“Demon.”
After the greetings are complete, Demon and I get into the SUV Dart’s driven. To pass time, I explain how Steph’s getting to court.
“They are taking a circuitous route to make sure they’re not followed, changing cars a couple of times, before going to the catering company that deals with the court. Then she’ll go in the back of the catering truck.”
“I always wondered how the marshals got their witnesses to court.”
“Yeah, seems like they’re pretty practiced in being sneaky.”
My leg starts to bounce. Demon notices. “We’ll be there soon, Beef.”
While my brothers will be keeping watch outside, Demon and I will be in court, watching the proceedings. Just in case someone starts something inside.
Chapter Forty-Three
I was proud as fuck watching my old lady give her testimony in court. Nothing fazed her. Of course, it probably helped that she didn’t see the threatening glances being sent her way by the defendants. She was unwavering as she answered questions from both the defence and the prosecuting attorneys, scornfully facing down any accusation that her testimony wasn’t as credible as that of a sighted person. Her voice remained calm, and probably only I could hear the slight tremor in it. She did need water handed to her as she recalled the shots and the screams she’d heard. I was gutted she had to go through it over and over again, recognising the strain on her face as she relived it.
I’d cast sideways glances at the jury, pleased they appeared to be exchanging admiring glances as she explained clearly and concisely exactly what happened, and how she could recognise those responsible. When she’d been helped to the stand, I’d seen dubious looks as if they doubted she could give reliable testimony. But those misgivings seemed to disappear as her strong, clear voice rang through the courtroom.
When it was over, it seemed anti-climactic. There’d be no verdict that day, the jury would hear more and then take their time to deliberate their findings. But she’d done it. She’d given her testimony. There was no reason for anyone to immediately come after her, retaliation at this point wouldn’t do anything other than point fingers toward the guilty parties.
For now, Steph as I’m now free to call her, is safe.
As we walk out of the clubhouse into a warm but cloudy day, there’s an excited squeal behind us.
Steph spins around, her head tilted in the direction the sound came from. Almost under her breath is the word, “Susie?” Then it comes again louder. “Susie?”
“Sis!” A woman comes up at a run, her arms going around Steph whose arm I’m holding, tugging her away from me. “Steph, it’s so good to see you!”
“You came?”
“I had to, how could I stay away? Mom and Dad wanted to be here as well, but they’re working, Selina too. I was able to take a few hours off. I’ve been following the trial. Knew you were due to testify.” She pulls back a bit and holds her at arm’s length. “You look good, baby sister.”
“I am good. Now that’s over, at least.”
I clear my throat.
“Susie, this is Beef. Er, Dwayne Carson. He’s my fiancé.”
Fuck me, but it’s good to hear her introduce me like that.
“Dwayne.” Susie’s eyes narrow suspiciously. I’m not surprised. On looks I’m not much of a catch for any woman.
“I prefer Beef but take your pick.” I try to soften my expression but it’s not easy. Inside I’m preparing for a fight over whether I’m good enough or not for her family. The anticipation is making me tense.
“And what do you do, Beef?”
How the fuck do I answer? Whatever my club wants me to? Tell her at the moment I’m acting as an enforcer?
Steph answers before I do, “He’s a biker, Susie, like out of Sons of Anarchy.”
Shit. Way to make it easier.
“Not like that lot inside the court?” Her sister jerks her head back over her shoulder and looks concerned.
“Nothing like. He and his club have been working with the marshals to keep me safe.”
Susie gives me an appraising look. “Well, you’re built like a bodyguard.” Then to Steph she asks, “You sure about him?”
“I love him.”
“And I love Steph.” Taking the step needed to regain my position beside my old lady, I put my arm possessively around her. My eyes flash a warning to her sister. She’s mine.
She looks from Steph to me, then back again. Then surprises the fuck out of me when she asks, “Do you ride a Harley, or one of those plastic imports?”
Now I grin. It seems she speaks my language. “You ride?”
“Yeah. I’ve got my own Sportster. Didn’t Steph tell you? Dad rides too. He’s restoring an old Norton.”
“I didn’t tell him anything about the family, Susie.” Steph’s eyes glisten with emotion. “I had to become Stevie Nichols, and never refer to my old life. I could only keep in character if I never forgot who I was supposed to be.”
“Are you safe now?” She addresses the question to Steph, but her eyes find mine.
Quickly I decide platitudes wouldn’t work. “I’ll keep her safe, but we don’t know what we’re dealing with until the verdict comes in.” It’s the truth. I’ll be holding out no false hope that everything will be rosy. Thinking it might help win her family over, I add, “Whatever we need to do, I’ll be at Steph’s side. I won’t leave her to face anything alone.”
“Good.”
“Hate to interrupt this family reunion, but our plane’s ready and waiting. You coming?”
I raise my chin toward Demon. “Susie, this is my prez, Demon. Steph’s staying at the Colorado chapter with me for now. Demon’s offered his protection while she needs it. We’ve got to get back.”
“Susie, I’ll try and make it home soon…”
“I’ll make sure she does.”
Her sister nods, then winks at me. “And I’ll prepare the family.”
With perfect timing, Dart draws up beside us in the SUV. Susie and Steph hug, both have tears running down their cheeks, but Demon’s right. We need to get out of LA before the verdict comes. Probably won’t be today, but if the jury has heard enough to make their minds up fast, it could be. If the Warped Jokers go down, wouldn’t be good for Steph to be out in the open, at least while we know some are still on the loose.
I give the sisters a moment alone, then go and take my woman’s arm. She’s crying freely, and I let her weep on my shoulder. She’d have given into tears whether or not she’d seen her sister. Today’s been the culmination of a difficult few months, and now it’s over. I just let her cry it all out.
Demon has a last few words with the brothers who’d ridden to LA to provide their support. It will only take us a couple of hours to fly to Pueblo, but brothers riding have a nineteen-hour journey in front of them, and will no doubt spread their long ride over a couple of days. It’s Wednesday today, which means church has had to be cancelled. I overhear him telling them to take their time, but to be sure to be back by Saturday, when he plans to reschedule our meeting.
As I watch them go to their bikes, part of me is envious. A long ride in the company of brothers? Fresh air in my face? Much better than being stuck on a flying prison. One day, I promise myself, Steph and I will just take off and travel. Her and me on my bike? Can’t think of anything better.
I smile to myself. No wonder she’s not afraid of bikers or riding. From what her sister had said, it’s in her blood.
Steph was bone tired when we returned from LA, all the stress and strain of the last few months leeched out of her. At first she slept, curled up on our bed with Max by her side. When I went up to find them there, I didn’t have the heart to move them, so I spent an uncomfortable night, well over to one side, almost falling out. I might love Max, but he’s not making a habit of this—darn dog takes up more space than both of us put together. And he was lying in the middle which meant I couldn’t cuddle my woman. But I’ve got days, weeks, months and years
ahead when I’ll be able to do that.
When she wakes the next morning, she’s got a full-blown migraine. Rusty told me not to worry, they sometimes come on when the stress is over. My plans to demonstrate my love for her are put on hold as she wants to do nothing more than lie in a dark room and sleep. Friday, she’s a bit better, but tired with a lingering headache. It’s that day her phone rings.
Unashamedly, I listen to her side of the conversation.
“Lennox. Yeah? Thank goodness. Thank you.” She ends the call and inhales a deep breath.
“Well?” My voice conveys my impatience.
“Guilty on all counts. Remanded for sentencing. Warrants have been issued for the rest of the gang.”
Any other MC and I’d have corrected her. But the Warped Jokers are a gang, not my definition of a riding club even though their transport may be Harleys.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
She shakes her head. “Not now, no.”
Watching her carefully, I see her face is tight. Though some people might expect to see relief, I can understand her reaction. It’s a lot to sink in after the months of anticipation, and the toll it’s taken on her. We’ll have to face a lot of things head on, but I can give her this breathing space to process.
Worries are still in my head. Is she really out the other side? Is there still any risk of blowback on her? For now I think what remains of the Jokers will be keeping down low, evading arrest. Any thoughts I have on dealing with that can be discussed with Demon or Drummer. She doesn’t need to be bothered with anything other than fact.
She remains quiet, thoughtful all day, and does little other than walking Max around the new yard and chatting with the other old ladies. I don’t interfere, knowing she needs to get things straight in her head, and it’s best to let her do that at her own pace. If she needs me, I’m there.
It’s Saturday when she wakes up refreshed seeming like her batteries have been recharged. She looks so energetic that an idea comes into my head.
“Want to take off for a while? Go for a ride?”
“Where?”
I haven’t thought that far. Do we need to have a destination? “Just take off. See where the road leads us? Stop somewhere for lunch?”
She’s jumping up and down like an excited child, her smile is like the sun coming out on a rainy day. “I’d love that, Beef. It’s been so long. Will Pyro look after Max?”
“Someone will. Put clothes on suitable for a long ride.”
Now I know a little about her family I understand better why she loves being on the back of a bike. “You ever go riding with your Dad?” I ask, “Or, your sister?”
“Yes, but Dad’s more often got the bike apart than it being suitable for riding. And Susie’s not had her bike long. I just love riding. I feel freer than at any other time.”
Same way that I do. Could this woman be more perfect?
We grab a bite of breakfast, tell everyone we’re heading out, getting a warning from Demon to be back in time for church, then as we’re walking out of the door, Melissa comes running up.
“Here,” she puffs, “Just out of the oven. Put them in your saddle bags in case you get hungry.”
“Mmm, muffins.” Steph breathes in deeply and sighs. “Chocolate?”
“Chocolate chip.”
“Perfect. Thanks Mel.” She holds out her arms and Skull’s woman steps in for a hug.
“Best thing that boy did bringin’ you to the clubhouse, Mel. Though you may get us fat.”
Mel swipes at Pyro’s arm as he walks past. “And where do you think you’re going?” she shouts after him.
“Someone said muffins,” he yells back over his shoulder.
She throws up her hands in mock exasperation. “I better get back to the kitchen. He’ll eat the lot otherwise.” With that, she hurries off.
Steph and I both laugh. Yeah, Skull did well with that one. She’s a good fit for the club, and they seem to go well enough together.
I put the muffins in the saddle bags carefully so they won’t get squashed. Then we’re ready to head off.
I love the feeling of Stevie’s arms as she puts them around me. Having started the engine, I wait, doing nothing more for a few seconds than enjoying the feeling of her holding onto me as if she was meant to be there. Then, with a shit-eating grin on my face, I turn the bike and head out west.
I’ve decided to go toward the mountains. Stevie won’t be able to see or appreciate the scenery in the same way that I do, but I’ll give her the experiences and sensations that she can enjoy. The warmth of the sun on her face, the air rushing past, the smell of pine, the thrills of leaning with the bike as I take the curves. I know she’ll be mapping the road in her head as we go over the different terrain, my hand twisting the throttle and then backing off as I expertly navigate each twist and turn.
My bike is up to the job, responsive enough so it feels like an extension of myself, not a machine I’m riding on. My mind flits back to that suggestion I get one of the touring bikes. Nah, not for me, and Stevie doesn’t seem to mind she’s got just a small sissy bar at her back.
There’s a piece of straight road, Steph must have realised when I opened the throttle as her hands leave my waist, rise in the air, and she shouts out into the wind rushing past. She’s in her element, and I, in mine. I realise it will always be like this, her and I, riding together. Another good reason not to have kids, we can focus on us, with no one to say we’re being selfish.
We stop and eat muffins, me kissing away the chocolate from around her mouth, then we’re back on the bike again. We have lunch in a small café. It’s a day to remember, and one I see us repeating time and time again. Us, the open road, and nothing to worry about.
As we ride back to the compound, I feel her relax against my back. It’s been a long ride, and unused to it, she must be tired. I concentrate on the road, but part of my mind is thinking about our future, and where we’ll be living it.
Drummer said I can go back to Tucson, and I admit, I miss the place. What I miss most is having somewhere I can call home. Here I’m only a temporary visitor, though I couldn’t have wished for a better reception or a better group of brothers to have my back with all the trouble I had with Steph. They even go out of their way to look after the fucking dog, for God’s sake. A good group of men here. I find I’m now as reluctant to leave them as I originally was to leave my real brothers in Tucson. But it would feel great to get this nomad patch off my back. At least Drummer wasn’t sending me on to another club.
As I told Drummer, though, I don’t like leaving things unresolved. Until Demon gets a VP, I need to be here. Now that Steph’s safe, I can concentrate on that. I’ve approached the other prezes who’ve put out feelers, but so far, no one’s come back with a definite answer. Red had said in his latest contact that he might have someone, but he doesn’t want to lose him. Maybe this week I’ll follow that up and see if I can twist the Vegas prez’s arm.
I still haven’t given up on pressuring someone from here to step up. Bomber, Ink or even Pyro are capable of working with Demon, if they had the ambition. Hmm. I’ll bring it up in church, force the issue. These past weeks have emphasised there’s a gap that needs filling, and no one can argue with that.
Chapter Forty-Four
“Did you have a good ride?” Vi asks as Steph collapses down on the sofa with a groan, then sits slightly forward and rubs her ass.
Max immediately trots over and puts his head in her lap, his soulful eyes seeming to ask why she left him. He makes a noise that sounds suspiciously like a purr when she rubs behind his ears.
“We had a great time,” she responds to the president’s old lady. “It felt amazing to just let go and enjoy everything.”
I look around. Beaver’s behind the bar, and I saw Karl outside cleaning bikes. There are no members around. Which is strange, as it’s only an hour or so before our meeting.
“Where is everyone?”
“Church.” Vi seems
unconcerned at her announcement that makes my face tighten.
Church? I take out my phone and look at it. Nope. I’m not late.
“They’ve been in and out of meetings all day,” Vi continues.
What? Shit. Has something happened while I’ve been out having fun? If so, it’s not something the prez’s old lady knows about as she’s happily playing with her son and doesn’t look worried at all. She builds up a stack of blocks, and a giggling Theo knocks them over, the game seems to be on repeat.
Leaning over I kiss Steph quickly. “I better get in there.” With half of me wondering whether I’ve been directly excluded as I’m not part of the club—a thought which I find more painful than I would have expected—I make my way to the meeting room. Ever since arriving in Pueblo I’ve been treated as nothing other than an equal member.
My fist hovers in the air. Should I knock? Nah, I’ll just walk in. They can tell me to get lost if they don’t want me there.
“Ah, Beef. Come in.”
“Sorry if I’m late.”
Demon shakes his head. “Nah. We just met early to discuss a couple of things. Wasn’t necessary to call you back from your ride.”
As I thought. Discussing things which didn’t include me. Well, I’m not part of this club, they can do what they like.
“What else did RIP say?” Hell leans forward, continuing a discussion I must have interrupted.
RIP? My eyes sharpen. What have the Wretched Soulz been contacting Demon about?
“As soon as the Warped Jokers are in the general population, Mad Bull and his VP will be taken out. The Soulz have got a guy in there who’s got nothing to lose. He’s up for a bit of fun. The others will be given a warning. Drop any action against Stephanie North or they’ll go the same way.”
Now that’s information I needed.
“I was waiting for you to impart that, Beef. Good news for your girl.”
It is. I nod.
“So, let’s get this meeting started now that Beef’s here. Buzz?”
Buzzard runs through the normal stuff. Bottom line, we would like more dollars coming in, but are balancing the books. I zone out a little as I had when I first arrived. This isn’t my club, as this afternoon has reminded me. What do I care about their new tattoo parlour if I’m not going to see it in operation? Apart from Steph’s tat, of course, still got to get that done. Yeah. My mind’s off thinking about my handle inked on her skin, when Demon says my name. When I come back to myself and see his face, I realise it might not have been for the first time.
Satan's Devils MC Colorado Boxset 1 Books 1 - 3 Page 107
