CJ (Aces MC Series Book 6)

by Aimee-Louise Foster

  She nodded, "Yeah I am."

  "Charity you can't leave, this is your home."

  "Pffft whatever. I'm not even having this conversation with you this is so not my home." I was proud of her for giving this bitch a piece of her mind and waited for her to walk towards the front door before I joined her.

  "Have you got a helmet?"

  "Yeah I'll take this one coz by the sounds of things Onyx won't be needing it anymore." I sniggered and wrapped my arm around her shoulder as we left the house ready for our long journey home.

  Chapter 11

  CJ

  "How the fucking hell do I work it Buster, I don't want to delete any messages I just want to listen to them." I was getting agitated and knew that I was taking it out on the wrong person but I really wanted to hear the message that Charity had left. It wasn't that I didn't trust her, I just wanted to dot the i's and cross the t's and give me my own peace of mind.

  Buster stepped back silently and crossed his arms. I shrugged and shook my head, "What you doing?" I asked confused by his actions.

  "CJ I'm trying to help and all you're doing is shouting at me," I could see the pressure he was under from my demands.

  "That's fine leave it I'll do it my fucking self," I grabbed the answer machine and started to press the buttons.

  "CJ give it here I'll do it for you but I can't do it if you're watching me as you're making me nervous."

  "No that's fine it must be this button," I pressed the play and held it down for a couple of seconds like I'd seen in the manual.

  'Delete all messages'

  "Noooooo I don't want to do that," I pressed the stop button hoping that it would stop deleting but the answer machine let off a loud beep indicating that it had wiped all of the messages.

  "FUCK!" I threw the machine at the wall and as it reached the floor, it had broken into several pieces. Buster quickly left the room as I stood and kicked the bin before turning my attention to the chair. I was in a self destruct mode, I needed to hurt someone or something as I couldn't cope with all the emotions, I was feeling right now.

  Since returning from the Midlands earlier I'd had a quick chat with James and he said it was perfectly normal that although I felt like I'd dealt with the situation by dealing with Onyx, my possible relationship with Keira and a whole lot of other issues may be adding to the way I was feeling right now. James just simply called it grief and informed me that it was normal but it could just take some time for me to snap out of these mood swings.

  "Are you scaring the prospects again?" I turned to see Duke and Diesel peering in to the office and rolled my eyes at their comments. I wasn't in the mood for them this evening that was for sure.

  "I take it that you couldn't get it to work then?" Diesel asked looking at the mangled machine on the floor.

  I rubbed my hands over my head in frustration, "No."

  "But what I can't understand was why it was so important?" Duke stepped into the room and placed his hand on my shoulder giving me a reassuring squeeze.

  "I just wanted to hear it, I know it wasn't Locke it was only Charity talking but I just wanted to make a little more sense of that evening."

  "Sorry to interrupt guys," the three of us turned around to see Jay at the door.

  "No, you're okay mate I'm just being fucking stupid as usual. What's up?"

  "You're gonna want to hear this," he turned and walked down the corridor leaving the three of us looking between each other confused.

  "I think he wants us to follow him," I sniggered.

  As we entered the bar, I noticed a group of brothers had congregated around Charity as she sat on a chair holding her phone. Keira had been crying and I rushed to her side holding her at arm's length so I could assess her, "Is everything okay?"

  She nodded and pointed to Charity, the group all had sombre faces and I didn't like the secrecy.

  "Does someone want to let me in on what's going on?" I let go of my hold on Keira and glanced at the group before fixing my stare on Charity. She couldn't make eye contact and I started to fear that my doubts were true.

  "CJ sit down and listen before you jump to conclusions," I glanced at Jay who indicated at the chair for me to sit in.

  I did as I was told and sat opposite Charity and rested my arms on the table, she placed her phone in front of me and pressed play.

  "Locke I haven't got long." It was Charity and she was speaking to Locke.

  "Slow it down babe, what's the matter?" I felt coldness at the back of my neck as his voice rang clear in my ears.

  "They know, they know everything."

  There was a slight pause before he spoke again, "Do they know who I really am?"

  "Yes and they're gonna hurt you, I heard them talking." I heard the panic in her voice as she informed him.

  "How long have I got?"

  "What?"

  "How long have I got Charity, you need to be clear."

  "It's gonna happen soon, probably within the next three days."

  "Okay."

  "What do you mean okay?" Charity was clearly confused by his response and so was I.

  "There's no point stressing, what will be will be."

  "They're going to hurt you...possibly worse."

  "Time is precious babe, I need to spend what time I do have with the people I love most."

  "And that's your response."

  "I thank you from the bottom of my heart that you've told me, you're a good girl Charity but I'm good babe I promise you that. I've got a certain amount of closure and I know if anything happens to me, CJ has my back and will look after my old lady."

  Weeping could be heard coming from Charity, "Stop it now. It's all good but promise me when CJ comes looking for closure you befriend him and get the hell out of there. The ACES will look after you, they're family."

  "I've gotta go," Charity whispered.

  "Remember what I said babe, get out of there before it's too late. Stay safe."

  The room fell silent as Charity pressed stop on the recording but I couldn't be doing with the silence. I drummed my fingers on the table as I contemplated what was said, his words buzzed around my head repeatedly and although I didn't agree with some of his actions he was right about spending what time he did have with the people he loved. He acted selflessly and I didn't know if I could've been the bigger man and acted the way he did.

  Keira stood beside me and I sat back in the chair extending my arm, inviting her to sit on my lap. She smiled and sat down placing her hands onto her tummy as she got comfortable.

  "I think this means we need a drink," Duke swirled his finger around indicating what he wanted and Cade nodded as he busied himself grabbing glasses and bottles of drinks.

  Jay stood behind me and rested his hand on my shoulder, I turned to face him.

  "How you doing?" he asked almost nervous of my reaction.

  I placed my hand on top of his, "I'm okay mate. It took me a little by surprise but I feel like I sort of understand a little better now."

  Jayden nodded before turning to accept a drink from the tray. Buster lowered it to me so I could also take a shot of Jack and he passed an orange juice to Keira and Charity.

  "Right has everyone got a drink?" There were various replies but no one had said no. "Okay, well I want you all to raise your glasses and think about a man that brought so much into our lives. Happiness, excitement, love and even annoyance, anger and frustration." The crowd sniggered at his words knowing that he was probably thinking of the last three words from his own experiences with Locke. "They may not have been his last words but it is a reminder of who he was and what he believed in and that was love, honour and family. So I would like to raise a toast to that, love, honour and family."

  "Love, honour and family!" The group repeated.

  "Now let's get some fucking tunes on before we all start getting depressed." Diesel clapped his hands gaining Cade's attention and he turned around to sort out the stereo behind the bar.

  There was a flurry
of activity and I was pleased that people moved away from Keira and I so I could finally have a word with her. This wasn't the right time or place for a deep meaningful conversation but I just wanted a quiet word especially after what we'd just heard.

  "How you feeling sweetness?" I wrapped my arm around her to place my hand over hers on her tummy.

  "I'm like you, it was a shock but I'm pleased that I now know his thought process."

  "He loved you babe, with all his heart."

  "I know that and I was very fortunate to have met him."

  "Without a doubt."

  "He knew that you'd look out for me, I don't think he was thinking in this capacity though," she wiggled her finger between the two of us making me smile.

  "No, I don't suppose he did but we don't need to rush this babe. It is what it is, I'm not going anywhere and I stand by my words, I'll be here to look after you and the baby. If it develops into more than just a friendship then I'm a very lucky boy and if we remain friends then I'm still a lucky boy as I'll have you and junior in my life." Keira smiled and leaned closer to place a chaste kiss on my forehead.

  "No I'm the lucky girl."

  Epilogue

  CJ

  "So how's it going sweetness?" I asked as I leaned on the doorframe to her bedroom.

  Charity looked up from her book and smiled, "I'm all good thank you and you?"

  I pushed off the frame and strolled over to her, "Yeah everything's fine my end babe. So have you settled in okay?" I asked hopeful.

  "Oh it's just fantastic here, I love the banter between Maggie and Hound and Chloe and Woods have been great and I've been round theirs for dinner, and they've also introduced me to Lauren, and she's lovely too. Ramsey her partner, do you know Ramsey? Oh of course you do and Paige and Cade are...nice although a little strange and then there's Jayden..." Charity took a breath and glanced in my direction, "Why are you smiling?" she asked confused.

  I sniggered, "No reason."

  "No go on, now I'm intrigued to know what you're thinking." Charity folded her hands across her chest ready for me to speak.

  "You won't want to know what goes on in my head but rest assured, where you're concerned it's all good."

  She still had a puzzled expression, "Really?"

  "Really! You may be the most random person I know but you amuse the life out of me." I stated trying to reassure her.

  "You don't think my randomness is strange then?"

  I sniggered, "Well I didn't say that but your randomness makes you...you!" I couldn't put it any clearer than that.

  She smiled brightly accepting my compliment and I was pleased that she was at last happy. I leaned over and picked up her pad, "So what you writing anyway?" Every time I see you, you've got your nose in a pad writing away."

  Charity tried to snatch it back but I moved it from her reach, "Give it back CJ, that's personal and I don't want anyone reading it." I could see the frustration on her face but I ignored her and continued to read.

  I looked up to see her worried expression as she bit her finger nails, "These are good babe, really good." I turned the page and read the next poem.

  "Pffft, now you're just being kind," Charity's cheeks reddened slightly at my compliment.

  I shook my head, "Not at all babe, you've really got a talent for this." I placed her writing pad back onto the desk and smiled, she was a dark horse keeping this talent from me. "Are you writing from the heart?"

  "Always," she answered placing her hand on top of the book.

  "Anyway, I've come to ask if you'd like to join us at the cemetery this afternoon as it's Locke's birthday. A few of us are going down there to light candles and say a prayer."

  "Erm, I've already been," she looked a little unsure with her words.

  Her comment took me by surprise, "Have you?"

  Charity nodded, "Yeah I went this morning, I hope you don't mind?"

  I shook my head, "Of course I don't mind. I'm pleased that you went to see him."

  Charity smiled, "It's the least I could do, thanks to Locke I'm here." She opened her arms and gestured around the room, "And I met you."

  I placed my hand on top of her head and ruffled her hair, "You're a little softie really aren't ya?"

  "Don't tell anyone, it's taken me years to create this persona." Charity giggled at her own joke making me laugh, she was definitely a breath of fresh air.

  "Right I'm going to leave you to it babe, remember that I'm only a phone call away should you need me."

  Charity nodded her head, "Thank you CJ I appreciate that. I'm just going to finish this, it's poignant considering what day it is."

  I smiled and turned on my heels ready to leave the room, it wasn't my place to take up more of her time we all had to deal with our loss in a variety of different ways.

  "Oh CJ," Charity called after me.

  I glanced over my shoulder, "What's up?"

  "I left a poem down at his grave this morning, not one of mine but it's lovely all the same. If you get a minute I'd like you to read it as it has so much meaning but only if you have time." She fidgeted in her chair unsure of what my reaction would be.

  I smiled, "I'll most certainly make time to read it." I gave her a wink before leaving her bedroom, she was going to be a great asset to the club and therefore the Aces family.

  Do not stand at my grave and weep

  I am not there. I do not sleep.

  I am a thousand winds that blow.

  I am the diamond glints on snow.

  I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

  I am the gentle autumn rain.

  When you awaken in the morning's hush,

  I am the swift uplifting rush.

  Of quiet birds in circled flight.

  I am the soft stars that shine at night.

  Do not stand at my grave and cry;

  I am not there. I did not die.

  - Mary Elizabeth Frye

  Cade - Aces MC Series Book 5.5

  Please enjoy a preview of Book 5.5 from the Aces MC Series, which will be available in May 2017 from Amazon.

  Cade

  "Mum I'm hungry," I whispered as I tapped her shoulder. I tried to be quiet because Derek was asleep beside her and he didn't like me to be around. He was nasty and always played too rough, he occasionally hurt me and I think it was on purpose. I still had a few bruises on my ribs where he punched me last, he called it play fighting but I thought playing was supposed to be fun.

  Mummy was beautiful, she liked to play dress up and when she did, she looked real pretty. She liked to wear red, it was her favourite colour and because she liked it so much I did too. Whenever I drew her a picture I tried to make sure that something in the drawing was red because it made a smile.

  She was very popular, she had lots of friends that visited her at the house. They were mainly Derek's friends but when they came round to visit Mummy she would go into her room and give them a cuddle. The cuddling made the men happy but Mummy always looked sad. I thought this was strange because my friends at school made me smile a lot, they were supposed to make you happy.

  I tapped her shoulder again, "Mummy!" I whispered, "I'm hungry."

  Her hand flung up and I had to move quickly so that she didn't hit me, her movement startled me and made my heart beat fast as it did when I ran really fast on the playground at school.

  Mummy moved her hand around patting various items on the bedside cabinet and I wondered what she was looking for until she grabbed the alarm clock and brought it closer to her face.

  She let out a groan, "Cade it's 8.00am. What are you doing up so early?"

  "I'm hungry!"

  "Well go and make yourself something to eat babe," she whispered patting me on the head.

  "But I can't find anything," I said in a small voice as my tummy rumbled.

  "Well go back to sleep for a bit and when I get up I'll make you something," she rolled over turning her back to me.

  I was frustrated because she wasn't listening to me, "But
I've got school soon."

  She rolled back over to face me, "School?"

  I nodded, "Yeah it's a school day." I replied excitedly as I enjoyed school.

  "Are you sure?" Mummy wiped her eyes before stretching.

  "Yep."

  "For fucks sake!" I stood motionless not wanting to upset her further but hoped that she'd still get up and possibly take me. "Oh honey, have the day off today."

  "But I've had lots of time off already," I answered back out of frustration.

  "Well another day won't hurt ya."

  I let out a sigh, "But I like school."

  "You heard your fucking mother, now fuck off you little cunt as I'm trying to get some sleep."

  Mummy shooed me away quickly and looked a little scared but I couldn't understand why. I backed out of the room as my tummy rumbled again, I was about to close the door when I saw her roll over to give Derek a cuddle.

  Why did she love that man so much when he could be so horrible to me?

  End of sneak peek.

  To continue reading the series, be sure to read Book 5.5 from the Aces MC Series – Cade, available in May 2017 from Amazon.

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