by Ginger Ring
Dominic glanced at his feet. “What the hell are you wearing? Pajamas?”
Jasper sighed and rolled his eyes. “Linen pants. It wouldn’t hurt your image to give up the ‘serial killer who lives in the woods’ look.”
“Is it easy to get blood out of that shit?” Dom kept his eyes on the prospect. Jasper was new and he didn’t always trust that his knot tying skills, as well as other things, were up to snuff.
“Well, no. I have to dry clean them.” Jasper crossed his arms in front of his chest and leaned against the wall.
“Then I’ll stick with what I’ve got.” Dominic glanced at his watch. He had better things to do than listen to fashion tips from a nimrod. “What time is Roman getting here?”
“Soon. Arlo got back today so he’s just waiting for him to pick him up.”
Genoa was safe enough but one never knew. It wouldn’t be good for the boss to be on his own. Roman was a fierce fighter, but if he were ambushed, he’d be a goner. Finally, a black SUV came flying down the road. The tires ground to a stop on the crushed rock and a cloud of dust stirred up.
Roman’s right-hand man, Arlo, stepped out first. Dark sunglasses hid his eyes but he nodded in their direction. The man was huge and they often joked that he should play for the Green Bay Packers. His dress shoes crunched on the gravel as he strolled over to open the door for their boss. Even an idiot could pick out Roman from a lineup as the man in charge. He radiated control, confidence, and danger. It always amazed him how Madison could get the guy to do almost anything, but she was the only one.
Today, he’d shed his suit coat but still had on his usual dark dress pants and crisp white shirt. His red tie blew in the breeze. Roman wore a shoulder holster with two guns firmly in place under each arm. When he walked into the building, he handed his designer shades to Jasper and turned his back to the prisoner.
“Did he say anything yet?” His jaw was set and he rested his hands on his hips. The man didn’t mess around.
“No, just bullshit about why did we take him, why is he here,” Jasper answered. “Why is he here?” They hadn’t asked when they got the order, just did what was told.
“Someone’s dealing drugs in town. I don’t want that shit around the schools. They can deal out of town, and I don’t care what the rich bastards around the lake do in their homes, but we have a deal with the club and I want to see what’s going on.” Roman waited as both men nodded. Arlo was still outside as the lookout.
From what Dominic understood, the Tribe of Mayhem Club could run drugs without competition anywhere in the county, just not in the city limits. It was a virtual safe zone. In an unspoken agreement with local law enforcement, the Caponelli family kept crime out, and in return, the cops kept their nose out of the family’s businesses.
Jasper and Dom stayed where they were as Roman walked to the center of the room. It was well known what had happened to the man who kidnapped Madison when they’d first met. The guy had been tied to a chair just like this poor kid. With one kick, his boss had sent the man backward. Everyone in the room heard the crack of his skull on the concrete and then the fire of his gun as Roman shot him between the eyes.
The prospect tried to scoot his chair back but it didn’t budge. He probably shit his pants when Roman calmly placed his foot on the edge between the kid’s knees. Even with the dust, Dominic could see the shine on his fancy shoes. Jasper once told him they were Ferragamo or something like that and cost over a thousand dollars. If he had a grand, he’d probably buy something for Stephanie, not buy footwear. She needed a better car and a decent place to live, but chances were good the woman would never accept charity. He’d have to do it anonymously like he’d paid her tabs last night.
“What do you want from me?” the prospect squealed.
“Simple.” Roman put his foot on the ground. “Just some info and you can be on your way.”
“I don’t know anything. I’m just a prospect.”
“You have eyes. What have you seen?”
“I don’t know what you mean,” the kid said, shaking his head.
“Let me narrow it down for you. Who in your club is dealing in town?”
Square frowned. “In town? That’s rule number one. Don’t let anything go down in Genoa or the Caponellis will put you in the lake feet first. That’s the one thing that will get you thrown out of the club, no questions asked. The president is adamant about that. If something is going down in town, it isn’t one of the Mayhem. I don’t know much but I do know that.”
Roman took a step back but gave the kid a hard stare. Square glanced back and forth between the boss and the two of them still standing by the door.
“So who is dealing in town?” His boss spoke low but Dom could still hear what he said.
“Talk is some rednecks out in the country. They had a meth lab but it got torched.”
Jasper elbowed him in the ribs. “Wonder who did that?”
Dominic wasn’t much of a drinker, but if he had to be around this guy any longer, he’d need a shot of something.
“Obviously, they didn’t get the message. Do they have any other locations that you know of?” Roman wouldn’t leave until he learned everything he came to hear, and Square seemed more than willing to talk.
“No, just heard rumors that there’s a lab in town. Not sure where.”
“You’re sure?” Roman stepped closed and placed his foot back between the boy’s knees again.
“I swear on my life.” The guy nodded vigorously. “If my hands were free, I’d cross my heart.”
“Anything else you care to share?” Roman grabbed the kid by the back of his neck.
“No, sir.”
Roman stared at him for a few moments before straightening and walking their direction. He sent a text message and then slipped his phone in his pants pocket. They all knew the kid told the truth, but what did they do with him now?
“I questioned Forge about these activities earlier. He said the same thing but I wanted to see what someone lower in the ranks knew.” Forge was the president of the Tribe of Mayhem, and another biker with a fucked up name. Roman nodded to where Square sat. “I just texted him that we found his prospect broke down out here. Untie him and poke a hole in his tire.”
“Will they know we questioned him?” Jasper asked, and handed back the gold sunglasses he’d been left in charge of.
“Of course, but rough him up a bit so it looks like he put up a fight. I don’t think they’re the ones crossing us but send the message anyway.” He patted Jasper on the shoulder and glanced Dominic’s way. “Dom, a word outside.”
They left Jasper to do the dirty work. Square would have a few cuts and bruises but he’d live to brag about it later at the bar. He might even pick up a few chicks with the new black and blue marks.
“Stephanie say any more about her friend’s son? Or of anything else like that going on in town?”
Dom shook his head and lifted his hair over his shoulder. Long hair wasn’t the brightest idea during the summer but he wasn’t cutting it after all these years. “No.”
“I’ve noticed you’ve been spending some time with her. Anything going on? Anything related to what happened in April that I need to know about?”
Dominic rested his backside against the SUV. The hot metal caused him to sweat even more, or maybe it was just the question. He brushed his hair away from his face again and groaned.
“You know how she is. Can’t get any answers. There’s something off, just don’t know what it is.”
“I don’t trust her. Get me a fingerprint and we’ll run it. Otherwise, she’s gone,” Roman demanded.
“What?” Dom stood up. A cloud crossed the sunny sky and shaded his face.
“I don’t like that my wife’s best friend has so many secrets. The whole deal with her car having fake plates, no driver’s license, and then I find out that Maddy’s been paying her cash all this time.”
“Huh?” That he didn’t know.
“I just foun
d that out today. She’s never claimed Steph on the payroll. It’s been all under the table. The tax implications alone are a mess. I told Madison she has to do the paperwork on her by tomorrow or she’s out of here. Friends or not. Tax evasion brought Capone down, I’ll be damned if some little no-named blonde will be the end of me.”
“So what do you want me to do about it?” His heart dropped to his knees. Roman could end her life with a flick of his fingers. The thought of having to dispose of her beautiful body made him physically sick and his vision blurred. Dominic rubbed the back of his hand against his beard.
“Find out who Stephanie really is. If she doesn’t talk, get me the fingerprint. Soon.” Roman moved toward the car and placed his hand on the door handle. “This matter’s been going on for far too long.”
“Yeah,” he spat, and Roman turned around. He’d never been disrespectful, but as much as he tried to deny it, he wanted to protect Stephanie, wanted her for himself, secrets and all.
“What did you say?” Roman folded his arms in front of his chest and Arlo joined his side.
“I said yes. I will do what you ask.”
Roman told Arlo to get in the car. After the driver’s side door closed, Roman whispered in Dom’s ear. “I know you think because of what happened in the past women are off limits, but you are one of the best men I know. Don’t let the wrong one bring you down.”
Dom dropped his chin to his chest. Never did he think he’d be having this conversation. “She isn’t wrong. She’s hiding from someone, I just don’t know who.”
“Then find out before it’s too late.” His boss patted his shoulder and sighed. “And if she’s clean, make her yours.”
“I don’t—”
“Cut the crap, everyone can see you two have the hots for each other. Check her out before it’s too late. Understand?”
“Yes.”
Dominic stepped back as Roman got in the car. The tires spun on the gravel as they took off down the road. A strong wind blew the dust they’d stirred up and he turned his back.
He’d been watching from the sidelines for too long. The thought of losing something he never had kicked him in the gut. As soon as he got to town, Steph was coming with him whether she wanted to or not. She wouldn’t respond to threats so he would try another way.
Dominic trusted Roman with his life. If he thought he should take a chance, he would. Stephanie Barclay was the one he wanted, but if he pushed, she would flee like a frightened deer. What he had to do was get her to trust him, and that might just prove to be one of the hardest things he’s ever had to do. If Roman called for her death, there was no way Dominic would ever let that happen, and Genoa would see a shit storm hit the town with more force than a tornado.
Chapter Thirteen
Jasper ended up knocking Square out with a lucky blow. By the time he woke up, the Tribe had roared in to get him. They weren’t happy to find their prospect beat up and two of Roman’s crew there when they arrived.
It was touch and go for a bit as to whether or not they would be getting out of there alive. Square woke up and informed Forge that Jasper and Dom had stopped to help when they saw his bike stalled. After that, he and Jasper had exchanged blows over some girl, but then he had slipped on some loose dirt and knocked himself out. Forge knew what the deal was as he’d just heard from Roman, but he never let on.
Dominic and Jasper probably owed the prospect their lives as it was about twenty to two, and to top it off they were packing some of the guns that they’d purchased from Roman. Dom had helped unload the last shipment of firearms and ammo.
Things with the Tribe settled, it took longer than Dominic expected to make it back to town He had never been so happy to see Genoa. Even with all the tourists starting to arrive it was a welcome sight. A better sight would be coming home to Stephanie writing one of her stories on his front porch, but that was just a dream.
“Want to get some lunch?” Jasper mumbled while swiping through his phone.
“It’s four in the afternoon.”
“Got anything better to do?” He glanced at a long-legged brunette waiting for the walk light to change. “I see something I’d like to do.”
“Fuck, is that all you ever think about?” Dominic shook his head. The man had a one-track mind.
“Not always, but most of the time. So what do you say? I’m starving.”
“Okay.” Dom finally caved. Stephanie would still be at work anyway.
“Really?” Jasper raised an eyebrow.
“Yeah, where to?” He kept driving but Jasper said nothing. “Where?” Dominic glanced his way.
“Sorry, I’m in shock.” Jasper laughed.
“Don’t have anywhere to be, might as well eat.” It was hard being around other people except for the Caponellis, but he was trying to make an effort. One would think spending what amounted to years in near solitary confinement would make him never want to be alone again, but he’d found contentment in being by himself. That was until Stephanie spent one night at his house a couple of months ago. Since then, the place only seemed lonely.
“So, you want to hit the clubs later?” Jasper asked.
“Don’t press your luck.”
“Buzzkill.” The man practically pouted. Didn’t he have any friends?
“Where do you want to eat?” Dom asked again.
Jasper mentioned one of the trendy lakeside bars but Dom shot it down as being too busy. Crowds still put him on edge and in “fight to kill” mode. They finally settled on a place a little further down the lakeshore.
The wind caused whitecaps out on the water but they still ate on the patio. Jasper ordered a burger and fries while Dominic had deep fried cheese curds and a fire oven pizza. The cheese melted in his mouth as he bit into the salty appetizer. This place made great ones as they didn’t use a lot of batter. Being from Italy, he’d loved cheese as a kid. After he was taken, food was limited to protein and bland bread. Ever since then, he had never taken it for granted.
When Roman brought him to Chicago, it was hard to keep the tears from falling the first time he had a good meal. The Caponellis had welcomed him into their home but realized he needed space. For years, Dominic had basically lived in a cage, only allowed out for training and battles. Roman found him a small apartment in one of the buildings they owned. The emptiness of it reminded him of Stephanie’s flat. It was just a place to rest his head until he found a real home.
The Windy City was all right, but when Roman moved to Genoa it was a blessing in disguise. The first time Dom saw it he was in heaven. The water reminded him of his childhood with his family and it always calmed him when he was on edge. He hadn’t had a nightmare since he settled into his cabin by the lake. It was a good bet that Stephanie had bad dreams.
“Hey! Did you hear what I said?” Jasper snapped his fingers. The guy had just hit a high level of annoying and it was time to part ways.
“I said I’d eat with you, that didn’t mean I had to listen to you talk.” He took a bite of the pizza. It had olives, artichokes, capers, and sun dried tomatoes. It was as close to Italy as he’d ever be again. There was nothing and no one to go back for. His parents died when he was in his last year of school. But it was what happened to his girlfriend that cut him the most. The pizza lodged in his throat just thinking about it.
Dominic fought his way out of the dark fog that wandered into his thoughts. The past was the past. He had to stop living in it before the memories killed him. For the rest of his life, he’d be messed up in the head from what happened but there was no way he’d let the bastards who took him win. Some way, somehow, he would take his life back and hopefully end theirs.
The waitress returned. Jasper winked, asked for the check, and her number. They drove in silence until he dropped Jasper off at his place. Dominic sat there for a few minutes. As much as he wanted to see Stephanie, no, yearned to see Stephanie, something was holding him back. He didn’t feel good enough for her. She was a nice girl, not one who would be con
tent in a mafia family. She’d made her dislike of Roman well known to his wife many times. Only around Roman, Madison, and Valentina did he feel human. They knew who he really was and still accepted him as family. Would Stephanie ever feel the same?
He glanced at his watch. The bridal store was closed but this was the night she volunteered. Putting his truck in gear, he headed to the Genoa Arts Center. The parking lot was crowded with cars. He backed into a parking spot so the driver’s side was in the shade and rolled down the window. There was no way he’d go inside. Somewhere around three, he’d reached his limit for human contact for the day. Yet he wanted to see her.
Stephanie’s car was parked in the far corner of the lot. At least the place closed at eight, so it would still be light out when she was done. She’d be getting a talking to about unsafe parking but chances were good she knew what she was doing. He glanced at his watch and cursed. It was only six. What the hell was he going to do for two hours? He pulled out his cell phone and started to read a book. It was one of the few normal things that he really enjoyed. A cool breeze off the lake helped keep the heat at a bearable level. Dominic became lost in the words for an hour.
Near closing time, the place had emptied out. Getting out of the truck, he headed into the center. His alone time with the book had put him in a better mood, but what was he going to say to Stephanie to get her to confess her life story? He wouldn’t get any answers sitting outside. As he entered the place the cool air was a welcome relief. The emptiness of it felt even better.
“Hello. Can I help…” The bright smile she had dropped when Stephanie saw it was him.
“What? Not happy to see me?” His boots sounded on the wood floor as he approached.
She folded her arms across her chest and his eyes briefly dropped to her boobs. “Well, bad things seem to happen when you’re around.”
“If I remember correctly, bad things seem to happen to you when I’m not around. I just happen to be the one who gets to clean up the mess.”
“Well, that’s what you do best. Isn’t it? Clean?” Stephanie lifted her eyebrow.