Page 24 of Property of Scythe
I fill him in, adding my concern. “Her name is Lottie Bishop, but that’s probably not her actual first name. I’m guessing it’s a nickname. Try Charlotte, Lisette, or Dorothy.”
“You want me to do a thorough check?”
“Just enough to know if she’s got a restraining order or a history of a violent assault. I get the feeling someone hurt her.” I clench my fist, knowing if that’s true, I will fuck up whoever is after her.
“Easy, Scythe. I’ll let you know what I find,” Boomer assures me.
“I’m worried. If she has a stalker, then she’s not in danger only at home. She’s got twenty-two kids in her second-grade class,including Mila. I don’t want some sick fuck going after Lottie or my daughter.”
“Make this a priority,” my dad agrees, giving my brother the order.
Pops is no longer the president of the Kings, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have power in this town. Everyone still calls him Hangman. And when he speaks, people listen.
That includes me and Boomer. It doesn’t matter if I’m the current president or if Boomer is the sheriff. Hangman trumps our position whenever he wants. Luckily, my father’s not an asshole. He only gives an order when it’s important.
“I’ll take care of it as soon as I’m back in the office,” my brother promises.
“Will you call me when you find something? I’ve got church, but call anyway. I need to know what we’re dealing with and prepare the club in case shit is happening in our town.”
“Done.”
We don’t discuss this any further and enjoy our breakfast, parting ways after we leave Tillie a hefty tip. I drop Pops back at the house, pick up my bike, and ride to The Barn.
When I park, I notice the whole lot is freshly mown. The prospects are still outside, cleaning shit up. Phantom must have lit a fire under their asses this morning. I chuckle as I enter and walk through the bar, making my way to the chapel.
It’s nearly noon. Every patched member sits at the table as I take my seat. Church isn’t just a meeting, it’s a way of life. This is how we communicate important information and make decisions, including voting on all aspects of club business and resolving conflicts. This room is fucking sacred.
My gaze sweeps over all the members. Mountain and Voodoo are notably absent since they’re in California. Phantom sits to my left. Hayride, Lasso, Moonshine, and Sasquatch finish off that row. After Mountain’s empty seat to the right, there’s Hound, Scarecrow, Charon, our cleaner, and Virus, who’s our hacker and forger. Our chaplain, Testament, sits at the end.
These men are more than bike enthusiasts and members of a motorcycle club. They’re my brothers. Family. We bonded over our patch and we wear our colors with pride. Fuck with one of us, you fuck with us all. That goes for every chapter in the Kings of Anarchy. Location doesn’t matter.
This lifestyle isn’t for the weak. Every man here has earned his place. I trust them as I do my father and Boomer. That kind of loyalty and brotherhood can’t be bought.
That’s why I wear this patch and lead these men. There’s no other place I’d rather be.
Chapter 9 Lottie
The sky is a bright blue this afternoon with a handful of fluffy white clouds. It rained overnight, but the ground is dry with only sporadic puddles on the asphalt where some of the children are playing hopscotch. Most are out on the lawn, climbing on the jungle gym, swinging, or taking their turn on the slide or monkey bars.
I like to use this time to get some exercise, walking around the perimeter of the playground while I keep an eye on the kids. Mark has joined me a few times, but mostly I’m alone. Like today.
Recess is almost over when I hear a tiny thud and then a screech. I’m already running toward the monkey bars when I see Mila on the ground. She’s clutching her knee as a tiny cry leaves her lips.
Oh, no. She’s hurt.
I reach her just as the first tear slips down her cheek. “Mila, are you okay?”
“I scraped my knee.” She sniffles. “It’sbleeding.”
Aw, poor thing. “I can help with that. Come on inside.”
I guide her back to the classroom and over to my desk. I’ve got a first aid kit I keep on hand just for this type of situation. I don’t show her what’s inside yet, but I’ve got Frozen-themed bandages.
“Is it okay if I clean your knee?”
She nibbles on her bottom lip with her teeth. “Will it hurt?”
I won’t lie to her. “It might sting a little bit, but that’s how you know the medicine is working.”
