The Only Witness: The Center City Series: Book One

by Shannon Flagg

  “Maybe one day I'll surprise you.” But Vera knew that she wouldn't. As attractive as Houdini was, she'd never felt that pull towards him.

  “I doubt it,” he said seriously. “That's cool, though. I figure there's someone that you're really into.”

  “I'm not seeing anyone.” Vera felt her face growing hot. Great, she was probably the shade of tomato soup by now. “I'm just going to run and grab the thing I think you'll like, and then I can help you get the chair out to the truck.”

  “Vera, do you honestly think I can't carry a fucking chair on my own?”

  “Good point. I'll get the box and hold the door open for you. Does that sound better?” It had been her plan all along, but she'd needed something to distract him from asking anything more about her personal life. Implying that he needed help with the chair had done the trick. Sometimes men were just too easy.

  “Yeah, it does.” He drained the last of his coffee. “Is it okay if I grab another cup?”

  “Of course, help yourself. There's some extra food in a container from Rose's,” she named a very popular restaurant where there could be a waiting line for hours on a weekend morning. Even during the weekdays, it was always packed to the rafters, thanks to the attention it got on one of the food shows.

  “Sweet,” Houdini got up and moved over to the counter. “Tell me there are potato pancakes in here.”

  “There were,” Vera smiled sheepishly. “They're really good.”

  “Woman, you're breaking my heart here. They're my favorites. Oh well, guess I'll just...” he stopped speaking as the shop door open. “Holy FUCK!” He continued to stare in obvious disbelief at the door, as Piper walked in. “Get over here and give me a hug!”

  Vera watched him embrace the dark-haired woman, and it took only a moment to place her. Piper Douglas had been in her grade all their lives, but they'd never been friends. They hadn't been enemies, but there had never been anything to connect them. While Vera studied hard, Piper had always been more carefree and somehow managed to make better grades. She'd been crowned Prom Queen alongside her boyfriend, Finn Hawke.

  Sometimes Vera forgot about Finn. Not that he'd been a forgettable man; it was more that she forgot about him dying. When she remembered she felt sad, and that must have shown on her face as Piper finished embracing Houdini and looked over at her, because the woman's smile turned to a frown, a hard look in her eyes.

  “Hi, welcome to New to You.” Vera kept a smile on her face. “It's nice to see you, Piper.”

  “Heard that you can help me find something here for Adelaide's birthday,” she replied. “Unless I'm interrupting something.”

  “I'm just here getting a chair for Deke and mooching some coffee and breakfast, and I was jut about to leave. Got a run.” Houdini replied quickly.

  “Deke doesn't like to be kept waiting,” Piper reminded him.

  “Which is why I'm taking this breakfast to go. Thanks Vera,” he turned and grabbed the box off of the counter. “Wanna show me the chair?”

  Honestly, Vera wouldn't have complained if Houdini hung out for a while. There was something hostile in Piper's expression. They'd never been friends, but they certainly hadn't been enemies. The vibe made no sense, no sense at all, but Vera was well aware it wasn't her mind playing tricks on her. She stalled for as long as she could, but it only took a few minutes to show Houdini the chair and get him out the door, and then she was alone with Piper. “So, a present for Adelaide? Do you have anything in mind?”

  Piper didn't respond; Vera felt like a bug underneath a microscope, or perhaps under a magnifying glass held by a curious child with a cruel streak. Finally after several moments passed, she spoke. “Deke said that you're helping him with his present. I wouldn't want to pick the same thing.”

  “Well, his gift isn't here in the store yet, so I don't think we're in danger of that.” Vera chose her words carefully; he'd made it really clear that he wanted it to be kept a secret, and she didn't want to piss him off. There was no doubt in her mind that the orgasm he'd had last night wouldn’t be enough to save her from his anger if she gave away the secret.

  “He spend a lot of time here in the store?” Piper questioned.

  There was something more than idle curiosity in the woman's expression. Vera realized that the conversation was delving into an area she wasn't comfortable with. “No, not at all. He's been here once when he picked out the chair. Speaking of furniture, I got this really great vanity in. It's actually still in the stockroom. I haven't put it out on the floor, but I think Adelaide would really like it. There's a matching jewelry chest too, really great. Both pieces are antique and in fantastic condition.”

  “Alright, let me see them.”

  “If you'll come with me,” Vera was used to dealing with customers, but none of them were nearly as quiet as Piper. In fact, the woman was staring at her with such interest that she wondered if she had something stuck to her face. The storage room was pretty well organized; the more anal retentive aspects of Vera's personality wouldn't allow it to be anything but. It took her only a few seconds of looking around to find the vanity and chest.

  Piper looked it over, nodded her head after a moment. “I'll take it. Do you deliver? Wait, obviously you don't because Houdini had to pick up Deke's chair.”

  “I don't, but if you don't have access to a truck or car I can...”

  “I'll take it now, it should fit in my truck.” Piper turned her attention to Vera. “How much?”

  “Five hundred for the set,” Vera replied, “I'll throw in a lovely antique brush set, it's really pretty and made from pure silver.” She didn't understand why Piper let out a snort of laughter.

  “Thanks but I'll pass on the brush set. I'll give you three hundred for the set.”

  “I can go down to four hundred fifty but not three hundred,” Vera replied. People did enjoy trying to bargain her down, and she enjoyed letting them, but she'd paid three hundred for the set. Just about the only rule she had about pricing was that she needed to make something on each item.

  “Three fifty then,” Piper crossed her arms over her chest, “I'd hate to have to tell Deke that he was wrong about your little shop being the perfect place to find a present for Adelaide.”

  “Four hundred, anything less isn't going to happen.” Vera had been intimidated by Piper in high school; she'd have backed down to her over anything, but that was years ago. She wasn't a geeky kid with glasses anymore. She'd lose the sale altogether, risk Piper complaining to Deke about her, before she took anything less.

  “Fine,” Piper reached into her pocket and pulled out a roll of bills. She counted off the amount in twenty dollar bills and placed them in Vera's hand.

  “Great. I'll give you a hand with it.” Vera folded the bills and stuck them in her pocket.

  “No need, I've got it. You can get the door, though, I've only got two hands.”

  “It's pretty...” Vera trailed off as Piper lifted the vanity with no effort at all, “heavy.” She finished the sentence and opened the door as the woman had requested. It took only a few minutes for her to transport everything to the truck.

  “Thanks, she really is going to love it.” Piper smiled for the first time. “Are you coming to the party?”

  “Actually, I wasn't invited.” Vera admitted. She tried not to let it sting, since she hadn't really thought about not being invited before. Maybe it was just for family.

  “Oh, well, maybe Deke will ask you the next time that you see him. The two of you are close, right?” The overly interested expression was back on Piper's face in full force.

  “Not really,” Vera replied, her level of discomfort rising now that Piper had brought up Deacon again. She knew when someone was sniffing around for information. “Is there anything else that I can get you?”

  “I see,” Piper replied. “Well, see you around.”

  “Drive safe,” Vera plastered a smile on her face and watched the woman walk away to the car. She stood on the porch for a momen
t, enjoying the fresh air and slight breeze. The sound of a motorcycle roaring past in the distance made her think about Deacon. It was rare that she didn't think about Deacon during the course of a day, and since he'd left the night before he was all that was on her mind. It could have been the sex, or it could be the impossible task he'd assigned her.

  Vera realized that confiding in Gina, who was now very much pissed off at her, was a bad idea from the start. Now her friend would take pleasure in spreading the fact that Vera had slept with Deacon all around town, unless she could do damage control.

  Once back inside the shop, she decided that there was only one thing to do. She picked up the phone and dialed Gina. It was no surprise when she got voice mail, but she somehow managed not to choke on the apology she left in her message.

  The next time that she had a secret to tell, she sure as hell wouldn't go to Gina. Vera realized, though it was too late now, that her friend Susan would have been a much better choice. She picked the phone up again, dialed Susan's number from memory and got her voice mail. “Hey, you're probably up to your elbows in someone's insides or something else doctor-like but give me a call when you get a minute. I need to talk to you about something.”

  Vera returned to the counter, to the computer and the search for something antique and emerald for Adelaide.

  Chapter SIX

  The thick woods on either side of the road were showing signs of the changing seasons. Deacon had noticed the cooler temperatures, the almost brisk nights. It was one of his favorite times of years. Normally, he'd have enjoyed the sight of them and let the ride clear his mind. He'd been summoned by The Old Man early that morning, the order disguised as an invitation he had no way to refuse. Bug and Jake weren't able to refuse it either; they rode behind him.

  Deacon forced his concentration on the road as it began to twist and curve. He felt the spot before he saw it come into view, the tree and marker left to memorialize the spot where his brother had been killed. It had been three years; thirty could pass and Deacon knew he'd never be able to pass the spot without feeling a sharp searing spike of pain through his entire being. In the three years since Finn had been killed, Deacon had never been able to drive past the spot and not think of him.

  He shoved down the feelings, forced his mind to stay on track. The summons from The Old Man hadn't been unexpected, but he couldn't shake the feeling that this was going to be really bad; so much that could go wrong. Recently The Old Man had changed. Once he'd been a father figure to most of them; though he ruled with a strict hand and inspired fear he'd always been fair. About six months back his nature had changed. Strict but fair was no more. Put quite simply, these days if you stepped out of line The Old Man was likely to take off your head, literally. The numbers were down as challenger after challenger fell in an attempt to take control of the pack, only to be cut down without the current leader even breaking a sweat.

  There was no doubt in Deacon's mind that the remaining members of the pack, The Old Man included, expected him to be the next one to issue a challenge. Three years ago, he wouldn't have had to. Finn was the younger brother, but even from an early age it was pretty clear that he was a born Leader. He'd been scary smart, stronger than he had a right to be, and Deacon had realized one day he'd bow to Finn proudly.

  Deacon's gut clenched tightly as they rounded the last bend and the cabin came into view. He'd expected cars, after all they weren't the only ones who had received the summons, but he didn't recognize the bikes already parked outside, or a good number of the cars pulled off towards the trees.

  “The fuck is this?” Bug demanded as they came to a stop. He had been seriously on edge about leaving Lake, his very pregnant wife, and seemed to be gearing up for a fight. There was no doubt in Deacon's mind that Jake was ready for a fight as well.

  “Not sure, figure we'll find out soon enough.” Deacon nearly cautioned the two men to behave, keep their heads about them until they knew more, but decided it would only make the moment more tense. Instead, he adjusted the holster underneath his jacket and started towards the house.

  The closer he got to the bikes, the more it nagged at him that they were familiar. He'd seen them before, but he wasn't sure where. It didn't matter; he'd see soon enough who was riding them and hopefully know why The Old Man had brought in outsiders to a pack meeting.

  Deacon made his way around the house. Jake and Bug right at his side, they entered the backyard to find a small crowd of people. The first person he laid eyes on was the leader of The Grievers. In that instant Deacon knew where he'd seen those bikes before. Without hesitation he moved forward, ready for violence.

  “There will be no violence,” Ezekial Black spoke from the porch. He'd been known as The Old Man since he was actually young; the name suited him now. In his prime, he'd been as tall as Deacon; age had whittled him down so that he stood just above six feet tall. His hair was pure white and hung down his back in two thick braids. “Do you understand me, Deke?”

  “What the fuck is this?” Deacon demanded. “What are they doing here?” It was all he could do to refrain from going after the grinning leader of The Grievers, Josiah Callen. The Grievers were bad news.

  “I asked you a question, boy. Do not make me repeat myself and ruin my good mood.” The Old Man was standing in the yard now, his face a composed mask, but Deke could hear the growing anger and annoyance in his voice.

  “I understand,” Deacon told him. “I asked you a question as well, Leader. What are they doing here? They're outsiders.”

  “They are here at my invitation, as valued guests, and will be treated as such.” The Old Man looked around at the crowd. “I will take anything less as a direct challenge and react accordingly. Now, show your respect.”

  Deacon joined everyone else in the pack, dropping to his knees at the command with his head back, throat bared. The Old Man was asserting his dominance, reminding them that he was the one in charge.

  “As I thought,” Ezekial let out a bark of laughter, “get up. We have much to discuss.” He didn't raise his voice because he didn't need to; it was as quiet as it could possibly be, with even the animals in the woods not making a sound. “I have called you all here to discuss the future. It has not been an easy road for us in recent years. We have suffered losses that can not be replaced, but we must look to the future. We must protect the pack!”

  Pieces began to fall in place for Deacon—the presence of The Grievers and the speech about the dwindling number of pack members, there was only one reason why they'd be here. The Old Man was going to induct them into the pack. The thought of it angered him so much he nearly rose to his feet to challenge.

  Deacon's eyes went to Bug. He'd made a promise to Lake to keep him safe. No one with loyalty to him would be safe if he challenged and lost. It was not an acceptable option. Instead Deacon would bide his time, train and grow stronger.

  “We need an infusion of new blood, members willing to take risks to get things done, willing to protect the pack.” The Old Man focused on Deacon. “It is time to look to the future of this pack. Josiah, join me.”

  The president of The Grievers was roughly Deacon's age. He'd been leading for nearly seven years, earning the gavel when he'd challenged and killed the sitting president. To this day no one knew what sparked the incident, but it had been brutal. The Grievers were brutal. They were a single charter club, like The Vikings, but that was where the similarities ended. The Grievers lived life on the road, no set home base, and followed their own rules. They were known for hard partying, running drugs, guns or whatever else would turn a profit. At one time there had even been rumors of human trafficking, but no one had ever been able to prove anything.

  The last time The Vikings and Grievers had been in the same place together was at a bike show in the Nevada desert. The good time and party vibe of the night had been shattered when one of the civilians at the event spilled a beer on Michael, the second-in-command of The Grievers. Anyone else would have shrugged it off, it wasn'
t the end of the world, but not Michael. Instead he'd proceeded to grab the man. Michael beat the smaller man to death with his fists but delivered the killing blow with a small bat embedded with nails and screws straight to the man's forehead. Josiah had immediately ordered the body cleaned up and put the fear of God in the other civilians who hadn't already fled.

  Josiah's voice brought Deacon back to the present. “Thank you for the warm welcome, it is truly an honor for us to be here as part of your pack.” He dropped to his knees, exposed his throat.

  There was a sense of ceremony to his words. Deacon felt his jaw clench in a hard line. Out of the corner of his eye he saw that he wasn't the only one. The majority of the pack looked confused, but he saw anger on some faces, especially Bug and Jake.

  “It is an honor to welcome you and yours into this pack, to know that the new blood you bring to us will help to create new life. We will be as strong now as we ever were, or dare I say stronger.” The Old Man announced as his gaze moved through the crowd. “To mark this occasion, we will join not only in spirit but in flesh. Piper, come forward and join us.”

  Deacon felt something inside of him clench tightly. In his anger over The Grievers being here and now welcomed into the fold, he'd forgotten about Piper. Forgotten to wonder why The Old Man wanted her here.

  Deacon watched as Piper walked forward. Her expression was unreadable, but if he knew her at all he knew she was scared. He was also scared for her because now he was sure he knew who would be joining in flesh to celebrate the new union.

  “My child,” The Old Man reached out and touched Piper's face as she came to a stop in front of him. Even from the distance Deacon could see how tense she was. “Now that you are home, where you belong, it is time for you to take your rightful position within the pack. It is my honor to present your future husband.”

  There was a collective intake of breath through the entire pack. Piper was the only one who remained silent, and Deacon was sure that she was in shock. Even he hadn't seen this coming, truly he'd thought that The Old Man was giving her to Josiah as a physical reward for joining the pack.