Page 72 of Ripper
Veronica
Two Months Later
I was finally starting to get back on my feet, and it felt good to be moving around again. I rode down to the shop, parking my bike out front, and I walked in to see Uncle Axle working on the Chevelle.
“Ronnie!”
“Uncle Axle!”
He threw his arms around me, squeezing tightly, and I smiled. I’d been recovering for so long that I’d forgotten how good it felt to be back here, to see everything was seemingly back to normal.
“How are you feeling now? I was gonna come down to Ripper’s tonight to check on you. Was gonna bring you some burgers too,” he said, beaming.
“I’m much better. It feels good to be out and about again. I’ll definitely be snagging some burgers on the way home. Did Ripper tell you about the new bikes we’re going to need fixed?”
“Yes, he did. He scored some new ones after the others were burnt to the ground. He’s supposed to be bringing them in later today. I’ll get ’em fixed up for you all.”
“Thanks, Uncle Axle. Everyone’s getting a little tired of having to use the prospects’ bikes and they’re getting antsy not having rides. Once we get these done, we can finally get back to work. How are you feeling?” I asked him, worriedly.
“Oh, Ronnie. I’ve been better for ages now. You don’t need to worry about me.”
“Razor’s still been checking in, right?”
“Yes, he has,” he said.
“I’m glad. We’re not out of the woods yet, I’m afraid. Ray’s still out there somewhere, and I’m worried that he may try something again. I just want to make sure you stay safe,” I murmured.
“I should be saying the same for you, Ronnie. If it wasn’t for Ripper, I’d probably be worrying myself sick every minute of every day. I’m glad he’s watching out for you. I’ve got to say. I’m real proud of you, kiddo,” he responded, and I smiled brightly.
“I’ve got a bit of extra time before I need to meet Ripper down at the clubhouse. I can help you with the Chevelle if you want.”
“It’s okay, Ronnie. I know you’ve got your hands full with the club. I can handle it.”
“Come on, Uncle Axle. For old time’s sake?”
“All right, if you insist,” he said, happily.
I washed my hands, grabbed the tools I needed, and strapped on my old work belt. I tied my hair up into a high ponytail, the ends swishing around as I got to work helping him out. It felt good to be working on a car again, to be bringing an old hunk of metal back to life. It reinvigorated me, and I knew I’d try to come down here as often as I could to help Uncle Axle out when the shop got busy or when the Rebels needed some mechanic work.
An hour passed, and I heard my cell phone start to ring in my pocket. I pulled out, answering it.
“Ripper?”
“Sweet pea. I’m heading down to the Tavern now. Meet me there?”
“Of course.”
I washed up, bidding Uncle Axle goodbye before taking off to the Tavern. I arrived before Ripper, taking a seat at the bar when I looked up to see a familiar face staring back at me.
“Well, well, well. Look who’s back on her feet!”
“Charlotte,” I said, smiling.
“How does it feel?”
“It feels incredible. Things are finally starting to calm down around here, but for some reason, that doesn’t exactly make me feel any better. I’m glad to be back out on the road, but it’s like I’m just waiting for trouble to come knocking, you know?”
“That’s the biker life, Ronnie. It can be one hell of a shitshow sometimes, but you gotta enjoy these moments. It’s okay to take it easy, especially after what you’ve been through,” she said.
