AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“We both know I would’ve made that jump if the damn camel didn’t move.”
They chuckled at the memory of one of their few days off. They’d been through hell together overseas, and Rubble was glad the man made his way back to the club after his tour ended. Brotherhood was the key to Macha’s success.
“But I don’t blame you. Kita would kill me herself if I got hurt in general, let alone at an extreme winter sports venue.” He stood and threw his trash away. “I’m gonna work on that engine block this afternoon. You have anything on tap?”
Standing, Rubble joined Kevlar at the door. “Yeah, I’m kind of behind on that rebuild Hawk and I talked about, but since it’s cold weather now, I can wait a bit.”
“The Mustang?”
“Yep.” Rubble eyed the powder blue 1965 Shelby GTO350 sitting under a tarp. “She’ll be a beauty once we’re done.”
“Boys, I’m taking the second tow,” Queenie called from the bay doors.
Both Rubble and Kevlar swiveled toward the president’s old lady. She was decked out in denim today. Even her bedazzled jacket matched.
“You need help?” Rubble asked when she neared.
Queenie shook her head, her hair covered in a jean cap. “Nah, just picking up an old friend who had some car troubles.”
Rubble fished out the keys and handed them to her. “You’re sure? It’s no problem. I have some time.”
The willowy woman cocked her head and gave him a once over. “Sweetheart, don’t take this the wrong way, but if my friend saw you, she’d probably be more frightened than she already is.”
Furrowing his brows, Rubble wanted to argue. There was something that didn’t feel right about the situation.
Kevlar pointed to the snow falling steadily. “Drive safe. Call us if you need help.”
Queenie’s booted feet hustled her to the old tow truck and within moments, she had driven it free of the garage parking lot.
“What’d ya think about that?” Kevlar asked, leaning his forearm on the door frame.
Rubble watched the truck disappear down the street, a knot forming in his stomach. “Not sure. Let’s hope it’s not another damn woman bringing trouble,” he mumbled, recalling the recent firefights when Isa and Nikita joined Macha. “We have enough of those around here.”
Kevlar’s hearty laugh filled the garage. “Aw, come on. Macha women are worth the trouble.”
“That’s yet to be determined for me.” Glancing to the clubhouse then back to the prospects working in the garage, a knot filled Rubble’s gut. Something wasn’t right about how easily Queenie disappeared without one of the club members. Sure, Queenie was as headstrong as the rest, but she always took a prospect with her when the weather was dicey. He’d never let anyone give him shit about protecting Queenie. She was his family and if she thought a woman needed help, he wouldn’t argue with it.
He eyed Kevlar who had a shit-eating grin on his face. “What?”
Kevlar smirked. “Nothing.”
Annoyed, Rubble walked past him, back to the car he was reconstructing. He needed to keep his hands busy and try not to think about the woman Queenie was on her way to rescue. Easier said than done.
CHAPTER4
JUPITER
The snow swirlingoutside the Civic looked more gray than white thanks to the road slush. The wind howled more now than it had when the fifteen-year-old car broke down for a reason Jupiter couldn’t decipher. She tapped the dash, the angry orange lights blinking furiously. “If I’d paid more attention to Levi when he talked about cars, I’d know what’s wrong,” she mumbled, opening her burner flip phone. She couldn’t think about her brother right then. It’d only remind her that he would’ve helped if she’d asked.He’s got enough on his plate.
Twenty minutes had passed since she called Queenie. Her long fingers were beginning to grow stiff. Gloves weren’t necessary in Texas, so she hadn’t owned a pair since leaving Iowa.Should’ve planned better.She shook her head, thoughts muddled. The problem was that she’d barely had time to plan at all. Hiding out in the warmer states seemed like a good idea until Lyle picked up on her trail time after time.
A knock on the window frightened her away from the past. Queenie’s worried face shone from the other side and Jupiter felt her heart lighten. Climbing out of the small car, she was taken aback by the bear hug.
“You’re a sight for sore eyes.” Queenie held her at arm’s length and scanned Jupiter’s face. She didn’t mention the discolorations, but Jupiter noticed how the older woman’s face clouded slightly, nevertheless. “Come on, this storm is getting worse.”
“But my car.”
“I’ll have one of the boys pick it up later.” Queenie nodded toward the big truck idling behind them. “It’s cozy and warm, I promise,” she said, opening the passenger door.
