She looked at Hannah. “Please, I don’t want to leave. Can’t I stay here with you?”
“I’m sorry, but you have to go with him,” she said. “Like he said, he’s your father. Besides, I don’t have room for you here.”
Ruby began to cry. I tried pulling her into my arms, but she stiffened up and began to shriek.
“I’m sorry,” I said, letting her go immediately. I felt helpless and didn’t know what to do.
“I want my mommy,” she sobbed, tears running down her face.
“She’s gone,” said Hannah. “Now quit with the dramatics. You’re going with this man and that’s final. I can’t keep you.”
Ruby cried harder.
I gave the woman a dirty look. She was about as sensitive as a rock.
“What in the hell is going on out here?” growled Jimmy, coming out of the back room.
“Ruby is acting up again,” said Hannah, crossing her arms and shaking her head.
“What do you expect?” he said to her. “You’re dumping the kid on a stranger.”
I understood myself. This wasn’t going as planned, but I knew I had to take her with me. I wanted to take her with me. An idea suddenly came to me. I pulled Hannah to the side and told her what I was thinking.
“Yeah, I’m sure that might work. It’s a little extreme and expensive, though, isn’t it?” she asked, frowning.
“If it helps, it’s worth it. I’m leaving, but should be back in a couple of hours. Whatever you do, don’t spoil the surprise,” I said.
“Fine,” she huffed. “What about dinner? I thought you were going to take her with you. I’m going to need some money.”
I pulled out fifty dollars and handed it to her. “Here, order some pizza or something. I’ll give you more cash when I get back for your troubles. As long as she’s fed, packed, and ready to go when I return.”
“She will be,” said Hannah, a determined look on her face. “Just, do what you gotta do.”
“Thanks.”
Chapter 29
Blade
“A little birdie told me Tarot flew out of town,” Cane said over the phone. “So, I’m thinking that now would be a good time to send his club over to find the ‘missing’ safe. You sure you hid it well?”
“Yeah,” replied Blade, cleaning the dirt out of his nail. “Unless he was planning on unpacking all of his shit within the last two days, he wouldn’t have found it.”
“Good. I’m going to have someone make an anonymous call to Phoenix. Once they find the safe, some heads are going to roll,” he said, a smile in his voice. “I just wish I could be around to see it.”
Blade agreed. “Let me know when you’ve called. I’m going to sneak over there and watch as things unfold.”
“I’m calling right away.”
“Okay.”
They hung up and Blade grabbed his keys. He wanted to watch as Phoenix’s men carried the safe out of the apartment complex. Wanted to catch the looks of betrayal on their faces. Although it was just business, he enjoyed creating drama, and getting paid for it was even better.
Thirty minutes later, Blade watched from a safe distance as two Gold Vipers pulled up on their bikes, along with a van. They parked, and then three men headed toward the building. Just as they reached the doorway, someone opened the door for them. Oddly enough, it was the same guy who’d held the door open for him the other night. The group disappeared into the building and he waited.
***
Phoenix thanked Chuck for letting them in. He had the key to the building, but everyone thought it would look suspicious if they’d let themselves in.
“No problem. You need anything else?” Chuck asked.
“Nope. We’re good,” Phoenix said, handing him a twenty-dollar bill.
“What’s that for?” Chuck asked.
“Your time,” he replied.
“I can’t accept this.” Chuck handed it back to him. “Dom and I are friends. You want to do something for me, just invite me to one of your parties.”
“Will do,” Phoenix said. “There’s one in a couple of weeks. Over at his place.” He nodded toward Brass. “I’ll text you the address.”
“Sounds good,” he replied, smiling. “Thanks. Do I need to bring anything?”
“Just yourself. It’s a private party, so don’t invite anyone else,” Brass said. “
“No problem,” Chuck said, looking serious again. “See you soon.”
“Yeah. Thanks, man,” said Phoenix.
Chuck left them and they headed toward Tarot’s apartment.
“Did either of you see anyone out there?” Phoenix asked as they walked down the hallway.
Brass spoke. “No, but I’m sure one of the Blood Angels is watching us.”
“Of course. They want to see drama. We’ll give them some. And more,” Phoenix replied.
“What about the safe? They’re going to expect us to carry it out,” said Len. “Didn’t Tarot bring it back to Devon?”
“Yeah, but she emptied it and gave it back,” Brass said, stopping at Tarot’s doorway. “I told her she needs a bigger one, anyway.”
Phoenix pulled out the spare keys Tarot had given him in anticipation of the Blood Angels calling in the tip. He’d been right all along. This was a setup, and although they didn’t know who the caller was, the Blood Angels had to be involved. Nobody else would go to such lengths to fuck with them.
“We aren’t breaking down the door?” Len asked, scratching his face.
“Of course not,” Phoenix said, sliding the first key in. “We don’t want the neighbors calling the cops. This isn’t the movies, Len.”
Len looked disappointed.
They walked in, grabbed the safe, and left the apartment.
“It’s show-time,” said Phoenix, as they headed back out to the parking lot with the safe.
***
Blade watched as the three Gold Vipers stepped out of the apartment complex, carrying the safe he’d originally stolen. They looked pissed off as all hell.
Score.
Smiling, he sent Cane a text, telling him that Phoenix and his men looked ready to pound the shit out of someone. Cane responded with a thumbs-up emoji.
What next? Blade asked.
Hold tight for now, replied Cane. We’ll play it by ear.
Chapter 30
Peyton
Dom called me after he got off of the plane, to let me know he’s arrived in San Francisco and then again a few hours later.
“So, how did it go with Ruby?” I asked during the second call, which was around four-thirty.
He sighed. “Awful. But I didn’t expect her to run into my arms and call me ‘daddy’.”
“I’m sure. So… What do you think? Is she yours?”
“She certainly looks a lot like my mother,” he said, a smile in his voice. “I’m still going to have a paternity test done, but I’d bet my life savings that she’s mine.”
My heart went out to him. I could hear the emotion in his voice as he talked about Ruby and knew he was going to make every attempt to be a good father.
“When are you bringing her home?”
“I’m bringing her back with me. I can’t leave her with that flaky aunt or her drunk of a boyfriend. I’m pretty sure Hannah is a drug user and Jimmy.” He grunted. “He’s a piece of shit. I don’t want my daughter around him. I probably shouldn’t have left her there now, but the girl has been so traumatized. I don’t want to add to it.”
He was already calling Ruby his daughter. I thought it was cute. “I understand. Look, if you need any help with her, I’ll do whatever I can.”
“I appreciate it,” he replied.
“So, are you flying back or driving?”
“I called the airport, and they don’t have another available seat, so we’re driving.”
“When are you leaving?”
He let out a sigh. “As soon as I can get her to trust me. She freaked out when I mentioned I wanted to bring her home with me.�
�
“Damn.”
“Exactly. But, you gave me an idea the other day and I’m going with it.”
“What idea?”
He reminded me and I smiled. “Good plan, you old softie.”
Dom chuckled. “I don’t think I’ve ever been called that. At least not by a woman.”
I laughed. “I bet.”
We talked for a few more minutes and then he told me he had to go.
“Let me know how it goes.”
“I will,” he promised.
Chapter 31
Tarot
After hanging up with Peyton, I got out of the rental car and walked into the pet store. I headed over to where I noticed several puppies for sale, in glass-encased kennels, and cringed at the prices.
“Excuse me,” I said to an employee, who was carrying a white and gray puppy. I waved my thumb toward the price list. “Are those really what they cost?”
The woman smiled and nodded. “Yeah, we’ve got all of the papers for the puppies, too. They’re mostly purebreds.”
“Do you have any mutts?”
“Mixed-breeds? No, not right now.”
Figures.
“Is there a Humane Society around?” I asked.
“Not close. It’s about forty minutes from here.”
I didn’t want to lose any more time.
Fuck it.
“Are they all caught up on their shots and everything?” I asked, staring at the Siberian Husky she was holding. It had ice-blue eyes and extremely large paws for such a small pup.
“They are,” she replied and nodded toward the glass kennels. “Let me know if you’d like to hold one.”
“Is this one for sale?” I asked, nodding to the one in her arms.
She grinned down at the puppy. “Yeah. We call this one Chilly. Because of her eyes. They’re like ice.”
“So, she’s a female?” I asked as the woman handed me the squirming puppy.
“Yes. We just got her in yesterday. She’ll go quick. People out here love Huskies and we don’t get too many of them. To be honest,” she lowered her voice, “I think it’s too warm out here for this breed. They do better in cooler climates.”
“Is that so?” I said, petting the animal. Its fur was softer than I’d imagined. “So, how much is this one?”
“Twenty-five-hundred.”
I whistled.
She smiled. “Like I said, they’re rare in this store. Anyway, Chilly is worth every penny. Do you have children?”
“Yeah. A daughter,” I said, as the puppy began licking my chin.
“Huskies are great with children,” she replied. “They love to run and play, although, they can be very… persevering, which is why they make great sled dogs. They also need a lot of exercise.”
She went on about the breed and all I kept thinking about was whether or not Ruby would like her enough to come home with me. I decided that if a puppy didn’t do the trick, then nothing else would.
“I’ll take her,” I said. “You take credit cards?”
The woman smiled. “Yes. Your daughter is going to love you for this.”
At this point, I just wanted her to like me.
***
An hour later, I was back at Hannah’s. When I knocked, nobody answered the door, but I noticed Jimmy’s car parked in the driveway. So, they were definitely home.
Holding Chilly in my arms, I turned the handle and found it open. “Hello?” I said, poking my head inside. I found Hannah lying on the sofa. She appeared to be passed out.
Setting the puppy down, I walked over and shook her arm. It took her several seconds to respond, and when she did, I could tell she was high on something again.
“Where’s Ruby?” I asked, feeling suddenly anxious.
“I don’t know,” she mumbled and then closed her eyes again.
I walked to the back of the trailer where I could hear the television blaring loudly in one of the bedrooms. I opened up the door and found Ruby cowering in the corner of the mattress. Jimmy loomed over her, his shirt off and his belt buckle undone.
Rage boiled inside of me. “What the fuck are you doing?” I growled, rushing toward Jimmy, who looked as guilty as all hell.
“Nothing!” he cried, backing away from me.
I grabbed him by the shirt and pulled him out of the room. Slamming the door behind me, I shoved him backward, ready to kill the fucker.
“Wait, you’re making a mistake,” he said, holding his hands up in front of him. “I didn’t do anything.”
“You fucking pervert,” I snapped and then punched him in the face.
Jimmy’s head snapped backward. He cried out and his nose began to bleed. Before I could hit him again, Hannah was between us, trying to stop me.
“What the hell you doin’?” she slurred.
“Your boyfriend was in back with Ruby, trying to… I don’t fucking know, but it wasn’t anything good,” I replied angrily.
“What are you saying?” she asked, looking confused.
“I didn’t do anything!” Jimmy cried, holding his bloody nose. “I was just teaching her a lesson for… for being rude to you. And this is how you repay me?”
I glared at him. He was lying. I knew it and he knew that I knew it.
“Honestly, I was just giving her a lecture,” he said, looking ready to shit his pants.
I didn’t know if he’d gotten around to touching her inappropriately, but it was what he’d intended. Every fiber of my being sensed it. I grabbed him by the throat and shoved him against the wall. “I should kill you right now.”
Jimmy looked at Hannah, who was staring at us in stunned silence. “I didn’t do anything!” he cried. “Hannah, I swear. He’s crazy!”
That pissed me off even more. I grabbed a vase that was sitting on the end-table and smashed him over the head with it. He screamed and crumbled to the ground. I was about to pick him back up, when Hannah grabbed my arm.
“Please. Stop this or I swear, I’ll call the cops,” she begged, as Jimmy sat up and moaned.
“Do that,” I said, pulling my arm away from her. “I’ll make sure you’re arrested for child endangerment, and not to mention, drugs.”
“Drugs?” Hannah said, her eyes darting around the trailer. She laughed nervously. “There’s no drugs here.”
“I’m not a fucking idiot,” I said, noticing that Chilly was over by the bedroom door, pawing at it. Ruby opened it from the inside and there was a brief look of joy on her face when she noticed the pup. Then she looked at us and it was replaced with fear.
Having had enough of the bullshit, I stepped over Jimmy and went to my daughter. I kneeled down and grabbed the puppy, to hold her still.
“Ruby,” I said, as calmly as possible. “This is Chilly. I bought her for you.”
She wiped the tears away from her eyes and managed a small smile.
“Look,” I said, gently. “I know you’re afraid, but I’m your daddy and I won’t ever do anything to hurt you. And if anyone tries to harm, or touch you in a bad way, they’ll answer to me.”
Ruby glanced over at Jimmy nervously.
“Especially him,” I said, seething inside. “You won’t ever have to worry about that guy. Or… anyone,” I said, touching her arm.
She flinched.
I let go of her arm. “I’m sorry. If you don’t want anyone to touch you, I understand, honey. You call the shots, okay?”
Relaxing, Ruby nodded.
“Did you eat anything while I was gone?” I asked her softly.
Ruby shook her head.
I glanced over at Hannah and glared at her. The woman lowered her eyes.
“Tell you what; let’s go out and grab a bite to eat. You. Chilly. And me. Okay? Maybe some pizza? Unless you’d prefer Mc Donald’s?”
“I like Mc Donald’s,” she said hoarsely.
Releasing a sigh of relief, I stood up. “Me, too. Let’s go and get you a Happy Meal.”
She smiled and nodded.
“Can you do me a favor?” I said, reaching into my jacket pocket. I pulled out the new leash I’d purchased and clipped it onto Chilly’s collar. “Take her outside, so she can go potty. Hold her tightly, though, or she might get away.”
Ruby nodded.
I handed her the leash and opened the door so they could step outside. Once they were out, I turned back to Hannah. I was still pissed off, but just wanted to get the hell out of there with my daughter. “You get her stuff ready?”
“She did,” Hannah said, and then went in back of the trailer to retrieve it.
I looked at Jimmy, who was staring at me timidly from the sofa. “You’re one sick fuck, you know that?”
He opened his mouth to protest, and I cut him off.
“I don’t want to hear about it,” I snapped. “The next time you try touching a kid, you’re going to get caught. You’ll end up in prison, and you’ll be the one getting touched.”
He looked at me like I was full of shit. But, after grabbing him by the throat, I’d seen it all. Whether or not my glimpse into his future had been triggered by rage or by skin-to-skin contact, I wasn’t sure. But, I knew his future was fucked. And he deserved everything he got.
“Here,” said Hannah, walking out of the back. She handed me a wheeled blue suitcase.
“This is everything?” I asked, surprised.
Hannah nodded. “That’s all she arrived with.”
I took it from her.
“You’re wrong about Jimmy,” she said. “He wouldn’t touch a young kid.”
I shook my head and walked toward the front door. She was clueless. I glanced over my shoulder. “Why don’t you ask him about Mary Jo?” I was pretty sure that was the name of the woman he’d been with earlier in the day.
Hannah gasped. “Mary Jo? Did he tell you about his ex-wife?”
“He didn’t have to,” I replied, looking back over my shoulder. “Besides the stink of beer, you can smell someone’s cheap perfume all over him.”
Luring the Biker (The Biker) Book 7 Page 12
