“Did we stop riding?” Jack looked pointedly at his motorcycle, then Tom’s. “Did we stop anything but selling illegal shit that was going to have us—you and me, definitely—in jail eventually? Do you think that’s what Max wanted or did he want to leave you something better?”
“Leave us something better,” Tom said quietly. “You were his son as much as I was.”
“Maybe.” Jack said. “I owe everything I have to Max. That’s why I’m going to say this. You keep pushing back on Ace and he takes the shit because we can all see that you’re fucked in the head over what Butch did. But we need you back one day. People who won’t talk to Ace or me—they’ll talk to you. If the club goes down and stops being anything more than a place for people to party on weekends, it’s not going to be because Ace or Crash didn’t try hard enough. It’s on you and me.”
“You’re doing everything you can.”
“I know. But revenge has to come second.” Jack sighed. “Your life has to come first.”
“You wouldn’t have said that two years ago.”
“Two years ago I didn’t have a woman I loved enough to die for. Maybe you should consider what you’re doing standing outside this police station where someone could come by at any minute with a gun. Maybe it’s time to think about what it would do to that girl in there,” he pointed at the doors keeping Tom from Grace, “if she found out that you’ve been pumping her for information without sharing your own.”
“I’m doing it for the club.”
“Storm Runners isn’t everything,” Jack said. “It isn’t even all it used to be. But we can make it stronger. Better than it was. Max left us a roadmap, but none of us can follow it to the end unless we take down these fuckers first.”
“And I can’t do that without deceiving Grace.”
Jack shrugged. “Maybe you can.”
“Ace said…”
“Ace isn’t always right and if you talked to him when you were sober and kept the resentful fucking comments out of your mouth, maybe he’d see it in a different light.”
Tom nodded. “I’ll think about it.”
“Thanks. How long do you think she’ll be in there?”
“It doesn’t matter,” Tom said. “We’ll be here until she’s done.”
“Then tell me about the upgrades you’re putting on the junker you have in your garage.”
Tom started talking about aftermarket exhaust systems, but his eyes never left the door to the station.
_____
“Is there anything else?” Bennett looked at Acker, who shook his head. “Okay. Grace, I think we’re done here.”
“I’m free to go?”
“You’re already on leave, so that won’t change. The shooting will have to be investigated before you come back to the force. When were you planning on returning?”
“I hadn’t decided yet.” Being in the station all afternoon had reminded her of the aspects of police work she didn’t enjoy. Finding and punishing wrongdoers didn’t appeal to her anymore. Maybe it never had. While she was waiting to be interview, the wails and arguments filling the air around her put her teeth on edge.
“We’ll let you know when you’re clear to do so,” he said. “The chief wants to have a word with you before you leave.”
“Of course. Thank you.” The detectives nodded at her. She didn’t envy their jobs. Internal Affairs was one of the toughest departments to work in. They were police, but still regarded with suspicion by other officers.
Grace walked slowly down the hall, the weight of the day heavy on her shoulders. The hours she’d spent with Internal Affairs had stolen the adrenaline pumping through her system, leaving her shaky and on edge. Wondering where Tom was and whether she’d see him once she made it home, she checked her watch. After five. No doubt he was already gone and waiting on her to call—but her phone was with her jacket, and she’d have to stop to get it before she left the station.
“Come on in, Grace,” Chief said when she lingered outside the door to his office. “Shut the door behind you.” She followed his instructions then stood at attention across from him. “Relax, officer. Sit down.”
Sinking into a chair, she pushed back her hair and met his eyes.
“What happened?”
“I was on the way to meet a friend, where we have a weekly appointment. After I’d checked in and asked for water, a man entered with a gun. While he looked around the room, I drew my own weapon and fired before he could.”
“You’re sure he was intending to fire?”
“Yes, sir. It was clear he knew who I was before lifting his weapon, but his stance and open carry were other signs that he was willing to pull the trigger.”
He shook his head and closed his eyes. “IA will find the shooting justifiable. It won’t affect your position here.”
“I know, sir.”
“I don’t want it to affect your undercover work either.”
“Sir. I’m officially on leave now. It’s no longer voluntary.”
“You don’t need a badge to keep your eyes open, officer. Please return to your work at the club by the end of the week.”
“Yes, sir.” Leaving the job for fake reasons and continuing to work under the supervision of Chief Anderson was one thing. Working at a time when it wasn’t sanctioned by Internal Affairs could mean the end of her career. If anyone found out, it might not matter that she’d been following Chief’s instructions. She wasn’t sure his career would survive it either, if someone found out he had an officer who wasn’t working for him still on task.
But actual police work wasn’t something that happened at Ladies Night and Grace didn’t know if she could live with herself if someone was taken while she was on leave. Not if she could have stopped it. Mandi would go back to work eventually. Jez. Even Kiki, who she couldn’t stand, obviously didn’t deserve to be taken away against her will.
Maybe at the club, she could make a difference in a way she hadn’t been able to while she was working officially. At least undercover, she wasn’t just another beat cop handing out parking tickets and processing shoplifters.
“Is there anything else, sir?” They’d both lapsed into silence only filled by the distant sounds of the bullpen and the tick of the large clock on the wall above his credentials.
“No, officer. Go home and get some sleep. I expect you back at Ladies Night by Friday. Is that clear?”
“Yes, sir.” She’d go back, though it was the last thing she wanted. More nights of glitter and flat ginger ale and the way her scalp itched under the long wigs.
“Thank you, Grace.” She raised her eyebrows at the familiarity, but also smiled before walking out and heading toward the front doors.
_____
“There she is.” Jack spoke, but Tom was already sliding off the bike and making directly for Grace. The area around the station was crowded with buildings and while they hadn’t been any unusual activity, he wasn’t going to take chances. If a bullet was fired, he wanted a chance to protect her with his body.
“Come here, baby,” he said, wrapping his arm around her and kissing her forehead before guiding her across the street and down the block to where Jack sat, waiting. “I’m going to take you home.”
“I don’t know if I can sleep.”
“That’s fine. People should be awake.”
“People?”
“You’re going home with me.” He handed her a helmet and held her bag while she put it on.
“I don’t think so…”
“What do you mean?”
“Being over the bar right now sounds a little rough. All those people and the big windows so close to the road…” She sighed and wrapped her arm tighter around him. “It’s so public. My place is smaller, and probably harder to get into.”
“Not there, Grace. The club. I have a room at the Storm Runners clubhouse and you’re going to stay there until we know you’re safe.”
“I killed that man.”
“I know, baby.” He cl
imbed onto the bike and waited while she settled herself behind him. Despite her argument, she wrapped her arms around him without hesitation. “He needed to die. But someone else could come, too, and you can’t be alone if that happens. The club is private property that is patrolled at all times. It’s the safest place for you. Just come home with me. Please. I’ll take you by your place to change and fill a backpack with clothes.”
“Okay,” she said, and snuggled her body closer to his. “Take me home.”
He started the engine and pulled out onto the road. Jack followed, and the three of them headed into the night.
CHAPTER 21
They pulled through the gates that opened like magic as they approached. She realized one of them must have a sensor that recognized the bikes, but it was still an impressive sight.
As Tom drove down the long, winding road, she examined the grounds. They weren’t what she’d expected, which was something small and covered with packed dirt and broken motorcycle parts. Her own prejudice, she realized. These were lush and covered with trees and even a river that sparkled in the few lights that lined the drive. Through the trees, she could see the lights of what must be the clubhouse—they were blazing bright in the dark. But there were other structures too. Small homes dotted the property.
As they pulled up to the clubhouse, Grace felt her eyebrows wing up at the sheer number of motorcycles parked outside. Tom pulled up close to the house itself, passing many parked bikes, and pulled into a space near the front. The engine quieted and she unlocked her arms to release him, though they felt empty after.
“This is it,” he said. “I know it seems like a lot of people, but you’re safe here. Everyone has been vetted and no one knows you’re coming.”
“Will people…will they resent me being here?”
“You ever arrested a Storm Runner?”
“I don’t know, honestly. I guess it’s possible.”
“If someone recognizes you as a cop, we’ll deal with it. If not, you’re just a woman that I’m with and people will give you respect.” He took the helmet she offered him and perched it on the bike. “Don’t worry. I’m with you no matter what.”
To her surprise, he reached down and laced his fingers with hers. “You coming in, Jack?”
Jack looked up from his phone. “Yeah. I guess Anna is in there.”
“Anna?” Jack looked at Grace and nodded.
“She’s my wife.” His face softened as he said the word and Grace worked to keep the shock from her face. Jack wasn’t the kind of man she pictured as a husband—he was too wild, too gruff. Handsome, but untamed. Suddenly she was excited to go inside and see what kind of woman put such light in his eyes.
Jack opened the door and let Tom and Grace head in before him. Sound exploded out as soon as the door opened, hard rock with bass so deep the ground almost shook. She looked around Tom’s broad frame to see a raging mass of people dancing, playing pool or talking shit around a bar where one man gesticulated wildly.
“Do you want a drink?” Tom looked down at her. His eyes were different here and a smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
She started to refuse, then paused. “Actually, yes. Can I get an old fashioned—depending on the whiskey, I might want from fruit muddled in, too, if you have it.”
Tom grinned. “We have a fully stocked bar. Come on over and I’ll make you one.”
Moments later, she was perched on one of the black leather barstools, watching him blend the sugar, bitters and the splash of water he’d thrown in to help the process along.
“I pegged you as a tequila sunrise girl,” he said.
“Once upon a time, maybe.” She sat back, glad she’d erred on the side of skimpy and changed into a short black skirt and red halter. Some of the women partying around her were absolutely beautiful and she wondered how many had their eyes on Tom. Not happening, ladies. “But in my line of work, you get mocked if you order a girly drink after shift.”
Tom nodded, then slid some whiskey down the side of the glass to mix with the liquid at the bottom, then stirred and threw in some ice. “Try it and then tell me if you want the fruit.”
She sipped from the glass he handed her, enjoying the complex flavors of the whiskey. “No, this is perfect.”
“I thought you’d like it. I pulled it from under the bar—where we keep the good stuff.” His smile was so light and roguish that it helped chase away the stain of the day. She kicked back and crossed her legs, secretly delighted when his eyes traveled up them to the hem of her skirt. Tom’s body was perfect and her hands itched to slide up his shirt and touch the muscles that she knew lurked there—so it was nice to see that he was at least somewhat affected by her.
“Are you going to have one?”
“Not tonight.” Tom poured some dark soda into a cup and took a sip.
He nodded to another man, who walked behind the bar as Tom came around and pulled her out of her seat. “Come meet my friends,” he said.
“Everyone here is your friend.” They’d already been greeted so many times that she was forgetting names.
“Yes, but there are a few I grew up with. The other guys on the executive board of the club.” He nodded to one of the pool tables, and her eyes followed his gaze, scanning the room in the process. At least three people were committing illegal acts, but she wasn’t going to do anything about it right now. Not tonight.
So she focused on the men he pointed out.
“Brief me before we get there?”
“You already know Jack. He’s the sergeant-at-arms, which basically means he takes care of anything we need for the club that the rest of us don’t handle. The guy with Pepsi can is Crash—he takes care of the bookkeeping for the club.”
“I’m surprised you don’t.”
“I have my hands full with the bar. Always have.”
“And the other man?” The last man at the pool table was one of the most beautiful men she’d ever seen. Face of an angel and a body that would tempt a saint to sin.
“That’s Ace. He’s president of the Storm Runners.”
“You’re friends with him?”
“I was once, until I started acting like an asshole.”
“I doubt you were an asshole,” Grace said. He’d always been so kind to her.
“Trust me. These men have been more than patient with me since some shit got stirred up last year and I lost my goddamn mind.” He sighed, his smiling dimming. “Maybe one day we’ll be friends again.”
“Is that something you want?”
He looked down at her and thought of all the times in the past year that he’d punished Ace for Max’s will. Punished him because he knew he would take it and not hit back—most of the time. Because he couldn’t punish the people who were really responsible for ruining everything.
“Yeah,” he said. Her eyes were so beautiful, like molten gold. “Yeah, that is something I want.”
“Then I’m sure you’ll make it work.” He wanted to kiss her then, but they were already at the pool table.
Fuck it. He pulled her hot body up against his and kissed her, deep and probing. When he moved away, she was shaking with arousal and if he didn’t think Grace needed time to decompress from the horror of the afternoon, he’d have taken her upstairs and spent the night driving into her over and over until she was satisfied.
“I’ve got next game if there isn’t a line,” he said, directing the words to Ace and stroking a hand over Grace’s silky hair.
“You sure you want to play?” Crash said, poking him with the butt of the pool stick. “Ace is running the table tonight and he’s kicking my ass.” Crash was normally the best of them at pool, and satisfaction shone in Ace’s eyes at his impending victory.
“I’m sure. If I lose, at least it’ll be a fair game. Not like playing at some of those pool halls in the city.”
“Who’s this beautiful woman?” Ace asked, inclining his head in Grace’s direction.
“This is Grace,” Tom said. “D
on’t get any ideas, buddy. She’s all mine.” He felt her small hand entwine with his and couldn’t keep the smile off his face. “But you’re welcome to introduce yourselves.”
“I’m Ace. Nice to meet you.” Tom could see the surprise in Ace’s eyes and realized he’d been expecting her to look more like a cop than a goddess.
“I’m Crash.” Crash came around the table and offered Grace his hand. “Always nice to meet a lovely lady. Especially one I’ve heard so many great things about.” He waggled his eyebrows and Grace blushed, but still smiled.
“It’s good to meet you both,” she said. Tom looked at Ace and got the subtle nod before he crooked his fingers at the two women sitting on the loveseat near the table.
“Anna, Carly, this is Grace. She’s the woman I’m seeing.”
Anna rushed forward, arm extended. “It’s so great to meet you. I’ve never met anyone who’s had Tom as twisted up in knots as you have.” She snapped her mouth closed and looked at Tom. “Sorry, T.”
“It’s okay, goldilocks.” He wasn’t proof against her sunny smile. He put a hand on Grace’s arm and used his free hand to gesture to Carly. “That’s Anna’s best friend, Carly.”
“Hello.” She stood slightly behind Anna and waved at Grace, who smiled in return.
“It’s nice to meet you both,” Grace said. “Do you live on the property?” She directed the question to Anna, assuming she and Jack lived in one of the houses.
“No,” Anna said. “Hubs and I have a house a few miles away. Carly does, though.”
“They rented a cottage to me,” Carly said. She spoke quietly, her gaze on Ace, who smiled encouragingly before she continued. “If you’re not entranced by the pool game, you could bring your drink over and sit with us.”
“Do you mind?” Grace squeezed Tom’s hand and though he didn’t want to let her go, time with other women might help her distract herself from the storm of shit bearing down on her.
“Of course not.” He brushed a kiss on top of her head and let go of her hand, then watched her ass as she moved away and sank down into the chair next to the loveseat where the other women sat. Even as he took over the pool cue and talked a bunch of bullshit to his friends, he kept an eye on Grace.
STRIKE: Storm Runners Motorcycle Club 2 (SRMC) Page 16
