“I don’t know anything except the few things I’ve read in the paper. He keeps a low profile. I think I met him once years ago when I first started at the bank. But not since then. He's not someone I want to cross. I mean, the Cribs name alone scares the shit out of me. I don’t mind admitting it.” I really wish I’d had time to research them better. I was just starting to dig when all this shit came down. “Anyway, this is about Norris, I don’t think the gang’s involved. That motherfucker has been a nightmare for Alex for years.”
“Well, at least you know who you're dealing with. Let’s do this,” Derek whispers. “Let’s both do some research, meet back here in a day or two. Maybe we’ll think of something by then.” Derek looks at me, and hope springs up in his eyes. “I hope you know I want to help and I’ll do anything to help you get her back.”
Yeah sure, like we have time. I don’t know how long Norris is going to give me to make the preposterous demand happen, but I feel like time is our enemy.
“I’ve got to go. I need to get back to my team,” I whisper. Honestly, I need to get the fuck out of here and talk shit over with Jer and Rocco. I’m such a freaking mess.
“Team? What do you mean? Who’s working with you? I don’t want you out there by yourself.” Derek seems invested now. Maybe he can be part of the team.
“My brother and Rocco. You remember that place? We met for a drink at Rocco’s on the waterfront? Well, dude that owns it, Rocco, is pulling together an army of sorts, brothers of his from his time in an outlaw club. He’s got the strings, and he’s pulling them right now. And Jeremy is researching Norris’s properties.”
“Wait, just a sec. How about if I help with that? I have resources here. Maybe between me and Jeremey we can figure out where Alex is being held? She won’t be safe even if we find her, though...” Derek’s words fade off, like he’s thinking of something that could really fuck us up. His grimace says everything.
“What do you mean? Why wouldn’t she be safe?” I ask, my stomach churning.
“Cuz if that dude Norris doesn’t get what he wants, he’ll go after her again. He knows she’s your weakness, man.” And he’s right. She's my love and my weakness. I’m screwed, she’s screwed. We are so fucking screwed, and I just want to scream! We have to deal with this Norris character. There’s no other way.
“Okay, I’ve gotta go. I’ve got to talk to Rocco right now. Let me know what you find. Here's my number again—you have my brother’s cell?” I stand up and shake my head to clear my thoughts. We have a short time to make something happen before Norris does something really fucking stupid. I don’t trust that dude at all. He could be raping her in the time I stand here. There’s no time to be polite. My head pounds and I feel stupid, like I’m not going to get there in time. If I could only think through all this shit, maybe there’s an answer.
“Let me know, okay? Let me know if there’s anything else I can do. I’m pretty connected as you know, right? If you need anything, anything at all, don’t hesitate to call,” Derek says. I believe he’s talking straight from his heart. I believe he’d do whatever is within his power to see her come home safe and unharmed.
“Talk later,” I whisper.
I’m out the fucking door, running straight to my car and driving way above the speed limit like a lunatic to get back to the bar where I hope we can figure this shit out. It’s getting complicated. The more time that goes by, the worse this situation becomes.
My imagination runs wild. I can’t wipe the image of Alex being treated badly—or worse, tortured. She looks like she’s freezing cold inside that room, and her wrists are bleeding. What if that asshole has hurt her in other ways? What if he’s already ripped off her clothes and raped her? I can see it happening in my mind’s eye, and it tears at my soul. We have to find her soon! I feel an urgency to get to Alex like I’ve never felt before. We must stop this madman from taking any more from my girl. My heart clenches as I rub my chest.
I send a prayer to God up above.
Hold on baby girl. I’m coming to get you. Somehow, someway I’m going to find you, and then I’m going to make him pay.
They are ALL going to pay. Come hell or high water, I will make them pay.
Chapter Forty-One
Alex
I’m shivering. My entire body shudders from the freezing cold air. The icy cement has seeped into my bones and I feel freaking frozen. My teeth chatter so loudly I can hear the clack clack.
Someone places a key in the lock and pushes the door open.
“Oh, there she is, pretty girl.” His voice is disgusting and grosses me out. The bile rises in my throat. I swallow, trying to force it back down.
Norris stands in front of me and pulls me roughly off the ground. “N-N-Norris.” My teeth click. “Norris, I’m cold, please, p-p-please give me something to warm me up. A blanket, something.” I’m not too proud to beg. I pray he finds a soft spot and breaks down on this one thing. Well, there’s nothing soft or nice about him, but I beg anyway.
“Poor baby, tsk tsk, you can’t handle the cold? I thought you were a tough bitch.” He drags my body up against his nasty vile one, crushing me to him. “Maybe I don’t wanna give you back, cunt,” he whispers. His laugh rankles straight through me. His hands start to wander over the curves of my body. He disgusts me in every way possible. I just want to scream, “Get off!”
“I had an interesting meeting with your boy. He looked scared.” Norris laughs a horrible, dark, foul laugh. He thinks it’s so fucking funny, does he? My hatred for him fuels me, but I don’t say anyfuckingthing. I try to look unfazed by this. I whisper the word “Later” and keep my mouth shut after that.
“Okay, hold on, bitch.” He leaves the room, but before he goes, he ties me back up to that radiator thing. As he steps away from me, the obnoxious, nasty smell of cigars and body odor reaches my nose, and I feel like I’m going to retch. I finally get a break from his foul smell. Thank god. I’m grateful for small mercies.
When he comes back, he’s carrying a woolen blanket that he drops right on top of me. It’s scratchy as hell, and I can smell some funk coming from it, but I don’t give a shit. I wrap it around my body like a cocoon. I wrap it tight like it’s going to protect me.
“Now, behave yourself, cunt, and I won’t have to take it back.” Norris chuckles darkly, then he’s gone, leaving a cloud of funk in his wake.
I hate him so much, and his torment tears me apart. What’s all this about? I can’t even imagine what he could get out of holding me against my will. I mean, I’m not worth anything to anyone.
NO! I’m so fucking frustrated because there’s nothing I can do. I just need to find that one moment when he drops his guard. I know I can lay waste to his puny, weak body. He's got nothing on me. I mean, dude, what does he do all day long? He’s not in great shape, that’s for damn sure. He has a small, feeble body that doesn’t radiate any strength.
I’m fuming, but at least I’m not freezing anymore. Thank god I begged for a blanket. Who cares about my pride? Not me, that’s for damn sure. For the first time, I can think clearly. He just made his first big mistake. BIG. Yup, big mistake. By the time I warm up, I can finally think clearly for the first time since being his captive.
Now, what would he get out of holding me hostage? This isn’t about money, that’s for damn sure. He’s rich beyond my wildest dreams. This isn’t about trading me for something valuable. It’s personal, I can feel it inside my very bones.
The man’s bitter. He's been with the Cribs for years, and maybe he’s not getting the respect he thinks he deserves. Maybe there’s something there.
I start to think about who I know and what they could give him, but I come up empty. I don’t have any idea what this means. No clue what he wants, really. I believe he’s acting independently of the Cribs. I mean, I haven’t seen anyone else around. Just him and his ugly fucking mug.
I try to pull strength from the depth of my being, but right now I’m not feeling it. Thank goodness
he’s gone, and maybe I should let myself go for a minute. Just let myself be a sad little girl.
I’m crumbling, and I know it. I want to stay strong for the long haul. This could take some time, but I don’t think I have time. I think it’s ticking right along with no real answers. That fuckface will get tired of the whole cat and mouse game. Sooner or later, he’ll be coming for more from me, more than I’m willing to give.
And then what? My plan is starting to come together. I know in one swift moment I could change everything. I’ll get one shot at it, and I have to time it perfectly or I’ll be dead before it’s all over. He’ll kill me, I have no doubt about that. None at all.
Fuck!
Fuck, I need to gather my wits about me and find strength to get through all that I’m facing. Everything could change on a dime. I tell myself no more, no more allowing myself the luxury of falling apart. That’s it. I speak quietly to myself. “Done, Alex. One time and done,” and I allow myself to break apart.
I’m facing this head-on, and he best be careful now. I feel myself toughening up and look to the next time he dares come in here. Could be my moment. I have to stay on top of my emotions and watch carefully as each second passes through a kaleidoscope of life swirling together, catching in on itself. This could blow up in my fucking face.
If I want to survive, I need to stay focused. My back hurts, and I’m bruised from where he punched me. My wrists are bleeding and my body aches. But I’m not cold anymore.
Stay focused, I tell myself. Stay focused.
Chapter Forty-Two
Jack
I race back to Rocco’s, feeling frantic with each passing moment. Jeremy comes running out to the parking lot to greet me. As soon as I slide the car in a slot, I jump out and run over to him. “Dude, this is gonna be rough going. Did you get anywhere?” I’m hoping he found all Norris’s properties.
”Derek can’t really help us. He wants to, but he can’t do anything about signing Geraldo.” I report my sucky news.
We decide to investigate the Crib holdings after we exhaust Norris’s holdings. It’s a just-in-case scenario, if we need to. I just have a niggling feeling about it, that he might have her stowed at one of his own rentals. It’s personal to Norris, I’m convinced of it. And at least it’s a starting point, right? If he’s acting on his own, what better place to keep her hidden away?
And if he’s not, maybe she’s at a Crib property. We must stay vigilant and keep moving forward.
“Yes, a friend of mine got back to me with a whole slew of them. I get that we need to figure out where she is, but bro, I don’t know how we’re going to check out all 38 spots around here.” Jeremy has bags under his eyes, and his jaw tightens. I know he’s been worried about me. He’s been trying to keep an eye on me.
“I mean, they’re spread out all over the Bay Area—as far out as Stockton!” he coughs and adds, “Then the Cribs holdings, damn. That’s a whole other level...” His words seem to fail him.
“Let me think.” I take a moment to pause and gather my thoughts. “I think maybe Rocco can help us with that. Let’s go inside.” I walk briskly to the front door, but it opens up before I can get to it.
Rocco sticks his head out. “Come on, fuckers. I’ve got shit to tell you.”
Both Jeremy and I jog to the door and go on inside, pulling the door shut behind us. As soon as we slip inside, Rocco yells out, “Bar’s closed. No charge for your last drink. Just drink up and get the fuck out.” Good idea. All we need is some dude overhearing us. And we could use some peace and quiet. “Grab your stuff and get the fuck out!”
One by one, the men leave out the front door. Rocco even goes to the bathrooms to clear out the stragglers. And just for a moment...peace. The sudden quiet falls over the bar, and I let go of a breath I’ve been holding.
Rocco goes to both the front and back doors and flips the signs to Closed and locks them up tight. Our headquarters are secure now. We don’t have to worry about snoopy motherfuckers.
I take a deep breath and look at Rocco.
“Okay, dude, spill it. What did you find?” I say with determination.
“Well, it’s not what I found, it’s who I found.” We both look at him with the same expression on our faces, curiosity almost killing the cat.
“Who?” we say in tandem.
We walk into the bar and grab a stool. Rocco pours us both a beer and drops a basket of pretzels on top of the gleaming wood. I haven’t eaten a bite today, so I totally appreciate this snack. I look up and over at him as he begins to explain. I grab a pretzel that crunches loudly in my ear when I take a big hunk of it off, the salty snack making my mouth water for more.
“I called the Prez of the Knight’s Watchmen. Name’s Bark. Anyway, they’re down!”
“Down for what?” I ask. I’m not sure where he’s going with this.
“They’re a large motorcycle club around 400 or so strong. Mostly in the area. Anyway, they want to back us. When we find where they’re keeping Alex, they’ll go in with us to take her back.”
I’m relieved, because I realize we aren’t alone. Three becomes four hundred in the blink of an eye. And if Rocco trusts these Watchmen, then fuck me, I do too. I feel hopeful for the first time today. Maybe this isn’t impossible, after all.
“Jeremy?” I ask. I don’t have to spell it out. He knows exactly what I’m asking, and he takes it up right away.
“Yeah, I got the list. I’m thinking the same thing you are. Rocco, do you think these men would be down to check out the properties? Do a massive search through all the properties that asshole Norris owns? I think we should start there. Maybe with their help, we can find her?” I’m nodding in agreement and thinking this might be a great plan. My emotions push through me and I tamp them back down.
“Sure, I think that’s a great idea. I’ll give Bark a call in a minute. See if we can get the ball rolling. So, Jack? What did you find out? Did you talk to Derek?”
I thought it was a bust. “Yeah, I talked to him. He’s really worried for Alex, but he doesn’t have any pull with the Giants. He wanted to lie and say there was a contract, but you all know that wouldn’t work. I mean, the brother would be waiting for said contract. I don’t want this to blow up in our faces.”
“Oh fuck, not good. That’s a terrible idea,” Jeremy concurs, and Rocco nods.
“Let me have that list, Jeremy, and I’ll get the Watchmen started.” Rocco looks at me and I agree.
“Yeah, let’s start there.”
My heart is doing this weird da-dum beat. I have to sit down and take some time to calm down. If I lose my shit now, we’re never going to get Alex back. I envision that moment when she’s safely in my arms. That’s what I’m fighting for.
I can’t have a panic attack right now. I can fall apart later. But right now, I need my focus, and the three of us need to talk it out. At least lay out what we know and what we’re doing. I’m grateful we’re doing something.
Rocco. Thank god for Rocco. He’s one tough motherfucker, and I think he has the answers we’ve been searching for. And his friends. Is that what this club is? Friends? I feel comforted to know hundreds of tough mofos are willing to stand by the three of us.
Rocco looks up from his cell phone and says, “Okay, they have the list and teams of three are going out to every location. Good, right?” He drinks from his beer, looking from Jeremy back to me.
“Thanks man, that was a great idea. I think we should all stay together. Kind of a point of contact, you know what I mean? Rocco, tell me about these Watchmen. Tell me why them?” Jeremy asks.
Rocco grabs his beer and guzzles the rest, and then takes the basket of pretzels over to a small table and plants his ass in a seat.
“I’ve known them for a long time. Their Prez Bark and I go way back. When I first patched in with the OutKasts, he patched in with the Watchmen. We were best friends, even though we were in different clubs. We supported each other best we could. The Watchmen are a tough bunch. Wh
en the OutKasts lost that day, the day they all died or ended up in prison? Well, that was the day I quit. I left that life behind me.” Rocco goes back to the bar and pours a pitcher of beer to bring back over. He refills his own glass and sets the pitcher down on the table. Then he continues.
“You don’t really get to quit. But my club collapsed, and I wasn’t looking for another club to join. I hang out with the Watchmen when I need the brotherhood of a club. I’ve done some shit with them. But I’m over that way of life. I started putting my time into this place instead of running around. I never lost my ties to them, though. I trust Bark. Like, I mean I trust him to the bone. So, when he says they’re going to scour these properties, I believe they will find her if she’s hidden there. It’s gonna take some time though, yeah?” He stops and clears his throat with an “Ahem” and looks me in the eyes.
“We’re going to find Alex. That's for damn sure. Believe me, Jack. We are going to find her. We need a plan for when we do. That's the thing. Thinking it through. Knowing what our next step is before we get there. That’s what success looks like for me. What about you?”
“When she’s back in my arms,” I growl. This entire situation has me on edge.
“I get it, that sounds good,” Jeremy says a bit forcefully. I know he’s out of his element here. Gun toting isn’t his thing, he’s more of an online geek than anything else. But I know deep in my heart he’ll stand beside me, no matter what.
“Okay then, let’s make sure it all makes sense,” I offer.
“Wait. I just thought of something.” Fuck, I can’t see the end of this, and I don’t know how to get from here to there. We know we need to free her. Of course, that’s the end game, right? But it won’t even be over if we have her back safe. I start thinking about safe where? Where can we keep her safe from the gang or Norris? I suddenly feel deranged, and finally my body folds in on itself and I fall to the ground. My knees hit hard, and I hear a crunch, but it doesn’t stop me.
The Call Page 19
