Page 28 of Avenging Devil: Part 2

It’s been years since the San Diego chapter went to war. Sure, a number of us have ridden across to Arizona to help pull the mother chapter’s irons out of the fire on more than one occasion, but the whole club riding out to rescue one of their own, well, when we last did that is long in my rearview. Before Lost’s time, and never in the couple of years Snake was head of the table. It was in the previous prez’s day, many moons back.

The buzz, the thrill, never fades though. I hate to admit I’m excited, though half of me is terrified, but not on my own behalf. If it was only me I was worrying about, I wouldn’t be scared of not returning. No, it’s my heavily pregnant wife.

As I exit the meeting room, as if I’ve conjured her up, I hear Mary’s laugh. Steeling my features, I cross the room over to her. She’s laughing at Isla who appears to be doing her best to run Alex ragged. Seeing an eighteen-month-old trying to copy her mother’s moves on the pole would be funny if I was in the mood for amusement.

Mary’s face grows serious as I approach.

“Niran?”

I shake my head, letting her know there’s no news. Of course we don’t share club business with old ladies, but there’s no hiding he’s not around. Even if we tried to come up with a rational explanation, neither she, Patsy or Alex are stupid, and would quickly see through any excuse just by observing the brothers’ sombre expressions and downhearted behaviour.

“What are you going to do about it?”

As I look into her trusting eyes, I know how much the younger biker means to her. They’d clicked from the time I left him to protect her in her house. Alicia, her, our teenage daughter, likes him as well. To be honest, Niran’s one of the good guys, and most people who meet him would feel the same way.

I just wonder if she knows what she’s asking. Sure, we’ll move heaven and earth to get Niran back, but there’ll be a cost to pay for it. I can only hope it’s not too much and that I can come back to her.

“We know where he is.” Since we’ve gotten together, there’s not been a night when I haven’t slept beside her, so however much I want to hide my involvement, it will be impossible to keep it from her. “We’re heading to Vegas, probably tonight. Might be away a day or so, darlin’.”

She bites her lip, drawing my attention to her face, noting now I’m less focused on Niran and more on her—how tired and pale she’s looking. I put it down to worry for our missing brother, and hope bringing him back if it’s humanely possible will return a smile to her face.

“You do what you’ve got to do,” she semi-whispers, and as she broadens her shoulders, I know she’s trying to be brave.

“Hey, Grumbler old man.”

I reel from the slap on my back that Dart’s just placed on it. “Just been talking to Alex. She’s suggested Patsy, Mary and Alicia go over to our place and have a girl’s sleepover.”

Mary gives a half-hearted grin. “Girls?” she queries.

“Mary, you beauty. You’ll always be a girl to me.” Dart places his hand over his heart dramatically, while I elbow him in the ribs.

“Oomph,” he exclaims, glaring.

“I think it’s a good idea, Mary.” I’d prefer her not to be alone. Heaven forbid anything happens with the baby while I’m not there to help her. Alicia’s a good kid, but might miss some signs. All three women she would be staying with have had babies before.

“Alex would appreciate the help with the kids, and Isla there will remind you what you’ve got in store,” Dart adds, as though it’s encouragement.

Mary chuckles softly. “I can get in some diaper changing practice at least.”

“So you’re coming?” Alex appears with Isla’s hand now firmly in her grip.

When Mary nods, Alex curls her free arm around her. “It will be good to have some female company for a change. We’ll watch movies, drink wine… or at least Patsy and I will, and watch movies with Alicia while you refamiliarize yourself with looking after kids.” She winks at my old lady who rolls her eyes.

“I’m rethinking this,” Mary replies to her laughing, then she frowns. “Oh, what about Cyn?”

My eyes widen. I’d forgotten about her. “Damn it.” I bounce a fist off the palm of my other hand a couple of times.

“Take her with you. She’ll buy the suggestion it’s a girls’ night. Say we’re off on a ride, that Niran’s gone ahead if she asks for him.” Dart’s thinking quickly. “If she wants details, say it’s club business.”

“You think she’ll accept it?” I ask him, wondering what Niran’s kid sister would do if we returned without him.

He shrugs. “She’s not got a choice, has she?” Then he taps my shoulder and jerks his head. Knowing he wants to discuss club business, I step away and follow him.

“Can you get the ammunition and rifles stored in the crash truck?”

“That’s what I was about to get started on VP. After I’ve given Ross a call.”

Dart’s eyes focus behind me. “Mary okay? She looks a bit pale.”

Grimacing, I answer, “I think so. She’s close to Niran, and she’s worried about him.”

The reply seems to satisfy him. “So are we all, Grumbler. So are we fuckin’ all.”

---