Page 76 of His Flawed Ride
“The fuck?” Mason grunts.
“He was full of shit. He was sizing me up as I was him.”
“He rode a long way just to fuck about,” JJ points out.
“You think I haven’t worked that out for myself?” Leo snaps. “Under no circumstances will we allow him to take any of our territory or gain more than he already has. You all heard it, we’re at war. If the sheriff hadn’t have shown up when she did, today would’ve ended a lot differently than it did. We no longer move on the defence. From now on, we make the first moves and the last.” Brothers, me included, pound our fists on the table in agreement. “We’re going to end the Hades Hogs Motorcycle Club.”
He slams the gavel down and is the first one out of the back room, no doubt not wanting to deal with Slade. Cas and Sparky hang back with him as I leave. Annie comes to mind but I need a fucking drink before I deal with her.
Chapter Thirty-One
Leo
The weight of paranoia has finally lifted, and I can breathe again. Shit got dark and no matter what I do going forward will it ever lead me to that place again. Grim and Nora have left town but if I’m honest the paranoia disappeared when I saw how Nora went to bat for Grim the day Harry’s parents showed up. For a momentIeven believed her. She was convincing to say the least. With Nora free from my mind, the Hades Hogs have my full attention and they’re going to wish they didn’t.
Holly walks down the stairs with Roman freshly bathed and in his pyjamas. “Have you seen Harper today?” I ask her.
“I checked in this morning. She’s what you’d expect when someone you’re close with kills themselves. Your mom spent the day with her, keeping her busy. Nina and Bonnie are checking in on her too.”
“I’ll go see her in the morning.”
“Be sure you do, you’re good with her.” She places Roman down on his playmat. “I forgot to tell you that Grim left you something before they went home.”
Frowning, I ask, “Where is it?”
“He told me to put it up out of reach of the kids so I put it on the top shelf in the laundry room.”
What the fuck. Putting my beer down, I walk through the house and retrieve said box. Using my knife, I slice through the tape and find a gun inside, no bullets, and a note scribbled on top of the lid.
I can’t leave knowing you have doubts about my old lady. For your peace of mind, here’s our word.
The gun they used to kill Harry. Guilt should hit me, but it doesn’t. It’s the final nail in the coffin burying the paranoia. Keeping the gun in the box, I head out and make my way over to my bike.
“Where are you going?” JJ hollers from the bar door.
“Out.”
Making sure the box is secure in my saddle bag, I bring my engine to life and ride out to the cabin. It’s been a long time since I’ve returned to my old home, and I enjoy the ride on the quiet roads. I shouldn’t be riding alone but I can’t do this around any of the brothers, not even JJ.
The cabin is the same as the last time I was here, though the bushes and trees have grown wild and need tending to.
I unlock the shed, grab the shovel, and start walking.
I walk until I’m just before the border of our land and pick the biggest tree as my marker. I start digging, having to shrug out of my cut and hoodie halfway through. I make sure the hole is deep enough and then use my hoodie to wipe all prints off of the box. I chuck it in and start filling the hole in.
It doesn’t feel like any time at all but over an hour later, I fall back against the tree and wipe the sweat from my forehead. I light a cigarette and inhale deeply.
I’ve always found it peaceful out here, especially at night, but it isn’t peace I need. I need to be on top form when it comes to the club and to our enemies. I need to dig and lock onto the ruthlessness my brother owns so naturally. I won’t be caught out again and if shit goes to plan, the club won’t see another death under my time at the gavel.
Locking up behind me, Holly’s halfway up the stairs on the way to bed. “Do I want to ask why you’re covered in dirt?”
“I was out at the cabin,” is all I tell her.
“Why?”
“Just tying up loose ends.”
I shrug out of my cut and hang it on the back of the kitchen chair. I whip my hoodie and tee over my head and toss it in the laundry room. I shove out of my jeans, and they follow suit. Down to my boxers, I shut off the lights and make sure the doors are locked.
