Snakes and Angels

by Nikki Pink

  Fuck. How did he do this? As he listened on his disbelief grew. How in the fuck…? It wasn’t just Eag who was going to be screwed over.

  The audio file was short at just over a minute, but it was a death sentence for Eag. And not just for Eag. He shook his head to himself. “Mother of God…”

  The conversation he listened to sounded completely natural — as if it had actually occurred instead of being assembled piece by piece and meticulously patched together and digitally manipulated to sound natural. The man was a genius. A conniving, dangerous, backstabbing genius bordering on insanity.

  He rose to his feet on shaky legs, before slumping back into the chair. He grabbed the bottle and poured a generous slug into the glass in front of him and downed it.

  Standing up again he closed the laptop and re-positioned it exactly where it was. A quarter of an inch of whisky was now missing from the bottle, but the Doctor, cocky asshole that he was, surely wouldn’t notice it.

  Thoughts running a mile a minute through his now fear-addled brain Eag headed back outside. What am I going to do? I’m dead. I’m a walking fucking corpse. Unless…

  “Nicole…” he said to himself as he stumbled through the bushes.

  CHAPTER TEN

  Nicole

  I lay down on my bed staring across the room as Lucy tried on her third tiny top.

  “How do I look?”

  I’ve got socks bigger than that top. “You look hot Luce. What happened to…” My voice faded, not really wanting to bring up the events of the last few weeks.

  “To what?”

  “You know. You said you were going to be less wild.”

  “I am.”

  I laughed softly. “How do you figure?”

  “It’s nearly seven and I haven’t even had a drink yet. Are you sure you’re not going to come?”

  I sighed. “I’m still shook up. That sheriff…”

  Lucy shook her head. I’d told her about what he’d said to me, and how he’d abandoned me at the diner.

  “He’s just an asshole. A crazy asshole. Come on, it’ll be fun. Don’t you miss Jase?”

  I pulled my blanket up to my neck. Yes I miss him. “No. Yes. I’ll call him soon. I’m just in a strange place right now.”

  “Because of the sheriff?”

  “Yeah. And, y’know. Everything that’s been going on.”

  “So come out tonight. It’ll help you forget all that.”

  I wrinkled my nose. How will that make me forget everything. It’ll bring it all back. “Can you…”

  Lucy wriggled into the shortest jean shorts I’d ever seen. She attempted to fasten the top button and then gave up, allowing them to stay unfastened at the top. You could glimpse her red panties underneath, if you peered closely, which presumably a lot of people would. It looked sexy, in a slutty way.

  “Can I what?”

  “Can you ask Jase to call me?”

  “I thought he tried to call you, like, a hundred times.”

  “Yeah, he did. But—”

  “So why don’t you call him then?”

  Why don’t I call him? Good question. Because I’m afraid? “Just ask him to, please?”

  She sighed. “Okay. Are you sure you won’t come?”

  I shook my head. “I’m going to get up early and hit the books.” I had no choice. If I didn’t make the most of Sunday I’d be screwed. Completely, royally, screwed.

  “Maybe I’ll join you.” Lucy giggled.

  “Yeah, right.” I laughed at her. “Library at 9a.m. sharp?”

  “Sure!”

  “Pinky promise?” I held out my hand.

  “Ummm, gotta run! Later!”

  I laughed as I watched her leave. She almost seemed back to her old self, her earlier promise to tone down her partying ways completely forgotten.

  I shook my head. This week Lucy had spent every evening in the library, putting three, four, even five hours in after classes. She was amazing. I don’t know how she did it. I’d tried, but these last couple of weeks I just hadn’t been able to focus. My brain seemed to be on strike.

  I pulled the covers up over my head. Maybe I could start on Monday’s paper after a nap. Or maybe I’d get up really early instead.

  I sighed and let my eyes close. My mind wandered back to motorcycles and back to Jase. Beautiful Jase. I drifted to sleep dreaming of my motorcycle-riding, tattooed, lover. Can we be together? Can I a biker and a good college girl really be a perfect match? Does one of us need to change, or are we destined to fail?

  I imagined him coming in to my room now. I start to get up from the bed, but he pushes me face down, grabbing my hair tight with one hand as he pulls my underwear down with the other. He can’t resist me, can’t wait, can’t stop…

  Little did I know when I drifted off to sleep that I’d be awoken by a tattooed biker. But it wasn’t Jase.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Jase

  Everyone was there except Eag. Jase had made sure to get to the meeting room early and had sat at the head of the table, in Bigfella’s seat. When the Doctor had come in Jase could have sworn he’d seen a look of anger on the big man’s face before he composed himself.

  “Let’s talk later.”

  The Doctor nodded and sat down next to Jase, in his ‘old’ spot. No one said anything about the seating arrangements at the head of the table as they filed in. It seemed that they would let Jase and the Doctor figure it out amongst themselves.

  “Senor Bottle. Tell us the news.”

  There was laughter and expectant looks around the table as everyone focused on him. He looked very pleased with himself.

  “We picked up a guy called Carlos. He’s taking control of the street dealers after their leadership was mysteriously wiped out.

  “He took it hook, line and sinker. As far as he’s concerned he’s now working for a Mexican cartel that’s expanding into the US.”

  “Which cartel?” asked T-Bone.

  “He doesn’t know. He doesn’t want to know, he knows how ruthless they are.”

  “Can we trust him?” asked Lonnie.

  “Nope. He’s a fuckin’ degenerate piece of scum.”

  More laughter.

  Bottle continued, “But he likes money, and he doesn’t want his head cut off, so I think he’ll do as he’s told for now.”

  The Doctor said, “That’s something we can all agree on.”

  Bottle had a glimmer in his eye when he continued, “And there’s more. Apparently he has a cousin. Well, more than one cousin. And they’re going to be looking for new suppliers too.”

  Jase grinned at Bottle. “Where?”

  “Los Santos, Armingdale, maybe Fenton.”

  Jase glanced over at the Doctor who managed to look both pleased and shocked in equal measure. “No shit, Bottle?”

  “No shit, Doc.”

  “You’ve done good.”

  “Hell yeah,” said Lonnie.

  T-Bone laughed and banged the table. “I didn’t want us going into this shit. But, fuck me, we’re kicking ass at it.”

  “Where’s Eag?” asked Lonnie.

  The Doctor shook his head. “Idiot ate a bad taco. He’s got food poisoning.”

  “A taco? Serves him right.”

  “Are you going to look after him, Doc?” teased Lonnie.

  “Fuck no. I’m going to get drunk and find me a nice little party chick.”

  Jase banged the table. “So boys, I’ve been thinking.”

  “I didn’t think you had it in you.”

  Jase laughed. “Fuck you, Lonnie.” Jase’s voice turned serious as he spoke, “It looks like this shit is taking off. If we’re going to manage it we’re going to need to expand.”

  “New members?”

  “More than that.”

  There were curious looks around the table. Jase leaned forward, “New charters.”

  No one said anything. The club had existed in its current state, standing alone, since its inception. When it was first founded th
ere’d been dreams of spreading across the state, across the southwest, across the country even. But those dreams had withered away and they’d grown comfortable. Someone say something, please.

  Finally the Doctor spoke, “I think that’s a fine idea.”

  “I’m in.”

  “Sounds good.”

  There were other pleased murmurings around the table. “We’ll need to think this shit through, and it’ll take some time. But I think we can pull it off.”

  “Where were you thinking?”

  Jase nodded his head in Bottle’s direction. “Follow the money. Maybe Armingdale first.”

  For the first time that evening Gauge spoke. “I know someone there. He might be interested.”

  The Doctor looked at him. “What kind of someone?”

  “The President of the Ragers.”

  The Ragers were a small motorcycle club, much like the Sons.

  “How do you know him?” asked Lonnie.

  Gauge’s face was unreadable as he answered with one word, “Mogadishu.”

  “Bless you,” said Bottle, grinning. Gauge didn’t laugh.

  Lonnie smacked Bottle on the arm. “It’s in Somalia, you dipstick.”

  “Alright, well that’s an avenue we can think about. It’s early days, we haven’t even received our first proper shipment yet.”

  T-Bone nodded. “Let’s not get carried away.”

  The excitement faded as reality began to set back in. Expanding the club wasn’t something that would happen overnight. It’d take time and hard work. They’d need to think about it and plan it through.

  When the men filed out the Doctor stayed behind, sitting with a contemplative look on his face. Alright. Let’s get this over with.

  “Look Doc, I hate to have to do this, but I spoke to Bigfella and—”

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Doctor

  The long haired younger man was sitting in the seat that rightfully should have been his. He’d earned it, after all. Who’d made the deal with the Koreans? Who was responsible for the massive income that would soon be coming their way?

  “Look Doc, I hate to have to do this, but I spoke to Bigfella and—”

  Doc patted Jase on the shoulder. “You should sit there Jase, you’ve given much more to the club than I ever have, ever could.” Like fuck you have.

  “You’re cool?”

  The Doctor nodded at Jase. “We’re brothers. We’re always cool.” Enjoy it while you can.

  They hugged and patted each other on the back. The Doctor looked Jase in the eyes, “I’m supposed to meet the Koreans again tomorrow. And we need to tell them that we might want to increase our supply.”

  The younger man nodded earnestly.

  “Why don’t you go, tomorrow? You should meet them. Maybe take Eag with you if he’s feeling better. You can give them the good news about increasing our order.”

  “You’re not going to come?”

  “No. Actually, don’t tell the others yet, but I think I’m on to something.” He leaned in towards Jase, his voice low, as if there was a chance of the people outside overhearing their conversation over the noise of ACDC blaring from the speakers. “I think I know who’s been fucking with us.”

  The excitement was palpable on Jase’s face, like a kid or a puppy. His voice sounded breathless as he leaned in close. “Who?”

  “I don’t want to say until I’m 100%. It could be very volatile, Jase. Let me make certain, then I’ll tell you everything.”

  The younger man nodded. “Tomorrow?”

  “Yeah. I’ll tell the Koreans to expect you around one in the afternoon. By the time you’re back, say, six or so I think I should have everything I need.”

  Jase gripped the Doctor’s shoulder. “Good work, Doc. I’m glad we can work together like this.”

  “Thanks. You too. Good luck with the Koreans. And if they offer you one of their massages, for fucks sake, you take them up on it.”

  An odd look crossed his face, before he laughed. “We’ll see.”

  We’ll see? What the fuck does that mean? What kind of faggot would turn that shit down. Idiot.

  The Doctor pulled Jase towards him again and hugged him tight. “Later boss. I need a drink.”

  The younger man looked proud at being called boss. Enjoy the moment fuckhead.

  The two men stood up and embraced each other before heading out into the mayhem that was the clubhouse on a Saturday night.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Nicole

  I taste him, touch him, feel him. I bite him, lick him, consume him. He holds me, I hold him. There is a knock. He pushes me down, I push back. He fills me and I am filled. He fills me and finally I am complete. Then the knocking comes again.

  The gentle knock was more insistent and I heard the door handle twist. It was locked though, of course. I blinked my eyes, my head a confused mess. I felt like I’d drunk half a bottle of whisky even though all I’d done was sleep.

  The room was dark and the building was silent as I slipped out from under the covers and rose. I was hot and wet between my thighs, my dream almost faded from my mind and my confusion almost complete. When I got to the door I paused. Had I really heard knocking? Or had I just imagined it?

  Assuming Lucy had lost her key I began to open the door and let out a gasp when it was suddenly pushed into me. A leather gloved hand pressed against my face and my eyes widened in shock. Eag.

  He wrapped an arm around me to stop me moving and pushed the door gently closed with his boot. My eyes were wide and adrenaline poured through me, clearing my addled mind.

  His voice was low. “Sorry to burst in like this. I needed to talk to you. Please.”

  I raised my eyebrows at him, unable to speak. He gently removed his hand from my mouth and relaxed the arm that had wrapped around me.

  “What the hell?” I hissed.

  “Sorry! Please. I need to tell you something. I need you to listen.”

  “What? Why me?”

  “There’s no one else. It’s about the club. I’m dead, Nicole. I’m dead. I have to go.”

  “What? You’re not making any sense.”

  Eag sat on the sofa and clutched his head in his hands. I went and sat next to him.

  “It’s complicated. I can’t explain it all. But please listen. For Jase.”

  “For Jase? Is he hurt?”

  “No. Not yet, he—”

  “Not yet?” my whisper was harsh.

  Eag shook his head again. “Just listen.”

  I stared at him hard, willing him to speak.

  “The Doctor wants to take control of the club. It’s his fault Bigfella is in jail, it’s his fault Brodie was killed. It’s all his fault.”

  I tilted my head. “How do you know? Why do you have to go?”

  I could see his fists grabbing at his hair as he squeezed them tight. He began to sob, quietly. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”

  Not knowing what to do I patted him on the back. What in the hell is going on.

  “I helped him. It was me and him. For the money. But now he—”

  “What?” I whispered.

  “He’s going to kill me. Or have me killed at least.”

  “Why?”

  “Because he’s a dick! To tie up loose ends! I don’t fucking know. Not just me. Jase too.”

  A shudder ran through me. “What? How?”

  I saw a tear drop to his knee, a crystal on top of the blue denim before it was absorbed. “He’s been recording us. Me, Jase, everyone, everything.”

  “So?”

  “Remember those guys in the warehouse?”

  “Of course.” How could I forget?

  “He got them to say that Jase hired them. And then he killed them.”

  “Why would Jase hire people to shoot at him?”

  “He didn’t. The Doctor is trying to make it look like me and Jase were collaborating, that we framed Bigfella and started the war with the Mexicans, all for money.”

  “No one
would believe Jase would kill Brodie.”

  “On his tape he has me saying that it’s my fault. That it wasn’t supposed to happen.”

  I shook my head in bewilderment. “Why would you do that?”

  He sighed, embarrassed. “Money,” he whispered.

  I gave him a quizzical look. “Surely the Doctor has plenty of money?”

  Eag shook his head rapidly. “No. He didn’t tell anyone, but he’s not a doctor anymore.”

  “What?”

  “He’s been struck off. Improper conduct with patients. Writing fake prescriptions. All kinds of shit. He’s got a big-ass mortgage to pay too. Like me.” Eag sighed.

  I shook my head, stunned at these revelations. Does Jase know any of this?

  “I’ve got to go Nicole. I’m leaving. Right now. But you’ve got to tell Jase what’s going on - the Doctor can’t get away with it, Nicole. It’s my fault Brodie’s dead, but I can’t take anymore.”

  “Why don’t you talk to Jase yourself?”

  “He’ll kill me Nicole. You know what Brodie meant to him. Please, you have to tell him what’s going on. Tonight. The Doctor’s going to make his move soon. I’ve got to go.”

  “You’re not going anywhere.”

  We both gasped and swung our heads around to the source of the sudden whisper. Holy shit.

  “Oh fuck,” said Eag, his voice quaking as the door closed.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Jase

  Heading into the main room of the clubhouse Jase felt pleased with how smoothly the meeting had gone. No one had batted an eyelid at him sitting at the head of the table and even the Doctor didn’t seem to mind.

  He scanned the smoke-filled room. It wasn’t as busy as it had been for the wake, but there were quite a few people around. His eyes lasered in on a girl at the bar and he made his way over.

  “Hey,” he said as he touched her on the shoulder.

  Lucy turned her head around languorously before smiling at him. She was drunk. Or high. Or both. “Hey! I’ve got a message for you!”

  A message? “What’s that?”

  Lucy took a drink and gave him a quizzical look. “What?”

  “The message. You said you had a message.”