"What happened after that?" she asks.
"After the massacre, we knew that the Satans would come looking for us. So, we voted to take down the Satans once and for all. We commissioned other Chapters in the area to assist. Anyone who refused was given the opportunity to leave or face punishment. Everyone stayed. I think after hearing what Ice had done, they not only respected him, they feared him. When people fear another person, it gives that person power over them and at times can be a bad thing. But in this situation, it worked to our advantage. The plan was easy, simple, and clean. We were going to blast the Satans straight back to hell. And that's exactly what we did. Unfortunately, it was only temporary, because as you and I both know, they came back."
"How did they come back?" she asks.
"Funny thing about revenge. As you know, it's fueled by emotion. When emotion is involved, common sense seems to hide in the back corners of your mind. We thought we had destroyed their club. But we didn't get them all. A few members survived, bided their time, and recruited new members. A few years later, they reemerged."
They talk for a few more minutes and then Ryder and Spike walk into the kitchen. Hawk discusses with them what they found and what they should take. He makes arrangements to get rid of Mark's body and then tells the boys to burn the house down.
Once he's done, Emma asks, "So, with this new discovery, do you think Caden is alive?"
Way to go Captain Obvious, of course he’s alive.
Hawk hesitates for a moment, and then says, "Yes, darl'n, it's looking that way."
I was thinking the same thing. Now it's just a matter of time until he comes back. I'm not really sure how this will all play out or why he's staying away, but there is one thing I have learned about the man: he always has a reason.
Hawk explains to her that Ice is staying away for a reason and that we each have a part to play as the women who love him. It's kind of ironic: me playing the broken-hearted friend and Emma the grieving widow. I chuckle to myself.
We leave the house from hell. Emma drops Hawk and I back at his place so he can get his bike. After Emma leaves, I turn to Hawk and ask, "So you really think he's alive?"
He turns to me and smiles. "Yes, I do. How do you feel about that?" he asks.
"I'm thrilled, of course. We may not be together anymore, but that doesn't mean I don't care about what happens to him. And of course, I don't want him dead, Hawk. How could you ask such a thing?"
"Just trying to gauge where you're at. That's all." He gets on his bike and I climb on the back. As I'm putting on my helmet, he says, "I'm taking you to Betty's with me. I don't want to leave you here alone with all this shit that's going on. Ok?"
I nod, wrap my arms around him and he revs the engine and takes off. I've spent the last two nights at Hawk's house. He's got a great place and he's been the perfect gentleman. His spare bedroom has become mine for now. I guess it's a good thing, because I'm really not ready for another relationship right now and he is sure that I still have lingering feelings for Ice.
