Page 35 of Ringo's Silence

The sounds of all my club brothers filled the clubhouse as I take my usual seat near the back of the table.

The familiar scent of leather and cigarette smoke cling to the air, and the low murmur of voices blend with the clinking of beer bottles.

Normally, I’d be right in the thick of it, laughing with the guys, catching up on the latest gossip of what the twins have been up to. But tonight, my mind was on other things. Like keeping Kimmie safe as well as here in White Summer.

I’m not a stupid man. I know deep down that she plans to try to run. Even though she doesn’t have her own car, eventually it will come to her to take the car that I supposedly loaned her, not knowing that it is actually already in her name.

The Prez walks in, banging his gavel on the table, calling the meeting to order as he takes his place at the head of the table. The room quietens down instantly, all eyes turning to him.

He begins with the usual business of the club; money matters, the latest on our rivals, the status of our various businesses. I try to focus, but all I can think about is Kimmie and the danger she as well as her son was in.

When the Prez finally finishes with the routine stuff, he looks around the table. “Anything else we need to discuss?”

I clear my throat then lean forward. “I’ve got something.”

All eyes turn to look at me, the room falling into an uneasy silence. “It’s about Kimmie. She’s in trouble, and I need the club’s support to take care of it.”

The Prez’s eyes narrow. “This have something to do with her past?”

Taking a deep breath, I lay it all out for them. Snake piping in with some of the stuff he was able to find out as well. I told them about the man who had grabbed her behind the cafe, the threats he made, and how scared she’d been ever since. I didn’t hold anything back. I needed the club at my back. They were my family.

The room is still super quiet when I finish speaking. The Prez leans back in his chair, his eyes studying me. “This is personal for you, isn’t it?”

I nod. “Yeah, it is. I wouldn’t be asking if it wasn’t serious but her and the kid are important to me.”

“I think we all know that.” He waves around the room at all my brothers who are still quietly staring at me. “What say you Torque?”

“Fuck me but I think that’s more words than he’s spoken since he patched in!” Bear exclaims and all the men around the table chuckle.

“Fucking hell, that’s not what I meant.” The Prez shakes his head. “Blade?” He turns to look at our VP.

Blade, the VP of the club and Bella’s husband, looks back at me, his expression unreadable for several long moments before turning back to the Prez.

“Looks like we’re going hunting to me.” He shrugs and I can feel the tension easing from my shoulders as a unanimous vote goes around the table.

Everyone takes a few minutes to discuss what needs to be done to find the guy that grabbed Kimmie that night. He’d be our best bet at finding this Hugo guy and taking him out.

As we finish up the meeting, we’re walking out into the bar area when my phone rings. Looking at it, I see that it’s Kimmie. It’s the first time she’s ever called me.

I know something is wrong as soon as I answer it. Her sobs sink into the pit of my stomach like a hard rock.

“Ringo, it’s Kimmie,” She sobs. “Rem... Remmy is gone! I can’t find him anywhere!”

“Kimmie, slow down,” I say. “What do you mean he’s gone?”

Feeling a presence by my side, I look over to find Blade looking at me with concern. As the next part of the conversation comes through the phone, he motions to our Prez who hurries over. Putting the phone on speaker, everyone in the club goes completely silent.

“He got upset and ran outside,” She says, tears in her voice. “I thought he’d just be in the yard, but he’s not here! I’ve looked everywhere, and he’s just... he’s gone!”

“Stay calm, Baby. I’m on my way. Get back inside the cabin and lock the doors! We’ll find him.”

“Please, hurry, Ringo. I’m so scared.” Her voice sounds small.

“I’m coming,” I try to reassure her. “We’ll find him, I promise.”

As soon as I hang up with Kimmie, I see the Prez dialing the phone number for the Prospect who was supposed to be watching the cabin. My anger and frustration grows with each ring that goes unanswered. “Come on, pick up,” I mutter under my breath, but the call goes straight to voicemail.

With a curse, I slam my hand on the table in front of me. My mind races with a thousand worst-case scenarios, but I force myself to stay focused.

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