Ropes’s body locked as he hissed out, “Jesus fuckin’ Christ.”
“Don’t use the Lord’s name in vain, Ropes. Please,” I begged.
“Sorry, baby. I’ll be better.”
“I was there for over a month. One of the girls, Scarlett, had made herself Molly’s protector and got beaten a lot, but she was one of the lucky ones. Her brother, Ryder, had been looking for her and ended up finding all of us as well. His wife, Sadie, used to be a nun and organized a plan with the FBI to keep us all hidden.”
“How?”
“We were hidden in plain sight, dressed as nuns in an abbey in Beaverton.”
“You’re kidding me.”
“All true. In fact, we came back to Portland, dressed as nuns until it was safe for us to come out of hiding.”
“Safe according to who?” Ropes asked, a look of concern etched deeply into his face.
“The FBI,” I assured him. “Don’t worry, the people that did this to us are all in federal prison, or were killed off by their employers. We worked with the FBI for months before the case was closed.”
“That explains the small footprint,” Ropes said quietly.
“What’s that?” I asked.
“Promise you won’t get mad, but I had a friend of mine run a background check on you.”
“A background check?”
“I needed to know if I could trust you and was looking for any red flags.”
I wanted to be mad or at least hurt, but I couldn’t be. I’d have done the exact same thing if I had a ‘background check guy’ at my disposal.
“I assume you didn’t find anything interesting,” I said sarcastically.
“Oddly enough, no.” Ropes said plainly.
“What do you mean, ‘oddly enough’?”
“Come on now. I don’t think I’m an asshole for expecting you to have at least a few marks on your permanent record.”
“Did you find anything during your little search?”
“No, but that doesn’t tell the whole story, does it?”
“What are you saying?”
“That I would have expected a rebel like you to have left a few tracks on the streets, but I guess I was wrong…unless.”
“Unless, what?”
“Unless your friends at the FBI cleared up your record in exchange for your cooperation in a Federal investigation.”
“Let’s just say it wasn’t only the nuns that helped absolve me of my sins.”
“What about your family? Where were they during all of this?”
“My father left when I was two years old and died when I was twelve. My mom was in and out of jail and mental institutions most my life. I honestly don’t know where she is now, and I don’t want to.”
“I understand. I’m sorry,” Ropes said softly.
“It’s okay. Being taken was the worst thing that had ever happened to me, but it led me to the sisters and they changed my life.”
“So, that’s why you can’t handle blasphemy.”
I nodded. “The sisters are the only reason I’m standing in front of you now. Those women were so amazing. We were all in various states of trauma and they loved us unconditionally. I never felt judged by them, not once. And Sadie is the nicest person you’ll ever meet. So is her husband, Ryder. He let me work at his bar as a barback. It’s also where I started meeting my first tattoo clientele.”
“Ryder,” he mused. “Does he own the Brass Frog?”
“Yes. Do you know him?”
“Not well, but he runs with the Dogs, so we occasionally see each other.”
“He runs with dogs? Is this another Dave Bracco joke?”
Ropes laughed. “The Dogs of Fire MC. They’re a local club that we’re… friendly with… more or less,” he explained.
“I know their club,” I said. “Some of their guys have work done at one of the shops I freelance out of.”
“Makes sense,” Ropes said. “Cricket knows Ryder’s woman pretty well, too, I think. Sadie’s cool. We all like her.”
“She’s amazing,” I agreed. “We get together for girls’ night on occasion. She’s so funny when she’s tipsy and Ryder’s super protective, which makes her get all bossy with him. It’s actually kind of hilarious.”
“Yeah?”
I nodded and smiled up at him. “Something about bringing an alpha man to his knees… it’s invigorating.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Do you still have your nun costume?”
I groaned. “It’s not a costume, it’s a sacred garment.”
“Okay, so I take it, you won’t wear it for me with nothing underneath, so I can fuck you in it sometime?”
I bit back a chuckle. “You are the worst.”
He smiled, stroking my cheek before kissing me gently. “I’m sorry you had to deal with that shit, baby. You ever need anything from me, I’m here.”
“I know. It’s probably why I pushed you away,” I admitted. “Pretty… with money… making me feel special.”
“I’m nothing like this Tripp shithead.”
“I know,” I rushed to say. “I’m learning to trust you, and for what it’s worth, you’ve gained it more than most.”
“I appreciate that.”
I wrapped my arms around him and squeezed.
We stood like this, in the middle of a loading dock, for several minutes until it was time to get moving. I slid into Ben and Ropes climbed onto his bike and we took off, headed back to my place where he stayed until I woke him the next morning.
Ropes
THE PAST WEEK with Devlin had kept my mind completely off club business, not that there was much actual business to speak of these days. Minus had made it very clear that the club was set on cash for the moment, but our reserves wouldn’t last forever. The number one priority on the street was paving new avenues of revenue.
There was a knock at my door followed by, “You awake, shithead?”
“Come on in,” I called back, and my little brother, Sweet Pea, entered my cramped bedroom. The space was nothing more than a converted utility room, but it was private. Growing up, my brother and I always had our own rooms, and to this day, I found it next to impossible to cohabitate with anyone.
“Wolf wants us wheels-up in five minutes.”
“Why so fucking early?”
“I dunno, but he’s in a shit mood, so I’d hop to it, big bro.”
Wolf was always in a bad mood these days. The new world order was seriously cramping his style and I wasn’t sure he’d be able to successfully navigate the club’s transition over to the ninety-nine percenters.
“Hand me my boots, will you? They’re right behind you.”
Pea did so before asking, “Where you been all week?”
“I’ve been around. Had some shit to take care of,” I said dismissively.
“Not what I heard,” he replied with as much of a smile as he ever dared to crack.
“Oh, pray tell, little brother. What exactly did your big-ass ears hear?”
“Fuck you,” he snapped back. “My ears aren’t big. I have mom’s ears.”
I slid my boots on, stood up and grabbed my keys. “C’mon, if Wolf’s on the rag, I don’t want to give him a reason to bitch at us.”
Sweet Pea screwed up his face. “Us? What the fuck are you talking about? Wolf likes me.”
“Why wouldn’t he, teacher’s pet?”
“Fuck you,” he replied without showing a trace of actual annoyance. My brother ran as cool as they came. Nothing rattled him. He was the bravest person I knew, but I worried about his devotion to our road captain, Wolf, who was clearly at odds with the President. I was afraid that if lines were drawn, little brother might be torn as to which side to stand on.
“Whatever your little sewing circle bitches told you is bullshit. I’ve been running errands and taking care of some personal shit, and by personal, I mean that it’s nobody’s godda… fucking business.” I corrected myself mid-swear for Devlin’s sake, although she wasn’t the
re.
“I heard you were hanging out at the mall with that hot redhead from Sally Anne’s like some fuckin’ teenager.”
I had no idea who’d seen Devlin and me together, but I did not like being the topic of gossip. “Who the fuck told you that?”
“The Peckers said they saw you there last night, making out by that bookstore you like. When they mentioned that place, I knew it had to be you. Besides, a smokin’ hot tatted-up redhead and a biker tend to stand out in a place like that, dontcha think?”
“Sure, so what the fuck were the Peckers doing there?” I asked.
“How the hell should I know? With those morons? Glow-in-the-dark golf and Hotdog on a Stick if I had to make a guess.”
Big Pecker and Little Pecker were club prospects who’d only been around for six months. Minus felt that the club needed new blood. Guys who were free from the baggage of the past. Young guys who were able to find ways of earning within the new age. I agreed with Minus’s philosophy but was unsure about the Peckers. They both seemed eager and followed instructions, but something about them gave me pause, although I’d never been able to pinpoint what it was. One thing was for certain, I’d have to see a hell of a lot more from them before I cast my vote for giving them patches and official names.
“Tell those two to mind their own fucking business,” I said, opening the door out to the hallway, before stopping and adding, “No, wait. Forget that. I’ll tell them myself.”
Sweet Pea and I made our way to the Sanctuary’s great hall where Wolf, Doozer, and Socks were waiting.
“’Bout fuckin’ time. You finished putting on your mascara?” Wolf growled through his scraggly beard.
“Haven’t had your coffee enema yet this morning, Boss?” I asked.
“Just for that, you’re buying today.”
The five of us rode out to Flick’s Beanery, which was part of a small chain of coffee places in the area. Just about everyone in the Pacific Northwest, from the most hard-core biker to the corporate heavy hitters, was in the throes of a coffee addiction, but Wolf was a full-blown, black tar caffeine junkie. We’d stop for a fix three times a day at minimum.
While slamming down triple shot espressos, Wolf ran down our plans for the day, which included stopping by Sally Anne’s, picking up two kegs of beer, and delivering them to Portland State University. The club was hosting a party for some of the young up-and-comers that Minus was betting would have serious political juice within the years to come. Minus was laying the groundwork for a new era of the Burning Saints. A sustainable future that would keep the club and all its members alive.
Wolf made no attempt to hide his disdain for the task. “Minus wants us to go play wet nurse to a bunch of privileged snot-nosed white boys.”
“You’re white, too,” I replied with a laugh.
“Yeah, but I’m not a white-boy. There’s a big fuckin’ difference.”
“If you say so, Boss.”
“Good fuckin’ answer.”
“What does that make Ropes, then?” Doozer asked.
“He’s the worst,” Wolf replied. “He’s a fuckin’ pretty boy.”
“Any time you want some beauty tips, you just let me know, Wolf.”
“How ’bout I just make that face of yours a little less pretty.”
“I know a guy who’s got some gloves,” I replied to raised eyebrows all around.
“Who needs gloves?” Wolf replied.
We were referring to Clutch’s newly opened boxing gym. Our Sergeant at Arms was the first to get a legitimate business up and running, post Minus taking office, and it was an instant hit in the community. In fact, the club was already sponsoring several young fighters from the neighborhood. Wolf clearly had something a little less civilized in mind.
“Ding, ding!” I said with a smile, signifying the end of the round, my hands up in mock surrender. Wolf was my Captain, and I knew better than to cross the line too far, and although he didn’t intimidate me, he was a man to be feared and respected.
Wolf looked at me but pointed at Sweet Pea. “You know, you should learn to be more like your brother, and keep your mouth fuckin’ shut.”
Pea simply shrugged.
“See what I mean? Now, let’s get the fuck outta here,” Wolf said, and we headed out to the parking lot, where the Peckers were waiting with a pickup truck.
“Minus wants full patches to represent at this frat party, so Doozer, you and Socks take the truck to Sally Anne’s to pick up the kegs and deliver them. The Peckers can ride your bikes back to the Sanctuary,” Wolf directed.
“Pea and I can do it,” I said, my brother’s head snapping to mine in surprise.
“Why?” Wolf asked.
“I’ve got some shit at the Sanctuary that I need to take to the dump and I could use the truck.” This was bullshit. I was really hoping that Devlin would be at Sally Anne’s. The grunt work would all be worth it if I could see her for a few minutes.
“Fine, whatever,” Wolf grumbled. “Ropes and Sweet Pea can take care of the refreshments for Minus’s little tea party and you two can come with me.” He motioned to Doozer and Socks.
I walked over to the Peckers and handed Little Pecker the keys to my bike. He was a little smaller than me, but closer to my build than the massive Big Pecker.
“If she comes back with a single scratch, I’ll break both of your thumbs,” I said to him before turning to Big Pecker and adding, “Oh, one more thing. I heard you guys saw me at the mall this weekend.”
Big Pecker smiled wide, giving me a beautiful target. My right hand connected perfectly with his pearly white grill and he staggered back as blood began to pour from the holes where his two front teeth had previously been.
“Whathefuckman?” Big pecker slurred as the rest of my brothers stood by, just as stunned as he was.
“If I ever hear about either of you running your mouth about me or my business again, I’ll not only make sure you’re out of this club, but off the face of this fucking planet. You got that?”
Sweet Pea handed big Pecker his keys and a rag. “Don’t get blood all over my bike,” was all he said, and we headed towards the truck.
* * *
Devlin
“Fucking fuckity fuck!” I yelped as I hopped up and down on my right foot. The pain in my left started at my little toe and shot all the way up to my knee. I gathered up my courage and looked down, only to see my worst fears realized. Rather than point north, the pinky toe on my left foot was pointing due west. I fought back the urge to vomit and found a seat before I passed out.
I’d uncharacteristically overslept and was running way behind schedule this morning. I was attempting to towel dry my hair and walk at the same time when instead of going home, my left little piggy went into the corner of my bedroom dresser. I was already late for a job that didn’t have health coverage, so this was the absolute last thing in the world I needed. Not to mention the normal dread I felt any time my schedule was fucked with. Should I call an ambulance? Try to straighten my toe back out myself? The last thought made me want to hurl again so I quickly put it out of my mind.
I picked up the phone and called Ropes.
* * *
Ropes
Sweet Pea turned to me from the passenger seat. “You wanna tell me what the fuck just happened?” Before I could respond, my phone buzzed. It was Devlin.
“Give me a sec,” I said. I stepped away from the truck and took the call. “Hey there, Cherry, you miss me already?” I joked.
“I need you… to come and take… me to a… doctor,” Devlin said in between sobs, and my blood ran cold. I imagined her lying on the floor, in a pool of blood with Troy standing over her.
“What happened? Do you need me to call 9-1-1?”
“No,” she said, now sounding a little calmer. “I broke my toe.”
“You broke your toe? Jesus, Devlin. You gave me a fucking heart attack.”
“Don’t use the… Lord’s name… in vain,” she said.
�
��I’ll be right there,” I said, and hung up before climbing into the truck.
“What the fuck was that all about?” Sweet Pea asked as soon as I got behind the wheel.
“That was Devlin. She broke a toe, so I’m gonna take her to the clinic.”
“I wasn’t talking about the phone call. I meant you cold cocking the prospect just now.”
“The Peckers were out of line for talking about my business to you,” I snapped.
“Maybe so, but that was a bit fuckin’ much, bro. That’s not all, either.”
“What?”
“I didn’t say shit earlier, but from the looks of your knuckles and nose, it looks like you’ve been fighting lately.
“It’s not what you think,” I said.
“I don’t give a shit what it is, but if Minus hears that you’ve been earning by collecting he’s gonna be pissed.”
I nervously glanced down at my kutte pocket.
“Oh, shit. No.” Sweet Pea shook his head. “He’s gonna lose his shit if he finds out the tooth fairy is back in business.”
“This wasn’t about collecting,” I said.
“You knock people’s teeth out and mail them back just for the fucking fun of it now?”
“No, Pea. This was personal. I was helping a friend out.”
“This is all about her, isn’t it?” my brother replied in a far more animated fashion than he was typically known for.
“Let’s get the fuck out here,” I said and drove off.
Devlin
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