Bleed for Me

by Dawn White

  Lucas walked in, stood in the door, and said.

  “I figured you were really busy with all the club business, and wouldn’t have time to pack.”

  I nodded at him, smiled and said. “Thanks bro. Are you going to be ok driving the van? We have about a nine hour drive. Head over to the warehouse and help Blade pack up the pallets.”

  Lucas nodded yes, and walked out.

  I grabbed my bag, and headed out.

  I started up my Harley, buckled my helmet, and headed to the clubhouse to meet the rest of the club. When I got there everyone except Blade was there, ready to go. I pulled out my phone and texted Blade.

  Is Lucas there to help you yet?

  Blade responded– Yep, we just finished loading the boxes into the van, he’s already on the highway. I’m heading to the clubhouse now.

  Since I already had my cell out, I texted Rebecca one last time.

  We’re heading out now. Love ya. Stay safe. Text me if you need me.

  She quickly responded– Love you too, be careful.

  I put my phone in my bikes traveling bag, turned to the guys and said, “As you already know, we’re heading to New Orleans because we were threatened. We can’t let this stand, if we do we will appear weak in the eyes of our enemies. I’ll be damned if we ever look fucking weak. We will deal with whatever comes, but it will be dealt with brutally and forcefully. Let’s head out.”

  I got on my bike and did the rally signal, everyone started their engines and followed me out of the lot. Next stop New Orleans.

  Chapter 13

  *Rebecca*

  Mia and I met up at bennigans, happy hour is just starting and I called the waitress over for our drink order. A short, large breasted, bubbly blonde that has seen the inside of a tanning bed too many times. She saunters her way over to us, after saying her flirtatious goodbyes to the table of guys next to her. When she gets to us she smiles, and said, “What can I get for y’all?”

  I smiled and immediately said, “We’ll take a pitcher of moonshine Sangria. And the appetizer sampler platter please. Thank you.” I said as I handed her our menus.

  She smiled broadly and said, “That was painless, I’ll have your orders right out. If y’all need anything my name is Tonya.” She turned and walked off to put our orders in.

  I looked across the table at Mia, smiled, and said, “Sorry I ordered for you, but they make the best moonshine Sangria. And the platters are the best drinking food.”

  She nodded and responded, “No worries, I’ve never been here so you helped make it easy on me. So what is this case we’re on together?”

  I pulled out the case files and stacked them neatly in the middle of the table. Mia watched as I pulled the top one off and explained it to her. “This one is the one we have to worry about.” I said pointing to Vadim Ivanovich’s folder. And continued explaining. “He’s always armed, dangerous, and willing to inflict as much collateral damage as possible, actually he enjoys it. Agent Marshall, however, said the interdepartmental investigation is because they want to catch him and the head honcho of The Roadsters.” Mia shakes her head following everything I’ve said. Nods and looks at the files in front of us. I cleared my throat and continued, “They’ve been selling Krokodil or Desmorphine, which has been causing horrible reactions to the population. Apparently it causes necrosis of the skin, which generally leads to amputation and sometimes death. Their ties to the black market has flooded this country with the AK-47’s…” Mia raised her hand to stop me. Continued looking over the files in her hand, and closed them as she said, “Wow you’re a beast to reckon with. You know you just inundated me with so much information I think my head is spinning.”

  I laughed and turned just as Tonya put our pitcher of Sangria and glasses in front of us.

  I smiled at Tonya and said, “Thank you.” She nodded and responded as she was turning. “I’ll have your platter to you in a few minutes. Enjoy Ladies.” She said with a smile.

  I pulled the glasses towards me and filled them both close to the rim. Mia was watching closely as I handed her the glass.

  I smiled, held my glass up and said. “Cheers– to our first and hopefully not our last mission together.”

  She laughed and said, “Here, here.”

  We sat in silence for a few minutes while we enjoyed the comfortable numbness our drinks were providing. All of the sudden an idea came to me and I grabbed the file and opened it up to the pictures of the victims. Some were so graphic we had to be careful who was walking by before we opened and spread the pictures out. I started making a timeline, starting with the ones that took place in the early 2000’s. They all had one thing in common, the girls were really young, and they all had a large amount of drugs in their systems. But they remind me of the girl in Savannah, they found.

  I stopped on the last girl, pointed and said. “This girl is the last one, she is the one that has Krokodil in her system. None of the others had it in theirs. We know this one is related for sure to the gang activity. Unfortunately, someone dropped her body over the state line into Mississippi. Which has made it a federal case, and essentially ours.”

  Mia sat quietly nodding as she watched where I pointed. I quickly grabbed the photos as I saw Tonya making her way towards us with our platter. Sealing them up into a folder, I pushed it to the side.

  Tonya put our platter, plates and napkins on the table. Smiled and said, “How are y’all liking your drink?”

  I smiled and answered her, “It’s super yummy, thank you.” She gave us a curt nod and walked away.

  I handed Mia her plate and smiled. I quickly grabbed my food and opened the fact pages in the file. Everything was broken down for us; including blue prints of the houses for the SWAT entries so we were able to make plans.

  I broke the silence and said, “We can’t really plan anything until we get with the other departments.”

  Mia nodded in between shoving a cheese stick in her mouth.

  We enjoyed the rest of our dinner and drinks and called it a night.

  **The Next Day**

  The next morning I was nursing a little bit of a hangover as I made my way into my office and the lights were flashing again. I stuck my head out my door and called to Laurie.

  “Hey, can you get maintenance down here to fix this stupid light. If I have to sit in here all day, it’s going to give me a migraine.”

  Laurie nodded yes and picked up her phone. I sat at my desk and waited for my next briefing. I flipped through my calendar on the computer and realized they had me, “in the field,” for over three months.

  I felt the throbbing start in my eye socket. I sighed and opened my pill bottle, pulled out a couple and popped them into my mouth. Laurie stepped into my doorway as I was swallowing them down with my water bottle. I held up a finger for her not to go anywhere as I choked down my horse pills.

  I smiled and put my bottle away as I said, “What’s up?”

  She nodded towards her desk and said, “The joint team is here waiting on you, they want to meet with you before Mia. Should I let them in?”

  My eyes got wide and I said, “Yes, of course, let them in.”

  The DEA agents walked in, looking around as they searched the room for their chairs. A short man with salt and pepper hair extended his hand for me to shake. I reached out and took it firmly with my good hand. As he said, “I’m Special Agent Davis, and this is my partner, Special Agent Peterson.” I turned to the tall female and shook her hand as well.

  Nodding towards the chairs I said, “Hi, I’m Agent Quinn. Please have a seat and make yourself comfortable. Would you like some coffee, soda, or water?” They both shook their heads no. I nodded to Laurie and she turned and walked out, closing the door behind her.

  I sat back in my chair and waited for them to say something.

  Agent Davis cleared his throat and said, “I just wanted to meet the Agent that Special Agent Marshall was bragging on. I saw your track record and it’s quite impressive. But how about this Age
nt Mia Meritt? Did I say that right?” I nodded yes, and he continued. “Well she doesn’t have much under her belt. A lot of helping behind the scenes but doesn’t seem to know her ass from a hole in the ground in the field if you know what I mean.” I waited to make sure he was finished, then said my piece.

  “Agent Meritt is a great agent; she may have been riding the pine desk for her career, but that’s because no one wanted to take a chance with her.”

  Special Agent Davis put his hand up to stop me, then said. “I see you’re willing to give her that chance, but you’re responsible for her. And when I say responsible I mean if she fucks up, it’s on you. Make sure you brief her on the suspects.” He stood up and started to walk out as I said. “I already did, yesterday. I will see you this weekend in New Orleans.” He turned nodded at me and walked out. Agent Peterson hung back for a second, and with her kind grey eyes she mouthed ‘sorry’ to me. I smiled and nodded as she turned to walk out.

  The moment my office door was closed I hit my intercom button for Laurie and said. “Hold my calls for the rest of the day. That was a shitty meeting.”

  Laurie replied, “No problem, do you need anything?” I shook my head as if she could see me and said, “No I'm good. You can go ahead and leave in thirty minutes. Just make sure my phone calls are all forwarded to voicemail.”

  Laurie replied with, “Sure thing! See you tomorrow.”

  I sat back and pulled out my cell phone. I had missed a few texts from Blades girl Casey.

  Hey, just got some great news!

  ~Casey

  OMG, how am I going to tell Blade?

  ~Casey

  Do you think he’ll marry me because I’m Pregnant?

  ~Casey

  I smiled as I scrolled through. I quickly thought of what I was going to say as my cell dinged again with a new text, this time from Gavin.

  Hey Darling! Just wanted you to know we made it here ok and I’ll talk to you later.

  Love ya

  I quickly responded to Gavin before Casey.

  Love you, I’ll be leaving tomorrow afternoon. I’ll text you as often as I can.

  Hey Casey, Great News! I’m so happy for you two! If you need anything just let me know.

  ~ Rebecca

  I put my cell in my bag, looked at the clock and decided it was time to head out. I have a long day of briefings, tomorrow before I leave for New Orleans with Mia.

  Chapter 14

  *Gavin*

  I put my cell away in my pocket after reading Rebecca’s text. My smile faded away when I looked at Blade on the phone. Blade quickly hung up, and said. “He’ll meet with us but he made sure I knew there was no such thing as niceties, in this war. He’s going to meet us at the Handlebar in twenty minutes. I have directions, so you can follow me.”

  I quickly responded. “Ok, let’s go then. Just make sure you have a few extra clips in your vest for me. I don’t want to be caught off guard again. Did you tell the guys to unload the weapons?” Blade picked up his cell and texted Papa. Papa whistled and gave us a thumbs up.

  ****

  The parking lot of the Handlebar was packed with motorcycles, of every kind. There seems to be a lot of crotch rocket riders here in New Orleans. When we walked in Gabe stood up and waved us over. I walked up to him and put my hand out to shake. Gabe looked at it like it was a rattlesnake, and continued drinking his beer. I raised two fingers at the bartender and he brought two beers for me and Blade.

  Gabe broke the silence by saying. “I don’t know what yawl are tryin to prove here. This little pow wow won’t change what’s going to happen.”

  I patted my hand on the table trying to buy my time before I gave him an ultimatum. I was running out of time though and this had to be dealt with before Rebecca gets hurt again.

  I cracked my knuckles then said, “You’re not going to do anything. Your brother disgraced himself and the MC. He got the feds down on all of us, but he was the one they were after. If you keep fucking around you’ll have the feds on you also.” I said the last word while looking him in the eyes.

  Gabe stood, slammed his hand on the bar and said. “I’m going to get your little Fed whore. I’m going to make her scream, cry, and beg for mercy before I eviscerate her. She will pay for killing my little brother Hammer! Who’d of thunk the big bad Prez of the Sinister Sons Syndicate, would fall for a rat bitch?”

  My eyes got big, I grit my teeth, and swung hard, and fast, waiting to feel the bone crunch under my knuckles.

  In between punches I said, “You’re not going to fucking touch her. I’ll kill you before you set eyes on her.”

  Gabe picked up his beer mug and hit me in the head. I could feel the blood and beer mix as it trickled down my face. Gabe was pretty wasted so he started stumbling a little and lost his balance. I used that to my advantage and pressed my hand against his chest and kept wailing on him. After I had hit him about a dozen times, I realized my hand was the only thing still holding him on his feet. Blade tapped me, and nodded towards the bouncers that were running towards us. I put my hands up showing no resistance, and Gabe fell to the ground, bloodied and gagging on his own blood. I leaned down so Gabe could hear me and said.

  “Next time I won’t stop.” I spat at Gabe as I stepped over, tossed a fifty dollar bill on the counter, and walked out the door.

  ***

  Blade and I went back to the hotel. After a quick clean-up Papa decided, I needed a few stitches in my eyebrow. I couldn't help but have a little satisfaction knowing that Gabe was much worse than I am. A little chuckle escaped my lips as I felt my cell vibrate in my pocket. I pulled it out and read the text.

  Just wanted to tell you I miss you and can't wait till we're together again. I'm heading out now for my assignment a little early, I'll check in with you whenever possible.

  ~Rebecca

  I smiled as I texted back.

  I wish I knew where you were heading. I miss you too Darling. I will make sure to check in with you as often as I can also.

  Love ya,

  Gavin

  I put my phone back in my pocket as Blade came around the door of the adjoining rooms and said. "Hey Prez, once you're done getting those stitches put in, you might want to listen to this voicemail Gabe left you." I waved Papa away with the needle, as I grabbed a towel to stop the bleeding. Pulling the phone out of Blade's hands, I listened.

  Next time we meet, it'll be after I gut your fed whore here in New Orleans. Oh didn't you know; she's on her way here.

  (Click)

  I was almost shaking as I handed the phone back to Blade. I turned and walked out, throwing my bloody towel on the ground as I crossed the threshold of the door, slamming the door behind me as I went. Blade tried to quickly follow, but I waved him off as I jumped the last stair. I walked up on the black van and with all of my might I punched the drivers-side window. Shattering it into millions of tiny sharp, sparkling fragments. As I grabbed my hand and watched the blood pool to the ground, I had an idea.

  I rushed off towards the staircase taking the stairs two at a time until I reached the top. I burst into the room, but not before Blade had his gun out and pointed at me, to get the assailant that burst through the door.

  I narrowed my eyebrows at him, pointed with my bloody hand, and said.

  "Hey Blade, you still know how to make bombs right?" Blade shook his head yes, and responded. "Yeah Prez, as long as I have the components. I have plenty of C4" I nodded to him, and pointed at Papa and said. "I need you to get Blade anything else he needs." Papa nodded in agreement with me and walked into the other room with Blade. I went into the bathroom to wash my bloody hand and thought about what to say to Rebecca. I don't know how I'm going to tell her that she's walking into the lion's den. Or if I should even warn her. She can take care of herself that's for damned sure.

  I started cursing to myself as I pulled the glass out of my hand. I was at a loss if I should warn her or just let her do her damned job.

  "Fuck!" I cursed again wh
en I pulled the last, large piece out of my knuckle.

  Chapter 15

  *Rebecca*

  My morning went as planned. I was busy with briefings then my visit to the infirmary. The doctor said I was healing great and could return to my normal schedule. The best news was I only had to take the pain meds as needed, not specific times. Mia was packed and ready to go. I stopped into my office and told Laurie she could leave early today, and grabbed my bags. Mia was talking to Laurie as I walked up, she stopped mid-sentence when I walked out. Smiled at me and continued on with her conversation. I checked my cell, and was pleased I had no missed calls. I tossed it into my weapons bag. Walked to the security office, checked out an unmarked car, and started walking towards the car. Mia came running up behind me like I was going to leave her behind.

  Out of breath she said, "I didn't know we were leaving so quick. I would have walked with you." I shook my head and responded to her, "You're fine. I wasn't in a hurry I just wanted to make sure I got the new black charger, and not the black Malibu. Did you pack your snacks or do we have to stop?" Mia laughed and said, "I got my snacks, our outfits, a gun collection and my trusty IPod filled with awesome music for our trip." I nodded, opened the trunk and started loading our bags into it. I kept my long black bag, filled with all of my weapons and tossed it into the backseat.

  Mia tossed all of her bags except a medium sized black one. Mia stopped what she was doing and glared at my big bag in the back seat.

  "What do you have in there a body? It’s big enough for me to fit." I laughed and replied. "It's my weapon bag. I know it's big, the last time I went through the airport with it, they asked me if I transported bodies in it." We both had a good chuckle just as my phone alerted me there was a text waiting on me.

  Hey Darling, Missing you terribly. I don't want to, but my heart is telling me I need to ask where you're going?