Chapter Thirty-Two
The smiling face of Joyce Gillen graced the front page of the Alina Post, mesmerizing Goldie. The woman looked very familiar, and he racked his brain trying to figure out where he’d seen her before. As he perused the article, he read that the charity she’d done a lot of volunteer work for was the same one his grandmother had devoted so much time to after he and his siblings were grown and out of the house.
“What’s going on?” Eagle asked as he sat down by Goldie, a coffee cup in his hand.
“I knew this woman.” Goldie tapped Joyce’s picture.
Eagle took the paper. “Fuck. That sucks what happened to her. How did you know her?”
“She worked on a lot of committees my grandma did for Volunteers Helping Native Americans. I remember bumping into her at some of the fundraising events.”
“When did the fuckin’ psycho go from raping to murder?” Eagle put the paper down.
“He offed another victim before this one. She worked at the rehab center. Now the fucker’s got the taste for blood.”
Eagle nodded. “When you take that plunge, there’s no going back. They get some rush out of it. It’s pretty sick.”
Goldie nodded as he took out his phone. He wanted to make sure Hailey was safe.
Goldie: Hey. U good?
Hailey: Ya. Good 2 hear from u so early in the am.
Goldie: Thinking bout u. Want 2 make sure ur safe.
Hailey: Safe n sound. Something came up. I’m going 2 Albuquerque.
Goldie jerked back. “What the fuck?” he muttered.
“Bad news?” Eagle asked as he stared at the TV.
“No. Just something I need more info on.”
Goldie: WTF?
Hailey: My best friend’s having a bday party. Wants me 2 come. Miss my parents, so can see both at the same time. Win-win.
Goldie: I don’t wanna talk bout this by text. I’ll pick u up @ 7:30 for dinner.
Hailey: Sounds good.
Goldie: Remember 2 text when u leave shop. Ruger will watch out 4 u tonite.
Hailey: K. Gotta go. Shop is crazy today.
“I’m outta here,” Goldie said to Eagle.
“Are you going to the ink shop?”
“Not yet. My bike’s making a funny noise, so I’m headed to Skid Marks to see what’s up. What’re you doing?”
“I was going to check out one of the new dancers at Lust, but I think I’ll head over to Skid Marks to see what’s going on with your bike.”
“You’re passing up a new stripper?” Goldie chuckled.
“I can see a stripper any day, but I wanna see what’s up with your bike and what Diablo and Shotgun can do. Anytime we can learn something about our Harleys takes precedence over everything.”
“Damn straight,” Goldie said as he walked out to the parking lot.
The familiar scent of motor oil filled their nostrils while cool air encased them when they entered Skid Marks. Diablo sat on the stool behind the counter, a scowl on his face. When he saw Goldie and Eagle, he lifted his chin.
“It’s fuckin’ hot out there,” Goldie said as he went behind the counter and pulled out a cold bottle of water. He tossed one to Eagle.
“You guys bored or have a bike problem?” Diablo asked.
“My bike’s making a funny noise. I’m not sure what’s up with it. I wanted you or Shotgun to check it out.”
Shotgun came out of a small office, wiping his grease-stained hands with a rag. “Your new Harley’s acting up? What the fuck’s up with that?”
“I dunno, bro. I just noticed the noise last night. I want to check it out.”
Throwing the rag in a bin, Shotgun said, “Let’s go out and take a listen.”
The four of them stood out in the blazing heat and listened to the engine. “Sounds like something in the valve train,” Diablo said.
“I totally agree. It doesn’t sound bad. I’ll have Cal check it out and see if he can fix it now or if you’ll have to leave your bike,” Shotgun said.
“I was hoping you or Diablo could fix it. Is Cal good?” Goldie ran his hand over his bike’s leather seat.
Shotgun quirked his lips. “Yeah. You think I’d hire a shitty mechanic to work here?”
“He’s just nervous. I get it,” Eagle added.
“We all fuckin’ get it, but Cal definitely knows his way around bikes and cars,” Shotgun replied.
“Drive it around back. I’ll meet you there,” Diablo said.
Soon the four brothers were inside the shop and talking about bikes while Cal made the necessary repairs to Goldie’s Harley. They reminisced about past antics at various runs and rallies, and Eagle busted out laughing.
“What’s so funny, bro?” Diablo asked.
“I was just thinking ’bout Army and all the women he fucks. Each rally he’s got his dick in new pussy,” Eagle answered.
“Correction—pussies,” Goldie said, and the others laughed.
“Did you hear how he fucked up and met up with three women at the same place?” Eagle said.
“No shit. I didn’t hear that one,” Goldie said.
Diablo shook his head. “Me neither, but it sounds like something he’d do.”
“The chicks were all pissed off, and he ended up fucking one of the club women.” Eagle laughed harder.
“He better juggle his bitches better, ’cause one day he’s gonna meet the wrong woman and she’s gonna chop his cock right off,” Shotgun said.
Diablo sniggered. “Army just needs to meet the right woman. Once that happens, he’ll settle his ass down.”
“Not sure he’s gonna meet his ideal woman unless she’s a nymphomaniac who owns a liquor store and has a brother who works at a Harley dealership,” Goldie said.
The brothers guffawed, but when Wexler and a man in a crumpled suit walked in, they all went stone-faced. Wexler went up to the bikers right away, but the man with him paused and mopped his face with a handkerchief before approaching.
“A couple of the department’s bikes need a tune-up and an oil change,” the sheriff said. Shotgun nodded and pulled out a service slip. “It’s a scorcher today. Are you getting ready for the bike rally? You’re having it over at Helmstad’s place, aren’t you?”
“Is that all you’re gonna need?” Shotgun asked as he wrote some things on the service form while the other brothers remained stoic and silent.
Wexler nodded, and then the man, who was sweating profusely, said, “Have you sold an American eagle hood ornament for a dark-colored SUV, maybe burgundy or brown?”
“Why the fuck are you asking?” Diablo said.
“And who the hell are you?” Goldie added.
Wexler cleared his throat. “This is Jack Barnard. He’s helping out with an investigation in our town.”
“I’m a detective with the Durango police. We received some information we’re just following up on.”
The brothers just stared at him; they didn’t give information to badges. Ever.
Shotgun shook his head. “I don’t recall selling any American eagles. We don’t really carry them.”
“That’s funny because the bottom shelf behind you has two American eagle ornaments. I’ve also seen several around town, and people tell me they bought it at this store,” Jack said.
“All we want to know is who you sold them to and the dates. We’re not asking for anything more.”
They didn’t say anything.
Jack pounded his fist on the counter. “Fuck! The bastard who raped and murdered the older woman on the front page of the paper had an American eagle hood ornament. Chances are high he got it at this shop. We just need to know who you’ve sold them to.”
“That ornament is common as hell and all shops carry it. It can be bought online. There’s nothing sayin’ we sold it to the killer,” Diablo said.
“I’m not saying you did, and even if you did, you had no way of knowing who he was. I’m just trying to cover all the bases. I want to catch this fucking bastard and put him away for life. If any of you have sisters, mothers, girlfriends, wives, or know and care about any woman, I’d think you’d want this sick bastard caught.”
Hailey flashed through Goldie’s mind, as did the man who’d scared her. The muscle in his jaw twitched. I’ll be on the lookout for the eagle. And if the fucker bought it from us, I’ll tear him apart. Their lifestyle dictated that he and his brothers would take care of business in their own way. And in their world, a person was guilty until they thought he was innocent.
Wexler fixed his gaze on each of the brothers and a tacit agreement passed between them. Smiling weakly, he turned to Jack. “Let’s get out of here. We’ve got work to do.”
“We’ll be back with a subpoena for those records,” Barnard said.
“Do what you need to do,” Shotgun said. “When do you need the bikes back by?”
The sheriff spun around. “In a couple of days. Does that work?”
Shotgun nodded. “Works fine. I’ll call you.”
“Sounds good. And thanks.”
When the two cops drove off, Goldie leaned against the counter. “Check to see if this fuckin’ asshole bought the hood ornament here.”
“Yeah. We’ll take care of him,” Diablo growled.
“The fucker’s gonna find out what a fucked-up pussy he is when we get through with him,” Eagle said.
“It’s gonna take time to go through all the records ’cause we sell a shitload of those eagles in the store and online. I’d bet money he got it at our store. It’ll take some time, but I’ll find the bastard.”
“You better talk to Steel about having Chains dummy up the records. There’s no way that Durango badge isn’t coming back with a damn subpoena,” Goldie said.
“I’m gonna call him now.” Shotgun went into the small office and closed the door.
“Bike’s ready,” Cal said as he walked into the store. “Did you want me to pull around in front, or do you want to pick it up in the back?”
“Was it in the valve train?” Diablo asked.
“Yep, but it wasn’t anything major.”
“I’ll get it out back,” Goldie said to Cal. Bumping fists with Diablo and Eagle, he left the shop and retrieved his bike. He had a few appointments at the ink shop, and then he’d pick Hailey up for dinner. I can’t wait to see her. I’m so damn into her. I don’t like that she’s going to Albuquerque by herself. He’d talk to her about it that night at dinner.
As he rode to Get Inked, he checked out all the ornaments he saw on all vehicles. Most new cars didn’t have hood ornaments, so he figured it couldn’t be too hard to track down the fucker. He’d find him, and when he did, he’d rip him from limb to limb.
* * *
“I don’t like you driving to Albuquerque by yourself,” Goldie said as he cut his porterhouse steak.
“I’m a big girl. I’ve driven that route hundreds of times. The drive is a little more than three hours. It’s no big deal.”
“Yeah, well, we weren’t hanging when you were doing all that damn driving. I’ll pay for an airline ticket for you.”
She laughed. “By the time I wait through the long lines at security, transfer in Denver, and land in Albuquerque, it’ll be six hours if I’m lucky. I’ll be fine. Don’t obsess over this.” She brought the glass of white wine to her lips.
“You need to call or text me while you’re on the road and when you get to your parents’.”
Hailey saluted him. “Yes, sir.”
Goldie scowled. “I’m not fuckin’ around here. Shit happens when you think it won’t.”
Taking his hand, she kissed it, tenderness shimmering in her gaze. “I know, and I think it’s sweet that you’re concerned for me. I know the biker lifestyle isn’t all roses and puppy dogs so I do understand your apprehension. I guess I don’t think that there’s danger lurking around every corner like you do. We just have different mindsets.”
Leaning over the table, he drew her to meet him halfway, then kissed her. With his forehead pressed against hers, he whispered, “I don’t want anything to happen to you. A person’s obliviousness to danger is what sick fuckers use to hurt them. I’m always aware that danger is just under the surface and may strike at any time. I’m always on guard. I’m just asking you to be super careful and keep in touch with me.” He brushed his lips across hers.
“I promise,” she whispered back.
“How long are you going to be gone?” He pulled away and resumed cutting his steak.
“Only four nights. I’ll be back Monday morning.”
“Are there gonna be guys at this birthday party?”
“I don’t think so. It’s more of a girls’ night out thing, and we’re going to have a cake and presents.”
I hate all her fuckin’ girls’ night out shit. Just thinking of a guy hitting on her makes my blood boil. “Is it at your friend’s house?” Hailey shook her head, then glanced out the window. She doesn’t want to tell me. I don’t want her to be afraid to tell me shit. “I’m not gonna freak out, babe. Just tell me where it’s at.”
“A club.”
“Why didn’t you want me to know that?”
She shrugged. “I just thought you’d be mad, although we never discussed not dancing with other people.”
The vein in his temple twitched as he tensed. “What the fuck does that mean?”
Blinking rapidly, she took a big gulp of water. “Nothing, really.”
“Then why the fuck did you say it? Do you wanna dance with other guys?”
“No. It’s just that I’m not sure if you’d be mad if I did.”
“I’d be fuckin’ pissed if you danced with a guy and he had his hands all over your body. Do I really have to tell you that? I haven’t looked at another woman since we’ve been hanging out.”
“I’m sorry. I definitely don’t want to dance with anyone but you. It’s just that I’m confused as to what we are.”
“We’re two people who enjoy being together and are having a helluva good time. You mean something to me, Hailey. I don’t hang with a chick more than a couple days.”
“I’m just being silly. Forget what I said. I love hanging with you, and as long as we’re together, we’ll be exclusive, okay?”
“I’ve been exclusive. I don’t need an agreement for that, but it seems like you do. So yeah, I’m just with you.”
“And I’m just with you, so I won’t be dancing with anyone at the club but my friends.”
Goldie nodded and a silence settled between them. I know she wants to pin me down on every aspect of our relationship. Fuck. I can’t believe I’m even in a relationship.
“Are we good?” she asked, breaking the silence.
“Yeah.”
“You’re not mad at me?”
“Nah.”
When the slice of strawberry cheesecake came, Goldie scooped up some of the whipped cream with his finger and placed it in her eager mouth. Mesmerized by the desire in her eyes as she sucked on his finger, he slowly moved it in and out. Low moans and her tongue swirling around his digit drove him crazy.
“You keep doing that and you’re gonna get yourself fucked.”
“Maybe that’s what I want,” she rasped.
Then her bare foot pressed hard on his bulge and excitement rushed full force into it, making it feel tight and full. When her toes wiggled against his hardness, a frantic desire for it to be absorbed into her heated wetness consumed him.
“Does that feel good?”
“It feels like my cock wants to rip out of my jeans and be crammed into your tight pussy.” He put his hand on her foot. “Let’s get out of here,” he said huskily.
The ride back to her house was miserable, his erection aching to be freed. When they came into the house, he chased her up the stairs and, after catching her, threw her on the bed. Discarding both their clothes in record time, they were all over each other, kissing, biting, scratching, smacking, and licking. He loved how she moaned when he spanked her ass cheeks, and the deep scratches and bites she’d given him turned him way on. He liked that she wanted to mark and claim. Running his hands over her skin, he noticed she was hot to the touch with primal need. Begging him to enter her, she grabbed his hard dick and rubbed it between her juicy folds. The head of his cock was sensitive and tingling, and he wasn’t able to hold out any longer. Pushing it against her wet slit, he plunged inside her, grunting as the muscles of her walls hugged him tightly.
As he pummeled her, she thrashed and moaned, and their primal desire pushed them harder and higher until it overwhelmed and consumed them, ending in a shared burst of euphoria.
Breathing heavily, he pulled her close. She snuggled into him and they lay holding each other, their breathing filling the room until sleep took them.