Chapter 30

Alex

Dart had to go to San Diego for reasons that weren’t his own, and while I’m proud on his behalf that Drummer proposed him for VP, I hate this distance apart. I could spend all my time tense, worrying he’s being unfaithful. Or I could remember, that time when he went with Eva, he’d made no promises to me. Now that he has, unless I trust him, I’ll just get myself tied up in knots. I resolve to give him the benefit of the doubt.

And that’s not as hard as it seems. While I’d hoped he’d have returned for a visit by now to explore our fledging relationship, he never fails to call every night and gives me the gist of what’s going on down in San Diego. Although he doesn’t tell me anything that comes under the category of club business, I hear enough to know he’s run off his feet.

He asks a lot about Tyler and, unfortunately, I’ve had to admit he’s had another couple of episodes. They seem to be happening more frequently now, the stress of seeing his father again seems to have triggered them off. Dart sounds more worried than me. I learned long ago I just need to make it as easy on my son as I can, and not to waste time agonising over what I can’t prevent.

I do what I can. Once Tyler had an episode in the clubroom, witnessed by Dart’s brothers. The men have been great, the temperature in the clubhouse has been turned up a few degrees so Tyler doesn’t have such a shock walking in from the outside. When I’ve apologised for causing them discomfort, they shrug it off, saying I, and by extension, Tyler, belong to the Satan’s Devils now, and their protection extends to looking after his health. When they’d seen Tyler collapse in pain, Paladin, the youngest of them all, carried him up to my suite, and the burly Beef followed, his jaw clenched with concern.

No, worrying about it won’t make a difference. What will is getting Tyler back to San Diego to talk with the specialist he was seeing before we had to leave. The frequency of his episodes is increasing to the point that some action needs to be taken. If I agree to a blood transfusion to help in the short term, I say goodbye to the chance of success for a permanent cure.

I’ve lived with the worry about Tyler for six years, and have learned constantly dwelling on his health isn’t good for either of us. It’s best to remain positive for him, and keep my worry and fear for the future hidden. I help him through his episodes and then move on. And I’ve got so much to do here, it’s not too hard to try to put his disease to the back of my mind, concentrating on the positive things I can do instead, such as trying to raise money.

In the past few weeks the arrangements for the poker run have started to take shape. We’ve sorted the route and have applied for the necessary permits from the counties the run will be going through, and from the police. We’ve got a number of sponsors who’ve agreed to donate prizes, and a local and popular tribute band have agreed to take part.

We’re starting at a restaurant and ending up in a park where we’ve got permission to set up a marquee. The Wheel Inn will be doing some of the catering, but with the numbers expected they’re having to bring in outside help. We’ve enlisted an army of catering vans, selling anything from hot dogs and pizzas to candy floss and ice cream.

Sam and Wraith have even done an interview with a local radio station, who have gotten interested in the cause and that it was to help a young boy. We got a firm who print t-shirts involved, who’re going to produce versions celebrating the event and sell them at the park. Other vendors are stepping up too, all interested in taking part.

People are already registering, and the ten-dollar entrance fees we decided to charge have started to trickle into the bank account Dollar has set up. We’ll be running a raffle and giving prizes for all manner of things. And we’ve contacted the area’s car and motorcycle clubs who are going to come and set up a show.

With Tyler’s health deteriorating, I’ve tried to keep him quiet, and have had him helping me designing flyers and the like. He’s taken quite an interest, especially when Wraith suggested he judges some of the competitions, like those for the longest beard and longest ponytail.

“Wow! I’m exhausted.” Sam comes and flops down into the chair beside me. After heaving a sigh, she sits up straight. “Right, I’ve been to the printers and got a whole batch of tickets and flyers, and dropped them off at the Harley store. Also a couple of other biker shops in Tucson.”

“Rock’s going to take some up to the Harley store in Phoenix as well. I rang them today and they’re happy to assist. Oh, and I’ve got the prospects delivering them to the other chapters.”

“It’s going good, girl.” Though tired, Sam manages a smile. I don’t think any of us knew what we would be taking on when we agreed to manage this. The club has already had to find room to store the donated prizes.

“Glad to find you here.” Dollar, the treasurer comes over. “Had an idea. Young Tyler’s story is one that would touch a few hearts. Reckon we should set up one of those Just Giving or Go-fund-me accounts. Want me to look into it?”

I bite my lip. A poker run is one thing, but asking strangers to donate? And so far, we’ve kept the details of who it’s for and why out of it, just in case it gets back to Ron. “It’s a good idea, Dollar, but that makes it public. Surely we’d have to put details of Tyler’s sickness and identity up?”

He looks at me sharply, opens his mouth, then snaps it shut fast. He looks around the room, then turns back and pats my hand. “An idea we’ll revisit shortly.” And with that enigmatic statement, he gets up and leaves.

Sam raises her eyebrow and watches him go. “He knows something we don’t.”

“He does that,” I reply, thoughtfully.

Drummer appears from the direction of his office. “Alex? Got a moment?”

“I’ll watch Tyler,” Sam offers. “I was just going to get Amy from Jayden and give her some lunch.”

Thanking her, I go to see what Drummer wants. As I enter his office, he directs me to sit down.

“Sam tells me that the arrangements for the poker run are goin’ well.” After making his statement he examines me. “And you, Alex. You healed up now?”

The stitches have been removed, and now it’s just a waiting game for the last remaining soreness to go. “Mostly, yes, Drum.”

“We discussed before you doin’ some of the management activities at Satan’s Topless Angels. Are you ready for that?” His fingers toy with his beard. “Road’s gettin’ into a bit of a muddle. He’s okay with the money side, but the girls are runnin’ rings around him, all wantin’ the best slots or take the same time off, and he’s unable to say no.”

I suppress my smile. I might not have been there long, but I had got to know the girls a little. And I knew exactly what he was talking about. Later in the evening when drink has loosened their wallets, the tips can be bigger. No one wants to go on in the earlier slots if they can help it.

I really don’t mind helping them out. As long as I keep my clothes on, that is. There’s only one concern. “What about Tyler?” Before, when I was working, I had no concerns leaving him with his aunt.

“I’ve spoken to Sam. She’s happy to watch over Tyler while you’re at the club. Schedulin’ can be done before the club opens, and you don’t need to stay there late, just long enough to sort out the girls. And, Alex, I’m hopin’ this won’t be for long. You’ve heard about Heart?”

Of course I have. The girls all miss Crystal and have told me about her, and of her husband who’s yet to come to terms with her loss. He’s Amy’s father, but sadly he’s had nothing to do with her since the accident. So I just nod.

“Well, I’ve just had a conversation with him. Heart’s comin’ back, and I want him to replace Dart at the club, and the work ain’t physical so it won’t be too taxin’. It will do him good to have some focus again. He’ll be back next week, so this will only be temporary. If you can work this week, and then until Heart knows enough to take over.”

Actually, I’m relieved this won’t be a permanent position. “That suits me fine, Drum. As the date for the run comes closer it’s going to get really hectic.”

“Of course it is. And I don’t want Sam overdoin’ it. Fuck me, she’ll be more than six months pregnant by the end of January.”

“I’ve noticed her looking tired, Drummer. I’ll watch her more carefully and make sure she’s not doing too much.”

“Appreciate that, Alex. Fuckin’ appreciate that.”

There’s no point in delaying, so I decide to start my new job that afternoon.

Aware eyes might be on the club looking for me, I drive down with Road in a discreet SUV and park around the back. That first step into Satan’s Topless Angels is harder than I expected, and the prospect puts a comforting hand on my shoulder as I stop dead, my eyes going to the poles on the stage. While I hadn’t enjoyed taking my clothes off in public, I had loved the freedom that twirling around the pole gave me, and have to admit, had been inspired by the adulation I’d received. It was the one thing I could do, and now that had been taken from me.

As I stand, unable to move, realising I’ll never again be entertaining people and showing off my pole dancing skills, Road squeezes his fingers.

“Tomorrow we’ll come earlier,” he says. “Bring a leotard or something you can dance in and take some time on the pole. Keep your hand in, at least.” Today I’m dressed in a skirt and blouse, wanting to give off a managerial vibe as if I know what I’m doing, whereas in truth I’m banking on my brain to get to grips with work that I’ve no experience with.

I gaze up at him in amazement, surprised he’d so quickly sussed how I was feeling and the reason for it. “I’m not sure I can do that yet.” My hand gently rubs at the still healing scars on my chest.

He turns me to face him. “Whenever you’re ready. Hell, anytime you want I’ll open up for you and you can dance to your heart’s content.”

His caring offer puts a smile back on my face. “Hey, I think we’ve got work to do. Want to show me what I’m supposed to be doing?”

His mouth turns up at the corners, and he does a mock bow to show me the way. “After you, boss.”

While we’re not open it’s safe for me to go anywhere I want in the club. When the customers come in, I’ll make myself scarce and stay in the office. Acquainting myself, I quickly find the scheduling is indeed in a mess, and quickly have a plan for the next few days. Then, when the girls come in, I present it to them, to a chorus of protests and excuses.

“Hey, I can’t do the first spot tomorrow. I’ve got to go to the parents’ evening at the school.”

“And I need to leave early tonight. My kid’s got tonsillitis.”

Now that one I can slap down. “Bambi, your son had his tonsils out last year.” I clearly remember her telling us in great detail. She’s more likely got a hot date tonight. “And Karma, if you needed time off you should have told us in advance.” No wonder Road had such difficulty with the girls.

But I’m firm with them. I leave them sulking, but sense I’ve gained their respect as soon as they saw I wasn’t going to back down. They definitely need someone who’ll keep them in line, and I hope Heart’s up to the job when he takes over. Having heard the girls talk about him, he’s got a reputation for being a big softy. If he is, they’ll run him ragged. Knowing Heart was so named for his big heart, I do have to wonder how he’ll get on deflecting the excuses the girls fling at him. I look forward to meeting the man and finding out.

Dart laughs when I tell him next time he calls, and seems pleased I didn’t take their nonsense. He’s also over the moon when I tell him Heart’s coming back, but like me, he has some concerns about how he’ll adjust to being back in the place he last lived with his wife.