Paladin's Hell

by Manda Mellett

  “So who the fuck wants to mess with us?” Demon throws out to the table. “Whose toes have we stepped on?”

  “And is it against the club, or one of the members?” Thunder growls. “Could be one of us fucked with the wrong person.”

  As everyone looks pensive, all end up shaking their heads, I feel frustrated. I want an enemy I can fight. “Cad? Anything come up while you’ve been looking into the new police chief? He seem one to want to clean house?”

  Cad shrugs. “I’ve looked at his record, Prez. No cop likes a one-percenter club, but if he was behind messing with us like this, he’d be a dirty cop. No sniff of that so far.”

  “Well, keep looking. Coincidence we’ve got problems when he rides into town. Okay everyone. Keep your fuckin’ thinkin’ caps on. Anything that occurs to you, doesn’t matter how small, bring it to me or the VP, alright?

  After a round of nods, I turn to my left. “What about improving security, Demon?”

  Demon nods down the end of the table. “I suggest Pal leads on this bit. He’s been comin’ up with some good shit.”

  Pal looks startled, but jerks his chin, then starts to come up with suggestions. “Your security cameras could do with an update. They’re old, just detect motion, and at night the pictures are grainy. There’s new shit on the market that doesn’t cost a fortune.”

  “What would we get if we replace them?” Lizard, presumably making up for his previous lack of concentration asks.

  Pal’s face suddenly looks years older as he sits forward. “To start with, your current system relies on you knowing there’s a problem and then looking at the recordings. Or Cad, using up time going through the triggers that set it off each night. That’s old hat now. You, we,” he quickly covers his mistake, “ideally want a system that sends alerts out as soon as an event occurs.”

  “So we could have got to the shop while the thieves were still inside?” Pyro looks interested.

  “That’s it,” Pal agrees. “It gives us a chance to catch the fuckers red-handed.”

  “And who would monitor the alerts?”

  Paladin’s voice seems to be gaining in confidence as he responds to Bomber. “Anyone, or all of us.”

  “Fuck, I don’t want us all to set out in the middle of the night just because a squirrel’s gone investigating.” Ink throws out.

  There’s a curve to Cad’s lips as though he already knows how Pal’s going to deal with that. Guess the technical guy and Pal have already had their heads together.

  “New cameras would have far better night vision so you’d be able to see if it was some rodent scratching for food. We’d all have an app on our phones. Can view in real time, or check what triggered it. You’d get an alert, call up the system, and see if it was anything you had to leave your bed for.” Pal takes back the floor.

  “Needn’t even take your cock out of your bitch,” Mace observes.

  “Like it wouldn’t put you off your game, Mace?”

  “Mace would probably have finished anyway by the time he picked up his phone.”

  The enforcer glares at Sparky and Thunder.

  “As I was saying,” Pal’s lips twitch. “It’s possible that with the new cameras and their better definition we might have got a decent picture of the man at Tits Up the other night.” He frowns. “With the current system it’s not even possible to see clearly whether it’s a man or a woman.”

  “What else?” It’s time I show my interest as well.

  “The current system is hard-wired. That relies on phone lines. Anyone wanting to fuck with us would just need to cut them, and no notifications would be sent. There’s a lot of benefits in a wireless system. Cameras can be placed where we want them, moved around if need be. They’re fairly cheap, so we can have more of them. Oh, and one other thing, most now have heat sensors, so can give early warning in the event of a fire.”

  “We’ve got fire alarms.”

  Paladin takes Taser’s comment seriously. “Sure. But a camera can show where the fire actually is.”

  “Okay. So what about cost? Gismos like this sounds like they’d be fuckin’ expensive.”

  Pal runs through some estimates he’s brought with him. It’s certainly not as much as I thought, and that seems to be everyone’s impression. Cheaper than putting the original system in ages back to the best of my recollection.

  As the new member appears to have run out of steam, I turn to Demon. “Anything you want to add?”

  “Nah, Prez. Pal’s covered about everything. If we go ahead, he’ll be workin’ with me on the installation.”

  “Cad?”

  “Yeah, Prez. Pal and I have been discussin’ this. Personally, I can’t wait to get my hands on the new toys, and it will save me a lot of time reviewin’ the recordings. Having spoken to Pal, that’s old hat now. I’ll be workin’ on the technical side. I particularly like the idea of more cameras which can be easily moved around and hidden.”

  “Hang on,” Lizard’s brows are drawn down. “If you’re putting in more cameras, does this mean all areas will be covered?”

  “Liz?” I ask, not sure of his meaning.

  Now his eyebrows waggle up and down, “You know, the dark corners where…”

  “… we take girls and fuck ‘em,” Taser completes the sentence for him.

  As laughter ensues along with predictable discussions of sexual antics being broadcast in real time to all brother’s phones, with most for and only a couple against the idea, I pull my smokes out of my pocket, glance at them, then put them away. My mind drifts to Moira and my little problem. Maybe cutting down on the drink and cigarettes might be a start in the right direction.

  Demon’s head tilts in question, I shake my head. There are some things not up for discussion between father and son.

  “I still say I don’t want to see Cad’s pasty white ass on my phone.” Mace is grinning. “Now that would put me right off my rhythm.”

  “Could there be a voting system? Thumbs up or thumbs down?”

  Ink raises his chin toward Pyro. “Or marks out of ten.”

  “Thirty,” Thunder joins in. “Ten for effort, ten for technical skill and up to ten for how horny you get.”

  “What do you think, Pal?” Bomber, sitting next to Paladin, asks him with a nudge to his arm.

  “Depends on what you want to come on your screen.” Pal says it so seriously, the emphasis he uses takes a second or two to sink in. When it does, the whole table erupts in laughter. I throw him a chin lift. That’s the way to fit in.

  While the merriment continues, I let them have their moment of fun, raising my eyebrow at Buzz as he studies the estimate Pal had passed to him. A practiced unspoken conversation between us. Got the funds? Yes.

  I bang the gavel for attention. “I’ll okay the upgrade in security. Demon will lead, Pal and Cad with him. Get that shit installed as soon as you can, then we’ll have a meeting to go through it. In the meantime, try to think of anyone you’ve come across who may have taken a disliking to us, doesn’t matter how small, even if you’ve cut in front of someone when you’ve been riding. Cad. Look into the new police chief some more.”

  Pal raises his hand. “Any street gangs wanting to cause trouble?”

  Thunder is the one who replies. “I’m lookin’ into that. Can’t rule out the little bastards getting too big for their britches. I’ve got meets set up with the leaders.”

  Raising the gavel I glance around, but it seems everyone’s said anything they needed to.

  “Prez, before you bring that down.” Demon waits until I raise my chin. “Family barbeque Sunday. Best behaviour as Pal’s young girl will be there.”

  As Bomber bumps Paladin’s arm again and says, “Interested to see this girl you followed from Tucson. She must be fuckin’ something.” I bring the gavel down. Meeting over. I’ll let Paladin fend off any other witticisms himself.

  Chapter 22

  Moira

  Switching on the small hand-held fan, I direct the air toward
my burning face. Sometimes it seems this will never stop, that I’ll be going hot then cold for the rest of my life. I know it does end, eventually. But from what I’ve read, I’ve years still to go through.

  I get so irritable. It seems as my internal temperature rises, so does the ability for things to get on my nerves. I’m constantly getting angry or overreacting. Right now, I’m getting wound up replaying in my head the conversation I’d had with Jayden at the mall. She seems like a good kid, perhaps a little mixed up about that boy who came with her. While I’d been speaking with her, I’d become sympathetic that she’s not had a chance to be a teenager before. From what I can make out, she’s spent all her time helping with the babies and young children, unable to enjoy the freedom of other girls her age. A situation that pushed her into the sights of the man closest to her age on the compound.

  Well, we’ll see about that. I huff as I wipe sweat from my brow. While she’s living under my roof, I’d like to show her she’s got her whole life spread out in front of her. She should be allowed to follow her own dreams, not be trapped in those of someone else.

  I’m biased, perhaps. I’d had my goals stolen, saw them disappear in a blink of an eye. Rather than travelling, seeing the world, I’d become pregnant and trapped. I wouldn’t want that for anyone. Not that I’d wish away Demon, just wished he’d come along in my time, and been the son of the man I loved, and not the one I hated.

  Jayden’s young, she’s got choices. I want to help her see that. From what she’s told me, she believes she’s tied to a man who doesn’t even attract her.

  I pour my undrunk coffee away. A hot drink now is not what I need. Instead I pour a glass of cold water. That lad, Paladin, seems to have been Jayden’s shadow, taking her and collecting her from school, and being her only male friend. She seems to have been brainwashed, or has brainwashed herself into thinking she’s his, set up to be his old lady. I haven’t had a chance to speak to the young man, but I already dislike him. Oh, he said the right things when he’d been here the other night and I’d been shamelessly eavesdropping, but saying the words and what he really means by them are two different things. As for her sister and old man? What were they thinking? Fine, they had to keep her safe, but holding her to the decision she made at the worst time of her life? What fourteen-year-old sets her sights on a man she wants to be tied to forever?

  She might be waiting for him. But I know men, and what they get up to. I have strong suspicions he’s not waited for her. He was nineteen when he promised he would, an age when testosterone would have been raging. In a clubhouse full of whores, what young man would have been able to hold back? Nah, her expectations of him are too high, and if I’m right, when she finds out the truth she’ll be devastated. If I do nothing else for her, I’ll make her see her expectations of him are unrealistic.

  Hmm. Jayden will be starting school next semester. Plenty of boys there her own age. Hopefully one might catch her eye. She doesn’t want to do what I did, jump into a relationship far too early.

  I’ll remind Demon about getting her a car. Girl deserves some independence and some fun in her life. Maybe she’ll meet someone who’ll treat her as she deserves. She’s a pretty kid, won’t take long for the boys to notice her. Yeah, someone else would be better. Someone not connected to a motorcycle club.

  Emptying my glass, I rinse it. I’d made certain to get a good look at Paladin when he’d visited, quickly noticing, before me was standing a boy who appeared he’s only just grown into a man, not yet battle-scarred or war-weary. He was quite fair, his hair short, scruff around his chin looked like he was trying to grow a beard but not quite succeeding. His arms resembled sticks, no muscles at all. In all, a breath of wind would likely blow him away. When I’d heard Jayden’s fella was five years her senior, I thought at her age the age difference was too much. But seeing him, they wouldn’t look such an odd pairing.

  Even so, he’s going to have to do something to impress me before I think he’s right for her. I remember what I’d thought when I saw him and my lips press together. I saw someone who, though he hasn’t taken advantage of a young girl yet, definitely wants to. I’ve more than enough reason to hate a man who thinks they’re entitled to something they shouldn’t have. Nah. I’m not going to help push them together. I won’t make it easy for them.

  Was her sister out of her mind? Letting them both come here together as though him taking advantage of her was a foregone conclusion.

  I straighten the cushions in the already tidy lounge. After the club girls had had a good clean and tidy up, there wasn’t much for me to do. Ah, Jay’s left her cup on the side. I’ll wash that. Damn, I’m burning up again… throw open the window, splash cold water on my face. Take off my cardigan. I’ve got used to wearing layers of clothes. Damn the menopause. No, fuck it!

  I stand in the cool breeze that’s blowing in. Hellfire hadn’t come home again last night. He’d called, let me know shit had gone down, but after our heart-to-heart I’d expected things would get better. Looks like I’m going to have to stay used to sleeping alone. Now Hell’s eased my mind on the reason he’s been distant, I’m starting to worry about him. He’s been the prez for twenty years now. It’s a stressful job, and one which is taking its toll. Trouble is, if he steps down, our son is the most likely to step up in his place. Would I wish the same fate on him? Saving the father might ruin his son.

  As if I’ve conjured him up, the sound of a bike arriving reaches me with the distinctive sound I’d know anywhere. It’s Demon.

  I’m putting on the kettle and checking what food I’ve got in the fridge as the door opens.

  “Mom.” Demon walks in, his arms surrounding me in a tight hug. It’s not the first time I’ve seen him since he discovered the revelations, but the first that I’ve had him all to myself. As I stand back, holding him at arm’s length, he starts to fidget. “I got something on my face?”

  “Just checking you’re okay.”

  He doesn’t pretend not to know what I’m asking. “Truth? Still trying to get my head around everything. But Hell and I are fine, okay?” His eyes soften. “I’m more grateful than angry, Mom. What you both went through? Never had a fuckin’ clue.”

  “Do you think it’s possible we can move on? Put it behind us?”

  Looking thoughtful, he shrugs. “I’m glad I know. Would rather it hadn’t happened. But it did. Just got to deal with it. Anyway, how’s Pal’s girl?”

  “She’s not his girl.” I snarl.

  His brow furrows. “What the fuck? That’s not how he tells it. She said anything?”

  I shake my head. “Jayden’s only sixteen,” I hiss. “Far too young to be claimed.”

  A shrug from my son. “She’s seventeen in a couple of months as I understand it.”

  “Still not old enough for the likes of him.”

  Demon looks surprised. “That’s her business, surely?”

  Placing my hands on my hips, my words come out before I can filter them. “If I hadn’t had had a biker interested in me at that age perhaps I wouldn’t…” My voice trails off.

  His face has darkened. “What happened to you was bad, Mom. But you can’t dislike Pal because of what happened to you.”

  I can’t explain my thoughts to him, he wouldn’t understand. If I hadn’t gone to the clubhouse when I was seventeen… I wouldn’t have him and maybe not Hell. Christ, my thoughts don’t make sense even to myself. I settle for telling him, “Just want her to know she’s got options.”

  “I think Pal already knows that. Kid’s having a hard-enough time adjusting. He needs his friend.”

  “As long as he knows that’s all she’ll be. While she’s sixteen.” And while she’s under my roof if I’ve got anything to do with it.

  Demon opens the fridge and pulls out a pack of bacon. “Okay?”

  I nod. He busies himself opening the pack. He’s thirty-five, but still always as hungry as any teenager.

  “Club barbeque on Sunday. Family one. You coming? We’re
all expecting to see Jay. Introduce her to the club.”

  “Family?” It’s obviously the one Jeannie had mentioned.

  “You know what I mean. Daytime, no live porn shows.”

  “Knowing your lot that would surprise me.” I mumble.

  “What was that?” Bacon cooked and enclosed in bread, he speaks through a mouthful.

  It’s not the first time I’ve shaken my head at him for the very same thing. I content myself with saying, drily, “No need to worry about you getting into a relationship with a woman.”

  He stops. His hand in mid-air. “Whatcha talking about? You saying I’m gay? I can assure you I’m fuckin’ not.”

  “I’m saying no woman in their right mind would go out with a Neanderthal like you.”

  Grabbing the dish towel he goes to swat me. I jump out of his reach.

  When another motorbike approaches the house, no one needs to tell either Demon or I who it is. As my old man parks up, Demon asks quickly, his brow creased in concern. “Got things straight with Hell?”

  I feel myself blushing. I had. But I doubt Hell would want the reason explained to his son. I settle for telling him, “We’re getting there.”

  Hell comes in, Demon finishes the late breakfast he’d helped himself to and leaves. Shortly after, Jayden comes down from her room and joins us.

  She’s excited to hear about the barbeque. I wouldn’t have said anything, preferring to keep her away, but Hellfire invites her himself. She’s clearly looking forward to meeting all of Paladin’s new brothers. I stand, my lips pressed tight together. Already feeling responsible for her, the fact she’s going means I have to too. I know all too well the dangers of a young girl walking into the compound. It’s not where I’d be if I had my choice, but there’s no way on earth Jayden will be at that place unsupervised.

  Club business is obviously keeping Paladin busy and away from her, so when Sunday arrives, she can’t wait to get going and see him again.

  Hellfire takes the SUV; I’m pleased not to be riding behind him on his bike. Things between us are still strained, neither of us knowing how to move forward. We’ve lost something, and while my new knowledge means the obstacles have been identified, I’m not sure how we proceed from here. I can’t stop the menopause continuing its course, and I don’t have a cure for Hell’s problem.