Chapter Four
The next morning after sleeping in his trailer Junior drove the rest of the day to make it to his hometown. They had a lot of work to do to set up this new MC but he was going to need his family to help him with the rest of what still needed to be done. They’d have the Members coming to town in less than a month and he had too much to do to prepare for their arrival. First things first though he needed to go home and see his family.
Junior had been gone from his hometown for more years than he cared to count. His life had taken a path where he tried and failed miserably. Now, though, coming home seemed like the right decision with the MC backing him up.
Entering the sleepy little town of Winslow, Texas felt right. He smiled and waved to Mr. Richardson and Mrs. Anderson both sitting outside their barber and sewing repair shops. He was finally home.
He drove his truck across the railroad tracks, past the city’s population sign and into the town which had changed considerably in the past few years. His parents had told him about the city’s growth and the asshole who bought up every available piece of real estate. It mattered to him what the hell happened in his town. His family should be the ones to own it. It was a disagreement him and his father had for years.
He’d hit a pothole, the trailer tugged the truck slightly jarring his back. He slammed his hand against the steering wheel. “Fuckin’ A I don’t have time for this shit.”
Junior stretched, but nothing helped except pain pills and some much-needed rest. He slowed his truck down until he hit another set of railroad tracks. The ridges still roughed up his body and it hurt like hell. He bit his thumb to smother the pain. Instead, he concentrated on the population sign and the thousands of numbers added to it.
He was meeting with his uncle tomorrow, they’d leased an office in the strip mall and were going to get it opened for business for the Agency by the end of the week.
He wondered what was in store for him and the new club in the changes of the town. It definitely wasn’t the same as it had been over five years ago which was the last time he’d set foot in Winslow.
Thinking back had it really been five years since he last drove through here? He couldn’t even remember the last holiday or special occasion that forced him to come back this way. He had to face what he’d lost soon or it was going to backslide on him and he wouldn’t be able to stop the avalanche backward.
The streets looked the same, other than a few newer buildings and a strip mall on the edge of town. The mall littered the tiny town with its corporate run Dollar Store, Pizza shop, and a dry cleaner. His mom and dad, as they sat by his hospital bed, told him the townspeople had fought against it but apparently, the single asshole that had moved into Winslow had won the election. The Mayor of the town was a crook and had to be stopped. First order of business for the MC to get rid of the trash littering the town.
The smaller neighborhood stores Junior remembered seemed to be closing or already gone. The rent or lease signs were hanging in the windows of the empty buildings on Main Street. Junior made himself a promise to talk to his club, see if they could help bring the small town back to being productive. He knew the Steel MC would back him up and help him.
He’d have to start by calling Dell and Selena to see when the girls were coming their way. Mule wouldn’t have time to deal with a bunch of women but he knew Dell would take the time to handle it. The town would be a great place for a few of them to make their new life in.
Then adding a couple of bars, a few shops, maybe even a restaurant or two would help bring new people to town. He’d talk to Steel when they arrived.
For now, though, all he could think about was getting out to the Ranch and seeing his family. Junior was the eldest of twelve children. His father, Matheau Sr., and mother, Avis, were wonderful and caring parents who’d raised them with a stern but loving environment. He honestly didn’t know how many of his siblings still lived at home.
Somehow, Junior knew they all continued to call the large ranch their homestead. His siblings were attached to the ranch. It had been in the Mullin family for five generations. The homestead passed down to the eldest son of each family. It was expected of Junior to take over the family homestead, but he’d let that pass by and he’d concentrated on his life not that of ranching. His back wouldn’t hold up to the labor of love it took to run it. His brothers were capable of handling that part of the family’s business.
Thinking of his family, he knew Lillianna the oldest of the girls had gone off to college then law school. She’d finally made it to her dream job working for the Assistant DA in Austin, Texas. She was one of the best prosecutors in the county and had deserved the title with all of her hard work.
Junior stretched his aching back. He adjusted the seat a little to relieve some of the pain, soreness, and stiffness. He’d been working on his posture in therapy but this drive home made him tired and he knew he was slouching. He thought a little more on Cady’s offer of a few physical therapy sessions to help heal his back. He knew he’d be giving her a call and soon.
“Damn bull, I could shoot you.” He slammed his fist against the dashboard. It felt good to cuss out the animal. Junior knew it wasn’t Red’s fault he’d fallen from his back and got stomped on. It was the bull’s job to prevent a cowboy from lasting the eight seconds.
To yell about it helped relieve the pain, a little, “Son-on-a-bitch, Red, the joke was on me!”
Big Red had ended his cowboy rodeo career in about two seconds. He hadn’t stayed on long after leaving the shoot.
He slowed down as he passed the Sheriff’s station, hoping to spot his younger brother, Harlow. “Ah, there he is.” Junior pulled over and stopped. He rolled down the window and waved.
Harlow spotted him. “Hey, big brother, how are you?” He jogged across the street. “Well, I’ll be dammed.” He slapped his leg. “It’s true. Mom told us you were coming home. Told her I wouldn’t believe it unless I saw that ugly mug of yours.”
Junior leaned out the window slightly and extended his hand. “It’s damn good to see you.”
Harlow opened the driver’s door and hugged him. “How long you staying this time, Brother?”
“I’m home for good.” Junior thought he sensed an attitude from his brother, but he must be mistaken.
“It’s going to be a good thing. Dad needs you more now than ever before.” Harlow patted his back then pulled away.
“Damn it, Harlow. It shouldn’t have ended this way,” he muttered as he pulled the truck door shut.
“I would say it’s a good thing. Cowboy up, asshole. When you fall off what did you always tell me?” Harlow took off his hat and brushed his heavy hair away from his face.
“To get back on. But, damn it, that bull fucked me up. There’s no way. I can’t even ride an old horse.” Junior’s chest tightened and his heart pounded. His eyes burned as he held back the tears he’d been holding in for months.
“Give it some time. It’s only been a bit. Junior, you broke your back.”
“Fuck you!” Junior gave him a smile. “Let’s not talk about it, okay? I’m tired, sore, and hungry as a bear. I’ll see you later. You are coming out to the homestead?”
“Yeah, I’m on duty for a few more hours. I’ll be out afterwards.” Harlow looked up inside the trailer hooked to the back of his truck. “Who’s this?”
“That’s my stud, Axel. Had him since he was a foal, six months old. Probably going to keep him at Dad’s. Well, at least, until my house is built. Did you hear about the motorcycle club we started?” He got out of the truck and stepped over to his brother.
The roan stallion whinnied his welcome as he opened the front door to let his brother see.
Harlow reached out and touched the hard muscles bunched up on the dark quarter horse. “He’s a beauty.”
“Thanks. He was an easy one to train and already proven himself with a couple of foals already on the ground. Know of any good trainers? I need to get the rest of his points on him in the show ring.”
Harlow smiled. “I think I know of a few people. I’ll let you know what I find out.”
“And, this beauty.” Harlow pointed to the Fat Boy.
“Now, this has brought me back to life again. She’s my solace and freedom. When I’m on this beast I feel free and my back only hurts some. It’s therapy for me.”
“Dad told me about the MC. What’s the deal with all that. I can’t have a bunch of illegal shit going on in my town?”
“No, it’s not like that. These are a bunch of great guys. Ben is prez for the Texas Charter. They already patched me in. I’m VP. We’ll run a tight ship here in Winslow. Matter of fact, want to talk to someone. I think we can bring some life back into this town again.”
“Seriously, nothing bad, right?”
“No, the Agency, is getting set up in the strip mall. But, I think we can bring a few restaurants and maybe a pub and tavern. How’s Lucky’s business?”
“Fell into hard times. Damien invested and she’s up and running again not sure how they’re doing over there though. Been a little tough since the investigation.”
“Seriously, well I think we can talk to the MC and the Agency see if we can help you out and find out what happened over there?”
“Not sure, all we know is Lucy’s father was killed and the case went cold. She wants justice and there’s nothing we can do about it.”
“Let us take a shot at it. Maybe it will be our first big job in Winslow. Let me talk to Mule and the members about it. Steel and the others will be arriving soon. Can’t wait for you to meet everyone.”
“Sounds good. I could really use the help. Mule is the best at what he does. I swear that dude is like a bloodhound looking for a bitch in heat when it comes to investigation services.” They hugged.
“Yeah, he’s good all right. Thank God, he decided to come here and set up shop and not go work for the Government or CIA. He has the knowledge and experience enough to turn in that direction. We’re lucky to have him planting his roots here in Winslow.”
“Yeah for sure.”
“Wow.” Harlow looked inside the enclosed part of the trailer and rubbed his hands on the motorcycle. “This bike is sweet. I might think about getting one.”
It’d be great to ride beside you, Brother. Been wondering if you’d be willing to talk to Mule and myself about joining up with the MC?” Junior shut and fastened the door on the trailer.
“Nah, I’m needed right here in Winslow as the town Sheriff. But, I won’t let that stop me from getting a hog and riding beside you in another capacity.”
Junior hobbled over to the driver’s door. “Okay, sounds good. If you ever change your mind let me know. I’m going to head out. I need to get to the homestead and get Axel settled, get out of this damn truck for a spell.”
“When you going to start on your place and the compound?” Harlow shut the driver’s door after Junior got in.
“The builders are coming out next week to go over the plans. I’m sure, soon after.” Junior reached over and turned on the AC. The inside of the truck was getting warm.
Harlow grinned. “Have I told you lately how proud I am of you? You’ve done well.”
“Thanks. Look at you. Who would have thought? The kid who got into the most trouble is now a cop. It’s actually kind of funny.” Junior teased him.
“Well look at you. You’ve already saved enough to build your dream house and an entire MC compound. It’s a lot on the shoulders.”
“I suppose so. With the MC opening and the businesses, we’re about to start I don’t have to think about retiring anytime soon.”
“Look, Junior you better get along now. We could sit here and jaw all day. I’ll see you later?”
Junior nodded, before putting the truck into gear. “Hey, Harlow, I have to fuel up before I get too far out. What’s the best place to get gas?” Junior looked around and saw three separate gas stations. He always thought Winslow only needed one for the small population.
“I would probably go over to Ed’s.” Harlow pointed to a corner station.
“Okay, we’ll see you.” Junior waved. He’d missed all his siblings, especially Harlow, who’d always been his favorite. He remembered when Harlow was a senior in high school and he’d gotten hooked up with a bad group of kids as a freshman and been the party guy in his class. Junior had helped him turn his life around and get on the straight and narrow.
Not a kid who liked sports—he’d been the guy who knew about every drug each player had used. To eventually go into law enforcement had surprised their entire family.
All but their dad. Matheau Sr. had siblings in the protection, bounty hunter, and military business. Their uncles Ben and Marcus, and now Junior kept him on the straight and narrow. It was good to see his brother as the town Sheriff. He also knew he had him in the MCs pocket if they needed him to look the other way on something. He’d love to recruit a few of his other brothers to join in the protection business. Steel MC’s first priority would be protecting this town of cowboys and southerners. All they needed was a few women just like Dell, Roxy, and Sal. That would really put this town on edge.
Thinking about Sarah and what she was up to was just another worry for him. Could he pick things up where he left off with her?