave the hospital until she is awake; it was hard enough to drag him to Mexico. I can’t ask him to leave her side again.” I nod in agreement. If it was me, I wouldn’t have left to go to Mexico. But, I understand both sides—I would understand his need to be by her side and to tear him away from what could very well be her last breath. But, also seeing Prez’s side, we needed men, every man counted for that mission.

  “Chevy, we will get her back. I don’t want you to think I have forgotten because I allow one day of down time. The Brothers need it before we continue the hunt tomorrow.” Prez tells me.

  “I understand, Prez. As much as I hate to admit it, I needed it too. I was running on fumes, hell, I still am. I’m not going to stop or relax until she is home.” He agrees with me. As I knew he would have.

  “What’s the plan for tomorrow?” I ask.

  “Church is after dinner. We’ll discuss it there.” I follow his line of sight; Harley is making her way to us. I nod in agreement—club business, stays club business. If I feel she needs to know, I’ll tell her. Or least let her know when we have a lead and if that lead is good or not. Before Harley gets to us, I quickly ask.

  “What about the girl, anything?”

  “No, Eli is eating with her in his room, she won’t come out. Hopefully he can get some answers.”

  “Mm-hmm.” I grunt.

  “Hey baby. Hey Boss Man. Want seconds? Or another beer?” Harley has been sweeping the floor, making sure every brother has a bowl or belly full of chili and a cold beer in their hand. Damn, my girl rocks.

  “Yea, babe. That’d be great.” I tell her.

  “Nah, little lady. I’m full, but a beer sounds perfect.” Prez answers her.

  “Coming up fellas.” She takes our bowls and empty bottles with her to the kitchen.

  “I’m reconsidering the old lady rule I have, if they are anything like her, I’m fucking all in.” Prez chants.

  “You eyeing my woman, Prez?” I growl.

  “Cool your engine Chevy. I’m only admiring how she is worried for everyone in this room, along with y’all’s kid, taking care of Caleb, being at Melissa’s side every day, and with a bum leg and hand at that. Woman is a fighter. She has spirit.” He says.

  “I agree; she is amazing.” I second his statement.

  She brings our beer and my bowl of chili and plops down in between us.

  “I’m pooped.” She says to us.

  “You’ve done more than enough, little lady. Go take a hot bath, relax.” Prez tells her.

  “Go on, babe. Listen to him.” I agree.

  “But, someone could need something. What about Caleb?” I look over to little man who is on his second plate of chicken nuggets. Watching him for a moment, I see he is gaining weight, his face isn’t so pale or sunken in anymore. Grateful to my girl, she is the one that has done that for him.

  “He can hang with Scamp during church.” Prez chimes in.

  “But...” She tries to plead her case.

  “No buts. Go.” Prez orders her. I laugh from beside her, trying to cover my face and not laugh. It only causes me to laugh louder.

  “Okay, bossy, Boss Man.” She says, standing and walking to our room. She turns on her heel and starts to say something. Prez stands up faster then she can get the first word out. He grabs her shoulders and turns her to face all the brothers.

  She turns her head to look at me, eyes pleading to save her. If I knew something was going to put her in danger, of course I would. But, now with Prez, I just put my hands out as if to say ‘I’m not in it,’ laughing, shaking my head. She narrows her eyes at me huffs and puffs, turning her head, but not before shooting me one dagger from her beautiful green eyes.

  “Listen the fuck up!” Prez yells. Everyone turns to look at him.

  “Harley is done for the night, you fucker’s die of dehydration or starvation that’s on you. She has cooked, cleaned and catered to us all. Now say your fucking thank you’s so she can go relax!” Prez roars over the music.

  “Here, here!” I say lifting my beer to my woman.

  Thank you erupts throughout the room. Then I hear a little voice.

  “Thank you, Grandma!” I see her face soften from a scowl, to embarrassed, to soft all in a minute.

  “To Harley.” Ruckus yells to the room, lifting his beer.

  “Harley!” We all yell lifting our beers and drinking to her.

  She scurries over to Caleb a quick kiss to the forehead and back to me for a kiss. If we didn’t have eyes, I’d bend her over this fucking couch now. But it will have to wait.

  I grab the back of her neck, forcing our kiss deeper, making a promise of what is to come later. She pulls back panting with her face flushed. I have a smirk on my face. I smack her ass and tell her to go soak in the bath.

  “Yes, baby.” Is all she says before walking to our room.

  “Scamp, get that kitchen cleaned up for her, she has done enough for tonight.” Prez yells. Scamp nods and heads to the kitchen.

  We all stroll into church ten minutes later, bellies full and with beer relaxed nerves.

  “Brothers, we all know the reason for this meeting, Avery Brookes. She is our number one priority.” We all grunt and nod in agreement. Stealing a look at Colt, I see he is still wearing a pissed off look for the world. He sees me staring at him. We nod to each other.

  “Eli, what has the girl said?” Prez asks.

  “Well, Prez, uh, Poodle and Rufus were using her as a stand in since we took Avery. Raped and tortured same as Avery. She was only with them one day after they took Avery, before they sold her. She heard them mention of heading somewhere far east. Somewhere near Ohio or Virginia, maybe even Kentucky.” Eli says.

  “Fuck, we could call in our only chapter in Virginia, the two we have in Kentucky. Our Ohio boys are here with us.”

  “Did she say anything about Avery?” Colt asks the same question I was thinking.

  “Ah, yea, um, they raped and beat her.” Eli says with a sigh.

  “Fuck!” Colt roars, slamming his fists on the table.

  “Easy, Brother, we are going to find her and make these mutts wish they never came out of their mother’s dirty, no good pussies.”

  Colt nods, holding in all his anger. All the brothers see how our family is, with just seeing Caleb’s scars and Harley’s leg and the story of Melissa. They know this is serious. Dead fucking serious.

  “Tech, anything?” Prez asks.

  “I’ve been working all day, Boss. No hits.”

  “Shit, well at first light, we hunt.” Prez says. We all growl and pound on the table in agreement.

  “Coin, take Cole and half his guys to check all of the Jackals hangouts. See if they stirred anything up.” Coin nods then nods to Cole.

  “Colt, take Banshee and the other half of their chapter and search the road side motels. For two hundred miles, the whole diameter around Branchwood; split up if you have to.”

  “Jester, Jinx, Ruckus go find the one who was burying their bodies. Make him talk, we want info on possible whereabouts.” They nod.

  “Chevy, Eli a
nd myself, we are going to meet with some Jackals. Eli, set the meeting up.” Eli gets up, phone in hand as he steps outside the room.

  “Tech.”

  Yea, boss.”

  “I want you checking every traffic cam and police report. Everything you can think of for the next two states in all directions.”

  Eli walks back into the room. “Done, tomorrow at noon at their club.”

  “Fuck, that’s a four hour drive. Alright, we’ll leave early.” Prez says, yawning.

  “I don’t like you going in three light, I would rather you take more Brothers with you, boss.” Tech voices his opinion.

  “It’ll be fine, Brother.”

  “Let’s all get some rest. We have a busy as fuck day tomorrow.” He slams the gavel and we all drag our asses to bed.

  The next day comes as fast as I closed my eyes. I can hear moving around on the other side of the door. I check the clock, it’s seven a.m. Grunting, I slip out from underneath Harley and drag feet to the door. I swing it open and Scamp and Caleb are standing there. Looking like they are up to no good. I narrow my eyes to Scamp and he stutters over his words.

  “Uh...Chevy...didn’t mean to wake you.” He finally spits out. I huff at him. Caleb joins in the conversation.

  “Prez wants you up, Grandpa.” I look down to him and he is smiling up at me.

  “Well, good morning to you, too.” I say to him with a half-smile. He nods and walks off. I turn to Scamp and he shrugs and runs after Caleb. I go back to my room and kiss Harley on the forehead and go to take a shower.

  Sitting at the large table in the kitchen with Caleb, Scamp, Prez and the rest of the fellas while Prez is going over everyone’s to do list for today. I see Caleb is sitting between him and Cole. He has a huge grin on his face as he listens to everyone’s missions. He then turns to Prez and asks “What’s my mission, Prez?”

  All the guys turn to him and then to Prez.

  “Uh, take care of your Grandma and Bronx while I’m gone. Can you do that, Little Hero?”

  “You bet I can, Prez.” And his tiny hand slaps the side of Prez’s back. We all laugh at his tiny gesture to show our love and respect to one another. You can see in his eyes that he’s desperate to have a real family and seeing our club show our loyalty as we do, he wants that too. Little does he know, he already has it and much more.

  “Let’s ride, Boys!” Prez Barks.

  *******************************************

  Four hours later, we pull into the Jackals abandoned Club. We’re meeting with the National President today. I know this isn’t what Prez would want, but desperate times call for desperate measures. We approach Chance and his pussy posse.

  “Well, I never thought I’d see the day a Hell Hound comes crawling, but I have to say, I’m enjoying it.” He is laughing, full of hate. All his brothers follow in laughing.

  “Cut the shit, Chance. This is business.” Prez growls. Eli has a death glare on his face. Clearly, he is reliving the death of his father at the hands of these mutts. I’m trying my hardest to keep my composure. It’s truly hard. If anything, I bet they know that Rufus and Poodle have Avery. They all probably think it’s funny they have us by the balls.

  “What do you want, Executioner?” Chance growls. I haven't heard Prez’s full road name in a while. I can hear the venom roll off each word he spits at Prez. Prez gets a scowl on his face. Clearly losing his nerve as Eli and myself are.

  “I want Rufus and Poodle.” He says with gritted teeth.

  “Why would I hand over my Brothers to an enemy? You must really think I’m stupid. Or is this because of a special young lady.” He says with a nasty smirk.

  I go to walk to him to knock his teeth down his throat and Eli grabs my arms.

  “Not now, Brother.” he says. I growl.

  “Maybe, I just want to finish the job I started. Killing Rider and Abe didn’t really fill my blood lust for mutt.”

  Most of the Jackals growl in unison. Chance throws up his hand to stop them from pushing forward.

  “Ah, so this is about the girl.” Chance says. His eyes look out in the distance. He’s thinking.

  “I’ll tell you what, you find them. You can have them. But asking for my help, that was desperate, Exe. Even for you.” He turns to walk back to his bike and Prez yells.

  “Chance, I’m not done with you!” Chance turns to face Prez.

  “Yes, we are done. You have a girl to search for, don’t you? I’d hurry if I were you. Rufus and Poodle don’t keep toys around long. They get bored easily.”

  With that, Chance and his bitch boys rumble their bikes and ride out of sight.

  “FUCK!” Prez screams. Just then, Eli’s phone rings.

  “Yeah.” He barks into the phone. His face goes white. He’s staring dead at me.

  My first thought is Avery. My heart drops.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Harley

  I wake to a nearly empty club. Strolling through the club, I notice it’s oddly quiet. I walk slower through the place. First I check the kitchen—nothing. The living area as they call it—nothing. Meeting room—nothing. Where is everyone? I’m getting a sick feeling in my stomach. Caleb. I start to run frantically through the club screaming his name.

  “Caleb!” I hear Bronx barking from a room in the hall. I run towards it. My heart is beating so fast. What if something happened while I slept? Oh, no. I can’t think of it. I need to find him.

  I hear a door open as I’m running down the hall. I turn and see Caleb standing outside Tech’s room with Bronx at his side. Oh thank God.

  “What’s wrong?” He asks.

  “Ah, nothing, honey. Want something to eat?” I pant.

  “No, I ate with Scamp and Tech.” He answers.

  “Okay, sweetie, I’ll be in the kitchen if you need me.” I say turning to head to the kitchen. I don’t think I need coffee after that wake up call. I need to calm my nerves instead of increasing them.

  Sitting, drinking some juice in the kitchen, my mind wonders to Avery. Where is she? I hope she’s alive. The guys are out looking for her today. I sigh and send a silent prayer to find her and keep all the guys safe as they search. I can’t think of anything happening to her. Just then, her life before flashes in my eyes.

  How they all used her as a play thing and tossed her aside when they were done. How they burned her, raped her, scarred her. The images in my mind are so graphic, I run to the bathroom as they turn my stomach. I can’t even think about those things happening to her. I need her home. Having little man here is helping to keep my mind off of her being gone. But every time I look at him, I see her in him. My heart breaks when I think of Caleb with Avery’s features. He’s been asking where she is and I’m worried he will soon sense that something is wrong. I hope she comes home soon.

  Washington seems like a distant memory. Ages ago I was a nurse and a resident of that state—When in reality, it was only weeks ago.

  Tech barreling into the kitchen breaks through my thoughts.

  “We got to go, now!” Tech growls. I stare at him, shocked. What’s going on? Avery! Is the first thought I have after his words leave his mouth. I jump up and go get dressed.

  We all pile in the van not even five minutes later. Tech driving and Scamp in the back with Caleb and Bronx. I sit in silence, staring at Tech as we drive like hell away from the Club. I thought it was the safest place. Is it not? Are we going to Avery? Did they find her? Ford! Is it him? Is he okay? I’m trying to process all of my thoughts at once. I close my eyes and inhale a deep long breath. Keeping my eyes closed, I try and slow my thoughts. Okay... if it was Ford or Avery, Scamp and Caleb wouldn’t be with us. They wouldn’t want him to see whatever kind of trouble was going on. That only leaves my last assumption. The club isn’t safe. Bringing Bronx and Caleb along has only deepened this suspicion. I open my eyes and turn to Tech. Just as he looks at me. I hear a huge noise.

  BOOM!

  Explosion. I look in the mirror and see the club g
one—literally all gone. Just smoke and flames as the pieces of the club fall back to the earth. I watch in shock as we drive further away from what once was. Tech gets on his cell calling someone.

  “Club exploded. Where are you? We need a meet now.” Tech growls through the phone. He nods to himself saying. “Motel on 42, got it.” Nodding again as he listens to the other end of the phone.

  He hangs up and we drive. I look back to Caleb, he seems okay. Unmoved by the noise. I did hear Scamp say something about fireworks. Silently thanking him for his quick thinking. I nod to him. He returns the gesture.

  *******************************************

  Ford

  “GOD DAMNIT!” Is all I hear from Prez as I stand in shock. This is hitting close to home. They are trying to take the rest of my family from me. They already have my heart and now they are trying to take my life. I’m pissed. We have to end this, now. There is no waiting and at least with this hit, we know they are close. They didn’t move east as they tried to make us think with April.

  Fuck! April, did anyone think to get her out of Eli’s room. Shit, she’s like a ghost. Always staying out of sight and out of mind. I know Eli is thinking the same thing I am as we lock eyes on each other.

  He screams to the sky.

  “FUCKKKK!” he drops to his knees.

  “Brother...” I say, walking slowly to him. Prez watches us then a moment later he joins us, kneeling down to Eli.

  “I was supposed to protect her, I promised. I failed her.” Is all he says over and over.

  “Brother...” I repeat, feeling the pain for him.

  “No, I WAS SUPPOSED TO PROTECT HER!” He says with a deep growl, more at himself than us.

  Prez grabs hold of Eli’s cut and jerks him close, so they are face to face.