“No, it’s not illegal. The opposite of illegal really.”
“Oh, then sure. What’s the secret?” She gave me a mischievous grin. “You’re a closet lesbian and this is your version of porn?”
“I –” I stared at her, open mouthed, shaking my head. “I don’t even…there’s so much wrong with that statement. No.”
“Oh, well, too bad. That would have been fun.”
“I think you’ve been cooped up in this room too long,” I told her, pursing my lips, and she sat down with a thump.
“I’m here where most of the girls are catty and mean or vapid and dumb,” she replied, and I refrained from mentioning those words were basically synonyms. “Or at home with my baby boy, whom I adore, but all he does is babble.” She gazed up at me. “You’re the most interesting person I’ve meet in months.”
“Not gonna lie, that might be the nicest compliment I’ve gotten in a while,” I said, sinking down beside her on the couch. “I basically track down drug dealers and beat them up,” I admitted, staring down at my hands.
“Oh my God,” Norah whisper shouted, giving me an awe filled look. “You’re the vigilante the cops are looking for,” she kept her voice low thankfully as I nodded in confirmation. “You’re a total badass.” She poked my arm. “And definitely the most interesting person I know.”
“Thanks?”
“But what are you doing here?”
“I found something at an abandoned meth lab that pointed me here to the Crazy Horse.” I glanced at her. “Then I found an empty drug bag in the pocket of these shorts.” I pointed at my crouch since that was basically all they covered. “Something is going on here.”
“Felisha,” Norah murmured, nodding knowingly. “She’s always showing up late and taking off but Gary doesn’t fire her.” She raised an eyebrow. “I think he likes her if you know what I mean.”
“Yeah,” I muttered, barely repressing a gag. “I know what you mean.” I shook my head. “They don’t drug test here? I mean, the Rebels are so hard core about drugs on their turf, I can’t imagine they’d allow someone to work here who used.”
“They do random drug tests,” Norah confirmed. “Gary administers them.” My eyes narrowed at that tidbit and I stood up, glancing down at her with one last question.
“Do you know anything about the Vipers?”
Her expression froze for a heartbeat, then hardened. “Stay away from them,” she answered sharply and I stared at her, taken back by her sudden anger. “They’re dangerous.”
“If they’re selling drugs, then they need to be stopped,” I replied warily. “I can’t stay away.”
She stared up at me, liquid pooling in her eyes as her chin wobbled. “They killed Deacon and they’ll kill you.”
“All the more reason to go after them,” I declared, cupping her shoulder. “They can’t be allowed to get away with this.”
She shook her head. “The man who ordered it, Monty, he runs the Vipers, he was put away.”
“For Deacon’s murder?”
“No, they couldn’t pin that on him, but they managed to get him for other murders,” she said thickly. “Please, don’t do this. Don’t go after them.”
I nodded, not making any promises, but it seemed to be enough for her.
“Would you like to come by my house after work?” Norah asked, dabbing her eyes. “I was going to make homemade pizza and watch the new Aquaman movie. I mean it’s not actually new, but I haven’t been to the movie theater in forever. I have to wait for stuff to come out on my streaming service,” she babbled as I stared at her, still shocked by the invitation. “But even if you’ve seen it, I mean, it’s Jason Mamoa.” She glanced at me hopefully. “He’s always worth a second look.”
“Who’s Jason Mamoa?” I questioned blankly and she stared at me like I had two giant penises growing out of my head.
“You don’t know who he is?” I shook my head. “Then you have to come, so I can introduce you.”
“This is a movie, right? Not an actual person?”
“I mean he’s a person, but yeah, it’s a movie. The only guy in my life wears a diaper.”
I let out a short laugh. “That might be the best kind.”
“You can tell me more about,” she gestured to the building. “Your clues,” she mouthed as the door to the dressing room opened. She looked like she wanted to say more, but refrained.
Another girl came in, eyeing me and laughing. “Who hired the giraffe?”
Norah balled up her fists, eyes narrowing on the girl. “I got this,” she told me, nodding. “Now, go slay them.” She paused, glancing at me again. “But not literally.”
A laugh escaped me and I walked to the door, shoulder checking the chick who’d given the dig. “Little bitches get stiches,” I whispered under my breath and she squealed, darting away from me as I left the dressing room.
A tray of shots in hand, I made my way around the mostly empty strip club. It was early yet, which made it easier to scope the place out. Norah had helped confirm to me that something sketchy was going on here. The number on the matchbook may never pan out, but I had my suspicions about Gary.
He was in the perfect position to launder money and drugs. Plus, he was a creep. Enough reason in my book to suspect anyone.
“Hey, sweet cheeks, why don’t you come sit right here?” It took me a solid minute to realize the old guy patting his crotch was talking to me. I scowled, ready to rip him a new one when Gary appeared.
“Fuck me,” I muttered between gritted teeth as I plastered an impossibly fake smile on my face. One he didn’t notice, too busy staring at the high-waisted micro shorts sashaying his way. “You wanted a shot?” I simpered, leaning forward to give him a glimpse of my nonexistent cleavage.
“How ‘bout a squeeze instead?” He licked his lips lasciviously as he eyed my bent over ass.
“How about a drink?” I recommended flatly, any pretense dropping now that Gary couldn’t hear or see exactly what I was telling this guy. “It’s better for your health.”
My words registered and he gave me a confused look. “Drinking is good for me?”
“Trust me, its safer than grabbing my ass,” I assured him, tipping the tray of shots toward him. “Take a shot and give me a tip, and I’ll let you watch me walk away,” I suggested, throwing in a wink, and he grinned sloppily, taking a drink. “Good choice.” I snapped my fingers and he handed me a five. “Hmm, this might not be so bad,” I said to myself, straightening as I tucked the five in the itty bitty pocket and strolled back across the room.
Someone had propped the inner exit door open so when the outside door opened, sunlight streamed into the dim club, blinding me for a second. I blinked, seeing a silhouette outlined in the door.
“I might have spoken too soon,” I groaned, registering the familiar build and cocky stance of one Cord Hayes. I took a deep breath through my nose and spun around, headed in the opposite direction.
I’d barely set the mostly empty tray down when I was pinned to the bar.
“What,” he asked slowly, “Are you doing here?”
“If you have to ask,” I began, peeking at him over my shoulder. “Then you must be blind.”
His gaze didn’t drift over me, he was entirely too close for that, but his hands did settle on my hips, the spread of his fingers wide enough that some of them settled on bare skin.
“I told you, I was looking into it,” he murmured almost inaudibly, his gaze scanning the room. “You shouldn’t be here.” His hands tightened, his fingers digging into my skin. “Whoever the hell you are.”
“Tori,” I bit out, keeping my head up, and resisting the urge to send an elbow straight into his solar plexus. “I told you. My name is Tori. Victoria Renee Malcom.”
“I don’t believe you,” he replied, his jaw working, his hot breath drifting across my cheek. “I don’t know what your game is, but you need to leave this alone and stay the hell away from the club.”
“There’s no
game,” I hissed, as the bartender shot us a curious glance from down the bar. I attempted to smile, pretending like I enjoyed having him pin me against the bar, but I doubt it worked. “You’re going to feel like a total ass when you find out I’m telling the truth.”
“Sweetheart, I doubt you’d know the truth if it bit you in the ass.” His hips pressed into my ass, and a heavy bulge nestled perfectly against my cheeks. “You need to leave.”
“No,” I replied simply and he pushed even closer, our bodies so tightly pressed together you couldn’t fit a piece of paper much less the Holy Spirit.
“You don’t know what you’re getting into,” he warned, a note in his voice almost making it sound like he cared instead of the threat it so clearly was meant to be.
“A murdering, drug dealing rival motorcycle club?” I offered and the fingers that had been unconsciously kneading my hips froze. “Because I know things too. Like the Vipers murdered Deacon, and Gary…”
“What about Gary?” Cord questioned, his fingers digging deep enough to leave bruises. “What about Gary?”
“He’s involved,” I tossed out, taking a risk since I had zero evidence to support my theory. “He’s using this strip club.”
“How do you know that?”
“Call it a hunch.”
“So you have no proof?” I licked my lower lip, tugging on it, and the breath shuddered from him. “We’re done here.” He stepped back, and I had to grab the bar, my back exposed as the weight supporting me disappeared. He leaned forward, his mouth a hairbreadth from my ear as he murmured, “I can’t stop you from working here, but I’d highly recommend finding new employment, sweetheart.”
“I’ll take it under advisement,” I retorted, glaring at him impotently. “You know where to find me when you finally figure out the truth.” I left the tray on the bar, not looking back as I strode to the Employee Only exit.
I looped around the parking lot, headed for the back door of the club. I needed to change but hadn’t wanted to ruin my exit in front of Cord. A shout had me pausing at the corner of the building, and as I took a careful peek around the edge of the brick building, my eyes widened.
“You stupid, fucking idiot. You know better than to show up here,” Gary growled, but it was the battered guy he was talking to that had my attention. “Cord fucking Hayes just walked in the front door and here you are out the back. How am I supposed to explain this shit to him?”
“That’s why I’m here. He came sniffing around yesterday. He did this to me,” Rob cried, gesturing to his bruised face. “I think he knows.”
“If he knew, you’d be dead,” Gary stated. “He might suspect, but he won’t make a move without Johnny’s say so. He’s on thin ice with the Rebels right now.”
“He won’t be if he busts us selling drugs,” Rob retorted. “And he might have killed me last night if some chick hadn’t stopped him.”
“A woman stopped Cord Hayes from beating you to death?” Gary said doubtfully.
“Yeah,” Rob said defensively. “She was big, tall, ya know?”
“Tall?” Gary repeated and I cursed under my breath when I heard the suspicion in his voice. “You think you might recognize her?”
“Maybe?” Rob hedged. “I didn’t really get a good look at her, but I’d recognize her voice for sure.”
“Come on. I’ve got someone inside I want you to meet, but I have to get rid of Cord first.” Gary motioned for Rob to follow him and I held my breath as the door opened and closed. Going inside was no longer an option, but I hesitated anyway, wondering what exactly Gary had meant by ‘get rid of Cord’ and if I should warn him.
“He’s a big boy, Tori, you don’t owe him anything,” I muttered to myself, but I was still standing there, debating with myself, when the door opened again. I jerked back, out of sight, then heard, “Tori? Tori?”
I looked back around the corner, seeing Norah searching the area, a pile of folded clothes in her arms. “Over here,” I hissed and she glanced over, hurrying toward me. “What are you doing?”
“Bringing you your clothes,” she answered. “And telling you it would not be a good idea for you to go back inside.”
“Yeah, I figured that,” I muttered, taking the clothes from her. “Thank you,” I added belatedly and she smiled. “I’m worr – concerned about Cord,” I corrected. “Gary is definitely involved with all of this.”
“Don’t worry about Cord,” Norah answered, handing me a slip of paper as I tried to protest that I wasn’t actually worried about him. “Save it. This is my address. I’ll see you tonight.”
“Norah, I don’t know if it’s a good idea for me to come over. They suspect me now.” I couldn’t help fearing my presence would cost Norah and her son.
“Look, I believe you, Tori, but you can’t warn me off this. If Deacon were here, he’d be the first one pushing for answers and I won’t live in fear. If Gary is involved in any way with the Vipers, I need to know.”
“Okay,” I sighed. “But don’t say anything, okay? Don’t draw attention to yourself.” I glanced at the strip club worriedly, chewing on my lip. “I don’t like leaving Cord in there without backup. He didn’t believe me about Gary.”
“Cord is fine,” Norah replied sharply. “Creed and Hank walked in right before I came to find you. It’s you I’m worried about right now.”
Some of the tension left me with that information and I nodded. “Okay, I’m going.” I lifted the clothes folded in my hands as she dropped my boots with a thump at my feet. “Thank you for bringing me pants.”
“Just trying to save the lives of all the men dumb enough to whistle at you walking by in those shorts,” she retorted with a tiny grin. “By the way, did you deck the guy who groped you?”
My forehead wrinkled in confusion until I looked down at my thigh where three perfect fingertips were imprinted on my leg. “No,” I answered, glancing up at her, “But I will,” I promised with a lethal smile.
She shook her head. “I wouldn’t want to be him.” She glanced over her shoulder. “I have to go. Be careful.”
“I will.” I watched her hurry back inside before I tugged my jeans on right over the tiny shorts. I hopped into the boots as I shrugged my leather jacket on, hiding the halter top.
I twisted my hair into a hasty bun, walking swiftly to the road. The strip club was in a busy area, surrounded by strip malls so it didn’t take long to be out of sight. I stuffed Norah’s address into my pocket, as I headed for the cemetery to wait until it was time to meet her.
Chapter Fifteen
Cord
Her hips rolled as she strolled to the exit, not doing a thing to relieve the blood pooling in my dick. I adjusted myself as she disappeared through the door, hating the fact that my body reacted to her, of all people.
The club doors opened, drawing my attention, as two familiar bodies stepped inside. I went over to meet them, lifting my chin. “What you doing here?”
“Checking out the club and looking for you,” Hank answered. “And damn if we didn’t get a two for one.”
“I didn’t realize you planned to check out the club,” I mentioned to Creed and he shook his head.
“It was bothering me. Gary accused Nina of taking the money from the club, but I don’t know. If there’s something indicating the Crazy Horse is moving drugs, we need to know.”
“Our intel isn’t exactly reliable,” I sneered, clenching my fists as a surge of fury shot through me again. “She lied about her name. No telling what else she’s lied about.”
They both eyed me cautiously. “Um, who are you talking about?”
Crap. I’d forgotten they didn’t know. “Tori,” I muttered and Creed shook his head.
“I’m not sure what she lied about, but Rob’s crotch rocket was in the parking lot when we got here.”
“Shit,” I muttered. “Gary’s definitely involved then.”
“Let’s go have a talk with him,” Creed replied, and gestured for Hank to go back to the par
king lot. “Make sure he doesn’t run.”
“My pleasure,” he rumbled, headed back to the door.
I shared a smile with Creed, as I cracked my knuckles in anticipation of the coming chat with Gary. “You want good cop?”
Creed glanced at my tense forearms, “You seem eager to be bad cop so sure I’ll be the angelic one.”
I snorted and even he couldn’t suppress a grin. “Damn lucky lightning didn’t strike us.” We walked in the back, strolling down the hall, when Norah popped through a side door.
“Whoa,” I muttered as she came to a sudden halt, squeaking at our appearance. “Easy there.”
“You a’ight?” Creed asked, eyeing her flushed cheeks. He smirked, “Had lunch with a new beau?”
She looked startled and then shook her head frantically. “No, no. I was outside.” She glanced up and down the hall nervously. She licked her lips, lowering her voice. “I’m pretty sure I overheard Gary talking to Rob…you know, Ronnie’s?”
“Yeah, we know who you’re talking ‘bout,” Creed interjected. “You happened to hear what they was saying?”
“I’m not sure,” she hedged, glancing over her shoulder.
“We need to know whatever you heard. Big or small,” I urged and she glanced at me with wary eyes.
“I have a son,” she said wearily. “His daddy was already killed.” She shook her head. “I won’t leave him without a mother too.”
“We’ll protect you,” I promised the honey blonde woman. “And you’re son.”
“Norah, you know us. Deacon spends as much time at our house as he does at his own,” Creed reminded her. “Whatever you tell us, it didn’t come from you, ‘kay?”
She nodded, glancing around again. “Gary was pissed Rob showed up, and Rob seemed really worried. Looked like he’d been beaten up.” Her gaze shifted sideways as she chewed on her lip. “There’s a new girl. I think…I think they might be planning to do something to her.” My chest tightened at that and I felt Creed’s gaze snap to me. “She’s tall and Rob mentioned something about a tall woman stopping,” Norah’s gaze flickered to me and she hesitated. “Well, anyway, Gary wanted Rob to see the new girl.”
Outcast (Southern Rebels MC Book 2) Page 13
