The Call

by Kathi Goldwyn

  I can hardly wait to see Alex again. My heart seizes inside my chest just thinking of taking her beautiful face in my hands and kissing those gorgeous lips again. Rocco will make it happen. I pray the clubs sort their shit out and I have her back in my arms soon.

  Rocco turns to me and says, “Strong and free is my creed, Jack. Tomorrow, we go in strong and free her.” I have a firm belief that no one and nothing’s going to stop him. Time to fucking man up and shove that creed down that cocksucker Norris’s fucking throat.

  We will free Alex tomorrow. Nothing will get in our way until I have her back where she belongs. Hell yeah.

  And then Rocco will show Norris where he belongs. Good and dead.

  Chapter Fifty

  Jack

  I want to scream. This has all been way too much for me to handle, and I’m on sensory overload. Alex held captive, Jeremy holding onto his life by a thread, and now a club war? What the hell? I’m fucked up with my own injuries that aren’t going to heal by tomorrow.

  I let Rocco take charge, because I’m feeling weak and confused. My ankle’s fucked up and I’m pissed at myself. My hand keeps throbbing, and I think I’m rattled from too much shit thrown at me all at once. I don’t want to wait another minute than we have to.

  I’m never letting her out of my sight once she’s freed from that brutal beast.

  She’s going to have to be good with that. I never want to go through this again. It may not matter what Norris wants from me. If they go in like planned, Norris won’t be a factor much longer, thank fuck. But I’m out of my element here. I have never dealt with anything like this in my life.

  I’m a peaceful kind of man. I don’t know how to man up. I don’t know about this decision to take out Norris. And anyway, with the MC trouble, I don’t know what Rocco wants to do, not yet. Or how long this is going to derail our plans.

  All I know is Norris is BIG, like third in command big, and if we kill him, ChuckD is going to be pissed. Maybe I can reach out to him and he can deal with this fucker instead of us? Or maybe I’m asking for more trouble, but I don’t give a damn.

  I’ve never killed anyone. My god, I am flipping the fuck out over this crap. I think Rocco is making that decision. I know he’s planning on taking him out.

  I called into work this morning. I told them about the car crash and my injuries. They told me to take it easy and heal before I come back to work. But I worry about my boys. After we get Alex back and Jeremy home, I need to check up on all everyone on my roster. I had just made a small connection with Tomas when all this went down, and I need to make sure the connection grows. All these teen boys depend on Derek’s Kids for so many things. Dinner, food, and ball games, and someone who cares.

  I fucking care, goddamnit. I’ve grown attached to these troubled teens. I wanted a job that matters. Now that I have this job, I’m invested in every single one on my caseload. I feel like I’ve been gone for way too long. Another week? Yeah, that seems like an interminable amount of time to be away.

  And then what about Jeremy? How long will he need to recuperate? I want to help him, of course I do, but Alex will need me after all this is over. There’s only so much of me to go around.

  I feel so overwhelmed, and this is why I gave Rocco the Alex situation. I’m completely overloaded with feelings, and I think he’s more equipped for all that shit than I will ever be. What can I even offer? I wish I had it in me, but with a cast on my foot, pain shooting through me with every step I make? Add to that a fucked-up hand? It would really slow me down. I hope she understands why I’m not the one breaking down the door.

  Oh Alex. Sweet, sweet Alex. She sure took me by surprise. I need her back in my arms. She’s all I ever wanted, all I ever dreamt of. I’m so fucking pissed that I can’t help her right now. Rocco’s supposed to go over the plan with me, but with this new thing, the MC issue, I don't even know where we stand.

  The plan was they’d grab her and hide her while we figure out the Norris situation. We’re going to deal with that motherfucker.

  My mind drifts back to the last time I saw Alex. She looked adorable that night. She had the cutest little smile on her face when she opened the door. She dropped her bathrobe and stood naked in the hallway. Her curves were so beautiful, and I grabbed her in my arms and bit her neck lightly, growling, “Take me to your bed”.

  We stumbled our way to her bed while kissing madly. I couldn’t stop kissing her, and I heard her sigh.

  “Fuck me, Jack,” she whispered. I loved when she came at me like that.

  “Oh, I’m gonna fuck you, darlin,” I barked lowly in her ear. I couldn’t wait to be inside her, and my dick was already at full staff. It was hard as steel up against my zipper. I wanted to free it and shove it inside her. I laid her down and kissed my way to her pussy; it was already dripping with her juices. My tongue took a swipe at her clit, tasting her intoxicating flavor. Her smell drove me wild.

  We fucked all night that night. I remember dragging myself out of there to meet Jeremy. I didn’t know what I had then. I was a fool, believe me, not to tell her I loved her. She’ll know when I can get to her; I will tell her every single day if she lets me.

  When I slammed inside her gorgeous body, I knew right then I was in love with this girl. I pounded her into the mattress. “You like that,” I growled, and then I went all hog wild on her that night. She took it, she took everything I had to give. And she begged for more. That's the thing about Alex—she’s always ready for more. I love that about her.

  She has a gentle heart. One more thing to add to my list. She lives life with such passion. I see her zest for life every single time I see her.

  I just wish I had said something to her that night. She’d know that I wouldn’t give up until she was free and with me. I send out a silent prayer to the god above that we get to her in time—well, that the Watchmen get to her in time.

  Anything can happen in a day.

  My phone makes the chirp sound. A text’s come in.

  Norris: Time is ticking, Jack.

  It’s from that asshole. Every time I think of this vile man, I want to slice a knife right across his throat and watch him bleed out. Oh, if only I could.

  I look over at Rocco and tip my head for him to follow me. We go down the hall, away from Jeremy’s room and eavesdropping ears.

  “I got a text, dude. He’s getting impatient.” I show him the text and we both groan.

  “Okay, things are set, dude. I have to leave you here with your family. I need to check in with Bark and see what he has to say about the situation out there. But don’t worry, I’m going to make sure she’s okay. We’ve got this.” Rocco tries to reassure me, but I don’t know if I’m buying it. Fuck.

  This has been such a clusterfuck. What a fucking mess.

  “Fine, I’ll stay here, but can you tell her something for me?” I ask, because I wish I could be there, and he knows this.

  “Sure, I can do that.”

  “Just tell her I’m waiting for her,” I whisper over towards Rocco. I have to put all my faith in him now. He's about to leave here, and I won’t know anything until it’s over. I want to freak out, but I can’t. I have to stay calm while all this is happening. I have to have faith in Rocco. “Just tell her that I’m here waiting for her.”

  “Tell Jeremy I’ll be back. And I’ll call you as soon as I can,” Rocco says and starts walking down the hall.

  “Yes, call me. Please, call me,” I call after him. Shit, I wish I was going with him. But I turn slowly towards Jeremy’s room and limp inside. Mom and Bob are both sitting by his bed. Bob gets up and offers me his seat, so I lean my crutches on the wall and bend down to sit. My foot’s throbbing so badly right now, and I pull in a large breath of air to stop myself from moaning. My hand beats in pain.

  I look over at Mom and say, “Mom, Bob, can I have a few minutes alone with Jeremy?”

  Jeremy looks surprised, but Mom gets up and says, “Sure, son, we’ll go get some coffee. Bob?” And they
both walk out the door.

  “Jer, I need to talk to you about what’s going on.” I look over at him. Then I explain what’s going down with Alex. Then I add, “I think you should plan on going home with Mom.” He looks incredulous at first. “You’re going to need help when you get out of here. I don’t think being alone’s a good idea. You okay with it?”

  “I’d rather go home with you, but I get it.” That’s what I thought.

  “Okay, buddy, we’ll get you out of here as soon as we can.” Jeremy grabs my arm, and I wonder what’s on his mind.

  “I’m so sorry, bro. So sorry about all of this.” His face holds so much pain and regret.

  “It’s cool, don’t worry. We’ve got it under control.” I whisper a reassurance. I hope we do. I hope we get everything under control.

  All I can do is believe in Rocco and Bark now. I trust Rocco for sure.

  I can’t wait for them to get Alex for me. I can’t wait to hold her again.

  Chapter Fifty-One

  Alex

  Slimy-as-fuck Norris just came into the room. I look up at him, towering over me.

  “How’s Jack?” I pray he’ll give me some news, but it doesn't look like he’s in a sharing mood today. Or is it night? I don’t know, because I lost track of time long ago.

  I just hope Jack’s fine. I’ve been quietly biding my time, but I know time is running against me. Norris grabs me by the wrists and breaks open the barely-there scabs.

  “Fuck! You’re bleeding all over me, bitch!” he snarls and starts to loosen the rope around my wrists. He grabs my body tightly against his own, and I can smell the horrendous stench coming off him of those nasty cigars he smokes and something else I can’t put my finger on. It’s probably the stench of evil oozing off this devil. My stomach churns as I feel my bile rising up in my throat! He grabs my shirt and rips it off of me and then shreds my bra. My breasts bounce out of their hiding place and his eyes gleam with lust. I’m totally freaking out; this is it, he’s going to finally fulfill one of his promises and rape me right here on this cold fucking floor. I start screaming uncontrollably. I’m lost in a sea of emotion that won’t stop now that I recognize my fate.

  I grasp onto him, trying my best to push him away so I can fight back. But he’s holding on so tight and I can’t get a good grip on his body in this moment. When I feel his fingers rip open my button and tear my filthy jeans off my body, I know I can’t wait another second. I’m standing in front of him in my panties when I hear him groan. “Oh girl, look at you, I’m gonna have some fun before I have to give you back.” He moans low and mean.

  He steps back just enough to take me in, to check out every inch of my body. I’m inside of myself, inside my mind. Everything hushes; It’s quiet inside of me and I can’t hear a thing. No groans or gasps enter my head space. I watch him closely. I stand meekly in front of him, trying hard not to look in his eyes. I’m naked and vulnerable in this minute, ticking down—tick, tick, tick. My eyes stray from my strict order to look down and they raise on their own, connecting with his dull hazel orbs. They are dark, deep chasms of evil, staring me down.

  “I’m over this shit. It’s time to take what I want!” Norris grits out. I know exactly what he’s talking about. Rape is the only thing that sways him.

  “You’d better hope he comes through for you. It won’t be pretty if he doesn’t.” He falls silent for a second, and I think to myself, fuck this bastard. He adds, “I will take more from you than just this.” He gestures to my naked body.

  Norris growls, then adds, “Pee first, bitch.”

  Three points to target, I tell myself as I crash my thumbs into his eyes. I feel his eyeballs disintegrate under my thumbs, eyeballs that will never see again. Norris’s arms flail when I jab my knee straight into his balls, and he falls forward with a thunk. Finally, I slam my fist against his fucking trachea. Three targets, I chant, three, three, three.

  Norris is laid out on the ground with his knees tucked up under his chin. He’s quiet as fuck. Three and done.

  Maybe he’s dead, maybe not, but I ignore him. I grab the key from his pocket and turn to open the door. This is my moment, the moment I had been waiting for. I’m shaking so badly; my adrenaline has kicked into high gear and I barely get the key in the lock. Finally, I turn the key as I hear him groan.

  I stop, turn, and kick him in the head with all my might. For insurance, I say to myself. To give me time to open this goddamn door. I want to scream, but I’m rushing and don’t have a second to spare. If I had a second, I would spit on him.

  On second thought…I do go back and spit on him.

  Finally, I push the door open. I hear it creak as I sprint out into the morning air. Fresh air assaults my lungs, and I breathe in deeply for the first time in days.

  I’m out! Out of that fucking room that held me for way too long, out into the fresh morning air, out to freedom.

  I run like a madwoman. I run with all my might. I feel the air drying the sweat on my arms. My shirt’s drenched, and I’m suddenly so cold as the wind picks up and blows straight through me. I don’t know where I’m running. I just keep telling myself, “Get out, get gone, move Alex, move!”

  I have no clue if there are more men out here keeping guard for Norris, but I don’t stop to look. I keep running as fast as I can away from my prison cell, sprinting out of hell. I keep telling myself to move and keep on driving forward as I feel the dew settle on my face.

  My lungs fill with fresh air, and I can finally breathe. I don’t know how long this burst of energy will last, so I have to make the most of it before I fall to pieces.

  I see several men in leather vests coming towards me. I can't fight them all off, and I’m so pissed that I got this far and there were men keeping watch for that fuckhead Norris after all.

  Just as the first man runs up to me, I fall to the ground. I fall to my knees, crying, defeated. I yell, “Don’t hurt me, please don’t hurt me,” and cover my head with my arms as I wait for the inevitable. They’re going to punish me for running. I just know this is gonna be ugly as fuck. I resign myself to defeat, and death. Or worse.

  “We aren’t going to hurt you, honey. Rocco sent us.” I feel a warm sweatshirt drop over my shoulders and the warmth seeps into my freezing cold body. It smells like heaven, and that comforts me.

  Wait, what? Rocco sent them? At first, I can’t compute the words. But this dude gently touches my head and relief flows through me. I collapse in a heap at his feet, sobs wrenching from my tired bones.

  “Thank god,” I whimper as I feel his hands gently pull me up by my armpits. Then he’s carrying me in his arms like a baby. I feel like a baby, and I’m as weak as one for sure. I’m a wreck, and I know it.

  “My name is Bark, ma'am. I’m here to take you to safety.” I think I fall in love just a little bit with Bark, a man in his 40’s. He has a full beard and dark eyes. They’re gentle when he looks at me. “Come on, we have a car to take you to Rocco.”

  Just as I start to pass out, I see the sun behind his head. His head is blocking out the morning sun, but I see a halo form behind him.

  A halo for an angel sent to save me. I’m safe and sigh with relief as I let go. I’m finally safe in Bark’s arms. He’s taking me home to Rocco and hopefully Jack.

  I can hardly wait.

  And then I black out and feel nothing at all.

  Chapter Fifty-Two

  Jack

  Mom and Bob have been sitting with Jeremy. Doctor Goldberg comes by to check in on him. He shines a flashlight into his eyes and checks his reflexes.

  “So far, so good. Jeremy, you’re looking good. Your vitals look great. I think you’re going to be just fine.” He pats Jeremy’s arm, then he looks at me and nods before leaving the room.

  Rocco’s in the hallway, taking a call on his cell.

  My cell rings and I grab it. “What?” I know I’m being brusque, but the phone call itself bothers me. I have too much on my mind to deal with a call. I should have
looked to see who it is.

  “I told you I’d call back later, Jack.” Her voice is so gentle, but it doesn’t reach me like I’m sure she hoped it would.

  Fuck me, I just don’t want to deal with Lizzy.

  “I can’t deal with this right now, Lizzy,” I growl, standing up and grabbing my crutches. I stick the phone in my shirt pocket and limp out of the room.

  “Why are you calling me, Lizzy?” I know I sound harsh, but so much is going on and I’m watching Rocco as he turns to walk towards me. His face holds a grim expression, and it looks like he has something to tell me when I look in his eyes and his brows arch up into his head.

  “Listen, I’ve gotta go.” I hang up my phone. “What’s up, dude?” I ask, praying he has some news for me.

  “She got out, Jack. Alex fucking ran out of there. She fucking killed Norris and fled.” The hallway is filled with the sounds of my gasp as I see the pride swelling in Rocco’s eyes. I feel the pride hit me right in the center of my chest.

  “My man Bark has her and is driving her here.” He sounds jubilant. His eyes are filled with love for Alex. I feel it too.

  Oh my god! Best news ever. That’s my kickass, badass chick. I can’t wait to hear the whole story, but I’m so relieved in this moment. I knew she had it in her.

  “What the fuck? She killed him? How? I mean...how?” I’m so confused right now. How the fuck did she get the upper hand on him? This is amazing. I knew she could handle herself, but fuck me! I try to envision the scene, but I just can’t. All I can see is that Alex is free. My Alex is on her way back to me right this very minute.

  “Yeah, Bark said they were watching out for Norris. They saw him go in and they pulled in tight to see what he was doing. She took him down and ran like a bat out of hell, ran right into his arms.” Rocco chuckles. He looks like he wants to fucking whoop it up. He's so proud of her. I guess we don’t have to worry about the MC war now.