Today was sunny and cool with fall settling in. A perfect day for a ride. Hammer wished he was on his bike.
Eventually, they approached the exit for South Boulevard in Montgomery, and Shades signaled with his hand. The bunch slowed and took the ramp. Turning left, they passed the usual fast food places, gas stations, a greyhound bus station, and a pawnshop.
Shades waved Hammer on past to take the lead since he had the GPS accessible. He swung out and around, and the boys fell in behind him.
He made a left on Rosa Parks and then a right a few streets down. He followed the directions, winding deeper back into the neighborhood, marking landmarks as he went. He knew they’d have to find their way back here and out again in the dark of night. A broken-down camper, a shoulder-high tree stump, a gated driveway… Hammer noticed the deeper they got, the more rundown the places looked.
Finally, he closed in on the address and rolled to a crawl. He checked the number on the mailbox. This was the place—the house on the right in the last curve in the road. He dipped his head and scoped it out through the passenger window. Overgrown bushes, lots of tall trees in the back, and a carport on the right. Dilapidated didn’t begin to describe the place. Hammer tapped his brakes twice and flipped his right turn signal on, letting the guys know they’d found it. He glanced in his rearview, making sure the message was received.
Shades nodded and studied the house.
Hammer kept the procession moving and sped up, winding them through the neighborhood and back to the highway.
He found a Daiquiri bar that looked like an old Pizza Hut building and pulled in. The place was dead with only two cars in the lot. He figured it’d be a good place to wait out the hours until it was time to roll. He climbed out and waited while the bikes backed in next to him.
Shades dipped his head to light a cigarette then blew the smoke skyward, his eyes connecting with Hammer’s. “What do you think?”
Hammer ran a hand down his jaw, knowing this was his sister and his show. “I say we park down the street and move in through the back. Looked like a lot of cover back there.”
Shades took another hit off his smoke. “When we hit it, we move in fast. Get in, get out, and get gone. Griz, you make sure we all make it out.”
Griz nodded. “You got it.”
“How’re we gonna know she’s in there?” JJ asked.
“Hammer’s gonna park somewhere and watch the door. If we need to, we’ll scope the back windows. We get real lucky, we’ll nab her in the carport before she ever makes it inside.”
“That’d be the best scenario,” Ghost added. “Don’t hold your breath. We don’t ever get that lucky.”
“Maybe we should send someone to the door; scope the place out,” Griz suggested.
“I volunteer JJ.” Ghost grabbed him from the back, his hands hooked in the arm holes of his cut, and shoved him forward a foot, laughing.
He twisted free. “Quit, fool.”
“Chill out, squirt,” Ghost replied. “Everyone knows Shades’ smile opens more doors than your ugly mug any day.”
“Yeah? Well, your mama seems to like my mug just fine,” JJ teased.
Ghost charged him, but Shades shoved him back. “Quit.”
A squad car drove past, and Shades tossed his cigarette. “Let’s get inside before you draw the wrong kind of attention.”
They strode through the door and found two tables pushed together, giving them room for five. Metal chairs scrapped against the linoleum as they sat, and chains dangling from their belts to their wallets jangled.
A short, stacked waitress approached to take their order. “Are we all having daiquiris today, gentleman?”
“Bring us a pitcher of whatever beer you have on tap,” Shades answered.
Ghost picked up the menu card on the table. “Now wait a minute, I think I want a daiquiri.”
Shades shook his head, folded his arms, and leaned in his chair.
Ghost glared back at him. “What? We’re in a daiquiri bar. I can’t have a daiquiri?”
Shades waved his hand. “By all means, little girl, order a daiquiri.”
“Oh, so now I’m unmanly if I get one?”
“You said it, not me.”
“Just quit trying to kill my buzz.” Ghost scanned the menu. “Huh, did you know there was a National Daiquiri Day? Says it right here.” He looked to the waitress. “There any deals for that?”
“Sorry, the menu is old. That was in July.”
“Well, that sucks.”
“Just pick one,” Shades snapped.
Ghost stuck his tongue out, then smiled at the waitress. “I’ll have Coconut Mango, darlin’.” After she left, Ghost mused, “I wonder how much a daiquiri machine costs.” He jerked his chin to the bar. “Like one of those professional ones. We could get one for the clubhouse.”
Shades stared at him. “Really?”
Ghost grinned. “Nah, I’m just tryin’ to yank your chain.”
“In another minute, I’m gonna take that chain hangin’ from your belt and choke you with it.”
Ghost made kissy faces at him.
Three pitchers and two Coconut Mango daiquiris later, Shades’ cell rang. He dug it out and put it to his ear. “Yeah?” He frowned. “Where are we? Where the fuck do you think we are, Slick? We’re down the road from 1402 Shit Hole Street, where you sent us. Why?”
Hammer watched and Shades eyes shifted to him, then his VP nodded. “Great, text Hammer the address. Thanks, Slick.” He disconnected and pushed his chair back. “Let’s move. Slick’s got a location on her.”
They threw some bills on the table and hustled out. The men went to their bikes, and Hammer stood next to Shades as his VP swung his leg over and buckled on his helmet.
Shades spoke over the roaring sound of four Harleys firing up. “Said he emailed her something, and she downloaded it. With that he was able to hack into her phone and get into her GPS tracking. She’s at a Sonic Drive In.”
Hammer’s phone vibrated with an incoming text. He pulled it out and looked at it, quickly punching it into his map. “It’s about three miles from here. Follow me.”
Hammer jumped in the Caddie and tore out of there, heading east with his four brothers on his tail. He moved quickly through traffic, weaving in and out on the six-lane highway. The bikes swerved with him, sticking to his bumper. A mile down he took a left, barely making the yellow light. He headed north for two miles. The map showed the road dead-ending at a T-shaped intersection with the Sonic right there. When he rolled up, the light turned red and he had to stop. Dead center across was the driveway into the Sonic. He scanned the parking lot. Two cars up front on the right, an SUV parked in the back. On the left, the restaurant and three cars parked near the entrance.
There were businesses on both sides: an oil change place on the left and a bank on the right, bushes between them. It looked like there might be a back way out, but it was hard to tell from where he sat.
Shades rolled his bike up to the passenger side window, and Hammer hit the button, rolling it down.
His VP leaned in. “Wait for the light. Keep watch. We’re gonna turn right, hang a U-turn and roll up.”
Hammer nodded, and Shades and his three brothers turned, rode twenty yards down, found an opening in traffic and made a U-turn. They rolled up on the drive-in. Shades motioned with his hand for Griz and JJ to go up to the side street on the other side of the oil change place and circle around back. He and Ghost turned in.
Ghost pulled to the side and dropped his kickstand. He hopped off and quickly scoped each car in front as Shades kept his eyes on the SUV in back.
The light changed, and Hammer pulled forward, turning diagonally across the entrance, blocking any cars. He jumped out just as Ghost scoped out the last vehicle, shook his head, and pointed to the vehicle in back.
Shades gunned his bike as the SUV’s reverse lights lit up.
Hammer took off in a dead sprint.
Griz and JJ pulled in a back drive,
blocking that, although Hammer knew the Ford Expedition could easily plow them over.
He saw Griz pull his weapon and hold it against his leg. Damn, he hadn’t wanted it to come to this. His sister might be in that SUV.
Whoever was driving, they slammed on their brakes, rocking the vehicle.
“You fucking bitch, get out!” yelled a male voice and a figure toppled from the passenger seat, rolling onto the pavement.
Hammer ran to her while the Expedition took the curb and swerved around Griz and JJ, tearing out.
Hammer knelt next to Josie.
Griz saw he had her and let the car go without firing or pursuing.
With one look, Hammer knew Josie was stoned out of her head. Her eyes were dilated as she looked up at him, frowning. “Hey, big brother. What’re you doing here?” She was groggy, but he tried to sit her up. She clutched at his shirt. “You got any dope?”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
“Skylar, where do you keep the foil?” Tink asked, setting the half-eaten bowl of potato salad down on the counter.
Skylar pointed to a drawer. “Thanks for helping, hon.”
“Of course. I love your kitchen.”
“Thank you. When Shades built the addition, I told him we had to have a bigger kitchen, a dining room big enough for entertaining, and two bedrooms downstairs. The loft was not going to work with having the baby.”
“Well, he delivered. It’s beautiful.”
“I’m glad we’re able to host parties like this.”
“JJ was surprised. I think he thought no one would notice he was turning thirty,” Jessie added, carrying in a stack of dirty plates.
“So how are you and Hammer getting along?” Skylar asked.
Tink turned and put her hand on her hip. “Oh, by the way, thanks for spilling my secrets, girls. Ghost told Hammer about my sister.”
“Oops.” Skylar gave her a repentant expression. “Sorry.”
“No, you’re not. You wanted him to know.”
“Well, it got it out in the open. What happened? Did he admit it?” Jessie asked, leaning on the island.”
“He said he never did.”
“And do you believe him?”
She put the bowl in the fridge and turned. “Well, he ended up coming by my parents place—”
“What?”
“It’s a long story. Anyway, she was there, so he knows what she looks like. He admitted he talked to her at the gym, but swears he never slept with her.”
“What do you think?”
“I think he’s telling the truth.”
“Good. So…are you guys…you know…”
“We’re getting to know each other. I never really gave him a chance before.”
“No shit.”
“I always thought he was just a self-centered, muscle-bound jerk who only liked to lift weights and look in the mirror. But he’s more than that. He’s…he’s not what I expected. I mean, he’s really a nice guy. After watching him step up for Ethan, and the way he cares about his mom and sister—”
“How is his sister, by the way?”
“She was in pretty bad shape when he found her. Really strung out. Had needle marks all over her arms. God knows what she was doing in exchange for drug money.” Tink leaned closer, whispering, “He said he thought the guy they found her with—the one that dumped her out of his car—was a john.”
“You mean she was hooking?”
“That’s what he thinks. Said she had a bad childhood. He told me their father abused her as a child.”
“Oh, my God.” Jessie covered her mouth.
“It’s a sad story. I feel bad for her. She really had no chance.”
“So, what happened when he brought her back?” Skylar asked.
“He got her in rehab. It’s a good clinic. He asked me if he could get a referral from my father. Most men would have been ashamed to go to someone like my dad for that, but he wasn’t. He said he’d do anything to make sure she had the best care.”
“Aww, that’s so sweet. How is she doing?” Jessie asked.
“She’s been there a week. She’s doing well, but it’ll be a long road.”
“And the baby?” Skylar asked.
“Well, we all agreed to keep the situation the way it is. I mean, she’s really trying to get clean.”
Jessie frowned. “What about you? You didn’t sign up for that. I mean, it could be months, maybe longer, before she’s well enough to be trusted with Ethan.”
“I only agreed because it was supposed to be temporary. Now, it looks like it could be a long time. But… I can’t abandon Hammer, not when he needs help.”
Skylar squeezed her shoulder. “That’s noble of you, but you have a life and you were talking about leaving town, weren’t you? How are things with your sister?”
Tink rolled her eyes. “I try to avoid her.”
Jessie nodded. “I get that.”
Skylar finished putting the last of the dishes in the dishwasher. “Let’s grab a wine and move to the deck. Except you.” She looked at Jessie. “You only get water.”
They relocated to the deck and sat. The men were down at the lake this warm September day, along with Desiree and Sherry and the kids, swimming and floating.
“It’s nice out here. You have a great view of the lake.” Tink took a sip of wine.
They sat and talked and relaxed as the last of the sunset faded. There was a lantern down by the dock that illuminated the group.
Soon, several of them drifted up from the dock. The girls brought up the kids and put them to bed.
The men came up to get more beer and went inside to watch the Alabama game. All but Hammer. He sat down on the dock, staring out over the water.
Skylar stood. “I need to go put Rebel to bed.”
When it was just Jessie and Tink sitting outside, Jessie nodded to the lake and whispered, “Why don’t you go talk to him?”
Tink’s eyes moved to the shadowy silhouette. Jessie stood, patted her shoulder, and walked inside.
Tink drained her wine glass and walked down the stairs that led to the water.
Hammer turned his head at her approach. “Hey.”
She sat next to him, dropping to the wood planks, dangling her legs over. She bumped shoulders with him. “How are you?”
“Okay.”
“You’re just sitting down here, enjoying the quiet?”
He grinned. “Don’t get much of it around this bunch.”
“Not interested in the Bama game?”
“They got this one in the bag. Besides I’m gonna have to take Ethan home soon.”
“Oh.”
He lifted his chin to the water. “You been in today?”
“No. Have you?”
“Earlier. The water’s a little nippy. I’m thinking about takin’ one more dip before I leave.”
She held her arm out. “Be my guest. I’m not going in.”
He smiled at her, stood, and stripped out of his clothes, then dove in.
“Hammer!” She turned her head as the splash covered her. She’d seen a flash of his body as he dove in.
He popped up and flung his wet hair back. “Ooowee.” He shoved a palm toward her, sending a blast of water splashing over her. “Come on in, Tink.”
She squealed, twisting and putting her arms up. “Quit.”
He did it again. “Chicken.”
“I’m not chicken.”
“Then strip and jump in. Or haven’t you ever been skinny dipping before?”
“Hammer...”
“Come on. Everyone’s inside watching the game. Ain’t no one gonna see.”
“You’ll see.”
“You want me to turn my back? If I do, will you get in?” He splashed her again.
“Okay, okay!”
He spun, treading water and facing the other direction. “You better be quick, little girl. I’m not waiting all night.”
She wiggled out of her jeans, flipping her sandals off, then pulled her shirt over
her head. She looked back at the house but didn’t see anyone. She unhooked her bra, shimmied out of her panties, and dove in.
She came up five feet from him and squealed. “It’s freezing!”
He grinned. “Get your nipples hard, did it?”
“Why’d I let you talk me into this? We don’t even have towels.”
He swam to her. “Come here.” He pulled her to the shallower water where he could stand, the water still to his shoulders. He took her in his arms, bringing her against his body. “Warmer now?”
“Yes.”
He looked down at her breasts plastered to his chest. “You are cold. Those nips are like little pebbles.”
“Quit teasing me!”
He grinned, then dipped his head for a kiss. When his mouth covered hers, everything else melted away—the house, the dock, everything. It was suddenly just the two of them, the water, and the moonlight.
His hands drifted to her ass and he hoisted her, pulling her legs around his waist. She wrapped her arms around his neck.
He broke off the kiss. “You’re shivering.”
“Now the air is colder than the water.”
He lowered them, until the lake covered her shoulders. “Better?”
She nodded.
He trailed a hand over her shoulder. “Your skin looks so pretty in the moonlight. I’m gonna remember what you look like tonight.” He pressed a kiss to her collarbone then her lips. “I’m gonna remember how you trusted me enough to jump in.” He kissed her again. “I’m gonna remember how you clung to me and how pretty your eyes are when they’re staring up at me like they are now.”
She tightened her legs around him and felt his erection bob against her ass.
“You don’t know the power you have over me, Alexandra.” He stroked his hand up her back, his fingers drifting up her neck to lace in the short hair at her nape. His mouth covered hers again, his head tilting, and she moaned.
He broke off and trailed his lips to her ear. “I’ve wanted you for so fucking long, baby. You’re all I think about, day and night. You. Only you. I can’t stay away from you, do you understand that?”
She tilted her head back, her eyes closing. “Oh, Hammer.” His lips trailed down her throat with soft little kisses that drove her wild.
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