Chapter Thirty-Four
Goldie looked at Hailey’s text for the umpteenth time while Sangre went over the club’s treasury reports. As he scrolled through a series of pictures of her taking off a sexy-as-hell purple bra, he shifted in his seat. She knows how to push my buttons. The final picture was her glossy puckered lips with the words “Miss U” captioned under it.
It’d only been two days since she’d left, but he missed her like crazy. Some of the brothers ribbed him about it, and he got into a couple of fistfights over it, but at the end of the day, he still missed her like hell. The feeling was new for him, but he was getting used to feeling a lot of things he never had before. Hailey was definitely someone very important in his life.
“Chains, did you fix the records at Skid Marks?” Steel asked.
Goldie diverted his attention back to the meeting.
“Yep. When the badges come by with their subpoena, it’ll show only a few of the American eagle ornaments have been sold.”
“We don’t need to worry ’bout that now. For the past few days, I’ve been going through all the online and in-store purchases until I couldn’t see shit anymore. There’re a lot of fuckin’ cars out there sporting our ornament,” Shotgun said while the members chortled.
“Did you find out if the fucker bought it through us?” Goldie asked.
“He didn’t. I wish to hell he had, because then we would’ve taken care of business, but he didn’t. Me and Diablo already checked out the SUVs who bought from us in Alina and the county. He’s not among them.”
“How do you know?” Paco asked.
“The color of the SUVs didn’t match, or if it did, the ones driving it or had access to it didn’t match. We looked at a bunch of shit and ruled everyone out. Maybe he’s in Durango or somewhere else. A lot of the online sales came from all over, but I doubt the fucker’s commuting.” More snickers.
“He knows the area too well. He’s either from here or lived here for a while,” Goldie said.
“Damn! I wish we could’ve nailed him. When Shotgun first told me about it, I thought for sure we had this fucker. Disappointing as hell.” Steel crossed his arms.
“Most of the people who bought the eagle from the store were older, like in their sixties and seventies,” Diablo said.
“I’m pretty sure this fuck’s younger,” Muerto replied.
“Let’s pay attention to what we see on the streets. Also, if an SUV comes in for repairs with the eagle, check it out. Now, let’s go on to some other business. The arms deal went down without a hitch, and Roughneck is pleased as shit. It should help him out with the punk gang that’s been making too much noise in Silverado. And it seems like everything’s set for the rally. I asked Banger if he wouldn’t mind if Rock and Jax helped Diablo with the security. He agreed, and Roughneck said Brick would be willing to help too.”
“I already talked with them and we’re all ready to go,” Diablo said.
After another half hour of club business discussions, the gavel signaled church was over. Goldie tucked his phone in his pocket, deciding to take another look at Hailey’s bra-teasing photos when he was in his room and could relieve the ache they gave him.
“You going over to Cuervos?” Brutus asked.
“We got a group going?” Goldie said.
“Yeah. You in?”
Goldie nodded. It was just what he needed for a Saturday night. If he stayed in, he’d probably imagine all kinds of shit about Hailey in the club. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust her; he didn’t trust other men.
When Brutus, Skull, and Goldie arrived at Cuervos, Steel, Muerto, Army, Diablo, and Eagle were already there, drinking beer and wolfing down baskets of spicy wings. Jorge ran over and pushed another table together, and they sat down.
Eagle laughed and elbowed Goldie. “Is Vampirella stalking you?”
Goldie looked behind him and saw her staring, the Jagged Ace from Rear End next to her giving him a hard glare.
“Fuckin’ pathetic,” Goldie said as he picked up his beer.
“What?” Diablo asked.
“The Jagged Aces need to clean up their club. They got some real pussies in it.” Goldie put four wings on his plate.
“And they need to screen the bitches who hang with them,” Eagle added.
“You talking ’bout Dog? He’s cool,” Diablo said as he craned his neck.
“No. Talking about that fucker at the bar with the queen of the undead,” Goldie replied. Several members sniggered and looked toward the bar.
“I don’t know him,” Diablo said, turning back to his food.
“That’s Rusty. He and a few of the other members have become a real pain in the ass in the club. Dog’s thinking of throwing their asses out.” Steel motioned for the waitress.
“The sooner the better. That asshole doesn’t deserve any patch. If he keeps up with the looks, I’m gonna have to beat his ass.” Goldie rose from his chair.
“More wings?” Jill asked as she came over to the table.
Steel nodded. “Yeah, and bring four macho nachos. What’s the chick’s name with Rusty?”
“I can’t fuckin’ remember,” Goldie answered.
“And you didn’t have nightmares?” Muerto joked.
“When I hooked up with her, she looked alive. I’m gonna straighten out that sonofabitch she’s with.” As he made his way through the crowd, he saw Rusty grab Vampirella’s hand and bolt out the door. “Fuckin’ pansy-ass,” Goldie muttered. Returning to the table with a beer in each hand, he sank into the chair.
“Did you beat his ass already?” Diablo asked between chews.
“The pussy took off. Good thing too.” Goldie scooped up a bunch of chips. As he munched on his food, he watched various men trying to pick up different women, and his mind went to Hailey. He took out his phone.
Goldie: U better not be having 2 much fun.
Immediately his phone pinged.
Hailey: How can I be when ur not here?
Goldie: I miss u.
Hailey: Me 2. What r u doing?
Goldie: Hanging with my brothers @ Cuervos.
Hailey: U being good?
Goldie: Ya. U?
Hailey: Yes. Always good 4 u. ;)
Goldie: I can’t stop looking @ the bra pics u sent me. Want to suck ur tits real bad.
Hailey: U know I’m still sore from a few nights ago. Deliciously sore.
Shaking his head, he laughed out loud. She’s turning me on, just like that. Damn. She gets to me real good.
Goldie: Fuck, I wish u were here. I got a real itch for u.
Hailey: When I get back, I’ll make up for lost time.
Goldie: Damn straight.
Hailey: My friends r trying 2 take my phone away. Better go. ♥♥
He stared at the screen, wanting their conversation to go on until she came back. He missed falling asleep and waking up next to her. For someone who never spent the night with women, he didn’t think he would miss her in his bed as much as he did.
Taking another gulp of beer, he focused his attention on the conversation at the table. He couldn’t keep mooning over her. I’m acting like a damn pussy.
“I heard Easyriders contacted you to have your bike on the cover of their magazine,” Army said.
“Yeah. I was blown away,” Goldie said.
“Fuckin’ awesome!” Muerto said.
“A rep from the magazine saw my bike at the rally in Laughlin. He was drooling over it. All the custom chrome and hand-painted zombie apocalypse stuff on the body gave him a hard-on. If it were a woman, he would’ve fucked her until the end of the rally.”
The brothers guffawed, and the conversation settled on Harleys, Sturgis, and poker runs that netted the best money and women.
After a few hours of motorcycle talk, drinking, and playing pool, Goldie walked out with Army, Muerto, and Diablo. “What the fuck?” Goldie said as he scanned the lot. “Where the hell’s my bike?”
“You lost your bike? I didn’t think you were such a lightweight with booze,” Army said.
“Maybe you parked it down the street,” Muerto joked.
“I’m not that drunk. I know where the fuck I parked my bike.”
Diablo dashed around the parking lot, alley, and the dirt lot down the block. “No sign of it,” he said grimly.
“Someone with a death wish stole my bike.”
“There’s no way it was a citizen unless he was fucked in the head,” Muerto said.
“I bet it’s that Jagged Aces asshole. He’s fuckin’ dead!”
“Does he know your bike?” Army asked.
“Yeah. He was in front of Rear End when I left that night. That sonofabitch asshole!” Goldie kicked the metal trash can until it was full of dents. “Does anyone know where he hangs out? I’m pretty sure he didn’t take my Harley to their clubhouse.” He leaned against the concrete wall, breathing heavily.
The brothers shook their heads before Diablo offered, “I can find out from Dog. We’re good with each other. We’ll get your bike back.”
The brothers stood on the pavement, fury etched in their faces, jaws clenched, and fists balled up, ready to smash their anger out of their systems. Stealing a Night Rebels’ bike was the worst crime someone could commit. A Night Rebel protected his motorcycle as if it were part of his body. No one messed with his Harley.
Looking at Diablo, Goldie gritted, “Find out where that fucker hangs and let me know right away. I want my bike back, and I want the asshole to pay for what he did.”
“I’ll get the info. We’re with you on this, bro,” Diablo said as Muerto and Army nodded.
“Jump on back and I’ll give you a ride,” Army said.
The ride back to the clubhouse fueled Goldie’s fire even more, so by the time he arrived he was a seething ball of fury. He grabbed a bottle of Jack and rushed up to his room. As he stared out into the darkness, the whiskey scorching his throat, a fear like he’d never felt grabbed hold of him. What the hell? A sinking feeling invaded him as a chill shrouded his body. A foreboding darkness crept into his veins, twisting around his nerves, and he was seized with an overwhelming urge to go see his grandma. Not one to ignore his gut, he jumped up and dashed down the stairs.
“Chains, my truck’s in the shop so I need to borrow your SUV,” he said while extending his hand. Without questioning him, Chains placed the keys into his opened palm. Goldie ran out of the club, headed to Cherry Vale.
When he arrived at the rehab center, it was quiet and all the lights in the rooms were off as it was nearly one thirty in the morning. Knowing the only way to come in through the front door after ten at night was to ring the bell, he went around back, not wanting to draw attention to himself. He tried a couple of doors but they were locked. Behind the kitchen, he spotted the glow of a joint and approached the smoker cautiously. Hendricks looked up.
“Hey, man. What’re you doing here so late?” the CNA asked.
“I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d check up on my grandma. How’s she been?”
“Good, I guess. I’m upstairs tonight.” He pulled out a joint from his pocket. “Want one?”
Goldie shook his head. “I need for you to let me in. Something’s wrong with the bell in front.”
“Sure. Don’t tell anyone you saw me smoking,” Hendricks said as he pulled open the employees’ entrance.
“No worries. Thanks, dude.” Goldie went in, then quietly walked through the darkened kitchen and dining room. He cut through the lobby and looked down the hallways on either side. Nothing seemed amiss. Pressing his lips together, he went to his grandmother’s room, stopping short in the doorway. Ice ran through his veins as the dark outline of a person looming over his grandmother came into focus. Goldie switched on the light and white brightness momentarily blinded him as fluorescent lights flooded the room.
The person, dressed in scrubs, turned around quickly, shock covering his face. In his right hand, he had a syringe.
“What the fuck are you giving my grandma?” Goldie demanded.
“Something to help her sleep better. Dr. Rudman ordered it,” Dan said.
“You fuckin’ liar! You’re trying to inject some shit in her. You’re fuckin’ trying to kill her.” Goldie rushed over to the nurse and slammed his fist into his stomach. Dan groaned and bent over, the syringe falling from his gloved hand. Goldie brought his knee up and slammed it against Dan’s face. The crunch of bone and ping of teeth falling on linoleum gave Goldie a surge of satisfaction as he crashed his steel-toed boot into the nurse’s groin.
A rush of footsteps sounded behind him and then hands clasped his shoulders, pulling him away from the crumpled man on the floor, enraging him. “Leave me alone. I’m gonna kill his fuckin’ ass!”
“Goldie! Stop!” Shelly’s voice broke through his fury-filled haze.
When he relaxed, Kingsley and Kevin pulled him farther away from Dan.
“What’s going on here?” Shelly asked, her voice unnaturally high.
“I came in and this fucker was standing over my grandma, ready to inject some shit into her arm.” He rushed over to Dan, who still lay on the floor, and kicked him hard in the ribs. A low grunt came from the battered man’s parted lips.
“Goldie. Please, calm down.” Shelly placed a hand on his shoulder and tugged him back. “I don’t even know why Dan’s here. He wasn’t on the calendar for tonight.”
Hendricks came in, redness rimming his off-focused eyes. “You came here to beat Dan, dude?”
Shelly sighed loudly. “Kevin, call the police. I’ll call corporate.”
Kevin rushed out of the room, his voice echoing in the hallway.
In less than ten minutes, blue and red flashing lights blinked through the curtains. Kingsley and Shelly left the room and spoke to Wexler, who stood in the hallway. Inaudible voices filled Goldie’s ears, but the thought of his grandma almost dying at the hands of someone who was supposed to care for her stuffed his mind.
Wexler and Barnard walked into the small room. One of the deputies came in and helped Dan to his feet and gave him a handful of tissues; he put them to his nose.
“What the hell happened here, Goldie?” Wexler asked.
“This fucker tried to kill my grandma, and he would’ve succeeded if I hadn’t caught him.” He pointed to the syringe under the bed. “He was trying to put that shit in her arm.”
Barnard went down on his knees, picked up the syringe, and bagged it. “Do you want to tell me what’s in it?” he asked Dan.
“Medicine. I’m a nurse, and my job is to make sure the patients are comfortable. Dr. Rudman told me to give her some if she’s restless. She was. Then this crazed biker attacked me. I want to press charges.”
Goldie lunged at him, his arm pulled back, ready to punch him again. “You lying sack of shit. You’re lucky the badges showed up.”
The deputy and Wexler held him back. “We’ve got this, Goldie,” the sheriff said.
Barnard turned to Shelly, who was standing in the doorway. “Do you know anything about the doctor ordering anything for this patient?”
She shook her head. “Dr. Rudman’s never ordered any sleeping aid for Mrs. Humphries. I don’t even know why Dan’s here. We only have one night nurse on the first and second floors. I’m the first-floor nurse tonight, and Janet is working the second floor. He’s supposed to be home with his wife and kids.”
“Mr. Krutcher, you’re under arrest for attempted murder,” Barnard said as he placed the handcuffs on the nurse’s wrists. “Anything you say may be used against you in a….”
Goldie stood by his grandmother’s bed as they led Dan out of the building and to the waiting squad car. Kevin came back in with a mop and bucket and started cleaning up Dan’s blood. Goldie glanced at Wexler, who nodded at him and then walked out of the room.
After the room was cleaned and Goldie had turned the light back off, he sat by his grandmother and held her hand. He kissed her soft, wrinkled cheeks and his gut twisted. “I almost lost you tonight, Grandma. That would’ve killed me. You’ll go when you’re ready.”
Helen lay still, her eyes closed, oblivious to the drama that unfolded in her room. For a long time, he sat holding her hand, and then he stood up and walked to the door.
“Garth,” a voice said behind him.
He spun around and saw his grandmother looking right at him with clear blue eyes. “Grandma.”
“Thank you.” Then her eyes closed.
“You’re welcome,” he said to the darkness, then stepped into the hallway.