Rap.Rap.Rap.
“Come in, Brick!”
She stood from the couch placed a bookmark where she was reading and turned to put the book on a shelf.
He stepped in and shoved the door closed. He opened his mouth to say something but was cut off.
“Heard you ride up. I knew it was you.”
He pressed his lips tight and nodded once. He came to her and held out the kitchen tin she had left at the clubhouse. His dark gaze skimmed her cutoff jean shorts and pink v neck fitted top and dropped to her bare feet before settling in on her face.
Her ponytail bounced as she smiled and took it from him. “Did you enjoy them? I found fresh berries at the farmer’s market. Couldn’t pass it up.”
She stepped past him toward the kitchen.
His arm snaked around her waist and spun her to face him.
“What the hell are you doing coming to the clubhouse? You just come in with your sunshine and muffins and think this is some fairy tale?” He growled as his steps forced her back.
“You made me a promise. And yet you still trust the wrong people.”
Her eyes grew. “Only you.” She replied in a whisper.
Her back hit the bar. The muffin tin was all that separated them.
His palms lay flat on the bar to each side of her, his face inches from hers. Their eyes locked.
“Exactly. I’m not a good person.”
“I don’t believe that.”
“I’m the person who sells women like you to the highest bidder. I looked through your car that night for information. To sell you. I find 'em. Recruit 'em. Pimp 'em. I punish. Make people disappear. And your pictures.”
Her eyes widened more than she thought possible.
“I looked at every one of 'em. I even kept a couple for myself.” He smirked at her intake of breath and continued. “Yeah. I kept 'em. And I come here and see you dressed like that. Know what's underneath. Any idea what goes through my mind?”
She slowly shook her head.
“You. Bent over this bar.” His hand landed with a boom next to her causing her body to jerk.
“That’s right, I could have my way with you, over the bar or maybe that couch behind me, it looks comfortable. Oh hell! A little thing like you, I think I'd carry you back there,” His chin pointed toward the hallway. “And do things to you,” he leaned in and whispered next to her ear, “things you would never forget.”
He leaned back to face her.
She breathed heavily. Her eyes glued to his. She swallowed and suddenly her mouth was dry.
“That’s the person I am. In a dark world. Stay. Away.”
Without another word he pushed off the bar, and stalked out the door.
Her heart raced as she stared at the closed door.
Chapter Seven
The next month seemed to drag by almost uneventfully. She received a few disturbing phone calls at work. Her first thought was that Brick was trying to teach her a lesson of being careful. But she knew his voice, and it was not him on the phone. That made her hesitant about going anywhere she would be alone. Especially after a run in the park one day. She heard something behind her. Once when she stopped and turned, leaves were shaking as if someone or something had just brushed by.
Today Nealy decided to spend the day with Edna and Marcel on the lake. As Marcel stood pumping gas into the boat, Nealy and Edna went inside to get drinks and snacks.
Nealy returned and stopped next to the boat to place drinks in the cooler. She glanced down the road at the roar of motorcycles. After placing the last bottle in the cooler she moved closer to the road and stood in her jean shorts and a tank that did not quite cover her bright yellow bikini top.
Edna in her blue bikini under jean shorts and a t-shirt poured ice over the beers and followed.
She immediately recognized them.
They were an impressive two rows of bikes led by King and Nova. Then Brick. Her body tingled when he acknowledged her. It was only a look, but one she could feel. Most of them held up a hand or nodded. Not far up the road they turned onto another road. She stood until the roar faded.
She turned and bumped into Marcel.
“So, one of them your man?” He asked.
“I don’t have a man.”
“Not what I hear.”
“I didn’t think there was anything down there.” Glancing down the road where they disappeared.
“Only an old biker bar. From what I hear a rough one at that. So which one was he?” Marcel asked again.
She sighed at his teasing. “Third in line.”
“Important man then.”
* * *
“Well that's everything. You know at one time this was a booming place. Still could be. Just can't do this by myself. And frankly,” Donald shrugged his shoulders. “I'm tired. Retirement looks good.” He stood next to the bar and looked around at the men scattered around the room.
“Needs repairs. Some upgrades.” Cowboy noticed.
“Yeah, I failed on the upkeep trying to keep up with Ron's costs. Business dropped. Money disappeared. Not surprised at the result. Been expecting it.” His eyes landed on Brick. “No hard feelings. Sorry how it happened, that's all.” He turned toward the office door. “I'll be packing my things. Just wanted to give y'all first chance. Take your time and talk it over.”
King stood and studied each of the men. His family. His brothers. They had been through a lot over the years. The brotherhood may not be many in number but they had become a force in their area. The circle had been kept small for security and loyalty. It had worked. They were successful and set for life.
“Men, we've paid our dues. Made a name for ourselves. And beat the odds. I believe we could all appreciate a breath of fresh air,” King announced. “Time to enjoy our spoils.”
A roar of ayes filled the room.
An hour later the Troops came to a unanimous agreement sitting inside the small building near the lake.
“Let’s take it.” King and Nova and Cowboy headed to the room that served as an office to find the owner.
* * *
At the same time on the lake, Nealy and Edna were stretched out on each side of the boat enjoying the sun. Edna's boyfriend, Marcel, was standing at the front casting a rod hoping for that big fish.
“One more big one and we'll be having fish tonight,” Marcel told the ladies.
“Sounds good if your frying 'em. That's not my strong point. And Lord knows we don't want Nealy cooking 'em.”
Nealy stuck her tongue out.
Edna laughed.
“I can do dessert.”
“That you can.”
“And good at it” Marcel added.
“As many sweets as you make, I don't see how you stay so small girl. I'd be as big as a house.”
“Have you seen these hips?” Nealy patted her side.
“Kinda hips.”
“What?” Both women asked turning to Marcel.
“You know those kinda hips a man can grab and hold on to.”
“Marcel,” Edna squealed.
“Oh, baby,” he raked his eyes over her. “You know what I'm talking about. You got 'em too and you like it.”
Edna blushed.
“Well, I don't know about all that,” Nealy commented.
“You will. I bet that man of yours already has plans for those hips of yours.”
Nealy's cheeks reddened as her mind strayed to Brick having her pinned to her kitchen bar putting images in her head.
“You're embarrassing her,” Edna yelled at Marcel. Then turned to Nealy. “Pay him no mind.”
The boat drifted slowly in no particular direction as Marcel quietly fished again and the ladies relaxed.
“Got one!” He reeled it in and held up a large bass. “That should do it. Fish fry tonight. They’re so much better when you catch them yourself.”
He removed it from the hook and placed it in the live well along with others he had caught then stowed the rod in a storage box. H
e lifted the cooler lid and grabbed a drink before sitting down.
“Nealy, tell me about this man you’re interested in.”
“Nothing to tell,” She shot a narrowed look at Edna.
Edna just smiled and lifted her shoulders.
“He helped me out of a bind. We’ve run into each other a few times. That’s all.”
He studied her a long moment. “That’s not all.”
“That’s all you’re getting.”
“Put that lawyer instinct away. She didn’t come here to get grilled and questioned. We’re relaxin’ today.”
“Just saying, I’ve known a few bikers. If they take you in, they’re loyal to the end.”
“I think that’s brotherhood not how they treat women,” Nealy corrected.
“Their old ladies are protected and respected. There are some that treat females less than respectable, but not as many as you think.”
“I will keep that in mind, but we’re just friends.”
“Speak of the devil,” he nodded to the bank behind the women just beyond a curve.
The boat had floated toward a cove where a pier led to a wooden walkway along the water’s edge. Trees along the way gave plenty of shade. Just beyond picnic tables and a drive sat a long building raised off the ground. A covered porch stretched the length of it with steps going down each end. To the left was a smaller square building that looked like a closed in fire pit. Motorcycles littered the parking area to the right. Denim and leather clad bikers surrounded the building. Two men on the roof knocked down a sign. Another cut a banner from the porch railing. Both items landed in the drive where they were set on fire. Cheers and yells celebrated their achievement.
“That’s the bar.”
“They’re a rough bunch,” Edna blurted.
“Things aren’t always as plain as they look.”
Nealy had to agree with that. She watched the scene in silence.
Marcel broke the silence as he stood, heading towards the helm while saying, “Let’s start this baby up and head around to the beach for a quick dip.”
The sun reflected off the calm clear water. Other boats sat near the bank in places where fishermen stood watch over their lines waiting for a bite. Bushy green trees shaded the water's edge. An occasional crane stood near the land. Other birds swooped and flew by.
It was a hot day and the wind from the boat ride was refreshing. Nealy sat leaned back on her elbows with her face in the wind and eyes closed.
“Look at that.” Edna pointed to a charming building with graceful paths reaching down the hillside toward the water.
Nealy opened her eyes and searched in the direction Edna pointed.
Marcel slowed the boat almost to a stop.
“That’s The Brick House,” he told them.
Just above the water were two separated landings. Each with a gazebo housing a table and small bar. Stairs led up to a larger landing with tables elegantly set and strings of lights scattered among the trees. From there the steps led to a beautiful log and brick building: two stories with large windows showcasing a lovely view of the lake and a small hillside across the water covered in greenery.
“It’s really beautiful lit up at night,” he said.
“How come you’ve never taken me there?” Edna spoke.
He laughed. “That is not a casual date place. Very high end. The elite and top dogs dine there. Romantic, I guess. And pricey. There are private rooms for meetings and parties, but the main room is lit up like the outside with lights.”
She turned to him with raised brows, “Again why haven’t we been there?”
“Men take women there to get in their pants. Need I remind you I already got that boom boom. Don’t need to sweet talk and work that,” he teased.
“Well, we’ll just see when you get it again then.”
“You want to go woman? I'll take you.”
Edna smiled.
Nealy giggled. She loved how they bantered with each other.
They reached the beach and swam a couple hours before heading home to an evening of freshly caught fried fish and a few more friends. A great end to a fun and relaxing day.
* * *
That same day for the Voodoo Troops MC was wild and productive. What seemed to be destruction was exhilarating and therapeutic for Brick. They had taken over the bar and were taking down what needed replacing. Only when bikers did it, it was wild and fun. Each of them had their own personal driving force for the day: anger, destruction, grief, desire for change. But all worked together toward the same goal. A brighter future. A legal future.
The sun forced cuts to be removed that now hung from handlebars or draped over windshields. T-shirts littered the porch rails. As the sun faded, the club gathered under the shade of the porch and relaxed with pizza and beer.
“We haven't worked this hard since we prospected,” commented Ghost.
“So you’re saying I won't always work like a dog?” laughed KO.
“Regrettin' your decision so soon?” teased King.
“Never. Although, you could've partied a bit longer after patching me in. I did enjoy the constant women.”
“I got you, brother,” Nova assured KO.
“Yeah, he's a slut,” King teased holding his bottle of bourbon, “if there's skirts near, Nova will find 'em.”
Nova laughed along with his brother's ribbing.
“Life's too stressful not to party and be free,” he reminded them.
“I'll drink to that,” Cowboy toasted.
“Absolutely,” King raised a half empty bottle.
“Beer not doing it for ya anymore?” Rash asked King.
“Sometimes you have to hush the world.” King slurred. He downed the last of the bottle. “And mine is still talkin'.”
“You’re crashin' here tonight,” Brick studied King.
“Sooo be it,” he stumbled through the door. “Hit me again Sprocket.”
* * *
“Anybody seen King?” Mac picked up an empty bottle off the floor.
“Not since he stumbled toward the lake carrying on about rosebud. How is this ever gonna work with a drunk running a bar?” the prospect voiced his concern.
“He’s not running it alone. It’s gonna take all of us.” Oz snarled.
Look, he’s barely functioning as a person much less a president. He needs a wakeup call.”
“His wake-up call put him where he is now,” growled Nova.
“What are you saying Sprocket?” barked Brick.
“We’re not blind. You and Nova have been running things going on a year now. He’s just your puppet. He follows your lead or Nova's.”
“Spit it out!”
“We’ve all been supportive but I think we all agree we can’t efficiently move forward ‘til he does. Move out or move on, man.”
Brick growled low, “Who wants him out. Speak up now.”
Total silence.
No one backed down or hesitated to agree when he asked, “Ready to break him?”
“Good,” Brick turned to Sprocket. “In or out?”
“In,” he said reluctantly.
Everyone set out toward the water searching for King. They found him passed out on the walkway by the lake.
“Here,” Brick took keys from his pocket and tossed them to a KO. “Get my truck.”
He caught them and nodded.
“Man,” Cowboy stepped to Brick laying a hand on his shoulder. “Look we have discussed this, the guys and I. We're good with your lead. Never thought it would take him this long to get back up. Real brothers stick.”
Nova spoke up, “Sprocket needs to be talked to. Reminded he's prospect.”
Cowboy agreed, “Done.”
Seconds later Brick heard a bike roar to life.
When KO returned, they loaded King in the truck. For the next several weeks, he was under constant eye of the brothers. Hard weeks. Hard on King learning to face his ghosts without drinking. Hard on Brick because he had little time to see Ne
aly. She never saw him but he was there not far away.
* * *
King and Rash reclined on Brick's leather sofa as he grabbed the television remote and plopped into an overstuffed leather chair. Rash held his phone to his ear listening to the prospect repeat the food order. “Yeah that's it.”
“Grab a real estate paper,” King told the television.
Rash rolled his eyes. “Why?”
“I need a house.”
“What the hell for?”
“A yard. Kids need yards.”
“Kids? Getting ahead of yourself aren't you?”
“Rash, you have a house. You too, Brick. Hell everyone but Nova, Ghost and myself has a place to call their own.”
“Can't drown the memories and can't relive the past. Move forward. Face the fact she's gone and live your life, man,” Rash said. “It's been two years. You should be pissed. Fuck that bitch and move on.”
Brick focused on King awaiting an explosion that never came. After a moment, King nodded and grinned.
“You’re right. I'm moving forward. I need a house for myself. This is nice,” he swung his coke bottle indicating the room. “Better than hanging out in the commons every day.”
He turned the bottle up and swallowed.
* * *
A few days later Brick and King viewed a house King was considering. A very promising Victorian two story.
Brick shook his head.
“Thought you were moving forward. Focusing on taking the club in a new direction.”
“Gotta have a house for your kids to stay while you ravage their mother,” he grinned.
“Screw you.”
King laughed before turning serious. “You understand.”
“No.”
Brick reached and twisted the radio dial. He refused to discuss Nealy. As hard as he tried to put her out of his mind he couldn't.
Rain pounded the windshield. Brick twisted the lever to bring the wipers to life. They squeaked across the windshield doing little to help the view.
“Your wipers suck.”
“Never been used.”
Brick Solid (Voodoo Troops MC Book 1) Page 5
