Raiden's Choice (A Ravens MC Novel Book 1)

by J. L. Leslie

  When Moses arrives, I leave and head to work at Johnson’s Mill. Things were simple before Lincoln’s arrest. We both worked at the mill, I fought, and he managed me. Sometimes I won and sometimes I got my ass kicked. We rode our bikes, but we didn’t get involved with the Ravens, Rykers, or Drycos. We had no part in any of that. We were separate from that world.

  Now Lincoln is doing time for the Rykers, I’m playing bitch-boy for the ADA and the Ravens, and I’m one touch away from being hooked on my president’s daughter. Hell, I’m probably one mistake away from being six-feet in the ground with a fucking tree planted on top of my head. Fuck.

  Chapter Fifteen

  ~Raiden~

  I pull up at McDonalds and park in the very back of the parking lot. I don’t know why Alan insists on meeting at McDonalds, but I do it anyway. Alan Conway is my go-to person at the Verdana Sun Times. He feeds off corruption in the justice system and never reveals his sources. He is not a fan of Griffin or the DA, Steve.

  He taps on my window a few seconds later and I let him in. I take in his straight-laced shirt and vest combo and try not to smile. Alan is always dressed like a preppy, wearing pressed khakis, loafers, and his signature black rimmed glasses. I personally think he’s adorable.

  “What you got for me?” he grins.

  “Off the record?”

  “Of course.” he confirms.

  “You should make a visit to the jail and see these inmates. All of them were charged with misdemeanor crimes and most are first offenses, yet they’re still in lockup and their offers are shit.” I tell him and hand him the list of inmates I was able to come up with. “The same two public defenders represent them and can’t seem to get them better deals than these. Something sounds fishy.”

  “I’ll check into it.” he assures me. He leans over and gives me a kiss on the cheek. “I appreciate it, as always.”

  After Alan leaves, I call my dad. I ignore the giggling female in the background. I don’t want to know her name or what she’s doing.

  “Any news on the Rykers?” I ask and hear him snort.

  “Nothing new.”

  “How about Lincoln Varelli?” I question.

  “Why are you asking about him?” he replies and I hear him tell the woman to leave his room.

  “He’s still in lockup. I thought we were going to help him get released.” I answer.

  “Nope. You told Luka you would help him. I didn’t tell the kid that.” he corrects me. Just like I knew he would.

  “Fine, you’re right. I told him I would help him and I’m trying to.” I admit. “His lawyer is under Griffin’s thumb. Can Tennison go meet with him?”

  “You mean our attorney?” I hear the sarcasm in my dad’s voice and it annoys me. Luka is a Raven and he should be willing to help him.

  “I don’t know any other Tennisons.” I bite out.

  “Just how would that look, Raiden?” he asks. “Having the attorney known to represent the Ravens going to meet with a Ryker? I don’t fucking think so.”

  “Well, then have him recommend someone.” I suggest. “Anyone would do better than the piece of shit appointed attorney he has that is only doing what Griffin is asking him to do.”

  “Where is this coming from?”

  “I’m trying to keep my word.” I state. “Like it or not, Luka is a Raven now and we should be treating him like one. That means taking care of his family.”

  “He’s not a Raven until I say he is.” he says, firmly.

  “If you keep treating him like shit, he’s never going to want to be one.” I warn him.

  “You just do your fucking job and let me do mine.”

  ~Luka~

  The delicious smell of bacon assaults my nose the moment I walk into Victoria’s Diner. I tried to get Hayes and Niles to join me, but they refused to get out of bed. The extra shifts everyone has been taking is kicking our asses. Even Kane looks worn out.

  At least it’s Sunday and I have today off. Not that I would ever complain about my extra work. It gives me the opportunity to see Raiden. Twice this past week I’ve been buried inside her. Nope, no complaints here.

  Sonnie walks out from the kitchen and gives me a bright smile. The last time I was here she told me I reminded her of her late husband. I noticed then that she gave me two extra slices of bacon and an extra pancake.

  “You want the usual today, Luka?” she asks and I nod.

  “Sounds great, Sonnie, thank you.” I take a seat at the counter and she hands me a coke. “Do you have the paper?”

  “I sure do.” she smiles and grabs her copy from the behind the counter. “Interesting front page article.”

  I unfold it and see pictures of inmates scattered across the front page with the caption Justice or Corruption? Lincoln’s picture makes me feel like I’ve been punched in the gut.

  I immediately begin devouring the article, which accuses the District Attorney’s office of corruption and injustice in our legal system. The men shown on the front page were all charged with misdemeanor crimes, but their attorneys are unable to get them sentences appropriate for their charges. Most are first-time offenders. All are still in lockup and have bogus pleas on the table. Ironically, all are represented by the same two public defenders.

  The reporter makes a promise to follow up on his investigation and to also check on female inmates in lock up as well. When the District Attorney’s office was asked for a comment, they declined. Figures.

  “Here you go, sweetie.” Sonnie sits my plate in front of me and again, extra bacon and a pancake.

  “Thank you.” I tell Sonnie and she disappears back into the kitchen.

  I look back down at the article and read it again. I don’t want to get false hope, but maybe something like this could help. It can’t be good to have this type of spotlight on the DA’s office with this amount of inmates. Someone has to check into it. See that it’s true. Right?

  “Extra bacon and an extra pancake? Sonnie must like you.”

  Raiden stands about a foot from me. Not too close, but close enough that I can smell her perfume. She doesn’t wear a lot of it, but it suits her. Not overpowering. Just enough.

  “You can come closer.” I say, quietly.

  “I shouldn’t.”

  I know. We both know. Someone might see and she’s living this great big lie that she has to keep living. So we keep pretending. Sneaking around to see each other when in a perfect world, we wouldn’t have to hide.

  “Did you do this?” I ask and hold the paper up.

  “It’s an interesting article, isn’t it? I mean, corruption? Who would’ve thought?” she smiles and I know it was her doing. Of course it was.

  “Thank you. I hope it helps.”

  “I hope it does too.” she tells me. “Sonnie!”

  “Hold your horses!” Sonnie scolds and comes out of the kitchen with a to-go box. She bags it and hands it over to Raiden.

  I eat in silence while Raiden pays and leaves the diner. Sonnie stands on the other side of the counter with her hands on her hips. Finally, she crosses her arms.

  “You’re good for her.” Her comment shocks the hell out of me. I stare up at her and she lets out a chuckle. “She thinks I don’t know what she does, but I’ve known that girl her entire life. She’s tough as hell, but sometimes she doesn’t need to be so tough. That’s why you’re good for her, Luka.”

  “Um, thanks.”

  “And my late husband taught me how to shoot a gun and dispose of your remains should you do anything to hurt her. Understand?”

  I swallow and nod. “Absolutely.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  ~Raiden~

  I hover outside Griffin’s office door. I know it’s possible Beverly could return from lunch any minute now. Steve and Griffin are inside and I can hear them arguing over the newspaper article. That and the fact that nothing has come from the bust on the warehouse.

  “Now we got the media breathing down our fucking necks!” Steve complains. “Grade
A military weapons are sitting in an evidence locker and we can’t tie them to anything! Not a damn thing!”

  “You don’t think I know that?” Griffin hisses back.

  “I thought your little girlfriend was good for something. Maybe you’re getting caught up in the pussy.”

  “Watch it, Steve.” Griffin warns. “She’s not part of this.”

  I’m slightly touched to hear Griffin take up for me. Of course, I know I’m part of this. He could have anyone else and he’s with me for what he thinks I can bring to his career. Which has been nothing.

  I knock lightly and push the door open. Both men look in my direction and Steve is unable to hide his frustration.

  “I’m sorry, Beverly wasn’t at her desk.” I explain as I cross the room and give Griffin a peck on the cheek. “I didn’t know you were in a meeting.”

  “We’re finishing up.” Steve assures me. “How are you, Raiden?”

  “I’m doing good. I was hoping to lure Griffin away for lunch before I head back to work.” I answer and smile sweetly.

  “We’ll talk more this afternoon. You let this young woman take you out of for a bit.” Steve nods and steps out.

  “Raiden, you can’t just walk in my office unannounced like that.” Griffin scolds. “You never know what we could have been discussing. My cases are confidential.”

  “I knocked first.”

  “That’s not the point.” he clips.

  “Well, I’m sorry. It’s just that Beverly wasn’t at her desk and I wanted to take you to lunch. If you’re too busy, we’ll try another day.” I apologize.

  The truth is, I haven’t spent much time with Griffin this week and I know if I don’t then he’ll start showing up at my house out of the blue. He does this whole clingy business whenever I take extra shifts at the hospital or he gets overloaded with cases. As soon as we both have some free time, he’s right up under me. I figure if I go ahead and put in a little extra time with him now then maybe he won’t get like that this time.

  “You’re right. These cases have gotten me stressed and I’ve been working too much this week. Why don’t we go to that diner you’re always raving about?”

  Uh-oh. “Diner?” I try to play it off.

  “Yeah. The one your dad owns. Victoria’s, isn’t it? Let’s go there. I’ll drive.” he suggests and grabs his keys.

  “Sounds great. It’s my favorite place.” I admit and allow him to take my hand as he leads me out.

  Beverly is seated back at her desk as we pass through. I give her a friendly wave and she does the same.

  On the way to the diner, Griffin asks if I read yesterday’s paper. I lie and tell him I haven’t.

  “I don’t really read the paper much unless I’m at work and it’s out at the nurses’ station.” I explain.

  “The media is throwing my office under the bus again. I swear, there’s a leak at the courthouse. I don’t know where they get their information from.”

  “What was the article about?” I ask, playing ignorant.

  “It was ridiculous. We’re being accused of offering bad plea deals. The reporter who did the article says he’s going to continue investigating. As if I need that kind of bullshit.”

  We pull up at Victoria’s and walk inside together. I swear, I think Sonnie’s eyes are going to pop out of her socket. She quickly recovers as we approach the counter. The diner is pretty full with two waitresses working the floor and Sonnie behind the counter.

  “Do you want to sit at a booth or here at the counter?” I ask him.

  “Here at the counter is fine.” he answers and takes a seat. “Do you want a fried chicken sandwich? You said you liked those.”

  “Works for me.”

  “What can I get you?” Sonnie asks, a slight smirk on her face.

  “Two fried chicken sandwiches and two cokes please.” Griffin orders. Sonnie nods and heads into the kitchen.

  “So, what does your office plan to do? Is there any truth to the accusations?” I ask him and I see his jaw clench.

  “Raiden, that reporter has no idea what my office has to do to get convictions on the real criminals in this city. His article is simply weakening the judicial system.”

  “But is it fair to the people you’re charging with these crimes and plea deals? I mean, it sounds like you’re punishing the smaller fish just to try and catch a bigger one.”

  Griffin chuckles at this. “I swear, if I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were the leak at the courthouse.”

  I laugh at this too. “I just feel sorry for the people that are in jail.”

  “Honey, don’t feel sorry for them. They committed crimes. Let’s not pretend like they didn’t when they did. Trust me, they’re getting exactly what they deserve.”

  ~Luka~

  “Yes, I’m fucking starving!” Niles agrees as we park our bikes in front of Victoria’s Diner. “I hear a cheeseburger calling my name.”

  “We need more prospects if we’re going to keep these hours up.” Kane comments. “Hell, you shitheads should be members by now.”

  I’ve thought this myself, but don’t know how I feel about actually being a member of the Ravens. I would have a cut and the word prospect would not be my description any longer. I currently do every task a member does with the exception of handling the weapons pick-up and delivery.

  “Why don’t you get on Dax about that?” Niles puts in. “A cut will really look good on me. The ladies will love it.”

  Kane snorts. “I don’t tell the pres what to do.”

  I push the door open to the diner and hear the familiar bell chime. It’s busy and most of the tables are full, but the counter has some empty stools. As we approach, I recognize the brunette seated beside the register almost instantly. Raiden doesn’t even have to turn around for me to know it’s her. Her light blue scrubs are loose fitting, not giving me the view of her form I’d like to see, but I’m still appreciative.

  “Hey, Sonnie.” I call out as the three of us take the empty seats two down from Raiden.

  It’s then that I notice a second plate and glass beside her. She doesn’t look at me when I sit down. She’s doesn’t give any indication that I’m the man she’s been screwing the past week. That I’m the man she’s been telling her childhood stories to. Laughing with. Smiling with. Falling asleep with.

  Griffin walks past and takes his place beside Raiden. I hear him mention something about her being right, the food is delicious. He gives her a kiss on the cheek and I swear her entire body stiffens. Good.

  “What do you guys need?” Sonnie asks, interrupting my hateful thoughts.

  I’m sure she’d be disgusted to know of the things I was just imagining doing to Griffin Knowles. Tying him up shirtless and using a few of the Ravens’ tools on him, just to ensure he never touched Raiden again. Damn, maybe I do sound like a Raven. Or worse, a Ryker.

  “Bacon cheeseburger plate and a coke, please.” I order and try to keep my focus on anything other than the woman sitting five feet from me.

  I can hear them talking and her soft, husky laughter. The same laughter I hear from her when I tickle her. After she’s been naked beneath me, or on top of me.

  I hear her voice and think about how she told me of the day this diner was built. It was a year after her mother died. Her dad wanted something to remember her by, so he built the diner and named it after her.

  “I’ll be right back.” she says.

  I wait. I wait until she’s been gone a couple of minutes before I head back to the bathroom. She’s opening the door as I’m coming in so I push her back in and close the door behind me.

  “Luka, what the hell are you doing?” she hisses.

  “You brought him here!” I shoot back, angrily.

  She sighs and looks down, avoiding my hard stare. “He wanted to come here for lunch. I couldn’t say no or it would’ve looked suspicious since I bring him takeout from here all the time.” Finally, she meets my gaze. “I’m sorry.”

  �
�I fucking hate this.” I grit out.

  “I need to go.”

  I grab her wrist and pull her hand to my mouth, placing a gentle kiss on it. She lingers for just a moment, letting me have a few more seconds with her and then I drop her hand down between us.

  I nod at her. “I’ll see you.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  ~Raiden~

  I take a deep breath as I exit the bathroom. My hands are trembling a little, but I have them under control by the time I make it back to Griffin. He’s already paying the check. It’s strange to see him standing in the diner dressed in his slacks, button-up, and tie. He doesn’t fit in and it’s funny that he doesn’t seem to realize that. Or maybe he just doesn’t mind.

  “You ready?” I ask as I come to stand beside him.

  “I will be as soon as Sonnie here brings me the box of apple pie she talked me into getting. She assures me it’s the best in Verdana.” he grins.

  “Well, it is. You’re going to love it.” I tell him. “Thank you, Sonnie.”

  Sonnie passes him a small box and we wave as we walk out. I don’t look back to where the Ravens are sitting. I know I’m not supposed to have noticed them. I’m not supposed to have seen that Luka was wearing a faded blue Led Zeppelin t-shirt and that his jeans had a rip in the back right pocket. I’m not supposed to have noticed that he keeps his pocketknife in that same pocket and I could see the light glinting off of it.

  “You getting off at ten tonight?” Griffin asks as he drives me back to my car.

  “Yes, unless someone doesn’t show up for their shift.” I answer. “We have a few nurses who have called in quite a bit lately. Some kind of stomach bug going around.”

  He reaches across to me and takes my hand, the same one Luka was kissing not even five minutes ago.

  “I know I have a docket call in the morning, but I want you to come over when your shift is done. Stay with me tonight. I haven’t seen you enough lately.”

  “Okay.” I agree. I have no reason not to except for the fact that I’d rather be with someone else and I can’t tell him that.