Now she turns to me, her eyes meeting mine before quickly moving away. She inhales sharply as she catches the expression on my face. Unlike Hyde, I’m not in the mood to be friendly.
“Will your…old lady be okay?”
Ignoring the way she struggles with the parlance, I shake my head and say fiercely, “She was fuckin’ raped, Woman. What the fuck do you think?”
She moves toward the nearest chair and sinks down. With her head in her hands, it’s hard to hear what she’s saying. “I didn’t know it was something like that. I had no idea.”
“What did he tell you he needed an alibi for?”
“I didn’t ask, and he didn’t say.” She swallows a couple of times and seems to slump further. “He frightens me.”
Hyde goes over and crouches in front of her. “How does he frighten you, Cherry? Does he use his fists?”
A shake of her head, then she looks up with determination. “I can’t change my story.”
Hyde and I exchange glances. After a second, I offer, “You set the police right, and Mercer will be taken into custody and out of your way. Until then, we can provide you with protection.”
She stands, Hyde mimicking her action. She’s faced with two tall, muscular bikers, and still she’s not going to bend. “I’m sorry, you’ve wasted your time. I won’t be talking to the police. I can’t.”
“We can promise he won’t touch you again.”
For the first time she looks directly in my eyes. “I’m not worried about me.” Her voice is harsh.
“What’s he got over you, Cherry.”
While Hyde’s asked the question, she’s still focused on me. “Nothing on me. It’s my dad.”
“Your dad?” I snap.
She nods sadly. “He got into a bit of debt and got a loan from the Top Loans. Low interest rate. Pete told me they’d raise that to a level he couldn’t afford to pay if I didn’t help him out.”
“Fuck, Woman. And you’re still callin’ him your boyfriend?”
Now she looks down at the floor, unable to meet my eyes as she admits, “The other part of the bargain was me. He said we needed to behave as though we were in a relationship to make the story stick.”
“So, you’re givin’ him your body because your father’s in debt? Fuck, Woman.” As I wipe my hand over my face, I think perhaps I was right and she’s what her name suggests. A whore.
“It didn’t start that way.” She begins to justify herself. “I met him last week. He took me out on a date. Seemed nice. He was a gentleman. Saw him the next day, and things progressed, and he came home with me that night.” She breaks off, and a shadow flits across her face. “After that he disappeared for a few days, I didn’t know where he’d gone. Then he turned up, early in the morning. That’s when he told me I had to say I was with him the previous night.”
I place my finger under her chin. “You were okay with coverin’ for him?”
A shake of her head. “No, and that’s what I told him.” Her eyes glaze over as she recalls the conversation. “Pete changed, no longer the pleasant man I’d first brought home. He said he knew about my father’s loan, that it was with his father’s bank, and said the bank would make my father’s life impossible, that he’d lose everything if I didn’t do what he asked.” Now she’s looking at me again, her face full of determination. “It was my fault letting Pete get close. It’s on me to make things right. I’ve been trying to get him a loan somewhere else, but already the other banks seem to have been warned about lending to him. I’ve been trying so hard…”
So that’s how Mercer managed to get himself an alibi. By a threat. Feeling more sympathetic than I had before, I offer, “Come with us to the police. We’ll protect you and see if we can get your father out of this mess.”
A rise of her head, a straightening of her back. “I can’t. And I won’t. Not until I get my father in the clear.” Then a worried look cast at Hyde and then me. “Dad doesn’t know any of this, and can’t. Not until I’ve sorted things out. It would destroy him knowing someone was using him to get to me. He’s not well, and I don’t want to worry him.
“Now you have to leave. I can’t have Pete seeing you here. He’s taking me on a date so we can be seen together in public.” There’s a pleading look in her eyes as she looks up at me. “I’m sorry I can’t help you, but if I can get someone else to take on Dad’s debt, I’ll tell the police I got muddled about which night.”
I glance at Hyde, he’s jerking his chin at the door. Fucker probably wants me out of here before Mercer arrives. He’s got a point, I’ll probably kill him. Even now my fists are clenching in anticipation.
“Let’s take this back to Mouse.”
Hyde’s right. If flags have been raised against Cherry’s father’s name, Mouse can probably remove them. If her dad gets a new loan elsewhere, she’ll have no reason to keep to her story.
While part of me wants to stay and give Mercer the lesson of his life, if he turns up and sees our bikes, he might just take off, and will be warned we’re trying to break his alibi.
Reluctantly, with no other option, we leave. But I will be coming back. We’ve found the weak link in the chain, and now we’ve just got to break it. However much I want to deal with the fucker who’s hurt my woman so badly, now is not the right time. But soon, I promise myself. Soon.
With my mind replaying the conversation we’ve just had with Cherry, the ride back to the compound seems normal enough, the day heating up the asphalt under my tires. But any sense of normality goes out of the window when we arrive at the gate and find a commotion. An elderly man is standing outside, screaming at Fergus, telling him to open up and let him in. An expensive car is idling and empty.
Exchanging glances, Hyde and I leave our bikes. As we get closer, I see the man’s hands wrapped around the bars of the gates, his knuckles white. Then take in the words he’s spitting at the prospect.
“You’ve got my mother here, you despicable pieces of shit. Holding her captive.”
His mother? The grey-haired fucker must be sixty if he’s a day, and the only woman old enough to have birthed him would be… Ma.
“Whoa, there.” I put my hand on his shoulder, and he shrugs it off, but my gesture’s got his attention away from Fergus, who, I’m pleased to note, has been standing his ground.
“I demand to see her. I’m here to take her away… If you don’t let me in, I’ll go to the police and you’ll be charged with kidnapping.”
I’ve had enough of this. There’s one quick way to clear this up. “Prospect. Open up.”
Fergus looks relieved that someone’s taken charge, and soon the gate’s sliding open. Now that he’s free to step inside, it appears it’s suddenly become the last thing Ma’s son wants to do.
His watery eyes turn to me, his face suddenly pale. “People know where I am, you know. The police will come running if I don’t come back out.”
I huff a laugh. “Old man, we’ve got no beef with you. Or with your ma, who’s here of her own volition, I assure you. Follow me, and I’ll take you to see for yourself.”
I go back to my bike and start the engine, mounting up to ride the short distance to the clubhouse. The expensive car follows me and parks diagonally, blocking in several bikes, without a care he might be causing disruption.
“Where is she then?” He wastes no time asking when he gets out.
“This way.” I stride off to the clubroom door and step inside, pausing for a second, as once again a spectacular aroma is wafting through from the kitchen. My mouth starts to water as I wonder what we’ll be getting tonight. It also tells me my assumption was right and I know exactly where I’m going to find this man’s mother.
With the elderly man in my wake, I make my way to where the women have congregated. They look satisfied with themselves and are in the process of clearing up. Wraith’s hovering around Sophie as normal, and seeing me, nods toward the stove. “Pot roast,” he mouths.
Mmm mm. For a second, I forget the man b
ehind me.
“Samuel!” Ma’s sharp eyes have spotted her one remaining son. “What on earth are you doing here?”
Samuel’s face sneers as he looks around the room. “More to the point, what are you doing here? I’ve come to take you away from this den of iniquity.”
I bristle at that. But Ma’s got it under control. “Are you indeed? You’ve come now? Where were you when my house was burning down around me? Tell me that, Son?”
Samuel takes a step back, and I feel like retreating myself. The expression on his face is blank as he explains, “I had a business deal.”
“Pfft. Just like you. Putting business before your old mother. Why are you here, Samuel? Why did you even bother to come?”
Now he’s moving forward again. “Because I heard a rumour you’ve taken up with this scum. Have you any idea what that would do to my reputation? I’ll be a laughing stock. I can’t have you staying here. I’m taking you away. I’ve made other arrangements…”
“Yeah?” Ma spits out. “And what might these arrangements be?”
He pulls back his shoulders. “A nice retirement home that I’ve picked out. They’ll have nurses to look after you.” He waves at the wheelchair. “And you shouldn’t be in that. You should be in bed, resting.” His eyes narrow as he looks around the room. “You’re making my mother slave for you. Don’t think I don’t recognise the smell of her hot pot cooking. She’s not well enough…”
“Hold your tongue!”
Fuck me! I thought Drummer’s voice could sound like thunder, but Ma’s got him beat. I hide my smile behind my hand.
“This scum, as you call them, are treating me better than you’ve ever done. If your brothers were alive…”
“But they’re dead and gone, Mother. All you’ve got is me. And now I’m going to be looking after you.” Ma’s changed since she’s been here, it’s clear she’s been enjoying herself. But the arrival of her son has drawn all the emotion from her face.
“The only way you’ll be looking after me is to dump me in a home, and never visit. I know you, Samuel, remember? I gave birth to you and watched you grow up. And I’ll tell you now, every one of these men here act like a better son to me than you’ve ever done.” She leans back in the wheelchair, and for a moment she looks exactly what she is, a tired old woman. Then she seems to come back to herself. “Get out of here, Samuel, and leave me alone. You know what? I don’t give a fuck about your business or your reputation. If you’d shown any compassion for me over the years, maybe I’d place myself under your care. But as long as this scum here will have me, then I’m staying. And that’s the last word I’ll say on the matter. Peg?”
I start, surprised to hear my name.
“Show him the way out, will you?”
“This isn’t finished, Mother.”
“Just get out of here, Son.” She spits the last word.
Samuel’s face is red, and his brow furrows as he looks around, clearly considering whether he can take her by force, then realises with the likes of Wraith, Hyde, and myself, the odds are against him. With a huff and a sneer, he turns and strides out. I follow, making sure he gets in his car, then wait, watching as he drives to the gate and leaves.
When I return, Sam’s got her arms around Ma. I hear a sniffling, a blowing of a nose, and then a strong old woman is looking straight at me. “What you looking at, boy? And there’s no point hanging around. Dinner won’t be ready for hours.”
I grin. She’s alright. “Sorry, Ma, but that sure smells good. Look forward to eating later.”
Ain’t that the truth? Already my mouth’s watering.
Chapter 33
Darcy
“How you feeling, Flash?” Truck nods to Slade, who’s just said his goodbyes to me. I know their intentions are good but keeping me company throughout every day is getting wearing.
I pull myself up in the bed. “Getting easier all the time. I’ll probably be able to go home by the weekend.”
“Hmm.” He looks thoughtful for a moment. “Don’t like the idea of you being on your own. Not with that fucker still walking free. Now don’t take this the wrong way, Flash, but you’re still injured and hurting. What about if I came to stay with you? It’s an offer I’d make for any of the crew.” He adds the last hurriedly.
Truck? Stay with me? The idea of going home alone hadn’t been inviting, especially not with Pete still walking free. Sure, I want to get out of this place, but my confidence has been shaken, and even if I was up to full strength, I’d still question my ability to look out for myself. My nights are plagued with constant nightmares about Pete coming back to finish what he started. As I look at my crewmate, seeing the resolve in his eyes, I don’t take long to decide. “I don’t want to put you out, Truck, but if you don’t mind, I would appreciate the company. Thank you.”
My traitorous mind would prefer it to be Peg watching out for me. However much I try not to think of him, he’s never been far from my mind. Telling him a final goodbye and successfully eradicating him from my head are two separate things. In the dark of the night I’ve been lying awake, wondering whether I was right to put my occupation above the only relationship with a man that ever felt right. He told me I was it for him. What if he was my one too? Have I thrown away my only chance at happiness? Would my job really compensate when I’m a lonely old maid?
He told me he’d leave the club. But how would he cope? Would it be enough? His reputation might follow him. Even if it didn’t, would he come to resent me? Just like I’d begrudge him if he was the reason I lost my job.
I’m not blind. A very big part of Peg is the role he performs for the Satan’s Devils. He lives for his brothers. Would he shrink in front of my eyes if that was taken away? A man whose very purpose for living is to take care of so many, suddenly cast adrift without back up or camaraderie. I worry he wouldn’t survive.
The Satan’s Devils may live outside the law, but they don’t deserve the reputation they have. Maybe I can convince my superiors that being in a relationship with their sergeant-at-arms won’t reflect badly on the service. Maybe there is a way to have my cake and eat it too. Slade didn’t completely shut that door. Maybe I can still push it open.
I want Peg. Tears prick at my eyes as I realise how much I miss him. Perhaps I haven’t tried enough to make our relationship work. I start to smile. There must be a way to have something we both want so much.
“What the fuck?” Truck’s exclamation and incredulous laugh catches my attention.
“What, Truck?”
He’d come in carrying a folded newspaper, and now has it in his hands and is staring at the front page. Without a word he passes it to me, and my so recent optimism disappears in an instant as the headlines shout at me.
SATAN’S DEVILS KIDNAPPED MY MOTHER
Prominent businessman Samuel Jones, 64, who owns a shoe factory in Phoenix, has today told this reporter that the outlaw Satan’s Devils MC in Tucson have kidnapped his mother, Mary Jones, 93, and are holding her against her will.
Mary was forcibly removed from her home, which subsequently burned in the recent Snake Fire. Instead of releasing her into his care, they are forcing her to work in their kitchen. Mary should be in a proper facility to receive the attention she needs. Instead this frail old lady is being used as slave labor at the biker compound.
When contacted, Drummer, President of the Satan’s Devils, assured our reporter she was not being held captive. But Samuel Jones swears he saw her with his own eyes.
“I could see she wanted to leave with me,” says Jones. “She was pleading me with her eyes. But those bikers wouldn’t let her, and physically stopped me from taking her away.”
Jones admits he wasn’t hurt in the altercation, but was given instructions to leave and not to come back.
The matter has now been reported to the police.
The motorcycle gang, which prefers to be known as a club, has made their home in Tucson since the early seventies. Known to the police as criminals for t
heir involvement in drug and gun running, they have a reputation for keeping girls on the compound, but the age of the woman in this case is surprising, and what use she can possibly be to them remains a mystery.
We hope the police can quickly rescue her, and Mary Jones will be returned to her loving son, who only wants to ensure she’s properly cared for in her twilight days.
Samuel Jones’ factory makes shoes which are sold at the Toe and Heel outlet…
As the article becomes an advert for Jones’ business, I stop reading. Stunned, I hand the paper back to Truck and collapse back on the pillows, closing my eyes, hoping to prevent the tell-tale tear escaping. The article made it sound like they were still dealing in the gun and drug trade, and that they regularly kidnapped women.
“What a load of crap.” Truck’s shaking his head. “You see this Mary when you were at the compound?”
One side of my mouth turns up. “I did, Truck. And while I did wonder who she was and what she was doing there, from the little I saw, I can confidently say no one could make that old lady do anything she didn’t want to.”
There’s a knock at my door. It opens before I can call out permission, and Marcia stomps in. She’s waving a paper in her hands, her eyes wide. “Have you freaking seen this, Darcy?” At my nod, she exclaims indignantly, “What a load of garbage. I’ve just had a nurse ask me whether it’s safe to take my babies home.”
Truck stands and offers her his seat. “You ladies like coffee?” When we both agree we do, he makes a strategic retreat.
I hadn’t thought about the article causing trouble for her. “Are you going to have problems?”
She bites her lip. “I hope not, but mud sticks, you know? Hopefully they’ll speak to Ma and find out her son’s speaking out of his ass. I don’t know what he’s trying to get out of it. I’m supposed to be going home in a couple of days, taking Isabel with me. Jacob’s being assessed later as to whether he can come home too.” She tosses back her long hair. “Now, you know? I’m worried they’ll get social services involved. The nurse said they might want to check up on the status at home. As if I’m not a fit mother, just because my old man’s one of the Devils.” I hold out my hand, she clutches it in hers. “I’m sorry to offload on you, Darcy, but I knew you’d understand.”
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