Fifteen
The next few days flew by as I took Breech on a tour of my old haunts. I borrowed a Jeep from an old friend and we went to the drive-in for a double feature; sitting in the car munching on popcorn and stealing kisses while watching the movie was a blast. We spent every night in bed tangled up in the sheets and each other.
Brom called every day inviting us back to the farm, but I declined as graciously as I could each time. The guy gave me the willies and I wanted to stay as far away from him as possible without making him angry. Day by day, his calls became more frequent and his manner less and less welcoming and more menacing. I didn’t tell Breech which, in hindsight, was stupid. But I felt like we were just feeling our way and I didn’t want to ruin it considering Brom hadn’t done anything. It was just a feeling, my gut was telling me to watch out, I had no proof to back it up with.
The day we were supposed to leave dawned rainy and dreary, just like my mood. I had packed the night before and there really wasn’t much to do but have breakfast and get on the road to Brom’s farm.
Loading the saddlebags, I mounted behind Breech, settling in for the short ride. It was misty and a fine fog had settled over the road, making it difficult to see. Breech was one of the best riders in the Devil’s Wind so I had no fear. A chill settled in my soul, though, an ominous feeling that something was amiss.
We got to the farm in no time and were once again met by Lane on the porch. He invited us inside and I was grateful to get out of the rain that had just begun to fall heavier than a drizzle.
He excused himself when Brom came out of his office just off the great room, followed by a servant rolling a coffee cart. He offered us both a cup, which I accepted gratefully, warming my hands on the mug.
Lane returned, telling us the foals were being loaded and the rig would be ready to roll shortly. Breech turned to Brom. “Your driver and handler will return the trailer to you after they drop the animals at the farm Sandra has arranged to take care of them.”
Brom brushed off the comment, saying, “It is no consequence. They will stay as long as they are needed.” There was definitely a chill in the air between the two men, but we would be leaving soon, so I didn’t pay it any mind. I heard the rumbling of the trailer on the driveway coming from the direction of the barns. It stopped in front of the house, idling, ready to go.
“The driver’s name is Manny, and the handler is Dave,” Lane said. They are both experienced and should have no problem with the delivery.”
I handed the housekeeper the empty cup. “Gracias,” I said.
“De nada,” she responded. Brom gave her a look and she slunk away like she had done something wrong. Again, I got a cold chill being around him and I was happy we would soon be leaving.
Walking to the bike, I reached for my helmet when Breech stopped me. “Jiji, why don’t you ride in the truck for a while; it’s a double cab, so you’ll be comfortable. Why should both of us be wet and uncomfortable in this weather?” I really didn’t want to be apart from Breech, but I understood what he was saying just from the short ride over from the hotel. He had changed into his foul weather gear, but I knew it would only protect him so far. Giving in, I nodded my head and turned towards the truck.
Before I could take a step, he swept me into his arms, tipping my head back and kissing me soundly. When he released me, I was a little dizzy, but pleasantly so. Brom had been watching from the porch and before he could wipe the expression from his face, I saw malicious intent. It sent a shiver down my spine and the hair at the back of my neck was standing up.
He smiled a malevolent smile, then, like a chameleon, wiped his expression and a smile appeared. I shuddered, turning away quickly before climbing into the back of the truck. Breech mounted the bike and we rolled down the driveway. When I looked out the side window, both Brom and Lane were gone.
Settling back on the plush seat, I leaned my head back and decided to take a nap. The unsettling feeling I had from Brom wouldn’t go away, so I thought maybe after a little sleep things wouldn’t seem so dour. I felt bad for Breech riding alone in the rain, but the warmth of the cab and the rocking of the truck soon lulled me to sleep.
I woke up when I felt the truck stop. Looking out the window, I saw we were at the pumps at some truck stop. I opened the door and swung down from the cab. Breech was ahead of us, gassing up the bike. I walked over to him, and he smiled at me.
“Hey sleepyhead, how are you feeling?”
“How did you know I was sleeping?” I asked him.
“Because, it’s what I would do if I was in a truck with people I didn’t know and the weather sucked ass,” he said.
Laughing, I said, “Yeah, I guess you would.” The rain had stopped and the mist lifted while I was sleeping. I told Breech I wanted to ride with him awhile and he agreed. He dug my helmet out of the pack then went back to tell the guys I would be with him.
The weather finally decided to cooperate and I could enjoy the ride. I loved being on the back of Breech’s bike but I secretly wanted to learn how to ride a bike of my own.
I talked Dukes into letting Danko teach me, and I’d been practicing with Lani’s bike. I signed up at the local Harley dealership to take my classes so I could get ready for the road test. It’s not that I didn’t enjoy riding with Breech, especially on this Taj Ma-bike of his.
When I told Tish what I wanted to do, she was all-in, so then I asked Sandra and she was like, “Are you fucking kidding me, of course I’m in.”
Lani already had her license, so she’d been coaching us. Each of us had a little problem with some aspect of riding. I had very short legs, so I needed a bike that could accommodate the length but still be able to stand flatfooted. I was shaky at first, but I’d grown to love the power and thrill of riding.
I admired the way Breech seemed to be a part of his machine. He rode with an effortlessness that I wished I could emulate. We had been driving for over half a day and my ass was getting numb. Breech’s voice came through my helmet, “Hey doll, your butt getting flat?”
I laughed. “I was just thinking the same thing, and yeah I can’t feel my left cheek at all—and my right one is about to join its twin.”
He chuckled. “I saw a sign for a rest stop a while back—we should be coming up to it shortly. Text the van driver we are pulling off, would you please, doll.”
Pulling out my phone, I texted the driver, as requested. My phone pinged with a response. ‘They needed gas and the horses could use some food and water.’
Pulling into the rest area, Breech found an empty spot, pulling in and shutting off the bike. My legs were wobbly when I dismounted and he loaned me a hand ‘til I could stand on my own.
I smiled at him. “Thank you, babe. I’m going inside to use the ladies’ room—do you want some coffee?”
He leaned down to kiss me. “Yes, babe, I could use the kick.” The van was parked a couple spots down from us, but I didn’t see Manny or Dave. They were probably inside using the facilities too.
I rounded the back of the trailer. Climbing up on the small platform, I looked through the half-opened Dutch door to check on the horses. Something moved directly under the window. Thinking it was one of the foals, I looked down but didn’t see anything. There was fresh hay was on the floor and food was in the hanger.
A pair of hands went around my waist, lifting me off my feet then setting me down on the ground. I shrieked, grabbing on to the wrists of the driver, Manny. “What the hell?” I shrieked, “Why did you do that?”
“I’m sorry, ma’am, I just finished feeding and watering the horses. I didn’t want you to slip on the steps,” Manny said.
Looking down, I saw the water pooling underneath the trailer. Breech had walked up and quickly pushed me behind him. “Do not put your hands on her again, do you understand me?” He was right up in the driver’s face. The guy looked like he wanted to take a swing at Breech. His hand balled up into a fist, but the handler, Dave, intervened.
“Boss said just drive and unload; we didn’t mean to scare the lady, and we apologize, don’t we, Manny?” he asked the driver.
After a tense second, Manny stepped back and tipped his cap to me. “I’m sorry for frightening you, ma’am.” He turned and walked to the cab, getting into the driver’s seat. Dave tipped his cap as well, and got into the passenger seat.
Breech didn’t relax until he heard the doors slam. “Come on, Jiji, let’s get going.” Taking my hand he led me to the bike. We put on our helmets and got back on the road.