Beginning of the Reckoning

by Vera Quinn

  “Dad, it’s my fault not theirs. Tell me, not my friends. Punish me. I’ m sorry about the prospects, but I’m not sorry about the racing. I am mature enough to race, sir.” I can’t stand when my dad is upset at me, but I can take it better than my friends. They are both looking at their plates and have stopped eating. For some reason my dad’s respect is something they both crave.

  “Young lady I know where the blame needs to go, and there is enough to go around. We’ll talk later about it. Don’t think I have forgotten just because we have more pressing matters. NO MORE RACING! Am I clear with that, Callie? Last chance. Next time, life lessons. Do you understand me?” I know to keep my mouth shut on the issue right now and let him calm down.

  “Yes sir.” I look him in the eyes to let him know I completely understand him. “Do you two unde rstand? If you know Callie is going to race, and do not let me know, I will be really disappointed in both of you.” My dad continues to rant but waits for their answers.

  “Yes sir, Mr. Black.” Felix says but won’t even look at my dad.

  “Yes sir.” Sarah adds.

  “Dad, I love you.” I give him that. He knows I mean it. I know he means well and is trying to keep me safe. “Baby girl, you are my world. If anything happens to you on my watch, I wouldn’t be able to take it.” His eyes have softened and I know he means it. “I know you have a lot of pressure on you right now, but do not try to give the guys the slip today. They are there for your safety. I have told them to give you room but you listen to them. Are we clear?” he never takes his eyes off me, waiting for me to disagree or argue, but I don’t.

  “Yes sir.” I give him a little grin. “That’s what I like, respect and obedience.” Now it’s dad’s turn to give me a big grin. I see Fe and Sarah are done and Ty is scarfing down his last bite. “Is everyone ready? I need to go so I can get back.” Everyone is getting up from their chairs and I look back at dad, “Did Devil make arrangements for the retainer?” I have to smirk when I think of the way I bested Devil on that one. I don’t know what Cross’s retainer is but I know it is a pretty penny.

  “Yes baby girl, I liked the way you worked that one. Very slick daughter. Be careful though, Devil is no one to play with.” He warns me. He has a gleam of pride in his eye because I did one up Devil.

  “Yes sir, no reason for you to pay for his responsibilities though.” I let him know my reasoning. “You are completely right there. Be careful today but think on everything carefully. This is life changing decision.” I know dad wishes he could do this for me, but he can’t

  “Fe, you and Sarah b e safe today and have a good time. Tonight I will be home and maybe we can get in some hoops.” My dad knows Fe needs that extra reassurance from him and he gives it. I love my dad. I am so lucky to have him and so are my friends.

  “I would like that sir.” And Fe smiles from ear to ear. That’s all it took. “Ok, let’s get out of here so dad can get work done.” I get my friends and Ty moving towards the door. I see Woody and Zman moving that way, too. My dad is taking no chances and putting someone on my friends also. Today will be a long day. Might as well get it done.

  Chapter 20

  Callie I knew this morning I would end up here to talk to Tommy. This is where I always come to find answers. I believe I am closer to Tommy here. Dad told Ty and Zman to hang back and give me my space, but they would have any way. They know when I am here I need time alone. I always bring the same thing, a single Daisy, and today I did the same. I finally see his headstone and I look around at all the graves around him. He would like he is not alone.

  “Hey, Bubba. I miss you.” I always start out that way, that way he knows how is always in my thoughts and I haven’t forgotten him. “Everyone is doing ok. Well, as far as I know. Dad and Trent are. I haven’t talked to Blake for two weeks. Dad and Blake still aren’t speaking. You know. Hard headed and all.” I know I have to move this along. I am running out of time.

  “Mason and I broke up. He cheated on me. I always said I would not be that person. The one that was gullible enough to believe he will never do it again. Only weak people cheat. I never wanted forever, I don’t even believe in forever. Never forever. My saying since mom. I loved him so damn much. He broke me inside. I’m numb. He made me believe and he made me dream for the first time in my life. I dreamed about the perfect wedding and the perfect life and the perfect family. Joke was on me. I said I wouldn’t do this. Anyway, we are done. I gave him my heart and I’ll never get it back the same again. My heart will always belong to Mason, but I don’t have to let him know that, or anyone else. Oh, I graduated. Yep, I am done with high school. Imagine, I worked for this for thirteen years, and it comes in second to having my heart broken. My priorities are screwed up today.” I feel the tears sliding down my cheeks. I promised myself I was over the tears. I really didn’t think I had any left. I wipe them away and hope I am done with them for now. I don’t want anyone witnessing my weakness. I know I still have one more thing to discuss.

  “I can get them back for taking you away from me. Well, I can find out their names and the Club will take care of them. Would you want me to? Never mind, I know the answer to that. You always protected me. You would have locked me up if you could have. I know revenge is wrong. I know it, but you always said if anything happened to me you would go to the ends of the Earth to kill who ever hurt me. You said that over and over. I love you, as much as you loved me.” I always talk out loud to Tommy. I consider it a conversation with him, just between us. Then I feel like I have included him in my life decisions. This decision is all but made. I have to talk to the attorney, but I know what I need to do.

  “I love you big brother and I don’t know when I will be back, but I love you.” I head back to my car and look around to make sure Zman and Ty are ready. On the ride back to the clubhouse I think of everything I need to talk over with Cross. This will be one of the most important talks I will ever have, so I need to have all my thoughts together. I may have only just turned eighteen, but today I feel old. I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders. I don’t want to let anyone down. I know my life is changing. As I drive up to the clubhouse with Zman and Ty on my tail, I see an unfamiliar car. I am guessing it belongs to Cross. I look at my watch and see he is a little early. Oh well, I am here and ready to get this taken care of. I think I could use some sleep and I need to turn my phone back on. I turned it off last night and haven’t turned it back on. Fe and Sarah will be texting me soon but I don’t want to speak with anyone else, unless it’s Hanna. Her mom probably won’t let her see us again tonight. I park and walk into the club. Dad and Cross are having a drink at the bar and a couple of the other members are hanging around. Most are working out in the shop. There’s a couple of the club girls cleaning up from the party last night, and it looks like they have a lunch spread out over the bar. Pizza again. These bikers live on pizza.

  “Mr. Cross, I believe you are here to speak with me. Did you receive your retainer?” I walk up to him and put my hand out for him to shake. “You do understand this is between you and I, that I am the one hiring you?”

  “Yes, Ms. Bla ck, I understand you are my client. Do I have your permission to inform your dad on the information like last time?” I look at dad and then back to Mr. Cross, “No. Not this time. Do you have a problem with that?”

  “No, Ms. Black I don’t.” he finishes and I take my hand back. I trust Mr. Cross to give me the information I need.

  “Mr. Cross, please call me Callie. Dad, can we use your office?” I look to dad for an answer and he nods his head. “Mr. Cross, I believe you know the way.” I stop by dad and give him a hug and then follow Mr. Cross into my dad’s office. When I get to the office I go behind my dad’s desk and sit down and ask Mr. Cross to sit in the seat on the other side.

  “Ok, Callie, how can I help you today? I believe we have your brother’s insurance policy handled and as you’ve turned eighteen[A2] , you will get that check.” He goes into what he thinks I could want fr
om him. Is he in for a shock?

  “Mr. Cross this has nothing to do with Tommy. I have some questions to ask you about marriage in Texas and laws concerning prenups.” He has a completely shocked look on his face.

  “I wasn’t aware you and Mason were getting married or thinking about marriage.” He has a scowl on his face. “We’re not.” I take a piece a paper out of my dad’s desk and write down al l my questions with Mr. Cross’ eyes on me. “I need these questions answered, please. Can you help me with them?” he looks at my questions and then back at me.

  “I think I know all the answers but I need you to confirm them and then I may need you to do some paperwork for me. I also may need your help with getting some court papers fudged just a little.” I put my hand up to stop him from talking so I could finish, “Mr. Cross, please, don’t insult my intelligence by telling me you don’t do things like this. You work for my dad. I know what you do. If the money is the issue, it won’t be. So, will you help me or do I need to get someone who will?”

  “Well young lady, you are like your dad aren’t you? You don’t mince words do you?” He looks taken aback but I know he’ll do it. “Let’s see exactly what this is going to cost you.” I knew I had him, all he sees is dollar signs. So we set to work. He gives me the answers I need and gives me the dollar amount I need to get it done. My mind is set and the decisions are made. Now I can relax a little.

  “Thank you Mr. Cross. I’ll walk you out.” We stand and walk out into the bar area and I see my dad is still waiting for me.

  “Tom did you help my girl get all the information she needs?” Dad asks Mr. Cross. “Well I can tell you that your daughter drives a hard bargain and she is you made over.” Mr. Cross didn’t care for my decisions, but he is going to do his job. “I will get those papers for you by tomorrow afternoon. Please, have my check then. Later Chief. I have a lot of things to line up and paper work to do before tomorrow afternoon. Callie is a slave driver.” He then gives dad a smile and turns to leave. “Are you certain about this Callie?”

  “Yes, Mr. Cross very certain.” I hope he knows no one will sway me now I have made my mind up. The club girls are hanging on the club members already. It’s still early but it is Saturday. On the weekends the guys need to unwind, but I really thought after last night dad would have everyone digging for information. My dad motions for me to come and sit so I go and take the chair beside him. This is going to be a conversation I really don’t want to have. Just as I sit down I remember to turn my phone on and it just keeps going off. My message and text notices just keep on coming. I look and I don’t recognize most of the numbers but I know they are from Mason. I mute my phone.

  “Sounds like someone is trying to get in touch with you.” I know dad wants me to tell him who is trying to reach me and maybe I should try to stall this conversation. “It looks like the numbers Mason calls from and I won’t be answering or returning them.” I tell dad but I look at the table instead of at him. I don’t know why I feel like I did something wrong. He’s the one that cheated, not me. I still feel like I failed though. How does that make sense?

  “Ok let’s get this out of the way. What is Tom doing for you?” dad ask straight out without beating around the bush. “Nothing like getting straight to the point. I really do take after you.” I laugh, I have never noticed this before. “First thing, Devil will need to pay Mr. Cross more money. How much, he will call and tell you in the morning. He will need to bring it or a check tomorrow afternoon. I need the meeting moved up from six. Again, Mr. Cross will say what time when he calls.” I look at dad to make sure he is following me.

  “Are you positive about all this, baby girl?” I know Dad is concerned. “Yes, I am. But I am doing it my way and on my terms. I only want to go over this once, so I will tell you when Mr. Cross gets here tomorrow afternoon and Devil is here with Steel.” I know he is not going to like it but this is just the way it is.

  “Ok, but be careful. Now, I have something to tell you and you’re not going to like it.” He looks from Uncle Trent at the bar back to me, “we are going on lock down until I can get some information on the shooting last night. I know you won’t be able to keep your plans tonight, but I need to keep everyone safe and I need your cooperation. I was waiting until after your meeting with Tom to call everyone in. The girls have been getting everything ready all afternoon. We brought in all the supplies we will need to get by for a while. Do you need anything from the house?” Dad knows how being locked down makes me feel boxed in and I hate it, but I know it is for everyone’s protection and I have to do my part.

  “I get it Dad you have to keep everyone safe.” I know he needs to hear this from me. “Things are about to change for all of us. Will you be able to accept that dad? I will always love you no matter what.” I grab his hand and give it a squeeze. He reaches over and pulls me to him and gives me a big hug and I feel so safe. This has always been my safe place, in my daddy’s arms. The only place I have ever felt completely safe since Tommy has been gone. He holds on tight for a few minutes and then kisses the top of my head and lets go as I sit back down.

  “Baby girl all I have wanted to do since the day you were born is to protect you. The day you were born I was the first to hold you in the hospital and I knew you owned the best of my heart from the moment you were put in my arms. I had Ty and I love him, but here you were, a little girl, and you wrapped me around those cute little fingers of yours. Still to this day, I just want to wrap you up and keep you close. I know you’re grown but I don’t have to like it and until the day they lay me in the ground you will be my baby girl. I know things are about to change, but I want you to know I am here no matter what or how old you are. I have tried to give life lessons that will stick with you. I will stand beside you whatever decisions you make. Now this is about as touchy feely as you’re getting from me. I’ve said all I can say, so do what you have to.” My dad always knows exactly what I need and when I need it. He’s said exactly what I needed to hear.

  “Ok dad, I get that, and I love you exactly the way you are. I hope I have learned my lessons well. I hope my decisions are right. I love you and I will come to you if I need anything. Let’s do this. Will you set it up for tomorrow afternoon? Don’t forget to let Devil know he will be footing the bill. I am going to let Fe and Sarah know we are cancelled, maybe take a nap. I didn’t get much sleep.” I get up from my chair and wait for what he says.

  “No problem, Callie. Did Cross give you any idea of the price? I’ll set it up.” He wants to say more, ask more questions, but he’s giving me room to come to him. “No idea what the price will be. Mr. Cross is going to call you later to let you know. He had to talk to someone at the courthouse that owed him a favor and he will let you know. I just don’t want to keep going over this and I want to think on it today. Can I have that?” I look at him with pleading eyes. I don’t want to feel guilty about not sharing yet, but I want him to know I feel pressured.

  “It’s ok Callie. I just want you to be sure. You know it is hard to let go of control over your children, especially a daughter.” Dad does understand he is just having problems letting go.

  “Ok, I am taking that nap now and notifying my friends.” I turn and walk back to my room. I shoot Sarah and Felix a text, they both understand and will call later. I undress and find an old jersey of Mason’s in my drawer and put it on. I know it will be the last time I wear it, I just couldn’t stop myself. Right now I need its comfort, if that even makes sense. I go to my bed and yank the covers back and crawl in and wait for the darkness to take me to nothingness. To feel nothing, to think about nothing, and to not have to be an adult for right now.

  Chief

  Damn, I always knew that girl would be the death of me. Ty and Callie have always been the best part of me. Ty is all me. His old man made over. But Callie is soft with a heart as big as Texas. She has grown into a beautiful woman. I have to be able to let her go, but I will protect her until my dying day. I look over the club and all I feel
is tired. I have to find the gun men from last night and who sent them. All I want to do is put them to ground, but I have to be smart. I cleaned this club up. At one time the BlackPath MC was into everything, gun running, drugs, pimping women, and we had a chop shop in the back. All we do now are protection runs, we have a motorcycle and car shop that is the best at what they do, and we have a strip club and one restaurant. We also have a wrecker service and we volunteer in the community. We’ve had to work hard for the respect we’ve earned, and I don’t want to wash it all down the drain and it all be for nothing but I will protect my family. The decisions I have laid on Callie are wrong, but I have to let her decide for herself. I loved Tommy. He was as much my brother as Trent but the day he was killed Callie lost so much. When she finds out the things I have kept from her, I hope she can forgive me. This decision, I could not make for her. If someone had taken any of my family away, I would want that decision to be mine. I just hope she can survive her decisions. I hope that I can too. I have other things and other people to take care of, too. I need to get this done. “Trent, call lock down. All ol’ ladies and children will be staying inside the clubhouse until further notice. They only go out with escorts. All club girls are gone, unless a member is going to be responsible for their actions. Mandatory meeting in two hours. Vote on membership of Ty and Woody. We need three new recruits. Not like the ones I sent packing. I will be in my office on the phone. I have to set up a meeting with Steel and Devil after the vote. Be ready to ride with me. If all the club girls are gone, then the ol’ ladies will be in charge of keeping shit straight. Tell Hambone to inform Kelsey and you tell Laurie, they’ll be in charge. Callie can help, she’s sleeping right now. It’ll be tight here, but we can make do for a few days until we make sure it is safe.” I turn towards my office. “Is Callie ok? What do you think she is going to do?” Trent asks.