"I understand, to be honest I come here every Friday and do exactly the same as it's so peaceful down here." I turned towards the grave and removed a few of the flowers that were dying from the bouquet I left last week.
"So is there anything you want to tell me?"
I glanced back at him and frowned, "Like what?"
Mark rolled his eyes, "About the baby. You said it had nothing to do with Ramsey so who was the father?" He spoke softly not wanting to upset me regarding what he thought was a miscarriage but this was the perfect opportunity for me to tell him some of the truth and with that he may get off my back.
"I'm still pregnant." The shock registered quickly on his face. "You just assumed that I'd lost the baby yesterday and I didn't have the energy to argue with you if I'm honest."
"Okay," Mark held up his index finger indicating for me to give him a minute. "Are you going to keep it?" he cringed as the words left his mouth and I knew this was difficult for him. I nodded, "Okay but what about your studies?"
"I've thought long and hard about this Mark and I'm dealing with one thing at a time."
"You have worked so hard Lauren, you can't just throw it all away." I could hear his voice crack and knew that he was trying to hold it together.
"I don't want a lecture, I want a bit of support." I needed to let him know that this decision hadn't been taken lightly.
"I will support you with whatever you choose I just want you to think about all of the options available to you."
"I've done nothing but think about my options since last night."
Mark nodded his head again taking on everything I said, "So who's the father?"
"I don't want to do this now." I said firmly letting him know this wasn't up for discussion.
"Do you know who the father is?" I raised my brows, "I'm sorry I'm just thinking out loud babe ignore that question." My heart accelerated as that was the problem, I couldn't be sure who the father was.
Marks phone rang, he removed it from his pocket and glanced at the screen before returning it.
"Chloe?" he nodded, "You can't keep ignoring her calls."
"I'm not!"
"Yes you are. Think about how hard you fought to get her and now that you have are you really just going to throw that all away?"
"It's not like that."
"Well what is it like because from where I'm sitting you have a good woman who cares about you and you're pushing her away for no reason."
Mark smiled because he knew exactly how good Chloe was but I knew he was still feeling guilty beating himself up regarding something he had no power over.
"Stop worrying about me, I'm okay. Just go to her Mark, patch things up and just let her love you." Mark leaned closer and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek. "You know you've grown into a strong young woman," he said getting to his feet.
"I'll take that as a compliment."
"Well you need to because I'm proud of you babe and I know mum and dad would've been to." Mark smiled and turned to look at their grave, "They'd be really proud." Mark returned his attention to me, "Are you sure you're okay here?"
I nodded, "Yeah, I just need some time to speak to them alone."
"I get that, I'm only a phone call away okay?" Mark patted my shoulder as I stretched out on the grass and he walked in the direction of the car park.
"Well now you know. I never planned on being a mum especially at this age but there's no way that I could end this life even in the circumstances in which it was created." I sat up and pulled a blade of grass from the ground, passing it from one hand to the other. "I was raped, not just by one man but by three. I honestly thought that they were going to kill me mum, I was so scared that I did exactly what I was told. I've never been so humiliated in all my life, to have your rights taken away from you and someone to hurt you regardless of how many times you ask them to stop was the most degrading experience of my life." I pulled out another blade of grass and rolled it between my fingers giving me something to focus on as I poured my heart out. "You always told me that things happen for a reason. Now after that happened I was trying to contemplate what that could possibly be because they hurt me more than anyone has ever done in my life but it wasn't until I knew that I was pregnant that I really understood the true meaning." I smiled and held my tummy, "This is the reason, this is the good to come out of a bad situation and I promise to be the best mummy that I can be and I know that I'll be able to do it because I had the best mum to show me the way and teach me right from wrong. I didn't have you for as long as I wanted you but I want to do all the things that we never did together with my child and you'll be there with us in here every step of the way." I placed my hand on my chest over my heart.
"The other good to come out of this bad situation is that it's brought me close to someone. Now I don't know how he feels about me although I'm kinda hoping he likes me like I do him. He's been supportive since the day of the attack and has been around to keep me company when Mark has been out of town." I pulled my legs up towards my chest and hugged them, "The only problem is he thinks I've lost the baby. He's been in touch telling me that I can message him any time but once I let him know that I didn't miscarry he probably won't want to know and I couldn't blame him to be honest." I rocked back and forth just thinking of how I'd approach that subject with him when I heard a twig break behind me.
I quickly turned holding my hands up in front of me should someone try and grab me, when I was greeted by the prettiest of smiles.
"Sorry babe I couldn't help but overhear." Ink stepped further down the path and made her way across the grass to sit beside me. "Congratulations on the pregnancy by the way, that's wonderful news."
I smiled and brushed the hair from my face, it was nice to hear someone pleased for me rather than giving me a lecture. "Thank you."
"So what's your plan or action?" I turned to face her not understanding what she meant. "You know concerning the pregnancy. Everyone at the club including Ramsey thinks you've lost the baby, I suppose it's not a bad thing as people will leave you alone giving you time to get your thoughts together but they'll start asking questions when you start to show." I rested my hand on my tummy and rubbed. "You're tiny Lauren, I bet you're probably showing already." Her words hit home, she was right I was but probably only because I knew.
"Well I'll offer some advice from one pregnant woman to another. What you do with that advice is up to you but I hope you listen." I waited for her to continue, I had respect for Ink. She'd been through a lot recently and she was close in age so she could relate to things that were affecting me. "I'm in a loving relationship with a man that I want to spend the rest of my life with but the relationship is still young which makes me worry sometimes. I have that support from Diesel and I now have an extended family in the club but it has taken me some time to get used to that." I understood what she was saying but I was struggling to see how this was now relating to my circumstances. "You'll need all of the support that you can get in order to get through this. Now I know you're strong willed and will fight to be as independent as possible babe but sometimes we need to take the help and support that is on offer, believe me. I don't know if you and Ramsey are romantically involved but even if you're not it won't hurt to have another friend in this world."
She was right I needed to talk to Ramsey and explain my situation, I at least owed him that much. "Ramsey is a good bloke he has similar characteristics to Jimmy, he can be a little insensitive sometimes and says exactly what's on his mind but he wears his heart on his sleeve which isn't a bad thing." Ink stood and stretched as she did I noticed her baby belly and smiled at how beautiful it looked. "I'll leave you with your thoughts but if you want a lift back I'll be leaving for the clubhouse in around an hour as I just need to tend to a couple of graves." Ink smiled and walked up the path leaving me to contemplate her words.
It was unfair to start a relationship with Ramsey with me carrying another man's child. Because he was such a great bloke, he may feel obliged o
r just put up with the fact if he wanted to be with me and I couldn't allow him to do that. No, it would be best for everyone if I pushed him away and my feelings aside as I had enough to think about with a baby on the way. I stood and walked over to my parent's grave to kiss the headstone before gathering my handbag and jacket from the ground. There was rain in the air but I needed to clear my head and decided to walk the three miles home.
Woods
I headed straight for the Salon, I'd been fucking stupid and needed to smooth things over with Chloe before it was too late. Lauren was right, we'd been through so much this early in our relationship and now that it had been okayed by the club, I was being a cock. I needed to tell her how I was feeling regarding Lauren and then hopefully she'd understand where I was coming from and forgive me.
My music cut out as my phone rang and I quickly pressed accept when I noticed it was Chloe.
"Woods, I know that you've got a lot going on but please don't hang up I really need to speak to you."
She seemed desperate and I instantly felt like a prick for pushing her away as I'd hurt her feelings.
"I'm sorry babe, I'm actually on my way to the salon to see you."
"You're going to the salon?" she repeated what I said like she was trying to make sense of it.
"Yeah, I know I've been an arse babe but I've had a lot going on. I know it's no excuse but..."
"Can I meet you somewhere else? It's just that I need to discuss something quite important with you."
I was intrigued as to what was so important, "Yeah sure, meet me at mine. I can be there in ten minutes."
"Okay, see you soon."
She ended the call and my music kicked in again. What was so urgent that she needed to speak to me about? I put my foot down and sped through the traffic hoping to get there quicker to find out. It wasn't like Chloe to be so secretive so I knew that it was important.
When I arrived, she was already outside my house leaning against the door with her arms folded across her chest. I didn't like her stance or the serious expression on her face and took a deep breath as I exited the van.
"What's up babe?" I asked strutting down the path as I searched my pockets for my door keys.
"Can we talk inside?" Chloe unfolded her arms and that's when I noticed a large A4 envelope clasped in her hand.
"Yeah sure but you're worrying me now," I fumbled with my keys and finally managed to get the door open. Chloe followed me inside and closed the door firmly behind her before slowly stepping into the centre of the room.
"Well go on then, you've kept me in suspense for the past ten minutes, let me have it." I was worried what she may have to tell me but I didn't play games and needed her to be upfront and honest with me especially if it were bad news.
Chloe handed me the envelope and instantly stepped back placing her hand over her mouth as she watched my every move. I frowned concerned by what may be in the envelope but ripped the seal to reveal some paperwork including photographs and hand written lists.
"So what are these?" I asked still confused by what she'd given me.
"There's no easy way of saying this babe but Lauren was raped by these three men." I sifted through the paperwork she'd given me as I tried to register what she'd just said. "I've seen the video, they fucking filmed it Woods I'm so sorry babe." Chloe stuck out her hand to touch me but retracted it not knowing what to do for the best.
"Where's the video?" Chloe looked at me confused, "Where's the video Chloe, I want to see it?""
"Are you sure, it's not...are you totally sure as there's no going back once you've watched it."
I was trying to keep my cool, I knew that she was trying to protect me but I just needed to see it with my own eyes to gauge the situation.
Chloe slowly took her phone from her pocket and pressed the screen to open it before she swiped through to find what she was looking for. She passed me the phone and I perched on the coffee table as I pressed play. I watched the three minute video and during that time, I saw my sister violated in the most depraved way. When it had finished I turned the phone off and hung my head trying to rationalise my thoughts and decide what I needed to do.
"Erm Woods...I've been trying to get hold of you since last night but you've been ignoring my calls, I understand why and it's fine...Oh fuck I'm waffling. Look, I've also told Duke he doesn't have a copy of the video or any of the information you have because I wanted to give you a head start in finding them."
I passed Chloe back her phone, "Thank you."
"It's the least I could do."
"Did you put all of this together?" I referred to the paperwork and photographs.
"Yeah, it's probably not on the scale or as detailed as what CJ could put together but I've done my best. You'll be able to see all of their movements, addresses and most importantly what they look like."
I pulled out my mobile and swiped the screen looking for Dukes number. He answered on the second ring, "Where are you?" I asked as he answered.
"On our way to look for three fucking scrotes, you coming?"
"I'm gonna do my own searching, I'll meet you at the safe house later."
"Woods...for what it's worth I'm sorry man."
I ended the call and stood knowing what I needed to do. "I appreciate what you've done, this won't be forgotten Chloe." She smiled but stood nervously, still unsure of what to do in such a shit situation.
I took the information that I had and scattered it across my dining table, from here I was able to work out who I needed to pick off first. I was at an advantage from the other guys, Chloe had done a fantastic job of putting this together, which made it easier to analyse.
I looked at the movements of Reece, Aiden and Nick and knew that it would be more beneficial to go after the ringleader first. I now had a plan, I gathered the information and placed the paperwork back into the envelope. As I turned, I saw that Chloe was feeding Doris. I smiled at her kind heart, with everything that was going on she knew I didn't have time for shit and had taken it upon herself to still help.
I opened the cupboard door under the stairs and leaned in to get my rucksack. I kept this bag packed with all the essentials needed in order to carry out what I had planned. Chucking the bag onto the floor, I stepped into the cupboard further and pushed up the loose wooden beam to remove my glock. There was no way that I was going unarmed and there was no way that all these guys were coming back alive.
I closed the cupboard door, grabbed the bag and flung it over my shoulder as I walked through the living room. Chloe stood awkwardly fidgeting uncomfortably, I stepped closer and placed a kiss on her forehead. "Stay here, make yourself at home babe."
"Are you sure?" I saw her confused expression.
"Yeah, I can't guarantee what time I'll be back but please stay."
Chloe smiled and I saw her body relax, "Okay, I'll be here when you get home."
"And thanks again for giving me this information, like I said before it won't be forgotten." I took a deep breath and smiled before I turned and left the house. The crisp air pulled me out of my trance, I stood taking deep breaths as I glanced along the street. How had it come to this? Lauren had been dealing with this for weeks and she hadn't shared anything. I had so many questions but I needed to deal with one thing at a time, those guys would pay for what they did to Lauren then it would be a long healing process to make sure she came to terms with her ordeal. I strutted to my van ready to right the wrongs.
I drove to the first location, it was a snooker hall called Riley's on the edge of town and I was pleased as it was quite secluded. Chloe's information stated that Reece visited here three times a week around two-thirty each afternoon. I parked up at the side of the car park and removed his photograph from the envelope to analyse his face so it was etched in my mind. With every car that pulled up, I glanced out the window checking for a silver Juke only to be disappointed. "Where the fuck is he?" I checked my watch 2.15pm, I was getting impatient and needed to step from the vehicle and stretch my
legs. I walked around the van to the rear and opened the back doors thinking of how I was going to entice Reece over. He was a petty drug dealer although the younger kids thought he was big time as he flashed the cash and the weed whenever possible. I glanced over my shoulder when I heard a car pull into the car park and my adrenaline kicked in when I recognised the vehicle.
Reece pulled up and finished his conversation on his mobile before he exited the car with his pool cue in hand.
"Excuse me mate," I shouted across the car park.
"What's up bruv?" he asked looking in my direction.
"Sorry I know you're busy mate but can you give me a quick hand with this?"
He strolled over and I managed to grab the spanner from the back of the van. "Sure mate, what you need doing?"
He made his way to the back of the vehicle and drew his brows looking confused to see that the van was empty. "What you need help with?" he shrugged and turned towards me.
I pulled my arm back and struck him with the spanner across the head as hard as I could. The force caused him to collapse and I managed to grab him before he hit the ground. I dropped the spanner and dragged him further towards the van, he weighed a ton and it was a mean task trying to get him inside. I let go to release his body and his torso landed hard in the back of the van. I had to then pull on his jeans to lift his legs one at a time to get them up inside as they were dangling from the back. I sat next to him for a couple of minutes panting, out of breath from such an activity. Once I'd recharged my batteries a little, I rolled him the rest of the way so I was able to close the doors. I needed to get him tied, I couldn't allow him to wake and get free as this cunt was the instigator of the whole rape and he needed to suffer for his crimes. I jogged to the front cab, grabbed my rucksack and quickly made my way back around to the rear of the vehicle. He was out cold but I wasn't taking any chances, I removed a length of rope and proceeded to tie his wrists and ankles together, pulling on the rope to make sure it was secure.
I let out a loud sigh as I closed the doors and leaned against them catching my breath, "One down, two to go!"
Woods (Aces MC Series Book 5) Page 14
