by Chiah Wilder
She watched Walter out of the peephole as he stood glaring at her porch, talking to himself. It seemed to her that the more he talked, the madder he became until he was cussing, screaming, and waving his fist at her closed door.
She plugged in Muerto’s phone number. “Walter’s really gone off the deep end,” she said to her attentive cat as she waited for Muerto to answer. When her call went to his voice mail, disappointment weaved through her. She then plugged in the management company’s phone number.
“JB Management,” a female voice said.
“Deanna?”
“No, this is Taylor. Deanna no longer works here.”
“Can I speak with Jay?” She tapped her fingers against her thigh as she waited for him. Sneaking peeks outside, Walter still stood in front of her porch, his arms crossed.
“Hello?”
“Hi, Jay. This is Raven. I’m trying to get a hold of Muerto, but he isn’t picking up. The tenant in the back, Walter, is sorta freaking out and I don’t know what to do about it.”
“Muerto’s at a meeting and told me he couldn’t be disturbed. Maybe you should call the police.”
“Yeah… maybe.” She glanced out again. Walter seemed to be growing tired of his psychotic game and moved onto the sidewalk. “I think he’s calming down a bit. It was like totally weird and scary. Something’s majorly wrong with that guy.”
“I’ve noted it. I’ll make sure Muerto knows about it. I don’t know the guy very well, but he always seems okay on the phone.”
“Well, he isn’t okay. He’s a freakin’ nutcase.”
“It’s noted. Is there anything else?”
“I was surprised Deanna didn’t answer the phone. The new girl told me she doesn’t work there anymore.”
A small exhalation of breath. “She just up and quit the day before yesterday. I worked with her for over eight years and never would’ve expected she’d do something like that. It’s left me in a real bind. Are you looking for a job?”
She laughed. “Not yet, but if my paintings don’t sell, I may be calling you. What about Taylor?”
“She’s from a temp agency. If you have any more problems with Walter, let me know.”
She went into the kitchen and took out an iced tea from the refrigerator. Walter obviously has a problem with women. And he doesn’t like women he finds attractive. It was like Walter was punishing her because he was attracted to her. “He probably has some crazy mother complex,” she said to Sooty, who’d jumped into her lap.
Frazzled, she couldn’t concentrate on her work, so she just sat in the kitchen, stroking Sooty’s thick fur. When her phone buzzed, she leapt and Sooty meowed, jumped down, and scurried away. Looking down, her heart raced when she saw it was Muerto. She knew over time that reaction would lessen, but she was enjoying it immensely.
“I see you called. What’s up, sweetie?”
He sounded so cheerful that she didn’t want to ruin his demeanor. Deciding she’d tell him later that night, she chuckled. “I just wanted to hear your voice. What time are you coming home?”
“Real soon. And get ready ’cause I’m taking you on a ride.”
“Where to?”
“Dolores River Canyon. It’s awesome. I’ve been wanting to take you there before the weather changes. In the mountains, the weather can turn real fast in the fall.”
“I’ve been wanting to play at being a biker chick. This should be fun. Should I wear anything special?”
“Jeans and boots. Bring a jacket, a head scarf if you want to keep your hair from blowing all around, and sunglasses.”
“I’ll be ready when you get here.”
Suddenly all the tension and fear she’d felt earlier disappeared. She couldn’t wait to get on his Harley and find out what all the fuss was about.
* * *
Located at the southern edge of the San Juan Mountains, Dolores River Canyon was a natural wonder that shared its primitive pathways with the Pueblo tribe for several centuries. Raven was in awe of the noble walls carved by nature that flanked the river below. Looking down, the river was like a silver ribbon framed by trees and sagebrush. “It’s beautiful up here. So majestic and peaceful. It has a spiritual feel to it.”
He came up behind her and hooked his arm around her waist. “That’s because parts of the area, especially Chaco Canyon, have spiritual meaning for the Pueblo tribe.”
“Isn’t the president of your MC Native American?”
“Yeah, but he’s Navajo. The Pueblos still have festivals and other celebrations over in Chaco Canyon. It’s pretty cool to see.”
“I just can’t get over how breathtaking it is.”
“If you’re up for it, we can hike to the top and you’ll see the most spectacular view ever. It’s not a bad hike, about a quarter of a mile.”
“I’d love to. Is your Harley safe?”
“Yeah. People rarely come to this part of the canyon. Let me grab a blanket.”
The hike up was an invigorating walk through the different levels of the canyon’s birth. Off to the side, Raven saw ruins from a Pueblo life long gone by. It made her shiver to think of the thousands of people who lived and thrived a thousand years ago on the very ground she was walking.
When they reached the top, she gasped. They were on top of one of the highest peaks in the area and she could see all around her. There was a beauty to the eclectic landscape: raw and barren, lush evergreens, and jagged white peaks. “I’ve never seen anything so beautiful in my life.”
He pointed to the far left. “And that’s New Mexico. This place is kickass. I come here to reboot when shit gets to be too much.”
Turning around to face him, she held his face between her hands. “You are the yin to my yang. I love you.”
“Not sure what the hell the yang thing is, but I love you too, babe.”
They clung to each other, kissing and living in the moment amid the surrounding beauty. And when Muerto spread out the blanket and eased her down, she was ready to make wild, passionate love to the man who captured her essence. She let her hands travel over his shoulders and arms, enjoying the sensation of his body.
Then he looked at her deeply and she saw the fire smoldering in his dark orbs. At that point, she turned off her mind and gave in to passion.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
I was in the kitchen, ready to leave her house, when I heard the rumble of a motorcycle pull into the driveway. Panicked, I glanced at the door leading into the garage and decided it was too risky for me to leave by the back door. I rushed to the living room intending to go out the front door, but from the window I spotted Patricia and her white dog. Raven went over to her and they began chatting.
The motor stopped, and I knew it was only a matter of minutes until he came into the kitchen. He didn’t strike me as the type who would go over and engage in inane conversation with the neighbor. For a heart-stopping moment, my mind shut down. I had no idea how I was going to get out of the jam I found myself in. But when I heard the kitchen door squeak open, adrenaline and stress took over.
I dashed into the bedroom and went to the window, unlocking it. Without even a backward glance, I lifted it up, popped out the screen, and thanked God when I heard her call out to Muerto. She wanted him to help her bring the kitty litter and bottled water that had been in her trunk since the day before. I’d bought some much-needed time.
I scrambled out of the window and carefully closed it, putting the screen back. I scurried across the backyard. Hiding behind a large lilac bush, I was trying to catch my breath when she came out of the house, a bag of charcoals in her hand. She placed it by the grill then glanced my way for a long moment as I held my breath. Thinking she’d seen me, my mind hastily concocted stories for me being there, but she turned around and went back into the house. I exhaled slowly, wondering if she’d seen me and was telling him that I was behind the bush.
For a few tense minutes I waited. No one came out. I slowly emerged from my hiding place then dashed to the g
ate leading to the alley. As I walked away, I realized that it had been too close of a call. When they’d ridden away on the motorcycle, I’d lost track of the time. I’d grown carelessly bold. I couldn’t risk taking any more chances. I was too close to executing my plan.
I resolved to not go into the bitch’s house again until I was ready to kill her.
And that time was looming very near.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
“Word is that the Satan’s Pistons aren’t too happy their club was torched. Too fuckin’ bad for the bastards,” Crow said as he watched the TV screen.
“Yeah. Hawk told me that they know it was us who did it,” Steel said as he came over to the table to join Muerto, Crow, and Goldie.
“Next time they won’t hide behind brick and mortar, the damn pussies,” Goldie said, looking at Steel’s plate. “Is Lena making burritos?”
“Yeah.” Steel took a bite. “They’re damn good.”
Goldie got up and walked toward the kitchen.
“I heard that the punks in the 39th Street Gang are threatening to kick our asses.” Chains laughed. “I say bring it on. It’s been a while since we had a good fight.”
“Punks like them are the worst. Remember the shit the Skull Crushers pulled until we had to really beat their asses? They’re trying to be men and they just end up being fuckin’ pussies.” Diablo sat at the table next to Muerto, a plate with two steaming burritos in hand.
“We gotta keep on top of it. The punks are the worst to deal with because they don’t get the rules or have respect.” Steel took another bite of his burrito.
“Is Delarosa still hiding out?” Chains asked.
Steel nodded. “Seems that way.”
“Running scared. He’s a yellow-bellied motherfucker.” Diablo scowled as the brothers agreed with him.
“Hey, how’s the chick who got worked over by the fuckers at the pool hall?” Eagle asked.
“Jaime?” Muerto shrugged. “She said she’s good. She’s been talking to Brandy about it.”
“It’s a good thing Brandy wasn’t the one who was there that night. She wouldn’t have handled it as well as Jaime is.” Crow stood up. “I’m gonna get some food. You want a burrito, Muerto?”
He shook his head. “I’m good. I still don’t think it has anything to do with the fuckin’ Pistons or the punk gang.”
“I agree with you,” Steel said. “I think it was a random act. A couple of other businesses have been robbed in the last couple of weeks. Probably the same guys. The description Jaime gave us fits with the other robberies. We’ll get ’em.”
“We’re doing the badges’ work for them again?” Army plopped down at Diablo’s table.
“Seems like we’re always doing it. Lazy sonsofbitches,” Diablo said. The brothers laughed.
“Muerto, you up for a pool game? I have to win my money back,” said Army.
“What makes you think you’re going to win?” Muerto answered as some of the brothers guffawed.
“Yeah, dude. You better be careful ’cause he’s probably getting late-night pool lessons,” Eagle said. The room roared and Muerto smiled.
“So what the hell are you doing with the chick? You should’ve moved on by now.” Army stretched out his long legs.
“I’m dating her.” Muerto braced himself. Sniggers, lewd noises, and whistles bounced off the clubhouse walls.
“Dating her? What the fuck does that mean?” Goldie asked as he cut into his burrito.
“You don’t know what dating means? I didn’t think you were such a stupid fuck.” Muerto crossed his arms.
Several brothers chuckled and Chains added, “Yeah. We know you think a chick’s for fucking, but sometimes it’s fun to go out for dinner or something before you fuck.”
“Why would I wanna do that?” Goldie countered.
“I’m with Goldie on this one,” Paco said as he sat down. “Chicks are for having a helluva good time when they’re naked. Not clothed.”
“Having a woman in your life is something you don’t know you want until you meet the right one. That’s how it was with Breanna. I fucking fought it all the way, but it didn’t help. I was hooked. I suspect that’s the way it is with you, Muerto,” Steel said.
Muerto nodded.
“Is this for real, dude?” Goldie looked at him in disbelief.
Another nod. “I’m in love with her.” Why the fuck am I telling my brothers? I’m acting like a club girl who talks about her feelings.
All the brothers but Steel stared at him in disbelief. Muerto knew they were uncomfortable about what he said. They didn’t talk about women in that way. And they didn’t talk about sappy feelings, only tough ones that dealt with kicking someone’s ass or annihilating a rival club. A brother voicing that he loved a woman was outside their realm.
“Fuck it,” he grumbled. He pushed his chair back and walked out. What the hell made me blurt that out? The truth was he was over the moon about Raven and he’d never experienced such intense feelings about anyone other than his family and brothers. Each time she popped into his head, his heart smiled and his cock twitched. She was so much more than just a girlfriend.
He took out his phone and sent a text to her.
Muerto: Thinking bout u.
When a ping came back he smiled.
Raven: I was thinking bout u 2. Then u texted. Cool.
Muerto: I have tonight off. Want 2 take u for a steak dinner.
Raven: Sounds nice. Fancy place?
Muerto: Ya.
Raven: Even nicer. Get to dress up.
Muerto: Pick u up @7.
Raven: Can’t wait.
Muerto: I love u.
Raven: ♥ u 2.
* * *
Muerto sucked in his breath when Raven came out of the bedroom in her high-heeled sandals and black formfitting dress. She was breathtakingly beautiful and elegantly sexy. She spun around. “You like it?”
“Fuck yeah. You look gorgeous. We’re gonna have to take your car. I’m pretty sure you don’t wanna go on the Harley.”
“Not dressed like this.” She laughed. “But I have to confess I’m craving another ride on your bike. I loved it.”
“Yeah, Harleys have that effect on women.”
“And so do the men who ride them.” She grabbed her clutch bag. “Are we ready to go?”
He cocked his head to the side. “In a minute. Come over here.”
Shaking her head, she giggled. “No way. I know that look and that tone of voice, and it means my makeup getting all messed up, my clothes wrinkled, and my bra and panties ripped. It took me too damn long to get ready for tonight.”
“I oughta smack your ass for disobedience,” he teased.
“You’ll have to wait to do that later. First you need to feed me.” She placed her hands on her stomach. “I’m starving.”
He winked. “You’re absolutely worth the wait. Let’s go.”
As he backed the car out of the driveway, he saw a figure in his peripheral vision by the tree across the street. He slammed on the brakes and the shadow vanished.
“What’s wrong?” Raven said as she braced against the dashboard.
Without answering, he bolted from the car and ran across the street, walking behind the trees. No one was there. He stood quietly, listening to see if he could hear anyone breathing. Nothing, just the normal sounds of the neighborhood: kids squealing, mothers yelling, lawnmowers whirring, cars humming. Ears pricked, he tried to pick up the slight rustle of leaves, or a twig snapping. Nothing.
Reluctantly, he went back to the car. “I thought I saw someone.” He started up the car again and drove slowly by the trees, then around the block. He came up from the opposite side and parked halfway down the block, his gaze fixed on the cluster of trees.
Raven laughed. “Take it from me, if you stare too long at the trees, they start morphing into people. I know that from experience.”
Still staring at the area, he asked, “What do you mean? Have you seen someone behind t
he trees staring at the house?”
“A couple of times. It’s been at night, and I do just what you’re doing. I stare and then move away, pretending to have lost interest, but I’m still looking.”
“What happens?”
“Nothing. No one walks away. It’s just the same as always. I just chalk it up to my eyes playing tricks on me, or it’s the shadow people. I’ve seen documentaries on that subject. A lot of people think they see someone from the corners of their eyes, but when they look full-on no one’s there. It gives me the chills.”
“Yeah, well, I know my eyes aren’t playing tricks on me. And it’s not some damn shadow person. What I saw was real. My gut’s telling me the same thing. I can’t believe the person disappeared so fast.”
For the next twenty minutes they watched the trees, but nothing ever changed except the lighting. The sun was in its final descent. The gurgling of Raven’s stomach brought Muerto out of his trance. He turned to her and leaned over, kissing her cheek. “Sorry, sweetie. I get carried away at times. We’ll go to the restaurant.”
“I’m sure it was just the way the light played on the trees. Sometimes that happens too.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right.” He drove past the trees, taking one last look.
As they headed to the restaurant, a nagging feeling gnawed at him.
Something definitely isn’t right.
Chapter Thirty
When I realized he’d spotted me, I had to think and move quickly. I dashed over to the next house, which was only a few feet away, and dove into the big scratchy bush. The leaves were so dense that sunlight barely filtered through. I thought for sure he was going to come over and check it out, but he was obsessed with the trees and foliage in the small parkway. Good for me.
While he’d watched the trees like a hound dog, the ants and spiders feasted on me, but I didn’t move a muscle. Normally, I would’ve brushed them away and climbed out from under the bush, but I laid there silent and unmoving. I had to. He was out there listening, waiting. One movement, one shout, and it was all over. So I let them crawl on me, let their stings prick at my skin, and I didn’t even flinch. And Dr. Clemmons had said I didn’t have any self-restraint. He should see me now. What a fucking quack.
