Tinker's Dilemma: Devil's Henchmen MC Next Generation, Book One

by Samantha McCoy

  Chapter Nine

  Keily

  Collapsing onto her bed, Keily sighed heavily. She was exhausted.

  After the crap with her dad, she’d managed to hobble into the house and clean up the scrapes and cuts on her hands, knees, and legs that she’d gotten from falling to the ground and then having to crawl out of the way before she got ran over.

  She was still shaking.

  In all her years of dealing with his alcoholism, Keily had never seen her father that far gone. And to be honest, it scared the hell out of her. And as much as she wanted to stay there, in the house she’d grown up in, she knew she couldn’t. It wasn’t a healthy life for Emily, and she worried about her baby girl’s safety.

  Something had to give, and it was obvious it wouldn’t be her dad’s drinking habit.

  So, grabbing her phone from the table, Keily searched the internet for another place to stay. However, rentals in Briar Prairie were hard to come by. Living out in the sticks, most people didn’t post on the internet. If she were going to find a new place to live, she would have to make a trip into town after she got her car back and talk to some of the locals. Henry McCord, the owner of the Home Supply Shop, would know if there was anything available, probably better than anyone. Beings as he was the only home improvement place within sixty miles. If anyone were fixing a place up – Henry would know it.

  Plugging her phone into the charger, Keily rolled over and hugged her pillow to her chest. She felt tired. Just a bone-deep sense of exhaustion. This wasn’t how her life was supposed to be. Keily felt defeated. And she supposed that was normal, giving everything going on in her life, but for some reason, she just felt like a total failure. Everything she’d worked so hard for had fallen apart. She’d lost her job, her home, her future… all because of her association with Patrick. She didn’t understand how one person could ruin the life of another so completely.

  But it’s my fault, I guess, she thought to herself. I didn’t stop him. I trusted him.

  Tears filled her eyes as the same hurt and disappointment filled her heart. Her instincts were flawed. And she had no idea how she would ever learn to trust them again… She felt lost, with no light in sight to even show her the way out of the hell she was mentally living in.

  Keily spent the night, alone in her bed, crying for all that was gone… and all that would never be. She cried until there was nothing. No more tears. No more thoughts. No more feelings. Until she was completely empty and could no longer fight off sleep.

  Two days later…

  That afternoon, Keily looked out the window and saw a big, black and green tow truck pulling into her drive and she smiled. Jameson.

  She watched as he pulled up in front of her porch, with her car on the flatbed of his truck. Still smiling, she quietly went to the front door and stepped outside. She’d never been so grateful to see another human being in all her life. The last couple of days had rubbed her raw. “Good morning,” she said as he stepped out of the cab.

  “Good morning,” he replied, smiling at her.

  Keily waited on the porch for him as he unloaded her car. The man truly had the most gorgeous grin she had ever seen. Even with his numerous facial and lip piercings, it didn’t take away from his good looks. Keily figured he was about five-foot-ten, with his short dark hair, and deep brown eyes, he was handsome. A lot better looking than Patrick, and completely out of her league. Not that she was looking for someone in her league. As she watched him work, her eyes took in the tattoos that covered much of his skin. His arms, hands, and even his neck sported some incredible ink. And she wondered if there were more in other places. But before her mind could take that any farther, she slammed the door to it. She wasn’t interested in him, or any man for that matter. All men seemed to do was use and abuse her. And Keily wasn’t about that life anymore.

  “She’s all set,” he said, still smiling as he handed her back the keys.

  “Thank you,” she replied.

  “No problem,” Tinker said. “And again, I’m sorry. For everything.”

  “Don’t be.” Keily shook her head. “It wasn’t just your fault.”

  Tinker shrugged.

  They both stood there silent for a moment before the awkwardness seemed to surround them. Keily didn’t want to be rude, but she didn’t know what else to say, especially since her mind had taken a turn for the gutter. Peopling wasn’t her strongest suit.

  “Well, I better get back to the shop.” Tinker thumbed over his shoulder.

  “Yeah.” Keily nodded. “And thank you, again.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  She went back into the house and watched out of the window as Jameson climbed back into his truck and pulled away. A part of her was sad to see him leave so soon, and it had nothing to do with his good looks.

  Yeah, because it’s lonely out here, she said to herself.

  Occasionally, she would have liked to just sit down and have a normal conversation with someone. She knew she was contradicting her natural personality, but the loneliness was making her desperate. She loved spending time with Emily, but her month-old daughter wasn’t much of a talker. It always ended up one-sided with her.

  She thought about taking that trip into town to see if she could get lucky at Mr. McCord’s and find a new place. And maybe, while she was out, she’d stop by the diner for some dinner. It would give her some time among the adult population.

  Deciding that would be her plan for the day, Keily went to her bedroom and got ready for a day trip into town. She needed to check out her car anyway, so it was the perfect excuse. Not that she needed one. She was a grown woman, which meant that she could come and go as she pleased.

  So, Keily took a few extra minutes to brush out her hair and apply a bit of eyeliner. She changed out of her customary yoga pants and slipped into a pair of shorts, then paired it with a nice floral top. Finally, she slid her feet into a cute pair of strappy sandals – and she was all set.

  The trip to town had been uneventful, but her car ran better than it had ever done before. Keily had a feeling that Jameson did a lot more than just fix her wheel, or whatever it was. She would have to make sure to pay him for all the extra work, the next time she saw him. It would put a dent in her savings, but it was the right thing to do.

  Pulling into an empty parking space a few spots from the diner, Keily climbed out of the car and opened the back door to grab Emily. Popping her car seat from the base, she grabbed the diaper bag and headed inside, hoping she’d be able to find an available table.

  Cars passed up and down Main Street. A honk blared as someone stuck their arms out of a window and waved to someone they knew. On the corner, Keily saw several kids hanging out near the candy shop and she smiled. She remembered her mother taking her in there on Friday’s so Keily could pick out a new candy to try.

  More cars lined the street in front of the diner and various shops. It was getting close to dinner time, and Keily remembered that soon, the place would be hopping considering it was the only place to eat within several miles. However, she hoped she would be long gone by then.

  Briar Prairie held so many memories, and yet so few. Keily had mixed feelings about being back home. Even though she’d grown up there, she didn’t have any friends. That was one of the downsides to living outside of town and being a home-schooled kid. So, to many of the town folks, Keily was still an outsider. However, there were a few, like Betty, that knew her quite well.

  Keily could remember going to the diner with her mom on their weekly trips into town for supplies. Every Friday, they would stop in the diner for a slice of Betty’s famous peach cobbler and then she and her mom would split a BLT and fries before hitting the candy store, and then the local market. Friday’s had always been Keily’s favorite day of the week. She and her mom always had the best time.

  Keily smiled at the memory and thought, maybe one day, she and Emily can continue the tradition.

  Walking into the diner, it didn’t take long for Betty
to spot her. “Keily!” the older woman smiled broadly. “Come in. Oh, you brought the Princess!” The old woman beamed. “Pick any seat. I’ll be with you in just a moment.”

  “Excuse me,” she said as she passed a small group of women who were sitting at a table by the door. They all turned to look at her and Keily smiled as they oohed and ahhed over Emily.

  She carefully shifted her way through the crowd, not wanting to bump anyone on her way toward an empty table in the back of the diner. Situating Emily in a nearby highchair, Keily pushed it over to the table before taking a seat. She didn’t even bother to pick up the menu since she knew what she wanted. So, while she waited on Betty to come to take her order, Keily observed the other people in the room. A small family sat a few tables over. An older man and woman sat together across from them. And the list went on. However, Keily didn’t recognize any of them.

  When Betty finally made her way over to her, she smiled down and Emily and asked, “What can I get you, sweetheart?”

  Keily replied, “A BLT with seasoned fries, and a Dr. Pepper. Please.”

  “You got it!” Betty winked, then walked back to the counter to place Keily’s order.

  Keily sat at the table, Emily fast asleep, while she scrolled through her social media and then, once again, looked over rental listings in the area. But, just like last night, there was nothing.

  She sighed heavily as she placed her phone back into her bag. Frustrated didn’t even begin to covey how she felt.

  “What’s wrong? Betty asked, placing Keily’s drink on the table.

  “Trying to find a place,” Keily admitted. “And it’s so hard because nothing is available on the internet.”

  “Looking for a rental house?” Betty questioned.

  “Yes, Ma’am.”

  “Living back at home ain’t working out?” inquired Betty.

  “No.” Keily sighed. “Dad’s drinking is getting worse and that’s not an environment I can safely raise Emily in.”

  “Yeah, he took a tumble after your ma passed,” Betty said sadly.

  “Yes, Ma’am.” Keily agreed. “I wish I could help him…”

  “Honey, you can’t help nobody who ain’t willing to help themselves,” Betty replied. “All you can do is pray for him.”

  Keily nodded. “I do.”

  She knew the older woman was right, but still, it hurt Keily’s heart to see her father as just a shell of the man he used to be. She knew, in her heart of hearts, that her mother would be extremely disappointed. And her father had to know that, too. But for Frank Sharp, the alcohol was just a means to an end. He wanted to be with his beloved, and since he couldn’t be – he just drank his pain away. Hiding within a bottle.

  “It’ll get better, darling.” Betty patted her hand. “Let me go see if that food is ready for you.” She walked away without another word, leaving Keily with nothing but her thoughts, and an overwhelming sense of failure.

  A moment later, Betty returned carrying Keily’s dinner. The older woman set it on the table, smiled a motherly grin, and then walked away with a quick, “Enjoy!”

  As Keily ate her BLT, her thoughts turned back toward her mother, and she felt choked up for the first time in a long time.

  Kelly Hopper had been an amazing woman. Everyone had loved her. So, when she’d lost her battle to cancer when Keily was fifteen, it had been a huge blow to the community and Keily. She could remember her mother putting on events or helping with this and that. She could recall the late nights that her mom had spent sewing outfits for the local school play. Kelly Hopper had been an extraordinary woman, who was still deeply missed.

  She looked out the window, staring at the people as they walked down the street. Many of them waved to each other, shared greetings and smiles, and some even stopped to converse. This was small-town life. A place where everyone knew everybody. She saw some kids racing down the sidewalk and smiled to herself.

  Keily glanced back at her daughter still sleeping soundly in her car seat, even through all the noise in the diner, and she thought of the day that Emily would be one of those kids. Running and playing with her friends.

  “Excuse me.”

  Keily glanced up to see a woman standing next to her table. “Yes?” she asked.

  “Betty came over and said that you were looking for a rental,” the woman said.

  Keily looked the woman up and down. She was dressed in comfortable clothing, but there was something about her that caused Keily to pause. Maybe it was the air of authority that seemed to surround the other woman, or maybe it was the kindness that genuinely shown in her eyes. She wasn’t sure, but she found herself nodding to the woman’s question.

  “Well.” Her smile widened. “It just so happens, that I have a place that’s looking for a renter.”

  Keily raised a brow and a small smile began to form.

  “It’s not much,” the woman continued. “Just a two-bedroom A-frame. But, it’s clean, comfortable, and super cute. If you and your husband wanted to come, and have a look…”

  “Oh.” Keily shook her head. “I’m not married.”

  The woman continued to smile. “Well, just you then. And this beautiful little doll.” The woman stared down at Emily affectionately.

  “Is it here?” Keily asked. “In town.”

  “Yep,” she answered. “Do you know where Evan’s Automotive is?”

  “I don’t,” Keily replied. “But I know that name.” Because it was the same name that was written on the side of Jameson’s tow truck.

  She quickly rattled off the directions to Keily, who made a mental note of them. There were two roads in and out of town, so it was impossible to get lost.

  “I’m Beth Parks, by the way.”

  The other woman extended her hand, and Keily shook it as she introduced herself. “Keily Hopper.”

  “And this precious little thing?” Beth asked.

  “This is my daughter, Emily.”

  “Beth,” another woman called from the counter. “We’re all set.”

  “Okay!” Beth called back. “Be right there.” She turned back to Keily, and continued, “Anyway, Evan’s is just past the city limits sign on your left. The house is about fifty yards past it. You can’t miss it. I’ll go ahead and unlock the door on my way by. Just pop in and look around.” Beth reached across the table and pulled a napkin from the holder, then dug in her purse. Finding a pen, she jotted a phone number on the napkin before sliding it across the table to her. “This is my number. Just let me know if you’re interested.”

  “How much is it?” Keily asked, knowing that was the most important thing. After all, she was going to be on a strict budget until she could find work and a babysitter.

  “What can you afford?” Beth countered.

  Keily didn’t know what to say. She looked down at her hands.

  Seeing Beth move out of the corner of her eye, Keily watched as the other woman slid into the booth across from her.

  “Look.” Beth smiled. “I know a struggling mom when I see one.”

  Keily was about to deny it, but Beth raised a hand to stop her from speaking.

  “I’ve been there.” Beth shrugged. “Kind of.” The other woman looked out the window. “I’m not interested in making money off the property, Keily,” she informed. “I like to help people. And you look like you could use some help.”

  Again, Keily remained silent.

  “So.” Beth stood. “Go look at the place. Let me know what you think, and then we’ll go from there. Yeah?”

  Keily nodded, unable to speak around the lump that had formed in her throat.

  “Good.”

  She watched as Beth Parks walked away from the table and out the door. Tears started to gather in her eyes. Keily didn’t know why she wanted to cry, but she did. Maybe it was because someone had finally seen her struggle, and they understood. Or maybe it was because someone saw that she was struggling, and she’d failed at hiding it.

  Keily didn’t know which… O
r maybe it was both.

  She looked out the window and saw Beth meet up with the other two other women as they climbed into a black sports car. A tiny ping of jealousy shot through her… She wished she had friends here. It would make the loneliness she felt seem not so overwhelming. That was one of the things she’d missed since leaving El Paso. There, she’d had a lot of friends, her job, her home. However, once word got out about Patrick, Keily had lost it all. She recalled the way everyone started to look at her. The side glances and looks of disgust were just too much. It was why she had kept to herself since returning to Briar Prairie. She couldn’t handle people linking her back to Patrick and seeing those same looks here, in her hometown.

  Finishing off her sandwich and fries, Keily wiped her mouth before taking one last sip of her Dr. Pepper. Sliding out of the booth, she grabbed her ticket, tossed the strap of the diaper bag over her shoulder, and lifted Emily from the highchair.

  “Do you need some help?”

  Startled, Keily jumped.

  “I’m sorry,” the man said. “I didn’t mean to frighten you.”

  “It’s okay,” she replied. “But no thank you. I got it.”

  “You sure?”

  “Yeah.” She tried to smile politely.

  She attempted to move around the two men who seemed content to block her path. The way they continued to stare at her gave her the creeps. Keily walked over to the counter and handed her ticket to Betty. She could feel the eyes of both men burning into her back but didn’t dare turn around.

  “How was everything?” Betty asked.

  “Delicious, as always,” Keily replied, tightly.

  “Good,” Betty said, ringing up Keily’s order. “Eight dollars and twenty-seven cents.”

  Keily pulled her wallet from the diaper bag and handed Betty her bank card. She waited as the older woman scanned the card and handed it back to her.

  “I don’t need the receipt,” Keily told her, suddenly wanting to get out of there as fast as she could.