Hammer went over to the workbench and began to pick up tools.
Thrash looked at him and nodded. “What's not broken?”
Ox tried to argue, “Rabid gonna end you, boy.”
Thrash leaned down and whispered into Ox's ear very quietly, but his tone was very deadly. “A nineteen year old girl killed Rabid without even trying very hard. Maybe I ought to let her finish you, too? You tried to kill her and V, didn't you? Bet she'd love to kill the bastard that killed her baby.”
Ox turned deadly white. Rabid, dead? He was so fucked!
Thrash spoke loudly. “Now—are we gonna break any more bones, Ox? Do you wanna wait until my brother comes? Or you can give us names. If you do, I'll see if I can get Veiko to go easy on you.”
Hammer laughed, “We got that other fucker. It's Crazy. My boys found him wandering around our clubhouse and he had no reasonable explanation. They put him down in the basement. They're bringing him here now.”
Thrash picked up a blowtorch. “He’s still got our tats on him? Or were they blacked out and Fiends inked on him? Gonna be a little while before Veiko gets here.”
Hammer scoffed, “We'll burn em' off when we finish with him. We made our own crematorium. Ashes' old lady is a veterinary technician. We cremate peoples' pets for all the local veterinarians. It's a good cover and we got a license. It's all legal. Ashes used to build them and worked at a few over the years. He knows all about burning bodies. Ours is a good size, but we've got a bigger one for Ox. We even use natural gas. We built a bigger one for horses—it does bodies better. Those crazy horse people want their horse's ashes. Go figure. But it makes life easier for us."
Nailz looked interested. “You got it lined with firebrick and all?”
Hammer was very proud of the crematorium. “It's the real deal. It can do one body at a time or a bunch of body parts. We even have a secondary burner, too. Then we spread the ashes around the woods or dump 'em in the ocean or some swamp. You're welcome to use it...for a price. Make sure you pull the teeth out of Ox's mouth. We get to keep any gold or silver fillings. We sell the teeth to an artist, some freak who will take as many teeth as we can sell her. People think the bones all turn to ash, but they don't. What's left is a coarse gritty material. We sweep everything into a tray and we got a good grinder—that’s where the bones go next. When we do pets, we've got a bro who makes some cool urns. Hell, maybe some people think they got their pet’s ashes and they get our enemies, too. Doubt Ox will end up in one though—more like a paper bag and the swamp.” Hammer laughed wickedly.
Thrash decided he'd break some bones while he was waiting for Veiko. He took a hammer and aimed for Ox's elbow. He gave it a hard smash. Ox screamed as the pain radiated throughout his body.
Thrash and Nailz began to hit him randomly. Nailz was very happy to extract Ox's teeth. He enjoyed every bit of the pain Ox was feeling. Fucking filthy, rat traitor who had been Rabid’s lapdog. Each time Ox screamed, Nailz felt extremely good.
Finally, V and Darko stepped into the coop.
Ox was a sniveling, bloody mess. He looked in fear as he saw Veiko. Gone was the reasonable bro he tried to kill. In fact, V seemed a bit crazy.
Veiko looked at Hammer. “Got a pitchfork? I'd like to put one through him and let him hang for a bit. Let him suffer, like my old lady did.”
Hammer was good with that.
Veiko picked up a pitchfork while Nailz and Thrash untied Ox. They used a rope to secure him to the lower beams in the back of the coop.
Ox was beyond talking and hanging limply.
Hammer told Veiko they’d cremate Ox after he was done with him and V was fine with that.
Darko mentioned that Crazy was on his way to the coop. The men wanted information from him so they thought seeing Ox with the pitchfork stuck through him might get him talking.
Veiko tossed water on Ox. He wanted him to see what was coming. With a Viking-like berserker scream, V jammed the pitchfork right through Ox.
Nailz had jammed a dirty rag into his mouth, but the sound of Ox screaming through it was music to their ears.
The door opened and Crazy was led in. He took one look at Ox and passed out.
Darko unzipped his jeans and pissed on him. All the men in the coop were laughing. Crazy came to and looked about him in a daze. Bound for Hell MC usually did clean kills. Crazy knew death was coming for him tonight. The thought didn't scare the younger biker as much as it had. He'd been a rat, but many times he'd wanted to tell them the truth. He would have, too—if Rabid hadn't him scared to death. Either way, he would’ve been fucked.
Nailz thought of the times Crazy had abused Jules. She had been a club girl until Crazy claimed her and knocked her up. Nailz doubted that Jules knew about any of this. How long had Rabid been planning this shit? Nailz wondered. Crazy had been a member for at least two years. Rabid had even sponsored him before he made national president.
Hammer motioned to the men who brought Crazy in. “Take Ox down and pull that pitchfork out. That burner fired up?”
They nodded.
Hammer asked, “V, you wanna watch him go in?”
Veiko nodded and began to follow them out.
Thrash looked at his brother. “Go home to Kima and know you both got justice. We'll be here awhile with Crazy.”
Nailz spoke up, looking at Crazy. “Jules won't ever know—neither will your son about you being a rat.”
Crazy moaned loudly, “Ain't my kid, it's Tramps! We did some threesomes. He didn't know he knocked her up. Tell her to get a blood test. I'm sterile—had the mumps when I was a teenager. Ask my mother. I never meant it to go down like this. I did what I was told to do.”
Nailz booted him in the face. They'd be telling Tramp that news.
Veiko left to make sure Ox was going to hell. In the distance, he noticed a large bonfire burning with a few bikers around it.
Hammer explained, “In case there's a smell, it's better to have a fire going. We let a few guys hang out at Ashes' house. Some work the burner if they aren't felons.”
Veiko watched with no feelings as Ox was put onto a pine board and pushed into the crematorium. Then V walked to over to his bike. He hoped the smell would leave him as he drove into the wind. Even though it was cold out, V knew he needed to ride. Being on his Harley usually made him feel better. He thought about Ox dying and felt no regret.
It was a justice of sorts. V needed his wind therapy badly, but he needed to hold Kima, too.
He'd never tell her any of this. He thought about it and decided she was dealing with enough. All he wanted to do was wrap his arms around her and hold her close to his heart. Together, they could get through anything.
Chapter Fourteen
Jo waited for Kima to pick her up. They both had doctor appointments. Jo wondered how Kima planned to get away from Veiko, but she always had a plan for everything, it seemed. At least Kima was able to get out—see her parents and she found a way to see Jo whenever she could get away from V.
Jo looked around the house, making sure she kept it clean and tidy. Jo was glad she had a phone now, but there were few people she could call.
Jo thought about the past year. How she went from a girl who didn't want anything to do with bikers to ending up with one of the biggest, meanest members of Bound for Hell MC.
Jo thought back to the night Nailz made her his and that damn Skunk—that hillbilly bastard. Thinking about Skunk made her both sick and sad.
It was Skunk who caught her alone while she was walking on the beach at a club party last summer. At the time he’d just been pissing, then he jumped out from behind a bush and scared the crap out of her. The dirty bastard accused her of looking at him and insinuating that she 'wanted' him.
Jo told him that she was looking for Nailz and Jersey, hoping to scare him off. Skunk assumed that she was shared by both of them and was their play-toy. Thinking that, Skunk thought he could have a little fun with Jo, too.
Jo panicked. She picked up a rock and ended up bashing Skunk i
n the head with it.
At first, Jo thought she killed him. He must have had a hard head, because he came to and was very pissed. Skunk wanted retribution. He was planning to take Jo, because it wasn't clear if she was anyone's property.
After much arguing between the two chapters, Nailz had stepped up and claimed her as his old lady. He ended up fighting Skunk and beating the shit out of him. Jo was happy and secretly thrilled that Nailz stood up for her. That night she realized that she was in love with Nailz. It was the first time that they made love under the stars.
Skunk brought Nailz into Jo’s life like a hurricane. She truly missed Nailz–missed the man who was fun to be with, back then at least. Again, Jo wondered if she was doing the right thing.
Maybe she was being selfish. Jo knew deep down, that Nailz would be a good father. Maybe something would happen so Nailz could see their baby–if he wanted to. Nailz looked so sad, when he told her about his own daughter, Tearney, who was taken from him by his first wife.
Jo left Nailz because he lied to her about Kima and treated her badly. The club hadn't protected Kima so could they protect her? In fact—it was their own National President who had taken Kima.
Jo’s mind was spinning. Maybe Kima was right when she said Nailz didn't want to worry her. However, it didn't matter. It showed Jo that Nailz didn't trust her judgment.
She had a new life now and soon would have a new family and name. Joy had moved her stuff in and Jo really was glad for her company. Joy was a neat freak, too—so they had that in common. At least with Joy around, Jo felt safer. They enjoyed the same music, mostly oldies or the top ten hit list.
Finally, Jo heard Kima pull up and went out to meet her. Jo couldn't believe Kima got them appointments so easily. Dr. Allan was very much in demand as an obstetrician and was always booked up. Jo tried to make an appointment with her without much success.
“Damn, Kima. I’m impressed,” Jo exclaimed. “How did you manage that? I've been trying to see her for weeks. She’s one of the best obstetricians around according to my 'other' father.”
Kima smiled, happy that Jo was pleased. “She's actually a cousin of mine. When I mentioned it was Kima Regan calling and making the appointments, she made time in her schedule to see us right away. Man... I want to get this damn IUD taken out, V's scared it will stick him. With any luck, I'll get pregnant right away. Our kids will grow up playing together. So...all set to go?”
Jo nodded yes and got into the car.
They left and made the short drive into Beach View. When they reached the building, they went inside and gave their names to the receptionist. She told them to have a seat. Jo had a ton of paper work to fill out. She’d be seeing the doctor first.
When Jo heard her name called, she asked Kima, “can you come with me? If it's too hard for you, I understand.”
Kima grinned, “I was coming in even if you didn't ask.”
They made their way to the small examination room. A nurse told Jo to put on a gown and leave it open. The room was so cold and sterile—Jo hated it.
Doctor Allan was a nice woman. You could tell she was related to Kima. They both had the Regan good looks and Jo felt comfortable with her.
It was time for the dreaded exam.
Jo was uncomfortable as Dr. Allan poked and prodded her stomach. Dr. Allan put on her stethoscope and was listening intently. She got a tube of gel out, smeared some on Jo’s tummy, and placed another instrument on it. “Jo, that noise you hear, is your baby’s heartbeat.”
Jo was amazed. The sound resembled that of the ocean. It was like listening to steady thumping beats, under water.
Dr. Allan looked at Jo a bit oddly. “Everything is fine. Do twins run in your family? Because I hear two heartbeats and I think you're having twins. We'll keep checking on each of your visits to make sure.”
Jo looked at Kima who was grinning from ear to ear.
Oh, Thank God! Jo thought. Wait a second...twins? Did she say TWINS?
Oh, my God! That bastard, Nailz! He got her again!
He had evened the score, all right! That damn, Nailz McKay!
Chapter Fifteen
Jo walked out of the doctor's office in shock.
Twins—no! Twins were for Kima, not her!
That fucker Nailz! How dare he do this to her? This was the reason her stomach was getting kicked to hell and back. Nailz made damn sure he got his payback. Yep! He truly outdid himself this time.
Jo wanted to hunt his ass down. If he’d been there, she was sure he would be laughing his ass off.
Payback is so going to be a bitch! She promised herself someday she’d even the score—just like old times.
That big moron was going to be paid back double…as soon as she could figure out a way. Nailz would be sorry that he ever stole her towel and her heart on the beach that fateful day.
Kima just laughed, “You're having twins! Isn’t that wonderful? I guess Veiko better get busy making that baby with me.”
Jo looked a little pale. She was staring at Kima, speechless.
To make her feel better, Kima waved a credit card at her. “Look—compliments of our daddy, Jo! Mall time! We're going to get you some decent clothes.”
“What if I'm seen?” Jo wanted to shop, but she didn’t want to be seen.
Kima shrugged. “If Nailz is at our local mall, I'd be shocked. They're away, anyhow. I got a call from V to expect him home later tonight. So come on, no excuses. You need clothes and the parents will be hurt. If you don't go with me, Mom will just take you. Do you want to go shopping with her?”
Jo decided Kima would be much easier to deal with and off they went.
They parked Kima's car and headed off to find some decent maternity clothes for Jo. Both were disgusted with the selection, but found a few things Jo could wear. They got some loose dresses, skirts and blouses from India that Jo loved. They took time out to have some lunch and then headed back to Jo's house. It still wasn’t riding weather so they didn’t see any bikers on the road. Jo still didn’t want to take any chances being seen—even though Kima wanted to drive around and listen to music like they used to do.
Once home and in her comfy sweat pants and sweatshirt, Jo decided to talk to Kima about Nailz.
“Do you think I was wrong to leave him?” Jo was fretting and worrying again.
Kima took her time to answer. “I'm not the best person to ask since I'm so mad at that damn club. I do think that Nailz was trying to make sure you weren't stressed out—but I'm pissed that he didn't take you to see a doctor. He should know better. Fucking men, they don't think. I do believe he loves you, Jo. But I'm not you. If you felt you had to leave, who am I to tell you that you're wrong? I know that V and Thrash say he's a wreck. But right now, the club is a mess, too. Hell, that's the only reason I'm giving V any slack. We’ve been through so much. Is having a baby going to fix us? I don't know. Is Veiko the same man? I hope so. He's tough—a whole lot tougher then I am. Sometimes I think he is trying too hard, but we'll get through this. I have so much to be thankful for. I love waking up next to him. I feel safe again…usually. At times, I just want to go into the woods and scream, but I don't. It's going to take time for me to forget the past, but I will and wish everyone would realize that.”
Jo looked at Kima and said quietly, “I'm sorry for everything you went through. I wish there was something—anything I could’ve done to help you. You know that, don't you? If only I had known.”
Kima interrupted, reaching out and touching Jo on her arm. “Jo, there was nothing you could do. Not without endangering yourself or the baby and going against the club. In this case, I think Nailz was only trying to protect you the best way he knew how.”
Shaking her head sadly, Jo stated, “You know I love him still, don't you? But I had to leave. He should’ve been honest with me. As for V—he's so in love with you, Kima, never, never doubt that.”
Just then, Jo felt kicking and she put her hand on her stomach to settle it down. She grimaced as she
looked at Kima. “Now, what the hell am I going to do with twins? You were the one that always wanted them. Not me!”
Kima laughed, “Well, not much you can do about it. I guess you really are a Regan. It's common in our family. Don't worry—mom and dad will be thrilled.” Kima looked at the clock on the wall and noticed the time. “It’s getting late, but I'm glad that we got to spend the day together." Kima grinned at Jo and shook her head, “Twins...huh? I still can't believe it.”
Jo laughed. “Yeah, who would’ve thought? Me–pregnant with twins, like I need two babies.”
Jo walked Kima to the door. Kima gave Jo a huge grin.
“Oh shit! I forgot to tell you. Dad needs you to go to the lawyer with him. He used your brother in law, Peter, and the papers are ready so call him or mom. In a few days, you’ll officially be my sister. When everything settles down, there will be a party. Mom still loves to throw parties. It's a good thing you know both sides of the family. I'll call you later. If you call and V picks up, just hang up. I'll call you back as soon as I can.”
They hugged each other and Kima left.
Jo went back inside to cook something for her and Joy. She wasn't sure if Joy would come back for dinner, but it was better than cooking for one person.
Jo had loved to cook for Nailz. He often joked that she was going to make him fat. Jo worried about him and wondered what he was doing. Did he miss her? She wanted to be in his arms and tell him they might be having twins. Damn him for missing out on all of this.
Then the dark part of her mind reached up and told her to stop being so silly. Nailz was fine. He was probably using club whores again. That thought suddenly made her feel violently jealous. He probably wasn’t even thinking of Jo and going on with his life as if she never happened.
Jo's darker part was very wrong. Nailz was thinking about her very much. In fact, Jo was all Nailz could think about. He was even having wet dreams about his Chickie. Whenever he closed his eyes she was there, haunting him. He wondered again (for the thousandth time) where she went. No one seemed to know. They were just as baffled by it as he was…or maybe they weren't telling him.
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