White Lies

by Autumn Jones Lake

  “What bikers?” It better not fucking be the Wolf Knights. Not after we’ve had peace with them for so long. It shouldn’t be the Devil Demons MC either. Chaser’s club’s territory starts at least two hours from here. Our club ties go back too many years for them to start fucking with us now.

  “Skinny, shaggy looking dudes.” He gestures toward my cut without touching the leather. “No patches, but they ride in on Harleys. Black and red paint jobs.”

  Black and red. Could be half a dozen club’s colors. Or no club at all.

  “What do they want?”

  Eraser pats my arm with the back of his hand and gestures for me to follow him to a quieter spot where I can still keep my eye on Heidi’s car.

  “We get a variety of people racing here. Hillbilly projects, drag racers, street legal, import, American, we don’t discriminate.”

  “Spare me the sales pitch, Eraser.”

  Not insulted, he grins. “Lot of the street racers got more money than common sense. College kids with mommies and daddies funding their hobbies.”

  I roll my eyes. This isn’t news. Same kind of kids who hang out at the Castle betting on fights or who come into Furious in search of steroids instead of putting in the hard work. Entitled, lazy cocksuckers are everywhere.

  Eraser senses my lack of interest and raises his voice. “Some of ‘em get cut off and look for other people to back their projects.”

  “Sponsors?”

  “Nah, not normal sponsors. More like loan sharks for a very specific market. Lose too many races and they’re in danger of losing their vehicle or worse.”

  All right. Now that’s something I can picture a lower level MC getting their hands dirty with. Maybe a new club is already trying to get a foothold in this area. Even more reason to get this support club set up sooner rather than later.

  “That’s normal in this business,” he continues. “Obviously.”

  “Obviously,” I echo, and he smirks at me.

  “Everyone respects the rules. If a driver owes his sponsor, that’s his problem, and they settle it outside of here.”

  “Smart but hard to enforce, no?” I ask.

  “It’s worked for years. Worked for my uncle before me.”

  “So, what’s changed?”

  “These new backers are coming in and trying to mess with the other drivers. Throw the races. Intimidating them.” He gestures toward the track again. “We have our own little community out here. Everyone comes here to have fun. Guys pick up some extra cash, gain bragging rights, show off for the ladies. Afterward, we all party.”

  “And?”

  “Getting terrorized by some Scarface wannabe is too much. Doesn’t fit with our laid-back atmosphere. Last week, someone tampered with a car, and the hood blew off as soon as it got off the line. Week before, someone’s wheel came off, and he almost crashed into the other car.”

  Jesus Christ, maybe bringing Heidi here was a mistake.

  “Was anyone hurt?”

  “No, he’s an experienced driver, but I’m worried it’s just the beginning. I’m losing business because of these guys and those incidents didn’t help.” He gestures toward the track. “I’m shelling out extra cash to have more firefighters and EMTs here to make everyone feel safe. Word spreads quickly with this crowd.”

  So much for community. “And you think my club can help?”

  He shrugs and glances away. “Griff and Remy said you’ve been helping with security out at the Castle. Your club’s presence, your patch might be enough to keep them out.”

  “And what does my club get in return?”

  Now he faces me. A defiant don’t-fuck-with-me attitude that I respect pulls his shoulders back. “I assume you’d want me to kick up a portion of the track’s profits.”

  Although money is a sign of respect, it’s not all we’re after. “You, Griff, Remy, and maybe Vapor ever think about forming a club of your own?”

  He widens his eyes. “Vapor said you’d be trying to recruit us to your club. None of us are ready for that level of commitment.”

  “I get that. And we’re not looking for anyone who isn’t dedicated. There’s another option.”

  He raises his eyebrows but keeps his mouth shut, waiting for me to continue.

  “A support club. You’d pick out your own name and patch.” Which we’d have to approve, but I leave that part out since I’m trying to present this in the most appealing way possible. “You’d wear some sort of support patch for our club, so people know if they fuck with you, your brothers in blue and gray got your back.”

  “And?”

  “You’d go on runs with us from time to time.”

  “And be riding at the back of the pack?”

  “No, our support club would come before any hangers on tagging along.”

  “Would we get an invite to the big clubhouse?” he smirks at me.

  “Yeah, most of our parties would be open to your club.” I smack his chest. “You’re invited now, Remy and Griff know that.”

  “What else?”

  “You have our back when we call.” I think on it for a minute, but since this is the first support club we’ve set up, I can’t come up with anything else at the moment. “You’d run this territory. No further than Syracuse. Let us know of any issues. Anyone who doesn’t belong.”

  He rests his chin in one palm while he seems to think it over. “Griff and Remy have a tie-in to local law enforcement.”

  “Yeah, I know Brady. He’s cool. We have a few other connections we can use to help you out. But you can’t be stupid and draw unreasonable attention your way.”

  He cocks his head. Maybe that insulted him, but I want to be as clear as possible. “I already know Remy keeps the Castle locked down tight. From what I see here, everything’s low key.”

  “That’s how we like it, Murphy. That’s why I don’t want these fuckers coming in and messing everything up. Another incident like last time and next thing you know someone’s parents are making a few phone calls, and State Troopers are all over us, shutting this thing down.”

  I’ve said what I needed to say. This isn’t the time to continue with a hard sell. “Take some time. Talk to Remy and Griff. See where they’re at.”

  “Will do. You going to stick around to watch the races tonight? Afterward, we’ll have a bonfire and party.”

  “Yeah, I’ll be here. If these guys show up, point ‘em out to one of us.” I nod to Dex and Rooster who acknowledge my attention. Dex slaps Remy then Griff on their shoulders and jerks his head.

  A few seconds later, the four of them join us.

  “More of the sales pitch?” Remy asks with a slight smirk.

  The attitude on this one. I can easily see the guys voting him in as their President.

  “No sales pitch. Talking things out.” I clasp Eraser’s shoulder. “Seems like there might be a need for an alliance.”

  “You know I got nothing but respect for you, Murphy,” Griff says.

  “But?” Rooster prompts, drawing out the word.

  “But nothing. I’m serious.”

  Eraser gives Griff a slight shove. “Who knew Royal here was such an ass-kisser.”

  They must be tight for Eraser not to get an arm yanked off. Griff returns the friendly shove. “No ass-kissing. Murphy’s solid. Fights clean. Never runs his mouth.” He dips his chin at me. “You’ve helped us out a lot over the last couple years.”

  “Feeling’s mutual.” I decide some honesty might be helpful here. “I’m stone-cold serious when I say there’s no one else we even considered bringing this to.”

  “Truth.” Rooster’s quick to back me up. “Your names came up first.”

  “You three and Vapor,” Dex adds. “No one else.”

  Griff and Eraser share a look. “Appreciate that.”

  Not at all concerned she might be interrupting, Remy’s little sister bounds over and taps Griff’s arm. “Can I drive Black Beauty? Please?”

  “You bring your helmet?” Griff
asks.

  “It’s in Remy’s trunk.”

  Griff slaps the keys in her open palm, and she races off.

  “Bro, you seriously gonna let Molly drive your precious car?” Remy asks. “She doesn’t even have her license yet.”

  Griff shrugs and glances over his shoulder. “Not like anyone’s gonna give her a ticket here. She knows what she’s doing.” He laughs. “She loves that car more than I do.”

  “Whatever,” Remy grumbles.

  Eraser cough-snickers into his fist, and Remy glares at him.

  Rather than being annoyed by their antics, I’m reassured. They’re a tight bunch who will form a loyal brotherhood. I’ve watched Remy and Griff in the ring enough to know they can protect themselves and their territory.

  “We’ll talk more.” Eraser gestures to Remy. “You running the Bullet?”

  “Not tonight.” He nods at a group of girls about a hundred feet away who’ve been staring at us. “I’m just here for the blow jobs.”

  “That’s sweet you blow each other.” Rooster taps Griff and Remy on the shoulders. “You do you.” He holds his hands up. “We don’t discriminate.”

  “Fuck off,” Remy growls then laughs. “Let me clarify. Any other girls attending the party later?”

  “Bro, I can’t keep track of your harem,” Eraser says.

  Griff coughs into his fist. “Neither can he.”

  I almost wish Teller had come with us tonight, if only to ask him if we were this dumb when we were their age.

  Eraser’s gaze shifts, and he scowls. I follow his line of sight to three guys approaching Heidi and Ella. My immediate instinct to run over and protect Heidi burns hot.

  Somehow, I stop myself. Heidi doesn’t seem upset, and this is a good opportunity to gauge Eraser’s temperament. Judge how far Griff and Remy will go to have Eraser’s back.

  Support club or otherwise, the Lost Kings MC has no use for hotheads or cowards.

  I slide a look Dex’s way then Rooster’s and they both nod. Clearly, we’re on the same page, wondering if this crew can pass the first test.

  Eighteen

  Heidi

  “So how many kids do you have?” Ella asks as I pull up to the line.

  “Just the one. Although Murphy’s pretty eager to add more.”

  She chuckles and places her hand over her stomach. “I want to start trying—wait for his signal.” She waves her hand at the starter and then the Christmas tree in the center. “Left foot on the brake. Right foot on the gas. Rev it good, girl. You got an automatic, so it launches a little different. Go! Go!”

  The car jumps and bucks before blasting forward. I’m so startled, I briefly take my foot off the gas.

  That second of hesitation costs me.

  The Mustang is way ahead of us.

  “Easy, girl. You’re not catching up to him. Don’t waste the gas. We’ll go again,” Ella assures me without making me feel bad for choking. “You want to go before the light turns green. It’s a delicate balance between braking and hitting that throttle. Just keep practicing.”

  How much practice do I need? It’s not like I want to turn racing into my new career. Still, I can’t deny I’m having fun.

  One glance at the field in the center of the ring tells me Murphy isn’t finished with his conversation. I pull in behind the Mustang and follow him to a shack. A skinny guy with brightly inked arms hands us a white slip with a bunch of numbers on it.

  “Thanks, Pip!” Ella calls out. “I’ll be in later.”

  “Take your time, girl. I’m good.”

  Once I move past the shack, Ella reaches over and taps my leg. “So, kids?”

  “Well, we’re getting married, and I’m finishing school. I can’t handle much more right now, you know?”

  “I hear that. I’m finishing up my welding classes and going for my AWS certification.”

  “Wow.” I’m genuinely impressed. She doesn’t look big enough to hold a welding torch.

  As if she’d heard my thoughts, she flexes her arm. “I’m little but mighty.”

  “I guess so.” They seem so different. “How’d you meet?”

  “In foster care.”

  That seems like a sensitive topic I shouldn’t poke at with someone I just met. “That’s sweet.” Damn, that sounded lame.

  She presses her hand to her chest. “He is. I don’t know…I don’t know if I would’ve survived without him.” Her gaze travels across the field and lands on our men. “I know he doesn’t look it, but he’s a gentle soul deep down.” She chuckles. “Way deep down.”

  “I’m familiar with the way deep down.” We both laugh. “My daughter has him wrapped around her finger.”

  I pull into one of the lines of cars for another race. We’re side-by-side with an older Porsche Boxster. “Oh girl, you can smoke this clown easy.” Ella raises her hands and whoops.

  “You know him?”

  “I know that toy isn’t packing what you’re packing.”

  Whatever that means.

  As Ella predicted, the guy smirks when she asks if he wants to race me. “Sure, sweetheart. We can give it a go. First night here?” His tone borders on sarcastic, as if he’s taking on a charity race.

  “Yup, she’s brand new,” Ella answers in an airhead-voice I haven’t heard her use all night.

  He shrugs and motions for me to go ahead. We don’t bet any money, which is fine by me. I’m not as convinced as Ella that I can beat the Porsche.

  For starters, I don’t line up the car correctly. I have to reverse and try again. And again.

  “It’s tricky. Everyone does it,” Ella says. “Don’t get flustered.”

  Maybe that’s true. It’s still embarrassing. My cheeks heat up, and I question why I’m putting myself through this humiliation.

  For Murphy. So he can talk to Eraser. Get to know these guys. For the club.

  Finally, I get the car in the right spot and the little yellow bulbs on my side of the Christmas tree light up.

  My launch is much smoother this time. I stomp on the gas, and my heart thumps so hard, I can hear it over the throaty roar of the engine.

  Nine.

  Ten.

  Eleven.

  A high-pitched yelp rips out of my throat when I realize I’ve blown past the Porsche.

  “You made it!” Ella shouts. She touches my hand. “Ease up. You won. You’re good. No need to make him cry.”

  “Nice job. Going again?” Pip asks when we pull up to the shack.

  “I think I’m good for now.”

  I want to end on a high note, and Ella seems to agree. “The more serious players are lining up. You can still go, but you’ll probably need to start laying out some cash…” Her voice trails off as I pull away from the shack and look for a parking spot.

  “Nope. I’m good. What about you?”

  She waves me off. “Later.”

  Hmm…Since Murphy wanted me to size up Ella and assess whether she’s cut out for club life, it makes sense Eraser asked her to check me out before he offers any support to LOKI.

  Evaluating people, assessing the danger they pose, comes easier to me these days, but Ella seems so non-threatening. I give her another glance. Tiny or not, I shouldn’t underestimate her.

  She directs me toward a parking area with a bunch of beat-up picnic tables in the middle. Murphy and Eraser seem to be slowly making their way to us from the other side of the track.

  “This is where some of the betting will happen,” Ella explains.

  “So, is Eraser into bikes, too?” I’m not sure how he can be part of a support club if he doesn’t ride. Then again, I don’t really know all the details and requirements a support club might have.

  “Anything with wheels. When we finally get to build our dream cabin in the woods, the garage will be bigger than our house.” The corners of her mouth curl up in a dreamy smile. “I just know it.”

  “Oh, I hear you. My brother bought an old farmhouse and has already added two additional garages
to the property.”

  She glances over at our guys. “Is your brother in the club, too?”

  “He’s the treasurer.”

  She raises an eyebrow. “So you grew up around an MC?”

  “Sort of. When I was younger, I spent more time around the club. Then, I moved out this way to live with my grandmother.” I shrug. “They’re the realest family I’ve ever had.”

  She places her hand over mine. “That’s nice.”

  Nice? I’m not sure that’s the word most people would use, but I smile gratefully. “It is. They’re all very tight. Loyal. Everyone looks out for each other and their families.” I nod to Rooster and Dex. “I trust them with my life.”

  “Eraser’s friends with Remy and Griff. But Eraser’s the only person I trust with my life.”

  Shit, is that her way of telling me they’re not interested in the support club?

  “Growing up in foster care will do that to you.” She shrugs. “The only one you can depend on is yourself.”

  “My grandmother used to threaten to put me in foster care,” I whisper. “She made it seem—”

  “Like hell? It is.” Her gaze lands on Eraser. “If you’re lucky, the devil saves you.”

  What can I possibly say to that?

  The kid who’d been working the ticket booth earlier wanders over, and Ella reaches out to him. “Pip’s good people.”

  “What’s that, girl?” he grins at her.

  “He’s a foster care survivor, too,” she explains.

  He arches a pierced eyebrow. “You spilling all our secrets?”

  Ella bumps me with her shoulder. “Heidi’s good people.”

  For someone who doesn’t trust easily, she seems to have arrived at that conclusion awfully fast.

  As if she heard my thoughts, she turns and winks at me. “Sometimes, you just know.”

  Maybe, that’s a good sign? I have a feeling Ella’s opinion on the support club will carry a lot of weight with Eraser.

  Pip leans in and says a few words, I can’t make out, against Ella’s ear before leaving us.

  A pretty red Mustang with thick white stripes up the hood pulls in. Ella narrows her eyes, then groans as the driver steps out. “Whatever he asks, say no. Firmly.”