Page 15 of Biker On The Hill
The reminder of Evina’s death makes me swallow hard.
“Ryett is nothing to her,” Vance snarls.“She was my mother and no one else’s.Everything belongs to me.”
I suck in a sharp breath at the venom in Vance’s voice and step closer to Abbott.Abbott raises his arm to guide me behind him.
“You’re just a money-hungry whore.”Vance shoves a bony finger in Abbott’s direction.“A whore who planned all of this from the start, along with that asshole who killed my son.”
A haze of anger overwhelms me and I fly past Abbott to shove two hands against Vance.He stumbles back and falls flat on his ass.
“Yeah?”I seethe.“Then where were you all her life?Where was her loving son who visited her on a regular basis?Who spent time with an amazing, loving woman with so many stories, jokes, cooking skills, and great company?Where were you when she suddenly couldn’t see well?Did you drive her to get prescriptions?Find out her eyes were fucked?Legally blind, both eyes needing an operation?Did you drive her?Help her?Make sure those drops went into her eyes a few times a day?Were you worried she couldn’t pee for days?Made food to be sure she ate?Called the doctor when she suddenly wasn’t doing well?Drive her everywhere?Stood by her when the doctors told her they couldn’t do anything for her?Cared for her knowing she was dying?Heard her murmur in pain as if it sliced straight through your own fucking chest like a hot knife?Made sure they gave her something for the pain?Saw her body work hard for each damn breath until it gave up?Stood by her bed, skin discolored, body still warm, knowing your loved one left you alone to face this fucked-up world by yourself with no option to tell her one more time how much she meant to you?”
I can feel Abbott’s arm around my waist, holding me back.My chest is heaving, but all I feel is sadness and grief.
Throwing a look over my shoulder, I manage to keep my voice steady and tell Abbott, “You can let go now.”
Abbott steps back and I turn to face Vance once more.“If Evina knew, if she could see you now, she would turn over in her grave.I pity you, Vance.I loved your mother.She was a wonderful person, and I would give up everything she left me to spend another day with her.Sadly, that’s not possible.Which leaves me to treasure the memories I have with her.Something I bet you can’t even remember.”
Done with all of this I take a step in the direction of the house when Vance roars, “I don’t fucking care about memories.All I care about.”
“Is money?”Abbott snarls.
When I glance over my shoulder I see Abbott with a fistful of Vance’s shirt.The sheriff steps closer and instead of helping Vance, he grabs the back of his shirt to pull him away.
“Time for you to go home, Vance.Leave these nice people to enjoy the rest of their evening.”The sheriff nods at Abbott who lets go of Vance.
“What?”Vance snaps in disbelief.“You’re taking their side over mine?You’re supposed to have my back, brother.”
The sheriff shakes his head.“I’m not your brother, neither are you my brother-in-law since my sister divorced your sorry ass years ago.The things these nice people said tonight let me know you’re in the wrong, and I’m sure they can give you the name of the attorney who handled Evina’s estate.Though, I don’t think it’ll make a difference if you are in fact disowned.So, like Ryett mentioned, you only have yourself to blame.”
Vance jerks away from the sheriff’s grip and roars, “You will pay.You will all pay,” and runs off.
“I hope he doesn’t cause trouble,” the sheriff mutters.
Abbott snorts.“You know damn well he will.Maybe your judgement will be clouded again, even if it didn’t work out the last time.”
A sigh rips from the sheriff.“I corrected my mistake and stood up for you once I found out all the details.”
I bounce my gaze between them, knowing the sheriff is right.Delcy told me the sheriff helped his nephew but later realized the error of his ways.The sheriff made sure it was known that the evidence was inadmissible since it was obtained illegally.
“Don’t expect a thank you,” Abbott grunts.“Just make sure that fucker there doesn’t return here.Ryett is the sole beneficiary.There’s nothing Vance can do about it, other than kill her but he won’t get anything when she dies either.You can tell he still thinks everything is his.Vengeance will blind him, but he won’t succeed because I won’t let him ruin Ryett.Do you understand?”
The sheriff nods.“You are allowed to protect yourself inside your home but be sure to call me if he comes near either of you again.I’ll make sure to talk to him, force him to understand and give a final warning.Maybe you should swing by the station and get a restraining order?”
“We’ll come by first thing in the morning,” I quickly state.“Evina had one too.”
“I’ll make sure everything will be ready when you find the time to swing by the station,” the sheriff assures.“Have a nice night.”
Abbott and I nod and watch the patrol car drive off.I feel dead tired when we step inside the house.
“What a day,” I grumble.“I’m ready for it to be over.”
Abbott steps closer and places a kiss against my temple.“Go get some sleep.I’ll be right here if you need anything, okay?”
Raising on my tiptoes, I brush a kiss against his lips.“Thank you.”
“Always,” he rumbles, and I let his promise engulf me in its warmth.
