Page 36 of Creed

Addie wouldn’t let go of Creed, and I could hear her screaming from where I was in the emergency room. I got to see her when Creed was allowed to bring her to me, and she calmed, but only when Creed and I were in the room with her. Mom said Creed stayed all night then caused a scene with the social workers when they came for Addie. I tried to get to her, but thesecurity held me down. I heard her screaming all the way to the elevator as they took her away. Creed wanted her to stay with my parents, but the social workers wouldn’t listen. Mom said it tore Creed up and he left. If it weren’t for Addie stopping Creed of all people, I’d probably be dead. I shut my eyes and felt a tear run over the bridge of my nose. What if Addie would have been hit by a car? I should have given her better instructions, she could have been killed after she escaped. I didn’t think to tell her to knock on doors or go to the office. Why did I tell her to run instead of giving her specific instructions?

I had several stitches in my head, but that was my worst injury, other than the smoke inhalation and bruised abdomen. I didn’t know yet what kept that fire from growing, but it was next to the bathroom. Mom said they would do an autopsy on Callie and Shane, but I didn’t think it would give me the answers I needed. Most of all, why did Callie stay? From what I pieced together, Shane was doing heroin and stealing it from the motorcycle gang. I believed when the gang found out Creed was involved in finding Addie, they weren’t happy. Why? What about Creed scared them so much? Was it his ultimatum that made them suspicious that Shane was stealing from them? Somehow Shane was working for Creed or something? I knew Shane had to be threatening Addie to get Callie to call me and lure me to that motel. She did the best she could to protect Addie from him that night. I was the wealthiest person he knew so he lured me to get quick cash and run? Who was Callie in love with at the Rejects compound?

About an hour prior, I could hear Callie’s mom, Leslie, screaming. They either waited until today to call her, or she didn’t have the time to stop by the hospital until today. It was early afternoon before she even came. The social worker saidshe didn’t even ask about Addie. It was obvious the woman was putting on a show for attention.

“I want to pay for everything. Callie deserves a peaceful resting place so Addie can visit her.” I sniffled.

My mom kept running her fingers through my hair. “I will call Leslie and let her know. She’s Callie’s next of kin.”

“I want it to be private. Just close family and friends, no media or extra attention for Leslie. She never cared enough, why start now if it’s not for attention?”

“She’s still Callie’s mother.” Mom reminded me.

“I also want to file for custody of Addie. I’m her godmother and her place is with me. I need to get her out of foster care as soon as possible.”

“I expected you would, and Addie will need you now.” Mom spoke softly.

“I’m retiring and will buy a place here. Addie needs family and we are all she has in the whole world.” I broke down and cried.

Mom kissed my temple. “She will be welcomed with open arms.”

“It should be Callie raising her.” I sobbed.

“I know, sweetie, I know.”

I hiccupped. “Is it okay that I’m mad at her? She never had to live that way.”

“Oh sweetie. We may never know why Callie made the choices she did. All we can do is come together for Addie.” She continued running her fingers through my hair.

“I need to hire an attorney here, mine is an entertainment attorney, and not family law. Do you think you can find someone?” I knew I had to pull myself together for Addie. I’d fight Leslie until my last breath, and I already knew Shane’s sex offender dad wouldn’t get custody.

“I already called Brett, you remember him, don’t you?” Mom asked.

“Brett Darling?” I asked.

“Yes, his father has a large practice in Indianapolis but also a satellite office in Clarity. Brett is now practicing and said he needed to speak with you anyway and will call when he gets to town.”

Brett was the most adorable nerd in my class. His family had money, and he was popular, but was so nerdy at the same time. He was always a very close friend of Tristan’s.

“Mom, what am I going to do about that motorcycle gang?” I was scared.

“Well, Darren says they will lay low for now. You know we will take care of you and with Creed’s help they’ll make sure you and Addie are safe.”

“You’re coming home with me.” I heard a familiar deep voice. I turned and saw Creed walking in the room. “Tanner said you’re being released, and Patrick is helping Axton load all your things. You have a lot of useless shit, you know that, right?” For the first time ever, I saw a kind smile on Creed’s face.

“With you? Why?”

He walked around my bed with his hands in his pockets. He looked handsome in a dark pair of jeans and a simple t-shirt. “My community is heavily guarded, and you’ll be surrounded bythe military’s most highly skilled special ops teams. Retired, but still highly trained and more than capable of protecting you.” He stopped right in front of me and reached down to turn my head and look over my wound. “At least it’s in your hairline and nobody would ever know. How are you feeling?”

I looked up at him as my eyes welled up. “Like someone ripped my heart out then ran me over with a truck.” I blinked and a tear fell, but Creed caught it.

“I have someone you can talk to. She specializes in trauma and will be able to help you and Addie. My guys are reaching out to the President of the Devil’s Rejects MC for a meeting. We will settle this with them, I promise, and until I’m satisfied you and Addie are safe, you’ll stay with me.”

“What about my family? Shane said something about setting it up to look like I hid the drugs. Won’t the Rejects want to search the farm?” I was scared for all of us.

“Tanner has agreed to a few of my men staying with them, and Darren will place a few officers outside to watch over things. Its just a precaution because we don’t think Sniper, the MC President, is stupid enough to make any moves right now. He is their new president after his father died, and there’s rumors he’s a pretty smart man. As we speak, my men are installing a security system at the farm and over at Darren’s place. Patrick will also stay with your family. Right now our main concern are you and Addie. I’ve assigned a few men to do some recon and try to keep an eye on the gang.”

I shut my eyes. “Please tell me you don’t think I’m stupid enough to believe you just build bikes.” I opened my eyes and looked up at him.

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