by Harley Wylde
“Bruised and scratched all to hell,” I said. His eyebrows lifted. “It seems our brothers got a little rough when trying to physically restrain her. I didn’t get a chance to look her over as well as I’d have liked, but I saw marks on her arms, legs, and a few were peeking out of the neckline of her shirt.”
Torch glared at the members who had been left behind and had dealt with Pepper during her frantic attempts to reach her friend.
“What. The Fuck? Since when do we hurt women?” he asked. “Who the fuck laid hands on Flicker’s old lady?”
Saint looked a little green. “Some are from me, but I swear I didn’t mean to grab her that hard. She was struggling and I was worried she’d get hurt if I let go.”
A few more hands went up around the room. Saint was the only one who looked truly remorseful for his actions, and I knew Torch would probably let him off with just a few harsh words. He had a soft spot for the kid, and I had to admit that Saint wasn’t the type to ever hurt a woman or child. It had surprised the hell out of us when he’d disappeared for a while, only to return home with a daughter. The kid had always been almost too fucking perfect.
“Everyone who hurt Pepper will stay after Church. We’re going to have a little talk,” Torch said.
Tank cracked his knuckles and I wondered if he’d be helping. I had a feeling his words would come across with his fists. Even though he hadn’t trusted Pepper at first, I knew that had changed and he would protect her just like he would the other ladies in the club.
“What do we know about Pepper’s situation?” Torch asked.
“Her friend, Louis, has been taken,” I said. “They want to exchange her friend for her. Pepper says they’ll either want their drugs, or the cash value plus interest.”
“I’ll contact Galetti when this is over. I’d planned to handle it, then Casper called that fucking meeting. Maybe we can make the man see reason. If all he wants is money, then we’ll give him what he wants. If he wants Pepper, we’ll fucking gut him,” Torch said.
Worked for me. I knew it would be too easy, just throwing cash at Galetti. Pepper had a point. As long as he’d waited, he would need to make an example of her. Letting her go, even if she paid him a huge sum, would make him look weak. Men like Galetti couldn’t let something like that happen. Weakness meant he’d be taken down, killed, and his territory would be gobbled up by someone else.
“I have some friends in Vegas. They’ve checked out Galetti’s place. I have confirmation that Pepper’s friend is there, and he’s in rough shape but still breathing. Extraction is possible, but we’ll need one hell of a distraction,” Rocky said.
“What’s the setup?” Tex asked.
“Six-story building outside the city. Galetti has Louis on the top floor, under guard. The building can only be accessed with a code, and there seems to be some sort of scanner set up in the elevator, possibly retinal. Only authorized persons can get to the top floor,” Rocky said.
“Manpower?” Coyote asked.
“Four guards in the room with him, two more on the floor near the elevator, and several scattered throughout the building. Only two in the lobby. All armed with nine-millimeter handguns. My buddies didn’t see any AR-15s or anything heavier than a Glock. Doesn’t mean they don’t have access to them, but they don’t seem to carry them,” Rocky said. “I’m willing to bet they have an armory or something set up inside.”
“Why not call Galetti now?” I asked. “If he’s not willing to take the cash, then better to find out while we’re all here so we can come up with a plan. No fucking way I’m letting Pepper go in there. We’ll have to get Louis back some other way.”
Torch nodded and pulled out his phone, then looked across the table at Wire. “Number?”
Wire tapped on his computer and spit out a string of numbers. Torch tapped them into his phone, then put it speaker.
“Who the fuck is this?” a man asked when the ringing stopped.
“Galetti, I presume?” Torch asked.
“Depends on who wants to know. How did you get this number?”
“Don’t worry about that. My name is Torch and I’m the President of the Dixie Reapers. I understand you want Pepper White.”
“You know where Miss White is hiding?” Galetti asked.
“I do, but I have a counteroffer. Pepper doesn’t have your drugs. She didn’t even know about them until after her mother overdosed. But I’m willing to pay you for your trouble, if you agree to leave Pepper alone and to release her friend, Louis.”
The line was quiet except for the man’s breathing.
“Your Pepper has put me in a precarious situation. Even though she didn’t steal my drugs, she’s liable for them. If I let her go with just a slap on the wrist, it won’t look good. I have an image to uphold,” Galetti said.
“I understand that, Mr. Galetti. What if I sweeten the pot a little? I know you deal in harder drugs, but I’m willing to make a deal. I’ll give you thirty grand in cash, and another five grand worth of premium pot. I understand that you’ve already roughed up Louis a bit, you can make sure people have witnessed your… lesson to Pepper, and you’ll be getting more compensation than what your brick of coke was worth,” Torch said.
“It’s an interesting proposition,” Galetti said. “Why would you offer so much to secure Miss White’s debt?”
“Pepper is the daughter of a Dixie Reaper,” Torch said. “And she’s the old lady to one of my officers. If you hurt Pepper, then I’ll have no choice but to start an all-out war with you, Mr. Galetti. And it won’t just be my club coming for you. We have family connections with several others who would be more than willing to give aid in taking down you and your organization.”
“I see.” Galetti got quiet again. “I will think over what you’ve said and call back in forty-eight hours.”
The line went dead and I stared at Torch. “You think he’s really going to consider it?”
“No,” Torch said. “Make sure the perimeter is secure at all times. Now that I’ve told him where Pepper is located, he’ll send someone for her. It’s partially Casper’s fault this shit has gone on this long. If he hadn’t insisted we meet immediately, then tied us up for several days, then we could have dealt with Pepper’s issue sooner. His ass can come lend a hand.”
Venom snickered. “I’m sure he’ll just love you demanding his presence.”
Torch flipped him off, then dialed Casper, putting it on speaker again.
“You’re not going back on our deal,” Casper said when he picked up.
“Not trying to, but I need you here.”
“I’m not at your beck and call,” Casper said, sounding amused and slightly annoyed at the same time.
“Someone named Galetti is coming for one of the old ladies. Since I couldn’t handle this shit because of your meeting, you’re going to come help us keep Pepper safe. Because if Galetti’s men get inside, it’s not just Pepper in trouble.”
Casper growled. “That fucker better not harm one hair on my daughter’s head.”
“So you’ll come?” Torch asked.
“I’ll be there in a few hours. And I’m calling that fat bastard on my way there.”
Wait. What?
“You know Galetti?” I asked.
“In a matter of speaking. We aren’t friends or associates, but I’ve had dealings with him and his organization in the past. I’ll make sure he knows if he goes against the Reapers that I will consider it a personal attack.”
Right. And no one in their fucking mind would go after Casper VanHorne. Some had tried, had even targeted Isabella to get to him, but it never worked in their favor. They usually ended up dead for their efforts. If Galetti sent someone for Pepper, knowing that she was protected by VanHorne, then the man was batshit fucking crazy. Casper was the most notorious assassin in the country, and for good reason.
“I’ll have the guestroom ready when you get here,” Torch said, then ended the call.
“Now what?” I asked.
/> “Now, we wait. Go spend time with your woman and let her know trouble could be coming. Better for her to be prepared than kept in the dark. When Casper gets here, we’ll come up with a game plan for taking out Galetti.” Torch waved a hand. “Everyone out. Go do what the fuck ever.”
I stood but hesitated. After everyone had left, I approached Torch. He looked tired, and I knew he just wanted to go home to his wife and kids. There was just something I needed to say first.
“Thank you,” I said.
“For what?” he asked.
“Protecting Pepper. For calling in Casper, and offering Galetti a deal. If he accepts, you can take the money from my share of our profits.”
Torch snorted. “That girl is family, even if she weren’t yours. The club will cover the cost, but I don’t think Galetti is going to accept. Too fucking easy. And let’s face it. When it comes to our women, nothing is ever easy. They’re worth the trouble, but it would be nice if we ever got one without having to kill someone along the way.”
“Good luck with that,” I said. “When are you going to tell Saint?”
“That he’ll be housing a nineteen-year-old woman in his house?” he asked, his eyebrows raised.
“No, that you offered him up as a husband to one of Gomez’s daughters. You know how he feels about accepting a woman into his life, especially now that he has a kid. He’s not going to let just anyone near his daughter.”
“I’ll deal with it later, but Saint will do as he’s told. Always has and always will. That kid hasn’t caused much trouble since coming here. He’s protected my family and given blood and sweat to keep this club safe. If I explain the situation, he’ll do what’s needed.”
“I hope you’re right.”
I tapped the table, then headed out. Saint would be Torch’s problem. I didn’t think the kid was going to accept a wife as easily as Torch believed. Only time would tell.
Chapter Nine
Pepper
While Flicker was at his meeting, or Church, my phone kept buzzing with incoming texts. I was scared to look, but eventually I couldn’t help myself. A few were from Marcus, asking why the hell I wasn’t helping Louis. It was the ones from a blocked number that made me rush to the bathroom and throw up. I sobbed as I hugged the toilet. It seemed that my time had run out.
Flicker found me lying on the floor in the bathroom, my throat sore from crying so damn hard. He knelt beside me and smoothed my hair back.
“Pepper, what’s wrong?”
“Louis.” I took a shuddering breath. “He killed him. He…”
“How do you know, baby girl?” he asked.
“Phone. Someone sent pictures.”
Flicker stood and rushed into the bedroom. He must have found my phone because he started cursing and it sounded like he’d punched the wall. More than once. When he came back, he knelt in front of me again and pulled me into his arms.
“I’m so fucking sorry, Pepper. I thought it was handled. I don’t know what game Galetti is playing now.”
“He’s not going to stop, is he?” I asked. “He’ll come for me, or kill everyone I care about until I turn myself over to him. He’s a monster and we won’t be able to reason with him, will we?”
“It’s his answer to Torch’s offer,” Flicker said softly. “Torch offered to pay him, even offered some weed as well, and it seems Galetti is turning down that offer and sending a message.”
“Marcus will never forgive me,” I said, feeling broken inside. Louis and his boyfriend were the only people to stand beside me, until now. We might not have had the perfect friendship, but it was more than I’d ever had before. And I’d failed them when it counted most and Louis had lost his life.
“This isn’t your fault, Pepper. If anyone is to blame, it’s your mother. She got you into this mess and took the easy way out. If she’d faced them and not killed herself, then they never would have come for you. I can understand where Galetti is coming from. Doesn’t make it right, but the man can’t hold his territory if people think he’s weak,” Flicker said.
“I should have turned myself in to him,” I said. “Then Louis would be alive. He didn’t deserve to die like that.”
The images had been brutal. While I didn’t have any desire to die, it tore me apart knowing that should have been me and not Louis, my sweet friend who had never hurt anyone in his life. He’d been a gentle soul and it was my fault he was gone, regardless of what Flicker said. Yes, my mother had put me in this position, but I could have saved Louis.
I let Flicker hold me. I knew he wanted to help, to make me feel better, but nothing could do that. Well, maybe one thing. I wanted Galetti to pay for what he’d done. Monsters like him should be removed from the world. I knew that wasn’t realistic, that evil people had been around since the beginning of time, but if there was a way to wipe them out, I’d do it. I’d never understand how someone could brutally murder another person, especially just to make a point. What kind of person did that?
“We’ll stop Galetti,” Flicker said. “I promise, Pepper. Your friend will be avenged, and we’ll make sure Galetti never harms another person.”
“I want to help,” I said.
“I know you do. You’re as fierce as you are beautiful, but I need you to stay here where it’s safe. If you’re out there where Galetti can reach you, then I’ll be distracted. Promise you’ll stay here, behind the gates,” he said. “I mean it, Pepper. I need to know he can’t get to you.”
I gave a slight nod, but I wasn’t about to verbally agree. It wasn’t technically a lie if I didn’t voice my answer, right? Because if I had half a chance to make sure Galetti never drew another breath, never harmed another person, then I’d do it. I knew that Flicker wanted to keep me safe, and I appreciated it, but I’d never had anyone to fight my battles for me, and I didn’t know that I wanted to start that crap now.
“I need to show those pictures to Torch and Casper. I’m going to forward them to my phone, then delete them from yours,” he said. “You don’t need to see that shit again.”
“Who’s Casper?” I asked. I knew there were still members of the club I hadn’t officially met, but this was the first time I’d heard that name.
“Torch’s father-in-law, which is funny as shit because the man is younger than Torch. Casper made a deal to protect his daughter, Isabella. Torch claimed her as his old lady, never thinking he’d actually love her, but the two of them are crazy about each other.”
“Guess all of you go for younger women, huh?” I asked, smiling a little. It reminded me of the woman at the diner. My dad claimed she was too young for him, but I had to wonder if there was something there, a connection he was trying to deny. I couldn’t wait to see how that played out. Speaking of… “Where’s my dad?”
“Shit. Someone was supposed to check on him. Let me see if Wire got a hit on his GPS. He wasn’t in Church and no one’s seen him since the morning the officers left. He wasn’t with us, so we don’t know where the fuck he went.”
My stomach churned. “He wouldn’t go after Galetti alone, would he? I know he’s ex-military, but he’s not invincible.”
“I don’t know, but I wouldn’t put it past him. Honestly, when I found out Sarge was missing, that was my first thought. You’re his daughter, Pepper. He’ll want to protect you, even if it costs him his life. Can’t blame the guy.”
“Find him, please. And if he did leave and go after Galetti, send someone to bring him back. I can’t lose him, Daniel. I just can’t.”
He cupped my cheek and pressed a kiss to my forehead. “We’ll keep your daddy safe, Pepper. You have my word.”
I nodded and let him help me off the floor. I splashed some water on my face and brushed my teeth. My heart still ached over the loss of Louis, but I felt better. At least, a little bit better. I knew it would take time to heal. Even though I’d never lost anyone but my mother, a woman I’d stopped caring about long ago, I’d been around plenty of people who lost loved ones.
I
heard him in the other room talking to someone on the phone. Staring at my reflection, I wasn’t too sure I liked what I saw. I’d run from my problems before, but then it had been smart. Leaving Louis with that madman had been the wrong thing to do. I’d known it, and I’d done my best to reach him, but my best hadn’t been good enough. Not blaming myself was going to be difficult. The only thing that could have saved Louis was me turning myself in, and I’d been willing to do it even if it meant I died. Be willing to do something and actually doing it were different. I’d failed.
My stomach lurched and I ran to the toilet, throwing up again until there wasn’t anything left and I was just dry heaving. Flicker found me on my knees, hugging the porcelain bowl again. He helped me get cleaned up, then he carried me outside. I didn’t know where the hell we were going or why, but there was a truck idling in the driveway.
“Where did that come from?” I asked.
“When I heard you getting sick again, I called one of the Prospects to bring a truck over. You’re going to the doctor, Pepper, and don’t fucking argue with me. I’ll make sure you’re well-guarded. As much as I want to keep you here at the compound, I need the doc to make sure you’re okay.”
“He can’t come here?” I asked.
“Well, he has in the past, but since he hasn’t treated you before he may want to run tests and that would be easier at his clinic.”
Seemed reasonable enough. Flicker buckled me into the back seat, then climbed into the passenger side. I recognized King in the driver’s seat, and when we approached the gates, I saw three men on bikes waiting for us. One pulled in front and the other two fell in line behind the truck. It seemed a bit much just to go see the doctor, but I wouldn’t argue. This time. If Flicker thought I’d go for something like this every time I wanted to leave in the future, he was dead wrong. I could understand the need for extra security right now, but I hoped it wasn’t going to be an everyday type of thing. I’d feel smothered in no time.
I hadn’t paid much attention to the little town I would now call home. When I’d arrived, I’d been too nervous and focused on meeting my dad for the first time. I hadn’t really had a chance to get out and explore, or get a good look at the place during the daytime. It was cute. Nowhere near as big as Vegas, but it seemed like a great place to raise kids. I wondered if Flicker and I would ever have a family. I hadn’t thought about it too much in the past, not knowing who would ever want to marry someone like me. Not that Flicker had asked me to marry him, just move in with him. It was still more than anyone had ever offered before.