AllFreeNovel
Share Us
As he began drifting off to sleep, Chains couldn’t help but wonder how Gator and Baptiste had gotten stuck in the air boat, and why they hadn’t managed to free themselves without his assistance. They rarely made mistakes like that, and if they did, he knew they were more than capable of handling the situation on their own. A realization dawned on him – they had set him up, ensuring he was away from the club while the others prepared for the night’s festivities.
Gratitude washed over him once again as he thought about the unlikely path that had led him to this moment. He was grateful to have found a place he could call home after a tumultuous youth that he wouldn’t wish on anyone.
* * *
The morning sunstreamed through the clubhouse windows as Chains and River, both nursing hangovers, prepared to unload the Indian Chief from the truck. The air was crisp, and the faint scent of gasoline and oil lingered around them.
“Hey, Chains, you sure you don’t want me to start installing that Sportster engine while you’re at the swap meet?” River joked, a mischievous grin on his face.
Chains rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t help but smile. “No chance, man. This beauty deserves the real deal. I’m not letting you anywhere near her.”
The two bikers worked together, carefully lifting the rusty motorcycle frame off the truck bed. Chains felt a sense of excitement, imagining how the bike would look and feel once it was fully restored.
As they set the bike down, River looked at Chains and said, “You know, if you’re serious about getting this thing up and running, I’ve got some connections for parts. I could make a few calls, see if anyone has what you’re looking for.”
Chains considered the offer for a moment. “You know what? That’d be great, River. Thanks. But no Sportster parts, okay?” he added with a chuckle.
River laughed and raised his hands in mock surrender. “Alright, alright. No Sportster parts, I promise. Good luck at the swap meet, Chains. Maybe you’ll find the missing pieces to this puzzle there.”
With that, Chains climbed into his truck, leaving the bike with River to move to the workshop, and pulled away from the clubhouse, headed for the swap meet. He was already running late but his thoughts were consumed by the potential of his newfound treasure. And even though he had initially dismissed River’s joking offer, Chains couldn’t help but feel a growing excitement at the idea of his fellow club members helping him restore the old Indian to its former glory.
2
Chains leaned against his truck, watching the bustling Louisiana swap meet. The air was thick with the scents of fried food and spilled beer, and the sounds of laughter and haggling filled his ears. He kept a careful eye on the large item he was selling, a unique piece he’d stumbled upon during one of his wrecking jobs. The item, half-draped with a tarp, drew interested glances from passersby.
It wasn’t openly displayed; Chains awaited the right buyer. He wanted someone whose desire, kindled by the tantalizing glimpse of the item, would be insatiable. This tactic had served him well in the past, subtly persuading mere observers to become eager purchasers. The individual he wanted, the one who would offer the highest price, was someone convinced they were acquiring a treasure no one else could have. Chains capitalized on their belief that he possessed an exclusive find, shrouded in undiscovered value.
Juliette wandered through the crowded swap meet, her eyes scanning the items for sale. She couldn’t help herself; the yearning to find something special was deeply ingrained. As she approached Chains’ truck, what she could see of the item caught her eye. Her curiosity piqued, she stepped closer and asked, “What’s under the tarp?”
Chains glanced at her before pulling back the cover, revealing an intricately carved wooden chest. Juliette’s eyes widened at the sight, and she ran her fingers over the elaborate designs. “This is beautiful,” she murmured, almost to herself.
Chains studied her as she inspected the chest, noting her wide-eyed fascination.She’s the one.Her deep green eyes sparkled with excitement, and he couldn’t help but be drawn to her captivating presence.
He guessed that she stood at about 5'6" and was maybe 80 pounds lighter than his heavily muscled 210 lbs. Her delicate, heart-shaped face was framed by loose waves of chestnut brown hair that cascaded down her back.
The skirt she was wearing was predominantly green, with various shades ranging from a deep forest green to a lighter, more vibrant green. It had intricate patterns and designs, with small accents of orange, yellow, and purple woven throughout, giving it a bohemian and earthy vibe. As she moved, the flowing fabric swayed around her legs, enhancing the ethereal and whimsical aura that seemed to envelop her.
As he observed her, his eyes trailed from her light purple painted toenails peeking out from her gladiator sandals, up over the crisscrossing straps that adorned her feet and what he could see of her shapely calves, over the dress and finally, settling on the loose top that draped her perfect figure. He couldn’t quite place her age, as her fresh face could have belonged to someone in their early twenties or mid-thirties, a stark contrast to Chains’ weathered thirty-six-or-so years.
With hardly a glance in his direction, she continued to examine the chest with a focused intensity. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she turned her deep green eyes on him, and he felt a thrill of anticipation run right through him.
“So, what do you make of it?” he asked, gesturing towards the chest.
She hesitated for a moment, and Chains held his breath, waiting for her response. Finally, she said:
“It’s definitely old. I’d say it’s from the 18th century, maybe even earlier. The craftsmanship is exquisite, and the materials are of the highest quality. But there’s something else here, something I can’t quite put my finger on...”
While she spoke, Chains watched her closely, carefully analyzing her body language and the way her eyes gleamed with excitement. He found himself inexplicably drawn to her, feeling a strong urge to discover more about her and the world she belonged to. He wondered whether the flicker of attraction that had been ignited within him could blossom into a profound connection with this mystical woman. Was it possible that their encounter carried a more profound significance than a mere exchange at a swap meet?
He could see that she was genuinely interested in the piece. “It’s one of a kind,” he said, his deep voice full of pride. “I found it during a job, and I’ve never seen anything quite like it.” He knew it was special as soon as he’d seen it, but he had no idea why, or what it was worth. Worth was always what someone was willing to pay on the day.
Juliette nodded, still captivated by the chest. She could already imagine it sitting in her living room, surrounded by her countless other treasures. “How much are you asking for it?” she inquired, her voice hesitant.
“Two hundred,” Chains replied. He watched her closely, gauging her reaction. Although he had initially hoped for a price closer to five hundred, he found himself desiring something more than just a simple transaction, now that she had appeared in his life. He couldn’t help but question the true value of money anyway.
She hesitated for a moment, biting her lip, but the allure of the chest was too strong. “I’ll take it,” she said, her voice filled with determination.
Chains noticed the glint in her eyes and grinned. “I’ll need to deliver it to your place, though. It’s too large for you to take with you now.”
