Page 77
Chapter Sixteen.
Chill
Pick’s guests fled, and I picked several of them off. Behind them came a crowd of familiar faces who blocked them in. In front were Tiny, Vortex, and Hercules. Members of our allied clubs were there, and to my surprise, Felix Locke walked in, calm and unruffled. Locke strolled straight up to Pick and grinned.
“You fuckwits just don’t get it. This isn’t your fuckin’ playpen. This is my state, my region, and my fuckin’ land. We had such fun with your cousin, but he was kinda boring, didn’t do much but scream after a while.” Lock patted Pick’s face and smirked. “I hear you’re the fun cousin.”
Locke stepped back and stared at the other prisoners. “Some pretty famous faces here. Gentlemen, you’re now guests of the Underground. A very exclusive club indeed. Greg, tie them up.”
One of the businessmen moved forward. So much arrogance poured off him; it was almost obscene. “Name your figure, Locke, for my freedom?”
“Do you think I can be bought?” Locke demanded.
“It’s just business, Locke,” the guy replied.
“It never fails to amuse me how people view the Underground. You believe that because we are criminals, we don’t have our own code and rules. In your eyes, we don’t grasp the concept of family, loyalty, respect. That is where you always fail to understand us. This isn’t business, gentlemen. This concerns a college student who was kidnapped and beaten to death. He had a big brother—my guard who stands behind me today. No amount of money you pay will bring Greg’s brother back.
“I would be a bad boss, a piss poor excuse of a man, and disloyal to my own men, if I let you buy your way out of this. There is no price you can put on your freedom that I’ll take. Greg has earned his revenge, and what he did to Pickman is the mere beginning. Some things can only be avenged in the blood of those that caused them or gained enjoyment from their deaths. None of you may buy your freedom. You are dealing with the Underground now. And that is where I am the fuckin’ law.”
I sagged back against Razor, who held me up. There was really nothing else anyone could say that Felix Locke hadn’t just covered.
Locke turned to those of us gathered. “While I’m aware the Unwanted Bastards have a strong claim on those who are alive, I ask to be allowed to take out the trash.”
Chance Michaelson, the Prez of Hellfire MC, stepped forward. He was the only president present. “On behalf of the allies, I agree.”
Locke turned and faced me. “The crime was against you, Chill.”
“One condition: you share information freely, Locke, no holding back.”
“That I can do,” Locke agreed.
I turned to Isak, who had been standing quietly. “How did he get you, kid?”
“I was coming to Meritt. My father hadn’t told me about the invitation to join you. Chap wanted that, and I’m accepting.” Isak swallowed. “I couldn’t have killed you.”
I didn’t hesitate; I moved forward and pulled Isak into a one-arm tug. Isak allowed me to clap him on the back before he stepped away. There were shadows in Isak’s eyes, and I remembered he’d claimed he’d killed two people to survive. Like the rest of us, Isak was fucked up, but we knew a damn good therapist.
Meadow
When bikers began turning up at the office block where I’d been taken, I became aware something more was going on. The Unwanted Bastards that arrived wouldn’t meet my eyes, and there were only three or four. Where was everyone else? Where was Chill?
Vortex explained what had happened: Twitch was okay. Chill and King had come looking for me and had been attacked. I barely stopped myself from laughing hysterically. What were the damn odds? Lasher arrived, and Vortex ordered him to take me back to the clubhouse.
Lasher argued, wanting to look for Chill, but Vortex refused outright.
I knew what Vortex wasn’t saying: that Chill might be dead or badly hurt, but I wouldn’t consider it. I’d survived Gerard—his beatings and his kidnapping attempt. Now I could handle what was happening with Chill. I wasn’t weak, not anymore. If Chill were injured, surely I had the right to be there with him? But no amount of arguing moved Vortex or anyone else. I climbed up behind Lasher and let him take me back to the clubhouse.
The children weren’t present, and I was informed they were with Amy. Amy undoubtedly had a prospect with her, so that was fine, especially since I needed time alone to absorb what happened.
“Meadow, honey? Maybe you should have a shower and change your clothes before the kids arrive,” Lasher suggested.
I glanced at him in confusion.
“Sweetheart, I’m sorry to say this, but you’ve got blood splatter on your clothing. I need you to undress and bag everything, underwear and hairband included, and give it to me. I’ll burn it and get rid of any evidence,” Lasher said.
Confused, I looked down at myself. I was surprised to see specks of blood. Clearly Gerard had been standing close to me when Locke had shot him in the head.
“Gerrard is dead,” I muttered. I was unsure how to feel. While it was happening, I think I was in shock, and Gerard’s death hadn’t sunk in. On the way home, though, I’d had time to replay everything. My ex-husband had kidnapped me with the intention of reclaiming his fortune, killing me, and leaving my children orphans.
