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“The storage lockers just outside of Rapid City. The old man stored their belongings there.
“Meadow’s not picked the kids up, and that’s unlike her.” Nanci was worried. Rightfully so.
“I’ll ride over; you get the kids,” I said and jogged for my bike. My gut screamed that Meadow was in trouble.
I raced down the I-90, not even bothering to slow and roared towards the storage lockers. My stomach twisted as I saw the flashing lights, and I knew it was Meadow. I parked by the taped-off barrier.
“Who’s in charge?” I asked the uniformed cop. He was new.
“Detective Benjamin.”
“Tell Ben that Chill from the Unwanted Bastards MC is here,” I said.
“Dude, we’ve got a brutal beating; he’s not got time—”
“Meadow Hall, right? She works for my club and is missing. Is it her?”
The uniform gave me a wary look, then stepped back and got on his radio. Moments later, Ben wove his way through the cars.
“You know the vic?”
“Is she alive, Ben? Meadow’s got three kids!”
“She’s breathing but looked in bad condition. Ms Hall is heading to the hospital,” Ben said.
“See you there,” I replied and moved out. “You’re looking for her fuckwad of an ex-husband,” I shouted as I straddled my bike.
Ben called something, but I was already pulling off.
As I rode, I updated Inglorious but didn’t call Nanci; I didn’t want the kids panicking. Inglorious promised to keep them occupied until we knew the facts. I headed into the hospital and straight for reception.
“Meadow Hall, she was brought in by ambulance. I’m her fiancé,” I lied. I didn’t waste time contacting allies or finding someone to explain what was going on.
“The doctors are with Ms Hall. As soon as they’re done, I’ll let you know,” a nurse said with a smile.
“Is Meadow stable?” I demanded.
“Yes. Ms Hall has been beaten badly, but she’s not critical,” she reassured.
The tension left my shoulders. This was on the club. We’d taken our eye off the ball, and Meadow had paid. We’d assured Meadow she’d be safe, and she hadn’t been.
“Get one of the rentals ready. We’re moving Meadow and the kids in. Seems Gerard took his shot at her,” I said when Inglorious answered his phone.
“Fuck. Should have realised the prick would be watching. Okay, there’s a couple of houses done.”
“Put Meadow in one closest to the club. I want her safe,” I replied.
“Finally getting your act together?” Inglorious asked.
“Meadow deserves better than me.” I didn’t bother elaborating and hung up.
An hour later, I was distracted from staring out of the window.
“Ms Hall?” a man called, and I turned around.
“I’m her fiancé.”
“She’s been sedated. Ms Hall was in a lot of pain. Remarkably, considering the beating she took, she had very few serious injuries. Ms Hall has a sprained ankle, a broken nose, which was reset, and several lacerations, which have been stitched. Other than that, I’m happy to say Ms Hall will be okay, although she’ll be badly bruised and sore for a while.”
