WOLF: An Evil Dead MC Story (The Evil Dead MC Series Book 4) (20 page)

“So what’s going on with Crystal?” She heard Liam ask Jameson when he walked in the door. As she walked in behind him, she saw Liam’s eyes slide past Jameson to land on her. He’d obviously thought she’d left.

“Crystal, you okay?” Max asked.

Jameson answered his question. “She’s fine. Why don’t you guys head on out. Her and I are going to be here a while.”

Liam, Rory and Max exchanged a look, but rose from their chairs.

“Yeah, sure. We were just leaving, weren’t we, guys?” Max replied.

“You bet,” Rory added.

After his three brothers shuffled out, Jameson herded her toward the front and into a chair at his station. Then he grabbed up a binder and slapped it on the padded arm rest.

“Pick something, Ace.”

She looked from him to the book, and then smiled and flipped it open. Jameson pulled over a rolling stool and sat. He watched as she turned the pages, studying the designs. She felt his eyes move from the designs to her face, and she lifted her gaze to him.

“You sure you want to do this tonight?” he asked softly. “I didn’t mean to push you into doing anything you’re not ready to do.”

She smiled at him, touched by his concern and touched by the fact that he hadn’t pressured her for any details or tried to drag the story out of her. Maybe he could tell she wasn’t quite ready to talk. “I’m sure. I have to admit, I’ve thought about it ever since the first time I walked in these doors.”

He grinned. “If you’re sure.” Then he slid a piece of paper out from the back of the book and laid it on top. He tapped his finger on the design sketched on it. “I like that one.”

She looked down at it. It was a beautiful design of intricate flowers with a filigree pattern behind it forming the cuff. It really was stunning. She met his eyes and smiled. “It’s perfect.”

“I sketched this out last week.”

Her eyes took in the beautiful design. He was an amazing artist. Truly gifted. “It’s stunning.” Then her eyes lifted to his. “Who did you do this for?”

“For you,” he admitted softly.

“For me?” Her eyes returned to the design, glittering with tears. “You
did
know, didn’t you?”

He lifted one shoulder in a slight shrug. “I suspected, that’s all, Crystal. I didn’t know for sure. I still don’t know much, do I?”

She met his eyes and gave a slight shake of her head, her throat closing.

“You don’t want to talk, that’s fine. But if you ever do, I’m here.”

“Okay,” she replied softly.

A small grin pulled at his mouth as he repeated the word back to her just as softly. “Okay.”

That got a grin out of her.

“Let’s get to work then.” He winked at her and stood up, moving to set up his equipment.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Cole and Crash were at Marty’s having a beer.

“Wolf working his shit out finally?” Cole asked.

Crash looked over at him and shrugged. “He’s doing better. It’s just gonna take some time.”

Cole nodded. A moment later, his attention was caught by the TV above the bar as they interrupted programing for breaking news. The news anchor was saying, “We go live now to our reporter on the scene.”

The screen showed a woman standing in front of what looked like a sketchy apartment building.

“I’m reporting live from the east side of town, where three women were found dead this morning. The victims shared an apartment in this building behind me, and all had apparently died in similar fashion. Details suggest these deaths were especially gruesome. Police are saying very little, but our sources are reporting the victims all had their throats slashed. The victims also had another thing in common. Our sources confirm that all three women were employees of a local strip club called Sonny’s. We’ll continue to follow this story as more details emerge. Reporting live, Samantha Edwards, Channel Ten News.”

“Christ, man,” Crash murmured, his eyes glued to the screen.

A moment later, Cole’s cell phone went off. He pulled it out, looked at the screen and saw it was Mack. He put it to his ear, growling, “Yeah?

“You seeing what I’m seeing?” Mack bit out.

“Yeah. Just saw it.”

“Goddamn it. Call a meeting.”

Twenty minutes later, they were gathered around the table in the clubhouse meeting room.

Mack ran his hand through his hair in a frustrated fashion before looking over at Cole. “What do we know?”

“I talked with Sonny. He’s had no problems. Nothing unusual. He’s got no clue.”

Mack stared down at the scarred wooden table. “That’s the third hit on a business that has a direct line to our income. I’m not buying that it’s a coincidence.”

Cole nodded. “I think you’re right.”

Mack looked over at Cole. “Who the fuck is doing this?”

Cole shook his head. “I don’t know, but when we catch them, they’re going to wish they were dead.”

“Up security on everything. Sonny’s, the Pony, all our deliveries, and find out who the fuck is doing this!” Mack roared.

Cole nodded.

****

The man stood in the bushes, fifty yards from the clubhouse. Just far enough away to be out of sight. He grinned as he watched the men scramble out to their bikes. They’d never figure out who was fucking with them. He was just too good. Hell, this was like taking candy from a baby.

He twirled the gold necklace with the tiny locket around his finger. A little memento from last night. One he’d taken from the cute brunette. She’d yelled filthy things at him before he’d shut her up, calling him a grotesque hideous monster. The little cunt.

He’d shown her though, hadn’t he? He’d shown her the true meaning of the word monster, saving her for last, taking his time with her, slashing her over and over while she’d screamed behind the duct tape he’d put across her mouth.

She’d been Sonny’s headliner. He chuckled. Her head wasn’t so pretty anymore, now, was it?

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Crystal was on the front steps of the shop, sipping on a cola and enjoying the spring sunshine for a fifteen minute break when Max came roaring up on his Harley. He backed it to the curb, dropped the kickstand and climbed off. Pulling his helmet off, he twisted, grinning back at Crystal.

Her eyes trailed over his bike. All of the O’Rourke brothers rode. And every time she heard their bikes pull in, every time she looked out the window and saw that line of four bikes, sometimes a lot more than four if they had a bunch of bikers for customers, she’d miss the feel of riding down the road on the back of Wolf’s bike.

She’d ridden with Wolf quite often over the years. He’d take her on long rides. Usually, they’d stop somewhere quiet and have long talks about anything and everything. He’d tell her about growing up with a father that made his life hell and never thought he was good enough. She’d tell him about growing up with a sister who could do no wrong and how in comparison she could do no right. They’d share things with each other, things they’d never shared with anyone else.

Her thoughts went back to one ride in particular…

Wolf had ridden her up into the hills to a spot that overlooked the city below. It was a place he’d taken her to several times before. In fact, she’d begun to think of it as their special spot.

Dusk was falling, turning the sky to a gorgeous sapphire blue as the lights of the city sparkled below. They sat side-by-side on a big boulder, their booted feet swinging.

“It’s so beautiful up here,” she murmured.

“Um-hmm.” He studied the horizon.

She turned to him. “If you hadn’t joined the MC, what would you have done?”

“What do you mean?”

She shrugged her shoulders. “I mean, like in high school, what had you wanted to do with your life?”

He grinned at her. “You mean what did I want to be when I grew up?”

She rolled her eyes. “Yes, Wolf. What did you want to be when you grew up?”

It was his turn to shrug. “Hell, I don’t remember. I think I had planned to join the Army. Back then I would have signed my life away just to get the hell out of my father’s house.”

“But you joined the MC instead?”

“Yep. About that time I met Dog.” He grinned at her, teasing, “It was all downhill from there.”

She gave him a sly grin in return. “I’ll tell him you said that.”

His brows went up. “Like hell you will.”

They laughed. When they got quiet again, she turned to him. “Do you ever come up here without me?”

He turned to look at her, studying her a long moment before he shook his head. “Nope. Just with you.”

She grinned, liking his answer, and dropped her head to his shoulder. “It’s our spot then.”

“Yep, kiddo. It is.” He reached down and took her hand, threading their fingers together. Then he brought their joined hands to his mouth and pressed a kiss to the back of her hand. Then his eyes returned to the horizon.

“Wolf?” she whispered.

“Hmm?” he responded, his eyes still on the horizon.

“Do you ever miss your family?” She felt his head move, and his jaw pressed against the side of her forehead as he dipped his head toward hers.

“All I’ve got left is my ol’ man. And you know how I feel about him. So, I guess the answer is no.” He hesitated a moment, and then asked, “Why? Do you miss yours?”

She shrugged. “Sometimes.”

“When’s the last time you saw them?”

“Three years ago.”

“Maybe it’s time you went home for a visit, then.” When she didn’t reply, he bumped her with his shoulder. “Hey?”

She lifted her head and met his eyes.

“What’s the matter?”

“My father has been sick, and I really want to go see him.”

“Then you should go.” When she hesitated, he frowned. “What’s the problem, sweetheart?”

She shrugged. “You know how I get on with my mom and sister. I just don’t know how a visit would go over.”

He grinned at her. “You need backup, just say the word.”

Her eyed dropped to his mouth, and she returned his smile. Looking into his eyes, she asked, “You offering to be my backup, Wolf?”

“I’ll always be your backup, darlin’. Anytime. Anyplace.”

She grinned up at him and got lost in his warm brown eyes. He meant it. Every word. And she loved him for it. In fact, she’d loved him for a long time. She just didn’t know how to tell him.

“I’ve got the weekend free. Say the word, and you’re on the back of my bike, and we’re gone.”

She searched his eyes. “You mean it? You’d really take me?”

“Yes, I’d really take you. If you’re ol’ man is sick, you need to go see him. Don’t let your mom or sister keep you from doing that.”

“You’re right, Wolf. I should go.”

“It’s settled then. And if your mom or sister give you any grief, I’ll shut that shit down in a heartbeat.”

Crystal’s eyes stared off into space, thinking back on the sweet memory. He’d taken her that weekend, just like he’d promised. He’d met her father, the two of them even having a quiet talk. And he’d had her back for every barb her mother and sister threw at her. Finally, before the weekend was over, they’d come to have a new appreciation of her, treating her with a new respect they’d never had for her before. And that was all because of Wolf. He’d pointed out to them over and over what a good person she was, what a hard worker she was, and how everyone loved her. Finally, having enough, he’d informed them if they couldn’t see any of that, they could both go to hell.

Of course, that hadn’t gone over well, but she had to admit, they’d both changed their tune after that.

“Sometimes, people just need to be reminded of shit and put in their place,” he’d told her later when she’d thanked him.

Max’s voice drew her back from her memories. “Hey, darlin’, want to go for a ride?”

She focused back in on him as he stood next to his bike, looking up at her. “I’d love one, but it’s busy, and you’re late. You know how that pisses off Jameson. And no one wants a pissed off Jameson.”

He grinned back at her, and then his eyes lifted to something over her head and behind her.

“A pissed off Jameson?”

She heard the growled words and winced. Apparently, while she’d been daydreaming, she’d missed the sound of the door opening. “Oh shit.”

“Yeah, oh shit is right, Ace.”

She twisted to see the man, himself, standing on the porch behind her, his arms folded over his chest. He may have growled, but his eyes twinkled down at her. Then he lifted his eyes to his brother. “Our hours are noon to eight, in case you forgot.”

“I remember.”

“Did you remember the paperwork I asked you to bring me?”

“Paperwork?” Max frowned.

Jameson let out a long suffering sigh. “The shit I left on the kitchen table. The shit I called you about a half hour ago?”

“Oh. Shit. I forgot.” Max looked up at him sheepishly.

“Well, go back to the house and get it.”

Max grinned up at him. “I was just asking Crystal, here, if she wanted a ride.”

“That so?” Jameson looked down at her. “You wanting a ride?”

“Umm. Yeah, sure.”

He lifted his chin toward Max. “Go on then. Go with him.”

“But the shop,” she protested lamely.

“Got it covered, Ace. Go on.”

She swiveled her head to see Max smiling and crooking his finger at her.

She rose to her feet and trotted down the steps to her first ride in a long, long, time.

They rode through the backwoods and countryside, Max definitely taking the long way back to the old family farmhouse the four brothers shared outside of town. When they finally pulled down the drive, and he dropped the kickstand, Crystal remembered why she loved riding so much.

They both climbed off.

Max looked back at her and grinned when he saw her face. “You enjoy that?”

“God, yes. I miss it. Bad.”

Max frowned. “Then do it more often.”

“Uh, that’s kind of up to when I get the chance.”

“Why settle for being on the back?”

“What do you mean?”

“You shouldn’t have to have a man to be able to ride. Get your own bike. Then you can ride whenever the hell you want, darlin’.”

Crystal smiled, sliding her hands in her back pocket. “That’s not as easy as it sounds. I don’t know the first thing about, you know, riding one of these things.”

Max grinned. “I could teach you.”

Her eyes widened and her mouth parted. “Are you serious?”

“Hell, yeah. Why not? You’re a quick learner.”

Crystal was amazed by his offer, her eyes skimming over the sleek lines of his beautiful bike. God, it would be awesome to ride one. To ride anytime she wanted. Go anywhere she wanted. Shit, how cool would that be? Then she bit her lip. There was just one problem with that. She couldn’t afford a bike.

“What’s wrong?” Max asked.

She shrugged. “It’s a real sweet offer, Max, but even if I wanted to, I couldn’t afford a bike.”

“And
do
you want to? Bike aside, I mean.”

“Of course, but—”

He turned his back on her and walked toward the garage that was set back from the farmhouse. “Come on, Ace.”

She trailed behind him, stopping when he lifted up the garage door, then following him inside the huge three-car garage filled with a lot of junk. He stopped in front of a tarp covered shape and pulled the canvas off, revealing an old motorcycle. The front forks were missing the wheel, the handle bars were bent, and the rear fender was damaged.

“It needs a little work, but it’s a good bike.” Then he shocked the shit out of her by turning to her and saying, “I’ll make you a deal. I’ll fix it, but you’ve got to learn to ride it.”

“Are you saying…?”

“I’ll give it to you.”

“No shit!” A smile burst across her face, and he busted out laughing.

“No shit, Ace.”

And so commenced her riding lessons. She spent all her spare time, first watching Max work on the bike, then taking lessons. Not just from him, all the brothers got in on the act, each one of them taking a turn teaching her. She rode every chance she got. And as May turned to June, and June to July, and July to August, she was becoming damn good.

Pulling into the shop one day, she strutted inside before opening time to find the four brothers gathered around her reception area. Liam was sprawled in her chair, Rory was sitting on her desk, Max was leaning against the customer side of the counter, and Jameson stood with his feet spread and his arms crossed.

“Good. She’s here,” Max greeted her, twisting to look over his shoulder.

“What’s going on?” she asked, looking suspiciously from one to the next.

“Family meeting,” Rory teased.

“Family meeting?” she frowned, her eyes moving to Jameson.

“Employee meeting,” he corrected.

“That’s what I said,” Rory insisted with a grin.

Crystal moved to stand next to Max, setting her purse down on the counter. Max leaned over and bumped her with his shoulder, grinning at her. “How’s the bike running?”

She grinned back. “Awesome.”

“Good,” Jameson replied. “Because we’re going on a road trip.”

“A what?” Her eyes widened.

“Sturgis, Ace.”

“Sturgis?”

“Yup. We go every year. Make a mint up there. Customers are lined up out the door,” Max confirmed.

“Okay, but why do I have to go?” she frowned, a panic taking hold of her.

“Someone has to do the paperwork and handle the payments, babe. We’ll be working non-stop laying ink,” Jameson clarified.

“Are you serious?”

“Yeah, Ace, I’m serious. Why?”

“Sturgis? No way.” She shook her head.

“It’s not up for negotiation.”

“I’m not camping out in some campground with a bunch of men. No way. I need a bed and a hot shower,” she insisted.

“High maintenance, isn’t she, boss?” Max gave her a wink.

“I never met a woman that wasn’t,” Jameson replied, his eyes on her.

“Hey!”

“You’ll have a bed…and hot water,” he clarified.

She put her hand on her hip and arched her brow suspiciously. “I’m not sharing. Just so we’re clear.”

He looked at her, his eyes skating down her body and he grinned.

“Jameson.”

“We’re clear, Ace.”

“Where exactly are we staying?” Her eyes moved around her desk, landing on each man before stopping on Jameson again. She watched his eyes sharpen.