Never Forever (BlackPath MC Book 1)

by Quinn, Vera

  I am receiving temporary custody. The CPS made me take parenting classes and show my stability. I understand they have rules, but I have been raising that girl since she came home from the hospital. Karen only came and picked Callie up when she thought she could use her as a meal ticket. Then she’d bring her back to me with bruises or drop her off at a friend’s house and I would have to go pick her up. I love the girl and it is no burden, just hard to keep a job when I don’t know when I’ll have her. Maybe this time it will be different. Maybe we’ll have some stability. Right after court we are going to our new home.

  Cameron is married with a son. They just bought a big older home to be renovated. It’s a six bedroom with four and a half baths. Older beautiful home. His brother Trent and I are moving in to help with the mortgage and utilities. We’ll share the food, too. His wife, Cheryl, gets to quit her job and take care of Ty and Baby Girl. I’m starting a new job working at Lee’s Automotive and it includes insurance. Now all my bases are covered. Trent and I are going to help Cam do all the work on the house. We’d be there helping anyway.

  Legal Aide appointed me an attorney. He has a big heart and is doing his best to see that I can obtain full custody within this year. Karen has her ways around the legal system. She knows if she walks the straight line for a while they will give Callie back but I hope this time she gets a jail sentence. That’s a shame to say about your own mom but I don’t want to see my sister hurt anymore.

  Callie’s dad has never been in her life and I will do everything in my power to keep it that way. Diamondback is a biker. He’s not just outlaw. He’s in a one percenter club. He’s married and has other children but he’ll never have Callie. I swore Cam, Blake, and Trent to secrecy. Never will we let him near her. Not while any of us are breathing. He doesn’t deserve her goodness.

  I can remember when my life wasn’t always this way, but when my dad was killed by a drunk driver I think they buried all the good that was in her with him. Now she is a bitter, addicted shrew of a woman. My dad, Thomas Monroe was the love of her life. That’s the reason she treats me reasonably better than Callie. I remind her of him. She says I am his spitting image and she has to keep me safe. Go figure that from a woman who wouldn’t even name her daughter. Cam and I named Callie. Just like we do everything for her.

  Mr. Hankins, my attorney, says I have an excellent chance to keep Callie as long as I keep my nose clean and have help and I do have help.

  My friend, Blake, is sitting outside of the courtroom when I come out and I am glad I have someone to help me. Mr. Hankins was partially right. The judge has a bleeding heart when it comes to mother’s rights. Karen is getting to go to a lock up rehab and then she is to have training for parenting and then she can put in to get Callie back. I was granted temporary conservatorship. We’ll have more court dates. At least we have the next six to nine months to breathe easily and to get some stability. Callie’s really never had that. Now I just have to get back to Callie at the hospital. Grandma Sue is with her right now but Callie does not like it when either Cam or I are not there when she wakes up from her nap.

  “Blake, we need to get going now, so I’ll be there when Baby Girl wakes up.” I know he doesn’t like the courthouse anymore that I do. He spent many hours here when he was younger with his mom and dad fighting over him. He’s an only child and when they divorced it was a ruthless fight in court. He seldom talks to either of his parents now. Cam, Trent, and I became his family when we became his friends in high school.

  Trent is the oldest of us and then Cam, his brother. Blake and I are both nineteen. Karen was never much of a mom, and Cam and Trent’s mom, Cheyenne, died when Cam was born, so their Grandma Sue has just about raised us all. She made sure we always had clean clothes, food in our belly, and a safe place to sleep. Now she is helping with Ty and Callie. She had so many boys, but Callie is a new experience, her first girl. She also had three sons, Whiskey, Rye, and Bourbon. Sue’s husband had a passion for liquor and a warped sense of humor. He died in a car accident one night after drinking too much, Nicodemus Black better known as Bear, was a hulk of a man.

  We are heading to the door to leave when the bailiff steps out the courtroom door, “Mr. Monroe, Judge Wilson would like to speak to you in his chambers.” I look around for Mr. Hankins, my attorney, but I guess he is already gone.

  “My attorney has already left.” I really don’t want to talk to this judge. Bleeding hearts are the reason Callie still has to endure being around Karen and that pisses me off.

  “It won’t take a minute. Judge said it was important.” I follow the bailiff to the judge’s chambers.

  I step inside and look around. There sits Karen, her attorney, Mr. Hankins, and Judge Wilson. I don’t know why this surprises me. Karen always has her ways to get the law to do what she wants.

  “Mr. Monroe, would you please have a seat. We’d like to save some time and the tax payers some money.” Judge Wilson tells me and I know to follow his directions.

  “Judge Wilson, I would like it to go on record that this is highly improper. Mrs. Monroe’s case has already been heard and it has been arranged for her to go to the rehab as soon as space becomes available. She’s to be held in county lock-up until then.” I thought that was the circumstances and I don’t know what I’m doing in here.

  “Yes, Mr. Hankins, you are correct and if you would give me a chance to speak I will tell why we’re here.” Judge Wilson does not like being interrupted or questioned.

  “Mr. Monroe, someone who has a vested interest in your mother has come forth and is willing to pay for an insurance that will pay for your mother’s rehab saving the tax payers some money. Also saving some time because they have found her a facility with a space for her. Saving more tax money. Does this sound feasible to you? It will also shorten your time for your being responsible for your sister which I’m sure will help your situation. With your age I’m sure the shortened time would help with your circumstances.” He has to be shitting me. He thinks I want to have less time with Callie?

  I look to Mr. Hankins for instruction. “Judge Wilson, Your honor, does Mr. Monroe have permission to speak candidly?” We wait for the judge to speak.

  “Yes, Mr. Monroe, please do, so we can get this over.” He doesn’t know what he just asked for.

  “No sir, this does not sound feasible. My little sister, Callie, is three years old and she is in the hospital covered in bruises, a broken collar bone, and another concussion. This isn’t the first concussion she has caused her or the first bruises. She also received a broken wrist not six months ago. All this, while she was in the care of Karen Monroe. She also has left her alone or just dropped her off with people she barely knows.” The Judge looks at Karen and then back to me.

  “Mr. Monroe do you have proof of these circumstances. Was there any CPS cases filed or police records?” I knew she was going to get around it.

  “There was one CPS case but it was filed unfounded for lack of evidence and that time she was arrested for the same thing. This is the second time she has been arrested. A two-year-old cannot tell. I did not see it or I would have stopped her.” Why can’t these people understand? I just want to protect my sister.

  “Without evidence or someone to come forward it is hard to prosecute.” Judge Wilson looks like he is thinking it over. Please let him help us.

  “Your honor, the person providing the insurance would also help Mrs. Monroe get suitable housing, and get on her feet when she resumes life in society. As well as any counseling that may be needed for aftercare.” Mr. Timmons adds. He is giving it a good act trying to convince Judge Wilson Karen will become a better person. I don’t know how Karen could afford an attorney like Mr. Timmons or who would pay her insurance. Who has she conned into bank rolling her this time?

  “Judge Wilson, can I ask who is paying for the insurance? I know Karen does not have that kind of money?” Someone has deep pockets.

  “Not that it matters, Mr. Monroe, but it is a Mr. Tractor B
onesville. He said he was a friend of your family.” Her pimp is backing her. I guess she can’t make him any money locked up. T-Bone and his brothers, Chaz and Grit are no friends of mine.

  “That’s her pimp.” I yell it out. I can’t help myself. She’s been getting her drug money on her back for the last three years and I don’t trust those scum around my baby sister.

  “Mr. Monroe calm yourself and lower your voice. Do you have any proof of this? By my records, Mr. Bonesville owns apartment buildings.” This is not going well for us I know. I have no proof. I know it’s true, but I have nothing I can show a judge.

  “No your honor. I have nothing to show. I just know it the same way I know if Karen gets her hands on Callie again she will hurt her. Hurt her worse than she already has.” Why can’t they just look at the medical records? I don’t know what else to do.

  “Ok, Mr. Monroe this is what I am going to do. I am going to go with the ruling, but I am amending it to be paid for by insurance of private pay. It will still be a lock down facility, but not a state funded. Mrs. Monroe must stay at least ninety days. Then she must seek follow up services. Take mandatory parenting classes, monitored for drug use, and have adequate housing and employment before she can petition for contact with minor child. I am signing off on it now. Everyone can go.” This is outrageous.

  “Can I speak to my son alone for a second? It will only be a minute.” This the first Karen has spoken. I’m surprised she’s kept her mouth shut.

  “Mr. Timmons will stay and Mr. Timmons you are responsible for your client’s actions.” Judge Wilson says as he walks out the door.

  “Do you want me to stay Mr. Monroe? I can if you want me to.” Mr. Hankins looks like he really wants to stay but I know Karen and she has something to say and will only say it if he is gone, but I don’t want to be left here for long. I may just kill her with my bare hands.

  “Mr. Hankins, if you’ll just stand right outside. I’ll be right out.” This way I know I’ll get out fast.

  “What’s wrong Tommy? Scared of your mom?” This came from Karen. She must be in rare form today. Taunting me in front of my attorney.

  “Mr. Timmons, you need to remind your client that Mr. Monroe doesn’t have to talk to her at all.” Mr. Hankins doesn’t trust Karen. Smart man. Then he gets up to leave the room but turns right before he shuts the door, “I’ll be right outside Mr. Monroe.” I give him a quick head nod.

  As soon as the door shuts Karen goes into a little fit, “What the hell Tommy? You treating your mom like a criminal. Haven’t I been good to you?” This is Karen’s typical complaint. How she treats me so damn good, in reality she just hasn’t abused me. After my dad died I was neglected and the things I’ve had to hear come out of my mom’s mouth is shameful. The men she’s traipsed through our house. The house my dad paid for, but now has been sold to pay off some of her drug debts.

  “Mrs. Monroe, I am going to step over there to give you some privacy so you need to keep your voice down.” Mr. Timmons is giving her a warning that he can’t hear what she is going to say. Nice.

  “What’s wrong Mr. Timmons, do you need deniability?” I’m pissed and now we’re alone I might as well let the suit know I’m not a pushover.

  “Ok Karen, just spit it out. What do you have to say? What’s so important you just have to say it now?” I just want to get it over with so I can get to Baby Girl.

  Karen lowers her voice, “I’m putting you and that little bitch on notice. When I get out of here I am coming for her. She is my ticket and she is damn sure going to pay up. Are we clear Tommy? When I am out she is coming home. I have plans and you and your friends can’t stop me. I gave birth to that brat and she is getting me a better life. Are we clear Tommy? Whoever tries to stand in my way, T-Bone will take care of. I don’t want to see you hurt, but to get what I want it will happen. You look after that brat until I’m out. Chaz and Grit will be keeping an eye out so you can’t run. That motorcycle club, the BlackPaths, can’t help you either. Not that Whiskey would try to help anyway.” She is full of spite and hate. The woman I am looking at now doesn’t even resemble the woman she was when I was young and dad was alive.

  “Mr. Timmons, just so you know you can hear again. I do not accept what you’re saying. I will fight you for Baby Girl. She is going nowhere. You tell T-Bone, Chaz and Grit to stay away. Karen Monroe you are not our mom anymore. Stay out of our lives.” With that I can take no more. I get up without looking back and walk out.

  I see Mr. Hankins is right outside the door just like he said he’d be, along with Blake and Cam. I look at Mr. Hankins, “You have to find a way for me to keep Callie. She has plans for her and they can’t be good. She said they included her pimp. Please, Mr. Hankins find a way.” I feel helpless but at least I know we have a little time. By the time Karen can get released and get all her things set up Callie will start pre-k. I hope then the court can see I am a better option.

  “Mr. Monroe, I promise you I will do my best. That woman is a piece of work and she’s manipulating the court. Just keep yourself out of trouble, keep your employment, and stay in the same residence. I will try to set up counseling sessions. Also, try to get her into some sporting activities or dance. Something of that sort and stay active in it. It helps when you show your interaction with the child and activities in group settings. That way other people see how you interact with Callie. My secretary will be in touch with names of different activities and such. We will do our best. Also stay on top of her medical situations. All her check-ups especially. Ok Mr. Monroe, you have your work cut out for you. I’ll be in touch.” Sports and dance. We can do that. Maybe she will come out of that shell. She’s so quiet.

  “Thank you Mr. Hankins.” I shake his hand as does Cam and Blake.

  Chapter 2

  Tommy

  We walk in to Callie’s hospital room and we see she is still sound asleep. She must have been exhausted. Grandma Sue is sitting beside her and watching over our angel. She looks so small in that baby bed. She will not be happy when she wakes up. She will let us know she is not a baby. She’s quiet but when she gets wound up about something she is a little chatterbox. We have had her potty trained since she was eighteen months old and now she lets us know if she thinks we are treating her like a baby. It’s hard to believe she will start school next school year. It will be easier, but I can’t imagine taking her and leaving her.

  Since Callie is still asleep I back out of the room to update Cam and Blake about Karen. I give them the gist of it and neither are happy. They both know how bad Karen can get. Cam was there when Karen tried to throw herself down a flight of stairs trying to miscarry Callie. If it hadn’t been for me she would have aborted her. I begged her not to. By the time she changed her mind it was too late so she threw herself down a flight of stairs and was almost successful.

  “Tommy, I talked to Whiskey, Trent and I are both joining the club. We both have sponsors. Once we are patched in, you and Callie will be protected as our family. He also said once we have our patch we can sponsor you and Blake if you want to join.” That is a little help. No one messes with the BlackPath MC, not even T-Bone. Maybe that means they will back off Callie. I’ll consider joining. Of course, I would have to buy a bike. All I have is my old truck. Cam and Trent have been riding bikes for as long as they have been driving. Whiskey, their dad made sure of that. He even taught Blake and me on some old dirt bikes.

  “Maybe that will help with the threat of T-Bone. I’ll consider joining, just depends on Callie. She is my number one priority.” I know I sounds like a broken record but she always has to come first.

  “We know man. I won’t be around as much, but you know I will do as much as I can. I’m glad you’ll be around the house with Cheryl and Ty. Ty and Baby Girl are already like brother and sister, and this will make them even closer.” We’ve always wanted them to be close. Ty is only two years older than Callie.

  “I’ll be there, too. Don’t worry, Cam. We always have it handled.” Blak
e is the most closed off of us, but he is still all in when it comes to Ty and Callie.

  Sue sticks her head out of the door to let me know Callie was awake. We all three walk back in. Callie’s poor bruised face and the little sling tied close to her chest is almost more than I can take. Even with everything she has been through she is smiling at us.

  “Hey sweetheart, how is my big girl doing?” I try to keep my emotions under control. I look at my friends and they both are taking Callie’s condition in.

  “Out Bubba. I no baby. I want out.” She is raising her one good arm out to me. I knew she wouldn’t like the baby bed thing. “I need panties. Home bubba.” The hospital had put her in pull ups and she does not like it. Then she reaches for Cam. It never fails. If I don’t give her what she wants she goes to Cam. He’s a sucker for her ploys. Of course Cam takes her from me.

  “Baby Girl we have to wait on the doctor. He said maybe today. Mom, did the doc come by?” Cam is trying to soothe Callie.

  “He said this afternoon, if all the other test come back ok and she’ll eat.” Sue looks tired

  “Grandma Sue why don’t you go home and get some rest. I will be here until the morning at six. If we go home, I will see you there.” I walk over to her and kiss her head and hug her. I love this woman. She means the world to us all.

  “Ok, if you’re sure. I’ll either be back here or your house at six in the morning.” She gives everyone hugs good-bye, kisses Callie and she is gone. Maybe she can rest.

  “Home.” This is heartbreaking. I hate when I can’t give Callie what she wants.

  I am just about to take Callie from Cam when the door swings open and Whiskey walks in with his brother Rye. Cam’s dad and uncle don’t come around much and I am surprised.

  “So Baby Girl, you keeping my boy from working again?” Whiskey walks right over to Cam and Callie all but jumps in his arms. Whiskey is as surprised as we are but he catches her. Whiskey and Cam look a lot alike so maybe that is why she feels safe. Callie makes him smile anyway. “You like bikers already do you?”