by K. J. Dahlen
Eli reached out and slapped her again.
Melora fell into the wall and slipped to her knees. She cried out as debris cut into her legs. Leaning against the wall, she gathered her strength and pushed herself to her feet. She was helpless now that he tied her hands again, but she wanted to kill this man badly. She could feel blood running from the cut near her mouth and she ran her tongue over her split lips tasting the irony flavor.
“Let’s go,” he ordered. Using the flashlight, he motioned at two different tunnels. “Which way?”
Melora simply picked one. She wasn’t sure but she wasn’t going to tell him that. She had a baby to protect. Her eyes were adjusting more to the darkness and she felt she could see a bit better. She thought she heard a footstep close by and she could sense someone was there. In all the years she had been on the run, her senses had saved her life many times over, so she felt certain someone really was there behind them.
Then she actually felt someone watching her and she knew then they weren’t alone in the tunnel. She hoped whoever was in there with them was on her side. She paused and stood there with her eyes closed trying to remember her way in the dark.
They moved deeper into the tunnel and Melora got the feeling of water all around her. Walking further in, she came to the Y in the way. She knew where she was now and where they had to go, taking the left tunnel they came to the part with the older wood.
Eli stopped every once in a while and marked the frame work with the chalk line.
The light from the flashlight barely made a dent in the blackness around them but Melora felt sure of where she was going. She just prayed whoever was there with them would make their move before too much longer. She didn’t want Eli to find the door.
She stopped again in the tunnel to figure out where they were. Eli pushed her to move forward and she stumbled. Falling against the wall, she cried out. Then footsteps rushed toward them and she heard Eli cry out as someone hit him.
She leaned against the wall as she heard the struggle between Eli and his assailant. When there was no more noise, she turned her head and saw Eli’s form laying on the ground. The flashlight glimmered over his face and she could see it was bloody and his eyes were closed. Melora raised her gaze.
A tall man wearing a dark vest was bent over breathing heavy. He looked over at her. “Are you Melora?”
She nodded.
“Are you okay?”
“I think so. Who are you and how did you know we were down here?”
“My name is Reaper and my President got a call from Iceman. He asked that we find you and bring you to safety.”
Melora closed her eyes and thanked whoever was in charge of the universe. Well, in this case Iceman was. She smiled and it brought pain to her lip. “Thank you,” she whispered.
Reaper stepped closed and helped her to her feet. He reached into his pocket and grabbed his knife. Cutting the ropes that bound her hands, he gently helped her by rubbing her wrists. Then he reached down and grabbed the flashlight Eli dropped.
“What are you planning to do with him?” Melora asked.
“I’m supposed to bring him with us.” Reaper shrugged. “We have more men waiting up top. I’m supposed to bring you back to the clubhouse where you have people waiting for you.”
“That sounds good to me,” Melora said with relief.
“Do you know the way out of here?” he asked. “I wasn’t really paying attention to the way we came. I was watching for a moment when I could get him, without you being hurt. That was our specific instructions.”
Melora smiled, that would be what Sin’s Bastards would say. She pointed upward. “Eli marked the way with his chalk line. All we have to do is follow it out.”
Reaper nodded then bent over to hoist Eli over his shoulder in a fireman’s carry.
Melora paused at this feat and then wondered about something else. “By the way, how did you follow us in such darkness?”
“Well, they do call me Reaper for many reasons, and that is one of them.”
Melora wanted to laugh but her body hurt too much. Shining the light up, they followed the blue lines back the way they came. A short time later, Melora pushed open the door that lead the way out into the Sumner Tunnel.
Reaper hustled through the tunnel and out against the pull of traffic. He went over to a truck parked just outside the tunnel. Opening the back door, he shoved Eli’s body into the backseat. He helped Melora into the front seat, ran around the front of the truck got in, then drove away.
He drove down the street and making several turns, he finally stopped in front of a warehouse near the water. The emblem on the side of the building claimed this was Sinner territory.
They got out of the truck and Eli was lifted over his shoulder again. Reaper led the way inside.
When the door closed behind them, Melora found herself standing in front of a line of big men. They all wore a biker’s cuts and they all stood there with their arms crossed over their chests.
A moment later, the men parted and an aisle formed leading to a man leaning against the bar.
Reaper walked down the aisle and dumped Eli on the floor in front of the man. The man didn’t even look at Eli, instead he watched Melora as she followed Reaper.
When she reached the man, she lifted her head and looked at him.
“My name is Hawk and I’m President of this club,” he told her.
“I’m Melora Shaw.”
“I know who you are,” Hawk replied. “We’re supposed to keep you safe until your father and Iceman get here.” He paused and studied her. “You look a little beat up. Did this sack of shit hurt you?” His eyes glittered with unleashed wrath.
Melora shook her head. “He slapped me a few times but I think I’m okay.”
“Would you like to clean up and maybe have a drink while we wait?” Hawk asked.
“I’d like some water if you have it. I can’t drink. I’m pregnant,” she informed him.
Hawk’s eyes narrowed as he glared back down at Eli’s unconscious form. Then turned and nodded to a woman in the background.
She stepped forward and wrapped her arm around Melora’s shoulders. “Come on sweetie. Let’s get you cleaned up a bit.” She led Melora down the hall to a bedroom and closed the door behind them. The woman walked to a smaller door and showed Melora a bathroom. “You can wash up in here.”
Melora went in and turned the water on. The cool water felt good on her wrists.
The woman introduced herself as she handed Melora a washcloth, “My name is Buffy.”
“Melora.”
“I’m Hawk’s old lady.”
Melora smiled. “I’m nobody’s old lady. My father is or was the President of the Sons of Satan from Texas.”
“And the baby’s daddy?”
“He used to be the President of the Satan’s Bastards out of Maine.”
“Sam Tory?”
Melora was surprised. “You know him?”
Buffy nodded. “Bones has been here a time or two. He’s a nice guy, fine looking too.”
Melora chuckled as her light blonde hair fell loose down her back. “Yes, he is.”
Buffy gasped as she reached out and touched the ling silky strands.
Melora was used to the reaction to her hair as she lifted the cloth to her face and began wiping the grim of the tunnel off. Her mouth was sore from where Eli split her lip. Running the cloth under the cold water, she washed away the dried blood.
When she was as clean as she could get, Buffy told her, “Come on, let’s get you something to eat and drink. I might still have some tea bags left from when I carried my daughter.”
“Tea would be great,” Melora said.
When they got back into the main room of the clubhouse, Melora noticed Eli was now tied to a chair.
He was awake and blindfolded, probably trying not to panic at the sounds of people talking around him. “You better let me go,” he warned. “You have no idea who my father is. He’ll run you guys out
of town for this.”
Melora smirked at his absurd claims. She had warned him. Cross an MC and you will pay.
~* * * *~
Hawk caught her smirk and winked at her. When Iceman called him earlier, he told his old friend what was going to happen to Michael Jerroe and he also told him if Melora was hurt to return the favor. “I don’t think we have to worry about your old man,” Hawk assured Eli. “He’s going to be too busy worrying about his own ass to worry much about ours.”
Besides Iceman’s warning, he’d been notified about several businessmen pulling their support away from Jerroe Industries in the last few hours. Hawk knew that was Leon Vincinti’s doing and that suited him just fine. Since Iceman helped rescue Vincinti’s granddaughter the Sinner’s had become more protected than ever in Boston. It had worked out well for everyone, including Iceman. He married old Leon’s granddaughter. Hawk found it a pleasant union.
His woman and Melora were passing along the side of the large room. Melora paused and looked over at them.
Hawk stared at Melora’s face. He noted the bruises and her split lip. He stepped forward and punched the blindfolded piece of shit in the mouth. “That’s for her split lip. I’m looking at her and I can see a bruise just about…” He slammed his fist into his cheek. “…Here.” Again, he grinned as he stared at the blindfolded man who was groaning in pain. This wasn’t anything because soon, this guy and his dad were gonna receive a huge surprise.
~* * * *~
Buffy led the way to the kitchen and Melora sat down and watched as the other woman put a kettle of water on to boil.
When she slid the cup toward Melora, Buffy sat on another stool and asked, “So, why did the dipshit have you down in the tunnel anyway? It’s not a very nice place to go.”
“He was trying to find an old smuggler’s tunnel.” Melora shook her head.
“Really? Whatever for?”
“He thought there might be something hidden in there.”
“Wow, that’s pretty lame.” Buffy shook her head. “So how far along are you?” she motioned at her belly.
Melora shrugged. “I’m not really sure maybe around four months?”
Buffy frowned. “How can you not be sure? Haven’t you seen a doctor yet?”
Melora shook her head. “I’ve been afraid to find out.”
“Why? Having a baby is a wonderful thing.” Buffy cocked her head and stared at her.
“Sam doesn’t think so,” Melora admitted. “He’s walked away from his kid three times now.”
Buffy snorted. “Some men are idiots.”
“Yup, Sam would be an idiot,” Melora agreed. “Hey Iceman and Peaches are having another baby.”
“Really?” Buffy grinned. “That’s great! Iceman will make a wonderful dad.”
“Yeah, he really loves his son.”
“We were so happy when he hooked up with his old lady. She’s been so good for him.”
“Yeah, Peaches loves him like crazy.” Melora tilted her cup.
“What’s wrong sweetie?” Buffy asked.
“I just wish Sam would want this baby as much as I do. I think I love him and I really want to be a part of a family again. I’ve been on my own for too long.” She shook her head. “I don’t know why I’m telling a stranger all of this crap.”
“Sometimes, a stranger can see things you can’t. It’s easy to talk to a stranger, I don’t know you well enough to judge. Besides, who is anyone to judge the actions of someone else? No one is perfect,” Buffy said gently. “I have a feeling you’ll get everything you want in time.”
“I hope so.” Melora shrugged.
They heard a commotion in the main room and when they checked it out, Melora saw her father, Sam and Iceman coming in. All three men greeted Hawk and stared at Eli for a moment then Mountain asked, “Where is my daughter? Melora!” he called out.
“I’m here,” Melora called back.
Mountain, Sam and Iceman turned toward her. Mountain stomped over to her and searched her injured face before he wrapped his arms around her and hugged her close, lifting her clean off the ground.
Melora enjoyed his greeting before she wiggled to get free. Taking a step back, she found herself wrapped in Sam’s arms. He hugged her even closer and Melora felt good. She leaned her head on his chest and relaxed for a moment. Then she stepped back.
Mountain cupped her chin and turned her face to his. “I guess I have to beat this creep to teach him some manners.”
“I’m ok,” Melora assured him. “He just slapped me a few times.”
Sam growled with a nasty low tone.
Mountain glared at him, then took hold of her hand and led her back to Hawk and Iceman.
“How are Cassie and Peaches doing?” Melora asked.
“They’re okay,” Iceman replied. Then he smiled. “We’re following your suggestion and wiping Michael Jerroe off the map. So far, it’s been more fun than anything. The poor guy is going nuts trying to hang on to what he’s worked so hard for.”
“What are you guys doing to him?” Melora asked.
“Well, so far we’ve misappropriated his bank accounts, both business and personal. We’ve frozen his businesses and personal credit cards. He should be starting to sweat by this time.” He turned to Eli. “And we’re holding his son hostage.”
“Does he have any idea what’s going on yet?” She wondered.
“Not yet, but I’m supposed to call him and clue him in.” Iceman smiled coldly. “It should be an interesting call.”
“For which one of you?” she asked.
“Oh, this one’s on me.” Iceman chuckled. Turning to Eli he said, “But before I make that call I want some answers and he’s just the boy to give them to me.” He glanced back at Melora and Buffy. “You ladies might want to leave this to us men. It isn’t going to be pretty and I don’t want you to get bloody.”
Buffy grimaced. Taking Melora by the arm, she headed toward the back of the hall. When she opened a door, Melora found herself in a room with a jukebox. Buffy went over to the jukebox and began to punch numbers. Turning up the volume, she blasted the music.
Melora covered her ears and thought about asking her to turn down the volume then she heard Eli’s screams and decided to let the loud music wash over her. She settled down on the sofa and closed her eyes, waiting for the screams to stop.
CHAPTER NINE
Michael Jerroe paced the floor in his office. When he got up yesterday morning everything in his world had been looking up, but just in the last few hours, everything had gone to shit. In fact, ever since the phone call from his son last night things had gone wrong for him.
Frowning, he paused for a moment then began to pace again. What the hell did his kid do? All he had to do was get two women and bring them to him. Had he been caught? Is that why he hadn’t heard from him?
That might be part of it but there was something else going on as well. About four hours ago, his money started disappearing. His accountant called him this morning in a panic. Someone had systematically drained his accounts. At first, it was just his business account but now his banker had called and his personal accounts were gone as well.
Then at lunch, his wife called and told him his credit cards had been frozen. What the fuck was going on? Michael had no idea but he was going to find out and lord help the accountant who screwed him over. His regular accountant Simon was going over his accounts with a fine toothcomb, tracking all the movement since his money began disappearing but he hadn’t found anything yet. One minute he was flush with cash and the next minute he was broke. Nothing made sense to him.
Simon hadn’t been able to find a dime of his money and Simon was the best. Even the money hidden in secret, away from the government was missing. He paused long enough to punch in a phone number and while he waited to be connected, Michael lit a cigar and took a deep puff.
When Simon’s voice came over the phone line Michael asked, “Did you find anything yet?”
“No I hav
en’t.” Simon’s voice sounded strained.
Michael could almost see him sitting behind his desk. The top he knew would be cluttered with papers, calculators and a desktop computer. He had several monitors that took up every spare inch of his desk.
“What do you mean you haven’t found it yet?’ Michael roared. “How can the money be gone in the first place? I thought you protected it.”
“I did Mr. Jerroe,” Simon insisted. “Someone breached the firewalls protecting your accounts.”
“How the fuck can that happen?” Michael yelled. “You told me you had the best security money could buy!”
“I’m trying to track it now but whoever did this is very good.”
“You’d better fucking find every last dime.” Michael growled. “I can’t even buy a pack of gum at the moment.” He paced the floor again. “My wife took some friends to the club for lunch today and she couldn’t pay the bill. I had to run cash out there for her. She was so embarrassed, she cried. My wife is not a pretty crier.”
“I’m sorry Mr. Jerroe. I’ll find the money and restore your accounts.” Simon groveled. “I just need some time.”
Michael slammed the disconnect button. He was tired of excuses. He picked up his cell phone and dialed his son’s number. The phone rang and rang, then finally went to voicemail. Michael growled and threw the phone against the wall. It shattered in several pieces. “Where the hell are you Eli?” he called out to no one. Then he picked up the receiver on his office phone and punched out his son’s number. When it began to ring, he put the phone on speaker and listened to the ring echo through his office.
At the fourth ring, someone picked it up, “Hello.”
“Who the fuck is this?” Michael demanded.
“Well, who the fuck are you?”
“My name is Michael Jerroe, who am I speaking to and why are you answering my son Eli’s phone?”
“Hello Michael Jerroe. My name really isn’t important but I have something that might be.” He chuckled. “That is if your son is important to you.”
Michael crushed the cigar in his fingers. “Where is my son? What have you done to him?”
