Page 69 of Fanatic

I traced their names as I let memories wash over me. Six guys gave their lives to stop a rabid force taking our city. They’d beendead a year but had been immortalised here. I puffed out my cheeks as I kissed my fingers and laid them against the plaque.

Wild allowed me to grieve before leading me to his bike, and we headed out to the next one. This was for the Rider’s of Vengeance with five names of men I’d grown up with: Tank, Sparky, Lazy, Torch and Hay. I stayed longer here; I needed the time.

Slowly, we made our way around Rapid City, where the battles had been fought until we came to the second worst one. The one I knew I couldn’t handle.

Tears were already streaming down my cheeks as I knelt at the memorial for the Unwanted Bastards. Sixteen names were engraved in gold here. Only three survived. Inglorious, Razor and Chill. Psych, Mouse, Poison, Snake, and the rest all died. I wailed my grief at losing these men because they’d been a huge part of my life with parties and cookouts, etc. I completely understood how Inglorious had emotionally collapsed. Who’d blame him? These were his brothers, family, and they had given their lives to protect a city they didn’t claim.

Cowboy crouched and held me as tears tracked down his face. Memories of those countless funerals popped up. Despite the grief each club or ally felt, we’d made the effort to attend them all. Even I had pushed aside my sorrow over Grey. One funeral at a time became our motto.

I rocked back and forth as Cowboy supported me. Half an hour must have passed before I glanced up. A pair of brown eyes caught my attention, and a stranger smiled.

“Thank you for your sacrifice,” she said.

I wiped my eyes and blew out my cheeks. “Thank you for thanking me.”

“They gave their lives so I could live. I’ve just discovered I’m pregnant today. That wouldn’t have happened without them. I came to lay some flowers,” she replied.

It hit me then. This was their legacy. They’d died, so others lived, and life was being created because of them. Everyone who had passed had left a lasting legacy. Every child born since the war owed its life to these men and women.And to Grey.

“I’m ready,” I whispered as Cowboy led me away.

???

I touched his name and smiled. Grey was remembered on a plaque on this stone cross erected for him. Someone had added words under it.

“He gave his life for you, who couldn’t fight. He traded his future for yours. Love made him a father and fiancé. Honour, courage, and respect made him a Rage MC brother. A sense of right made him a hero,” I read.

“Drake wrote them,” Wild explained.

“They’re beautiful.” And they were. They meant something. I looked at flowers surrounding the base.

“The old ladies ensure every tribute has flowers. Come hell or high water,” Wild said.

“That’s nice,” I replied.

“There’s one last thing,” Cowboy announced.

We rode into the city centre. There was the memorial I’d been informed of but never set eyes on. A lady in police uniform stood beside someone who was clearly a biker. There was a cross, and on the other side, a guy in a suit and a woman in army fatigues. Running around the bottom were the allies’ names and everyone who came to defend under their group titles. The Juno Group, Ellsworth Base, Washingtons, and so on. Every single man and woman who defended Rapid City was remembered.

The stone cross listed the deceased. Floral tributes encircled it, mirroring other memorials. Looking at Grey’s name on this, I finally felt at peace.

Chapter Fourteen.

Willow

Isat comfortably in the chair on my first day back at work and stared Richards down. The little asshole had pounced the moment I set foot in building and gleefully invited me to a meeting with Markin and HR. I knew exactly what Richards was planning because he was so obvious.

Not bothering to reply, I headed to the second floor and nodded at Jimenez. He joined me, and we went upstairs to the third level.

“You’ve heard?” I asked, leaning against a desk.

“The whole building has. Richards returned, cursing you and saying you’d murdered those two men. Little prick ran straight to HR, filed a complaint, and repeated his actions with Markin. Markin’s held back from calling in the DOJ and OPR until he’s spoken to you both,” Jimenez said.

“Okay. Not a problem. Now Richard’s gonna hang himself.”

Jimenez looked concerned. “Are you sure?”

“Do you believe I murdered those two men?”

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