by Chiah Wilder
“But how could she act like we were best friends, sharing our thoughts, our dreams, our jokes—everything? How could she do it?”
“She’s a pro. She banked about two million from your husband and would’ve gotten another from you.” He stopped, a lump forming in his throat. He’d been so close to losing the woman he adored. “We got Cara to thank for saving you,” he said in a low voice.
“I’ll have to thank her. If she hadn’t looked into this, I wouldn’t be here.”
“Let’s be happy you are. The past is over. We got a whole lifetime ahead of us.” He went over and closed the door then came back to her. Drawing a chair close to the bed, he said, in a hushed voice, “That fuckin’ badge is gonna be over here real soon to talk to you ‘bout what happened. Tell him everything except that Scorpion was there.”
“What happened to him?”
“You don’t need to worry about that. It’s club business. Just don’t mention the fucker. It was only you and the cunt. Got it?”
She nodded just as someone knocked on her door.
“Remember, babe.” Banger kissed her gently on the lips then went over and opened the door. Detective Sanders stared at him. Banger moved aside. “Come on in.”
Sanders entered the room. “I’d like to speak with Mrs. Dermot alone.”
“I want Banger to stay,” she said. “I can’t talk too long. I’m still groggy.”
He sat down on the chair at the foot of her bed while Banger plopped on the one next to her.
The questions went on and on and on, and Banger could see Belle’s face was a mask of exhaustion. He’d give the fuckin’ badge a few more questions, but then he was outta the room.
Once again, Sanders asked, “Was anyone with you besides your friend, Holly?”
Belle stuck with her story. “Only Holly was there. She drugged me. The toxicology report will prove that. I also left most of the punch, so I’m sure it’s still there in the thermos in her car.”
“Was her brother, Scorpion, there?”
She shook her head. “No. I haven’t seen Scorpion since the time I spotted him with Megan, my late husband’s mistress. That was about two or three weeks ago.”
“Did you witness a fight between your fiancé—” his chin jerked to Banger “—and Scorpion?”
With a sweet, innocent face, she replied, “No, I never did. They didn’t even know each other.”
Sanders stared hard at her, and all she did was smile and put another spoonful of chipped ice in her mouth. Then Sanders looked at Banger’s expressionless face. Inwardly, he was laughing his ass off. She’s gonna make a kick-ass old lady.
“We did a search on your supposed friend’s house, and we found all sorts of fake IDs, the life insurance you signed, and a multitude of sedatives. She had them buried in the corner of her closet.”
In a small voice, she asked, “Did she kill Harold?”
“It appears that way. She planted the syringe in your unit knowing your stepdaughter would find it and put the blame on you. She got her brother to cozy up to Megan Ryan so if your body ever turned up, she’d be the likely suspect.”
“Did Darren know anything about what Holly was doing?”
“No, he was duped just like everyone else who was pulled into her web.” He closed his notebook pad. “You take care of yourself. The Lakeview district attorney will be getting in touch with you. I suspect the Gilpin County DA will too, since you were in their county when she tried to kill you.”
Belle nodded. “Thanks.”
Sanders’s eyes darted from Belle to Banger, then he walked out. Banger muttered under his breath, “Fuckin’ badge.”
“Be nice. He’s just doing his job, and he was nice to me even though he knew I was lying through my teeth.”
“Mom? Can we come in?” Emily stood by the doorway, tears glistening in her eyes. Ethan sprinted into the room and hugged his mom.
Belle squeezed him tight to her as she smiled and motioned her daughter to come in. Emily headed over and Banger rose to his feet, walking to the corner of the room. He wanted to let her have a few minutes with her kids before she conked out.
Belle told them parts of the story, and Emily started to cry. “I’m so sorry for being such a pain in the ass. I can’t believe I might have lost you too.”
Belle stroked her hair, and the kids lay their heads on her shoulders, their arms wrapped around their mother. Emily lifted her head. “I can’t believe Au—Holly did all this to you. And she killed Dad.” She wrung her hands. “I know about Dad. About everything, I’m so sorry that I blamed you for all the bad stuff that happened to us. I know now that you were the one who made our lives run smoothly, despite everything you were going through. Those women…”
“What women?” asked Ethan.
“Friends of your father. Your father was a wonderful man who loved being a daddy to both of you. He loved you very, very much. Don’t ever forget that.” Belle glanced at Banger, who had been listening and observing the scene. She smiled and he gave her a wink.
He loved the way she protected her late husband even though he was a fucking asshole who’d done her wrong. From everything she’d told him, Harold was a good father, and she didn’t want her kids to forget it. She was quite a woman.
Belle was pale as a ghost, but Banger knew she’d die before she asked her kids to leave. He cleared his throat. “Your mom’s had a very rough day, and she’s exhausted. She’ll probably be released, but that could take hours. I know she wants to rest. Why don’t you say good-bye, and I’ll call you later with an update.”
“The doctor said he wants to keep me overnight for observation,” Belle said. “I am exhausted, but I don’t want you two staying alone. I’d be too nervous.”
“I took care of it. They’re staying at Hawk and Cara’s until you get home.”
“How wonderful it is that everyone bands together in the club,” Belle said.
“We’re a family, and now you and the kids are too.”
After they hugged their mom for the umpteenth time, they headed out. Emily paused at the doorway then said in a low voice, “Thanks for saving my mom.”
“It was nothing.” Banger clasped her on the shoulder, and she smiled then shuffled away, holding Ethan’s hand.
Belle pushed her head further down on the pillows, her eyelids fluttering. “You can go. I’m sure you’re tired. I’ll be fine.”
“I’m not going anywhere, babe. My ass is on this chair until you’re released, then I’ll take you home.” He held up his hand when she opened her mouth. “No fuckin’ argument, woman.”
Smiling, she said, “I was only going to tell you I love you.”
In three long strides, he was by her side, his face hovering over hers. “Then talk away, woman. I love you more than you’ll ever know.” He leaned down and kissed then held her hand.
“When Scorpion held my head underwater, my last thoughts were of you and my kids. I thought I would never see you again. I feel like I’ve been given a second chance to live my life with you, and watch my kids grow.”
Banger sat close to her, holding her hand until she drifted off to sleep. Staring out the window at the Rocky Mountains, he felt like he’d been given a second chance as well, and he had no intention of ever taking her or their life together for granted.
After six years of pain and loneliness, he was happy and whole again, and there was nothing in this life that would ever change that for him.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Two weeks later
Banger kept glancing at the clock Belle had put up in his kitchen, wondering what was taking Kylie so long to arrive. It was quiet in the house, and he’d wanted to talk to her without an audience. Ethan was over one of his friend’s house, and Emily and Belle were at work. Even though Banger had told Belle she didn’t have to work anymore, she insisted on keeping her job at the diner until they were married. He reluctantly agreed, but he hated seeing her come home dead tired, her feet aching. She was a stubborn
woman, so he knew arguing with her would just piss them both off. One thing he’d learned being married for so long, is that the small stuff definitely could be overlooked.
His ears perked up when he heard the garage door open. It had to be Kylie. He hadn’t told her yet about him and Belle’s engagement, and he hoped she would understand where he was coming from, and open up to Belle. He felt like a fucking fool pacing in the kitchen, his mouth dry and his heart pounding. He was the president of the national Insurgents MC, and he was nervous as hell to tell his daughter he was remarrying. Shaking his head, he chided himself on being a pussy, and he grabbed a bottled water out of the refrigerator and gulped it. He’d be damned if he’d let Kylie see him like that when she came in.
The door slammed, and he heard her soft footsteps on the terra cotta tiles in the laundry room. “Hi, Dad,” she greeted him, her long hair swishing around her. “Sorry I’m late, but I stopped at the club for a few minutes.”
Banger narrowed his eyes, “What for? I told you I’d be home.” He went from nervous to pissed in a few seconds. He wasn’t stupid, he’d seen the looks Jerry and Kylie gave to each other, but he’d be damned if he’d let his little girl hook up with any of the Insurgents, especially Jerry. The guy was fucking different women all the time, and one woman usually wasn’t enough for him. There was no way he wanted Kylie mixed up with him, or with any biker. He sent her to college to get an education, and he hoped she’d meet a decent man, someone who wasn’t an outlaw and a player. “Did you go there to see someone?”
Kylie had her back to her dad, her head buried in the refrigerator. “Since when do you have broccoli and asparagus in your fridge? And watercress? What’s going on?” She swiveled around, a slice of cold sausage and black olives pizza in her hand. She took a bite.
“You didn’t answer my question. Why did you go to the clubhouse?”
“Oh, Cara asked me to stop by to pick up the pictures she put together for me. I forgot to get them the last time I was home.”
“Did you see anyone else?”
“Yeah. A lot of brothers were there, and a few of the club girls.” She took another bite.
“Did you see and talk to Jerry?” Banger pressed his hands together.
Swallowing, she shook her head.
“You sure? ‘Cause you know how I feel ‘bout that shit.”
She popped open a Coke and took a sip. “Dad, I’ve known Jerry for years, just like I know Jax, Axe, Chas, Bear, and a bunch of the other guys. I don’t know Rock so well—he’s kinda scary. Anyway, what’s the deal with you?”
“None of the brothers except for Jerry look at you in a way that makes me want to hurt them. You stay away from him. I’d hate to hurt a brother.”
She giggled. “Okay, Dad. Now, are you gonna answer me about why you have so many healthy foods in your fridge? Did Belle buy them for you?”
“Get me a beer.” Banger took the green bottle from Kylie’s hands. “Sit down.”
Dragging her feet, she sat down and rocked slightly on the chair. “What? All of a sudden you look weird.”
“Belle brought the stuff in the fridge to me. Sometimes she comes over and cooks for me.”
Kylie licked her lips. “That’s nice of her. I’m glad she’s serving you something other than meat and potatoes.”
Banger stared at her flushed face, her blue eyes avoiding his look. For a minute, his heart ached for her, and he didn’t think he could tell her. Then she gazed at him. He exhaled, leaned back in the chair, and crossed his leg over the other one. “I wanted to tell you in person. You know Belle had some shit with that bitch who claimed to be her best friend, right?”
“You told me a little bit about it, but Cara filled me in on the rest. I couldn’t believe someone would pretend to be your friend and do all that crap behind your back. And then try and kill you. Damn, that’s cold.”
“Yeah. Well, I been kinda busy with all that shit, and Belle getting better. Anyway, I wanted to tell you last week, but I had a lot of shit going on with her and the club. The thing is I know this is gonna be hard for you, but I want you to hear me out before you fuckin’ flip out.” He saw the muscles around her mouth twitch, and her eyes stared at him. “Belle and I are gonna get married. I asked her, and she said yes.”
Banger had expected Kylie to jump up, red-faced from anger, and give him a piece of her mind, but she just sat there, her lips trembling slightly. His heart twisted. Fuck. I wish she’d jump up and scream. I wish she’d do anything but just sit there like her world has ended. “Honey?” He reached over and placed his hand over her cold one. She slid it away, pushed back her chair, and stood up.
“I have to put my things away.” She picked up her suitcase and walked out of the kitchen.
Banger followed her into her room. “We gotta talk about this, Kylie. I know it’s a shock to you, and I’m figuring the way you’re acting that you’re madder than hell at me, but I want you to understand where I’m coming from. By me loving and marrying Belle doesn’t mean I don’t still love your mom.”
“Yes it does,” she whispered as she pressed her forehead against her closet door, her tops bunched up in her hands.
“Oh, sweetheart.” Banger came over and placed his arms on her shoulders and rubbed them lightly. “Don’t ever think I’ve forgotten about your mom. Grace was my light, my rock, my love while we were married, and I thought I was gonna lose it when she died. I probably would have, but I knew I couldn’t. I had to be strong for you.”
Kylie’s shoulders slumped, and he continued to rub them. “How can you marry someone else if you still love Mom? I don’t see how you can replace her.”
“I’m not replacing your mom. I never could, but I’m letting Belle into my life and my heart. Your mom has a part of my heart no one ever will. I will never stop loving her, but my heart is big enough to love Belle too.”
In a voice he could barely hear, Kylie said, “It’s like Mom is dying all over again. You and I used to sit and share memories about her. Now that’s gone.”
He spun her around and held her close to him, his hand stroking her hair. “Your mom will always live in your heart, my heart, and in our memories of her. Just because I’m marrying Belle doesn’t mean I’m cutting Grace out of my life. You and I will still talk about and remember your mom. Fuck, she’ll always be a part of our memories.”
He paused a moment, letting his words wash over and soothe his little girl. “Life goes on, sweetheart. Look where you are now compared to where you were when your mom died. You still remember her and are sad she’s not around, but you spend good times with your friends, you’re in college, and you’ve got a lot going on. That’s normal. It’s what your mom would want. She didn’t want us dying with her.”
Kylie pulled back a little and looked at him. “I know you have a right to be in love and be happy. I guess I was being selfish in never wanting things to change.”
“You’re not being selfish. Change is fuckin’ scary, and I fought it until I couldn’t anymore.” He chuckled. “It was probably your mother kicking me in the ass and calling me ‘a fuckin’ fool’ like she used to.”
Kylie sniffled and laughed. “She did call you that, but you never got mad. You’d just smile and it would make her stop and laugh. I forgot about that.” She hugged her dad.
“Your mom will always be with us, don’t you forget it. And Belle isn’t planning on replacing your mom. It’s just that she makes your old dad a fuckin’ happy man, and I want to spend the rest of my life with her. I want to know that you’re good with it. Maybe not right now, but that you get where I’m coming from. Maybe you can accept Belle when you get to know her better.”
They stood, hugging each other for a long while until Kylie broke away, wiping her cheeks and nose with a tissue. “You know, Dad, since you met Belle, you seem happier, and I’m glad for you. It will take me some time, but I’m good with you. I love you.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Now what are we gonna have for dinner? I’m s
tarving.”
He laughed. “Finish up in here, and I’ll take you to El Tecolate for dinner. I feel like Mexican. You good with that?”
Beaming, she said, “That sounds perfect.”
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Six months later
They were in the final phase of their house, and Belle and her two kids couldn’t wait to move in. Banger walked around the house, checking to make sure his changes had been implemented.
“Does everything look all right?” Baylee asked as she followed the couple around their soon-to-be new residence.
Nodding his head, Banger smiled. “You did a fuckin’ good job of designing our home and making sure it was done well. It’s fantastic. What do you think?”
Belle cocked her head to one side, a whisper of a smiling playing on her lips. “It’s absolutely beautiful. I didn’t think I was going to love the stone on the outside since I love brick so much, but it’s simply gorgeous. It definitely looks like a French chalet.” She slipped her hand in his. “I thought Banger was crazy wanting so much space: six bedrooms, seven baths, a basement, and a theater room. But, I’ll have to admit, when it’s all done, it’ll be simply beautiful. My favorite room is the gourmet kitchen, of course. You overdid yourself, Baylee.”
Baylee blushed and continued walking through the house, her heels clacking on the wooden sub-floor. Belle liked the young woman who was already partner in a very prestigious Denver architect firm. She wanted to get to know her better, and since Belle was now an old lady, she’d have the chance to socialize and form friendships with the others. She and Cara had already become good friends, and Addie had begun joining them on their shopping trips. Belle wanted to designate one night a week for all the old ladies to go out for dinner, have a few drinks, and a good time. She’d pick a night when their husbands were at the club. No reason for the women to sit home while their men were having fun.
