Shade

by Jamie Begley

  The ceremony didn’t last long, but afterward, the pictures of the wedding party took forever. There were several photos taken in various positions. First, the whole bridal party, then the bridesmaids, then groomsmen, and then the groomsmen and bridesmaids.

  The brothers began getting antsy when they saw the guests going for the buffet tables.

  “They’re going to eat all the food,” Knox muttered.

  “Let’s finish this up,” Razer warned Beth, seeing the men’s threatening glares.

  “All right, all right. Just a few more,” Beth soothed.

  Shade was in no hurry, managing to put himself in several pictures with Lily. The photographer decided to take pictures of them together, exactly like the others had during their pictures.

  “Last one,” the photographer said, moving to a different position.

  Hearing the photographer, Charles moved closer, waiting for Lily, who gave him a sweet smile. Shade’s eyes narrowed as he slid his arm around Lily’s waist, bringing her flush against his side. Lily stiffened within Shade’s grasp, her hand going to his chest. Though she didn’t pull away, her body went taut against his.

  While her smile became more nervous, Shade’s became a different matter, giving a clear warning to the young man standing beside Winter.

  “Let’s get something to eat.” Charles led her away to the buffet tables, giving Shade a gloating smile over his shoulder.

  Did that little pissant think he was going to get away with that smug smile? Shade was going to rip him a new asshole.

  Winter moved to block his path. “Hey, Shade. It was a nice ceremony, wasn’t it?” Winter used a saccharine sweet voice which scraped at his nerves.

  He took a deep breath, reminding himself she was Viper’s woman.

  “Beth and Lily looked beautiful, didn’t they?”

  Shade’s eyes went to Razer and Beth standing together as their friends congratulated them.

  “Yes,” he growled out.

  “They all are so happy; Beth with Razer and Lily finally settling into college. Their lives are merging, yet still fragile. It could be hurt irreparably if Beth feels Razer’s putting a friend’s wants over her sister’s needs.”

  Shade’s body stiffened.

  “It’s not like you’re deprived of female companionship. Lily will be out of school in two years with a degree she’s wanted since I’ve known her. By then, you might not even want her anymore.”

  Shade gave her a look that had her taking a step back. Then he stood back and watched Charles with Lily. The man considered her his even though they hadn’t dated in months. Charles had every intention of marrying Lily someday. It wasn’t going to happen, though. Shade would see to that. If he had to wait five years for Lily, he would. He turned back to Winter, letting her see the conviction in his eyes.

  However, she was right, no matter how much he hated to admit it. If he tried to initiate a relationship with Lily at that point, it would create a rift between Razer and Beth. Razer needed time to cement his marriage to Beth, and he needed to place Razer over his need for Lily. For now.

  Seeing Winter had received his silent message, he went to fix himself a plate. After the food was eaten, he sat at his table, watching the dancing. He was about to get up and leave when Beth, Razer, and Lily walked up to him.

  “You leaving?” Razer asked.

  “Yes,” Shade answered. He couldn’t take another minute of watching Lily with Charles.

  “Dance with me before you leave.” Beth grabbed his hand, dragging him to the dance floor, laughing as she turned to face him before stepping into his arms.

  Razer followed with Lily, dancing with her as soft music began to play.

  “This is my favorite song. Do you mind if I dance with Razer, Lily?” Beth asked as Lily and Razer danced next to them.

  “N-no.” Lily stood stiffly as Shade moved sideways, taking her into his arms.

  Casting a quick glance toward Razer, he seemed as surprised as Shade was by Beth’s maneuvering.

  As Shade moved slowly, bringing her closer to him, Lily didn’t try to move away, but she didn’t look up at him, either.

  “How’s school going?” Shade asked.

  “Good,” she answered softly then cleared her voice. “Do you remember the first time we met?”

  Shade almost stumbled at her question.

  “Yeah, I remember,” he answered hoarsely.

  “They were just beginning to know each other, and now they’re married.” Her face lifted to his. “I want to thank you for helping me into the house that day and for that night at the Porter’s.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  Lily slid her hand to his shoulder as she relaxed, enjoying the dance. As the song ended, she gave him a sweet smile before going back to Razer and Beth’s side.

  She had remembered him. He might make her uncomfortable, but she had noticed he was slowly becoming a part of her life. He was gradually coming out of the shadows, becoming visible to her. He might not be who she wanted to see, but she knew he existed in her world. Shade could settle for that until she was ready to handle more.

  Chapter 26

  Shade drove through town, heading back to the clubhouse. He had gone to the auto store to pick up a part for Rider’s truck.

  He was passing the local motel when he saw the sheriff and the coroner’s cars out front. Slowing, he drove his bike nearer, parking along the street.

  A body bag was wheeled outside on a stretcher with the sheriff and coroner both talking as they exited the same room. Shade waited until the coroner had driven off with the body before approaching his dad.

  “What’s up?” Shade asked as a couple of the deputies went inside the room.

  “A motel worker found a body in the room when they went in to clean.”

  “Anyone I know?” he asked curiously, doubting anyone he knew would stay at the motel.

  “Sam Langley.” The sheriff’s grim response shocked Shade.

  The young girl was a bitch who had hung out at the club when they had first come to town, sharing several of the brothers’ beds during the weekends as they had tried to find clues to Gavin’s death. When she had tried to kill Beth, she had dodged going to prison by claiming to have had Gavin’s baby. Winter’s Aunt Shay had told the truth, and the whole club had been relieved to find out that baby wasn’t Gavin’s.

  Since then, no one had seen Sam other than the day she had been with the bikers who had attacked Beth, Winter, and Lily at the diner.

  “She was hanging around with some renegade bikers the last time I saw her.”

  “I’ll have to find out if she was still with them. They never showed for their court appearance. Their bail bondsman and I have both been trying to find them.”

  “I heard they left town.” Shade shrugged.

  “They’re not the only ones. Deputy Moore is missing, and his father is raising hell.”

  “Don’t know him.” Shade stared back impassively at his father.

  The sheriff nodded grimly. “I have a few witnesses to talk to. I’ll talk to you later.”

  Shade watched his father walk toward an older woman who stood in front of the hotel, upset.

  He walked back to his bike and started the motor. Pulling out, he rode back to the clubhouse. He would find Viper and tell him Sam was dead. Shade, despite the fact he had fucked the woman several times, felt no sorrow for her death. Her actions outside the diner that day had made her his enemy, and he had planned to pay her back for her part in the attack. Looked like someone had saved him the trouble, though.

  * * *

  “You’re going to be late,” Viper warned as Shade came down the steps.

  Shade paused, going out the front door of the clubhouse. “I have five minutes. Besides, the boss isn’t there yet,” Shade stated, reminding Viper he wasn’t the only one not at the factory.

  “I’m on my way. I need to grab a cup of coffee first.” Viper’s eyes narrowed over Shade’s shoulder.

&nb
sp; He turned to see who he was staring at and saw the sheriff standing grimly in the doorway.

  “Viper, Shade, can I come in?”

  The formal tone the sheriff was using raised Shade’s instincts. Something was wrong. Shade opened the door wider, letting him come inside.

  “I’m here on official business to question Knox.”

  “What for?” Viper asked. “He get drunk and bust up another bar? I’ll write a check—”

  “Money isn’t going to solve this problem, Viper. I’m here to question him about Sam’s murder.”

  “Sam’s?”

  “Yes, unless there’s another murder that’s happened in town that I don’t know about,” the sheriff barked back.

  Shade’s mouth snapped shut as Viper took out his cell phone to call Knox.

  The sheriff glared at Shade as Viper disconnected the call. “You need to get him a lawyer, and fast.”

  “What evidence do you have?” Shade asked warily.

  “He was seen leaving the hotel room Sam was found inside. There’s evidence that they’d been intimate.”

  Both Shade and Viper became angry at hearing Knox had been with Sam.

  “This is bullshit. Knox didn’t touch that bitch!” Viper’s voice rose. The club had banned any members from seeing Sam.

  “Calm down, Viper. Let’s hear him out,” Shade reasoned.

  Knox came down the steps as they watched his approach.

  “What’s up?” Knox asked the Sheriff.

  “Samantha Bedford’s body was found this afternoon at the motel,” the sheriff replied while watching his reaction to the news.

  Knox stiffened, as if sensing where this was going.

  “Knox has had nothing to do with that bitch since she attacked Beth; none of us have. She wasn’t allowed back here at the clubhouse, and after the stunt she pulled with Winter, Beth, and Lily at the diner, we haven’t seen her.”

  The sheriff didn’t say anything, just merely continued staring at Knox.

  “I saw her yesterday. She stopped her car after I crashed my bike.”

  The silence in the room became tangible.

  “What happened then?” the sheriff probed.

  “We went back to her hotel room and fucked. When Viper called, I left. She was breathing just fine when I walked out that door.” Knox stared back at the sheriff.

  “Damn it, Knox,” Viper said angrily.

  “You’re not going to say anything I didn’t say to myself.”

  Shade wanted to punch the brother for letting his dick get him in this mess.

  “There are enough women here that you didn’t need that bitch. What were you thinking?” Viper asked the question on Shade’s mind.

  “I wasn’t. She pulled out my dick and went down on me,” Knox said wryly.

  “I have to take you in for questioning, Knox. There’s no way around it; the newspaper is involved. A witness saw you leaving her room and told the reporter.”

  Knox nodded, stepping forward. “Let’s go.”

  Viper took his arm. “Don’t answer any more questions. I’ll get you a lawyer.”

  As Knox nodded again and went out the door with the sheriff following him closely, Viper and Shade stared after him grimly.

  “Find the best lawyer in Kentucky and hire him.”

  “I’ll take care of it.” Shade took out his cell phone.

  It took fifteen minutes before he could report back to Viper.

  “Marc Harris is on his way to see Knox now. He’s good, the best in Kentucky, and he happens to live in Treepoint.”

  “At least that’s some good news. Maybe he can use his connections to get bond for Knox.”

  “Possibly,” Shade said doubtfully.

  “You don’t seem so sure. I thought you said he was the best?”

  “He is,” Shade assured him. “The problem is, he’s an asshole, and Knox is an asshole. The two might not get along.”

  “Go to town and warn Knox to play nice,” Viper ordered.

  “Will do, but it isn’t going to work. Knox doesn’t know how to play nice.”

  Chapter 27

  “I won’t be talked to that way by anyone! Did you hear what he told me to do?” Marc was practically screaming at Viper and Winter.

  “Mr. Harris, Knox didn’t mean for you to take it so literally. He’s just—” Winter tried to placate the older man.

  Shade wanted to tell Winter she was wasting her time. The courthouse was busy that day, and the lawyer had lost his cool enough to not care who could be watching. One person who had stopped to listen had caught his eye. Tilting his head to Viper, he nodded toward Diamond Richards, the lawyer who had managed to get Winter’s teaching license restored, enabling her to become the principal at the alternative school.

  “I don’t care. You can find another lawyer, one who can deal with that asshole.”

  “But—”

  Harris stormed across the lot to his car. All of them except Shade were still staring when he pulled out with a screech of tires. Shade’s eyes were on the lawyer who had been observing them since she had come out of the courthouse.

  “Ms. Richards could handle the case until we find the evidence to clear Knox,” Shade stated.

  “Ask her to talk to us.”

  Viper had spoken to Winter, but Shade could tell from Ms. Richard’s horrified expression that she had already figured out their next move.

  Swiveling on her high heels, Diamond took off down the street at a brisk walk, and Shade didn’t waste time going after her. Winter called out to her, which resulted in the woman speeding up, practically running down the sidewalk as she tried to avoid them.

  Shade cut across the courthouse parking lot, managing to reach her before she turned the corner. He stepped out in front of her, bringing her to a sudden stop.

  “Ms. Richards, we need your help,” Winter began when she had managed to catch up with Viper, Rider, and Train trailing behind.

  They hadn’t seen the need to rush; Shade wouldn’t let her leave until they had their say.

  “I’m not taking on any new cases.” The lawyer refused before Winter could even ask if she would represent Knox.

  “That isn’t what your sister said. She said you’re having a hard time finding clients, and that was why you moved to Treepoint from Jamestown. Please, can we just go somewhere to talk for a few minutes?” Winter pleaded.

  The stuck-up lawyer didn’t like being reminded of her relationship with Sex Piston. Shade wouldn’t claim her, either, if she was his sister.

  Diamond grudgingly gave in, though. “My office is just around the corner.

  The Last Riders entered her office behind her. A young woman was filing papers in the cabinet when she turned to see who had come in. Her mouth fell open when she saw the bikers.

  “Holly, I’ll be in my office if you need me.”

  Her secretary nodded while clearly begging silently not to be left alone.

  Rider and Train took seats in the lobby as Shade, Viper, and Winter went inside her private office, leaving the door open. It made Shade wonder if she was afraid to be left alone with them or if she wanted to keep an eye on her secretary.

  Ms. Richards went behind her desk, placing her briefcase on the neat surface before taking a seat.

  “What’s going on, Winter?”

  “One of our members has been arrested in the murder of Samantha Bedford,” Viper answered her question.

  “I am going to save us both some time. I don’t have the experience to defend a murder case.” She started to rise to her feet.

  “The best criminal defense lawyer in the state of Kentucky just walked out on us. That asshole will defend anyone for the right amount of money. Knox pisses everyone off. There’s not a lawyer who won’t become angry and quit with his attitude. I don’t want to be looking for a new lawyer every day. We need someone who isn’t going to run away the first time Knox gets angry and scares the shit out of them.”

  “I’m sorry.”

 
The stuck-up bitch doesn’t look sorry, Shade thought.

  “I’ll pay whatever fee you want,” Viper stated, looking around her inexpensive office.

  “If money is no object, then you can afford any lawyer you want,” Diamond protested.

  “Money didn’t prevent Harris from walking out on us,” Viper said in disgust.

  “How much money are we talking about?” Diamond asked, a gleam she couldn’t hide appearing in her eyes.

  They had her. Money always made The Last Riders more palatable.

  “Let’s cut to the chase. You prove Knox is innocent, I’ll give you five hundred thousand dollars.”

  Shade cocked a brow at Viper offering such an exorbitant price yet then reminded himself it was Knox she would be defending. The woman would be demanding more before it was over.

  “I take it you believe Knox is innocent?” Diamond queried.

  “I know he is,” Viper stated without pausing.

  “You can’t be so sure. Everyone has a breaking point, and from what you’re telling me, Knox isn’t the sweetest man in the county. Perhaps they got in an argument—”

  “If he had killed her, Ms. Richards, no one would have found the body.”

  Diamond’s eyes widened at Viper’s calm reply while Winter winced.

  Shade saw Diamond studying them, watching for their reactions. All the brothers believed in Knox’s innocence, not because he wasn’t capable of killing her, but because he would have told them and the mess would never have happened.

  Viper stated, “Of course, if you quit on us, I won’t pay you one fucking dime.”

  Her mouth turned down in disappointment.

  “All right, you have a deal.” Her eyes went to the front lobby.

  Shade watched Rider get up from his chair and go to the secretary’s desk, leaning against it as he tried to sweet-talk the curvy woman. The whole club knew Rider was a man who could appreciate good tits, and the secretary had a set which would make any man’s dick stand up.

  The sound of a chair hitting the wall sounded from the outside room right before the flustered woman came rushing into Ms. Richards’s office to stand behind her boss’s chair with her face flaming red.