Through The Weeds (Nightshade MC Book 2) (12 page)

Buster waited until she'd placed the plates, refilled their coffee and moved away from the table. “Did she tell you he was abusive?”

“Not in those words, but I put together the pieces. She's pretty skittish.” Caroline picked up her fork. “Do you want some of my omelet?”

“Spinach and tomatoes aren't really my thing. Not to mention that cheese.”

“It's feta cheese and it's delicious,” she informed him.

“I'll take your word on it. You want some pancakes?” Buster offered.

“They do look good, but only if you're not going to eat them all.” She made room on her plate. “Do you think that Edge told Jillian what he did because he was high? Where would he even get that idea?”

Buster had a good idea where Edge had gotten the idea. Train used to have a thing for chasing women who didn't want them and losing interest the moment he'd gotten them. It was the chase that excited him more than the catch. “I don't know where he got the idea. I've never done that. I never would. And I don't know, maybe he was high. Maybe he just wanted to keep her away from Ace. He was never happy that Ace had eyes for her. I'm going to find out, though.”

“Are you going to hurt him?” she asked, and he was surprised that her mind had gone right there.

“Why would you ask that?”

“I highly doubt that Nightshade deals with their problems by talking things out while holding a feeling stick and then hugging at the end.”

Buster chuckled. No. If a stick was involved it would certainly be a weapon. “You're right. We don't. He's going to get what's coming to him, and that's all that I can say. It's going to be his choice.” And it would be. Edge could choose to stay clean, or he could choose to be turned away from Nightshade or worse.

“That sounds a little grim.” Caroline fiddled with her fork. “But it's an honest answer. Thank you for that.”

“You're welcome, Sweetheart.” Buster cut into his pancakes and placed half the stack on the plate his toast had come on. “You like syrup?” He grinned when she blushed. “Did your mind just go to a dirty place over syrup?”

“Maybe,” she replied coyly. “And yes, I do like syrup. Lots of sweet, sticky syrup.” She reached for the syrup, poured on a liberal amount and swiped her finger through it.

Buster felt himself go rock hard as she sucked her finger into her mouth. “Now you're just being cruel.”

“If I wanted to be cruel,” she smirked, “I'd tell you that I'm not wearing any underwear.”

<#<#<#<#

Edge was in rough shape, tied to the bed, stripped naked and on top of blue absorbent pads so that any accident he had wouldn't stain the mattress beneath. He was capable of speaking, though, and of screaming. Mostly he just screamed and flailed. He hadn't started to cry yet, but Buster knew that it was coming.

He'd watched a withdrawal like this once before, another brother who had fallen prey to the needle and despite all their best effort, he'd died with a needle in his arm three months after he'd gotten clean. His name hadn't been spoken since. He'd dishonored Nightshade, turned his back on the brotherhood to chase whatever high he could find. Buster wasn't exactly sure that Edge would end up any differently.

“Drink some of this,” Ace ordered as he approached the man on the bed with a cup and a straw. “Just a little, you're probably going to throw it all right back up, but you need to stay hydrated.”

“Fuck you.” Edge wasn't capable of saying much that made sense, but he was still able to swear just fine.

“Drink it or I'll go and watch some educational videos online and figure out how to give you an IV. I can guarantee that won't be a pleasant experience for you.” Ace won the battle for the moment with that threat. Edge drank. “Now, it's time for some questions. Who's your dealer? One of Manuel's guys?” Buster wasn't surprised when Edge didn't answer. He was also disappointed, because it made his gut feeling that this was going to end badly deepen.

Ace was still asking the questions, with a little more force and frustration in his voice, when Train came through the door. He had a mile-wide smile on his face. “My junkie, still the oldest living junkie I've ever met, came through. The blue bag is something new. It's called Binky. He said he's tried it twice. Once, it was the smoothest fucking thing in the world, but the second time, it kicked like a mule. He lost his shit in the middle of McDonald's and got thrown into psych holding.”

“Binky.” Buster didn't know where people came up with these names. It took a special sort of freaks to decide to name a killer drug after a child’s pacifier. “Where'd he get it from? Who did he get it from?”

“Now that's the really interesting part. It was given to him by some random guy when he was in some squatter house, both doses. The first one was a powder. The second one was a pill.”

“He know the guy?” Ace asked.

“Said he was a clown. Don't fucking ask me what that means as a description, but it's got to be a new crew. You don't hand out product like that for shits and giggles, you do it to build a client base and send a message.”

“They're trying to make a name for themselves,” Buster added. “And they're organized enough to hit The Street Kings to take out their main competition. Now they're going to get the junkies hooked.” He couldn't help but look over to where Edge was. The man had stopped screaming and struggling. He was listening intently but not saying a word. “We all know that once a junkie is hooked, they'll find a way to score. Train, grab the prospects and start talking to people. See if we can't get a better description than a clown with a fucking candy bowl. Ace, you and Rock stay here on Edge. Press him as hard as you need to. I want answers.”

They needed answers. They needed to know how Edge had gotten the drugs. It wasn't likely he'd been hanging in the numerous squatter houses that were nothing more than drug dens. If they could get him to talk, they'd get a better description than a clown, and maybe, just maybe, they could get ahead of this new crew, stop them before things really went to hell. If they couldn't get him to talk, well, then Edge wasn't going to have himself a happy ending. He'd lose more than just his patch and ink, he'd lose his life. Chances were, he'd lose his life even if he did talk.

Chapter Ten

Monday dragged the way that Monday always did. It wasn't even four o'clock, but Caroline was ready to go home and get in bed. She stifled a yawn as she answered the phone. “RBS. How can I help you?”

“You weren't answering your phone.” Buster's voice sent a familiar tingle through her. “You getting out at five today?”

“Yes.”

“Can I pick you up? Give you a ride home?”

She hadn't seen him since they'd had lunch on Saturday, but they'd spoken once and sent several flirty texts. “That works for me.” It also made her very very glad that she'd worn pants to work instead of the dress she'd originally grabbed out of the closet. Being too lazy to shave had, for once, paid off. “I'd offer to make you dinner, but it'd be kind of awkward. Jillian came home this morning.”

“How did that go?”

“She asked me to have dinner with her and Jake tomorrow night. Said that maybe we just need to get to know one another better. I said yes because what else was I supposed to say?” Caroline sighed. She'd rather get a full bikini wax than a have night of small talk with Jake and Jillian.

“You should have asked her if you could bring a date. I'd like to meet this Jake guy.”

“I don't think that Jillian will go for that. She's just a smidge anti-Nightshade at the moment.”

“I can't imagine why.” He laughed. “What if I cook you dinner?”

“Would it come out of a microwave?” Caroline asked. She clearly remembered him saying that he didn't cook.

“No microwave. I can manage spaghetti and sauce. So, yes or no? I've got to go.”

“Yes, to both the ride home and dinner cooked by you. I'll see you at five.” Caroline hung up the phone and felt more energized than she had since she'd gotten out of bed this morning. The phone rang again, and work occupied her time until she realized it was just about five. She buzzed into Ryan's office, where she knew for a fact he was playing video games and not actually working. “I'm getting ready to walk out the door. You want me to flip the closed sign?”

“Nah. Fuck this game,” he replied. “I'll be right out. See you in the morning. I'll stop for coffee and doughnuts on my way in.”

“Your fondness for doughnuts has put five pounds on my ass,” Caroline complained.

“I'll bring you some boring-ass fruit. How does that sound?”

“Perfect. See you in the morning, Ryan.” She grabbed her purse, her phone, and tried to remember if she was forgetting anything. Caroline took a moment to still her shaky hands, told herself that she was being silly. This was just another date with Buster. Maybe it was the fact that they were dating again, even after what Edge had told Jillian, that had her unsettled. It was easier to believe that Buster was telling the truth now that she knew Edge was getting high. Drugs really fucked a person up. She'd seen that with Wayne.

The street outside the building supply company was relatively busy. The neighborhood had been fortunate. It had survived even if there were a few more empty stores than before. She sat down on the bench Ryan used during his smoke breaks and checked her watch. Caroline was a few minutes early, so she pulled the book she habitually kept in her bag out and started to read.

The story was good, interesting enough for her not to realize that the minutes were ticking by. When she finally checked the time, it was nearly half past five. She remembered the first time that she was supposed to have dinner with Buster and he'd had to cancel because of Nightshade things. He'd called that time. He hadn't called yet so Caroline decided to call him.

“Hey, it's me. It's after five so I'm figuring that you got caught up with something or you decided that you really didn't want to make me spaghetti. Anyway, call me when you get this. I'm going to head home. I should be able to catch the bus. Bye.” The bus stop was two blocks down. Caroline started to walk, her thoughts on Buster.

At first, she didn't think that the incessant beep of a car horn was intended for her, but then someone called her name. “Caroline!”

She turned, saw Jake and had to stop herself from an eye roll. Instead, she lifted her hand and waved. “Hey Jake.” She hoped that would be the end of it, but he pulled his car over to the curb. “Hi,” she repeated.

“Hop in. I'll give you a ride home.” He leaned over and opened the passenger door. “You were heading for the bus, right?”

“Right.” Caroline realized that there was no polite way to refuse the offer, and she had no real reason to not want to be in the car with him. Jillian might be right, and she just needed to give Jake a second chance. “Thanks.” She got in. “I appreciate it.”

“Anytime. No need for you to walk when I'm going your way. I was actually going to leave a little present for Jillian on the porch, but you can take it inside for her.” He motioned to the back seat where a pretty potted plant sat. “She's not a huge fan of cut flowers.”

Caroline smiled. “She's also got what she refers to as a black thumb. It's the reason she doesn't have any plants.” She grinned at the look on his face. “Don't worry. I'll help her keep it alive.”

“Thanks and I'll keep her black thumb in mind for future gifts.” Jake stopped at a light. “Look, I know that you've got your doubts about me. Right now is a good opportunity for you to ask me anything you might not want to ask me in front of Jillian.”

“I'm Jillian's friend. I want the best for her, that's all.” Caroline highly doubted Jake was the best. He was too smooth. “I'd be a liar if I didn't tell you I think that things between the two of you are moving fast. Maybe too fast.”

“That's fair. And I agree, it's been fast. I always laughed at those people who said that you could meet someone and just know that they were the one for you. I thought they were fucking fools, and then I saw Jillian. And I couldn't help but talk to her. Yes, things have gone quickly, but I'm using my head. We both are.”

“You bought her a car. A car.”

“My sister, she's a little spoiled, tired of her nearly new car and got another one. Jillian's been saving and mentioned a couple used cars that sounded like they were only four wheels and mismatched doors. I simply got her a much better car, and she can use that money for something else. It's a big gesture, but I felt better knowing that she wouldn't be walking around in the dark.”

“Do you love her?”

“I thought that I answered that. Yes. I love her. I am in love with her, and I'd be obliged if you'd keep that to yourself because she doesn't know yet. I haven't figured the right way to tell her yet. I do know that it's not the right time.”

“No. It's not. She's got a lot going on right now.”

“Her brother. She's heartbroken that they argued. I think that it would do her some good to sit down and talk to him. I think that we should ask him to have dinner with us tomorrow,” Jake said.

“I'm not sure that's such a good idea. I think they both need time to cool down some more.” And Edge needed time to detox. She didn't figure he'd been checked into a traditional program with a visiting room for families and sleepy time tea. “You've got to give Jillian time.”

“I'm worried that too much time will take a toll on her. But maybe you're right. So, Jillian tells me that you're seeing that guy again. Your biker.”

“I'm not sure that I'd call him mine, but yeah, we're seeing each other again.” Caroline realized this was the longest car ride she'd ever endured. Each topic made her more uncomfortable than the last, but she knew for sure, she was going with her gut. She didn't like Jake.

“You should invite him to dinner tomorrow. I'd love to get to meet him. And maybe it's a way for Jillian to heal a little bit about Edge. I mean, she can't really avoid Nightshade forever because they're a pretty big deal.”

“I'll ask.” Caroline was glad to see the house come into view.

“Fantastic. I know that Jillian's going to make something delicious. I'll bring a nice wine for you ladies and a nice bottle of something a little stronger just in case your man decides to show. Buster, right?”

“Right.” Caroline unhooked her seat belt as he parked.

“I'll carry the plant in for you. It's rather heavy.” Jake smiled. “Wouldn't want you to break a nail or anything.”

“Thanks.” Caroline bit back a more sarcastic reply. Not only did Jake give her a stomach cramp, he was obviously one of those guys who didn't think a woman could do for herself. It made him an even odder choice for Jillian, who was independent to a fault.

He followed her in, put the plant down and left. Caroline went to the door after him, engaged the deadbolt and put on the chain. It was probably a sign of paranoia and her possible descent into madness which made her go around the house to be sure all of the windows were shut and the curtains drawn.

Still, she felt a sense of unease. Buster still hadn't reached out to her, so she assumed she was on her own for dinner, popped a frozen pizza into the oven and headed for the shower. She was done just about the time her pizza was, grabbed the book from her purse and sat down to eat in the living room.

Caroline was on her second slice and just starting a very steamy scene when someone pounded on the door. She dropped the pizza and the book as the knock came again. Caroline scrambled for her phone, her battery was dead. Shit. She hadn't even noticed.

“Caroline!” The voice that called out belonged to Ace. A feeling of dread formed in her stomach as she rushed to the door. “What happened to your phone?”

“Battery died. What's wrong?”

“Grab your shit. We've got to go. There's no time to explain it, Caroline. Buster will explain it once we get there. I promise.”

<#<#<#<#

There was an eerie stillness to the bar when Caroline followed Ace inside. She figured the two men, who she'd never seen before, who were guarding the gates were a bad sign. They'd had on different cuts, had a more street edge to the way that they dressed and carried themselves.

Ace shut and locked the heavy door behind them. “Sit down. Buster will be along in a minute. You're safe here. There's no need to be scared.”

“I want to know what the hell is going on.”

“It's not my place to tell you. Have a seat. Wait it out. Take a drink if you need to.” Ace started to turn away. “Do you... do you know where Jillian is?”

“She's got a cleaning job today, on the other side of town. Why?” The last thing she'd expected was for Ace to ask anything about Jillian. If she wasn't mistaken, the expression on his face was one of worry. Caroline realized that he still had feelings that he wouldn't admit. It gave her a spark of hope that maybe Jillian would forget about Jake.

“Call her and tell her not to go home.” He swallowed hard. “Tell her to be careful and that she needs to reach out if anything strange happens.”

“Ace, you're really scaring me.”

“Just wait for Buster and make the call, please.” He didn't say anything else but took the stairs to the second floor two at a time.

Caroline walked over to the bar, around it and grabbed the first bottle she put her hand on. She knocked back three shots of Southern Comfort before she felt steady enough to put the bottle back. She found a cold bottle of water in the mini-fridge, drank it down and called Jillian. Her friend answered on the first ring. “Hey, where are you?”

“I'm with Jake, having a drink at this coffee place by my cleaning job. Why? What's going on?”

“I can't really say but don't go home. Something is up.” Caroline knew that she couldn't give too many details, not that she had any details.

Jillian sighed heavily. “Let me guess, this something has something to do with those who shall not be named. Sorry, Caroline but I don't want to hear it.” Caroline heard Jake say something in the background and then he was on the phone. “What's going on?”

“I really can't go into it.” Not to mention she didn't really want to go into anything with Jake, but apparently Jillian wasn't going to listen to her any longer. “The short version is, it's not a good idea for Jillian to go home. Maybe you could suggest a romantic night instead, like a room at one of the casino hotels where you eat dinner in bed.”

“Ah.” Jake cleared his throat. “I see. I think I can handle putting together something.”

Caroline turned around at the sound of footsteps on the stairs. “Sounds perfect. I've got to go.” She could see the blood on Buster's face even from across the room. “What happened? You're bleeding.”

“I'm fine, Caroline. The scalp tends to bleed a lot.” He walked over to her. “See, I'm in one piece.”

“What happened?” She grabbed greedy handfuls of his shirt and pulled him to her once she could reach. The feel of his body against hers was a comfort that she hadn't realized she needed.

“Do you trust me?” Buster wrapped his arms around her.

“Yes.” Caroline was surprised just how quickly she'd found the answer. It would seem that this unknown, but obviously serious, situation had cut through all the bullshit in her mind. Of course, the Southern Comfort had probably helped some.

“And I trust you. I'm going to need your help. We're going to need your help.” He corrected. “Nightshade will owe you. We always pay our debts.”

“I'm not worried about being repaid, Buster. I'll help.” Caroline pulled back so that she could get a better view of the wound on his forehead. “You might need stitches. At the least, you need to get it cleaned. I can do that. I'm not a doctor but I can handle basic first aid. I can...”