Chapter 8
A few hours later...
Brushing a few wayward strands of hair out of my eyes, I take stock of the two pieces of shits we have tied up in the shed. They didn’t fight much. Hell, they didn’t even move much.
I rang the Prez straight away but he said Mona’s having too bad a day for him to leave her. I was surprised, since he’s been itching to hear about what these guys know and want. I’m curious myself on what they’ll have to say. I understand him putting her first though; he never used to and it’s ‘bout time he did.
“Errmmm,” The dickface guy who threatened Avery moans out.
“Shut the fuck up,” Twist snarls, popping the guy on the side of the head. He approaches the other guy that Brently was laying into, kicking at his legs. “You alive, pussy?”
The man doesn’t respond and Twist shrugs. He steps away from him and pulls out his grey case filled with his special set of knives he had tucked in his back pocket. Unrolling the convenient pouch, he selects a medium-sized, serrated blade. Inspecting the shiny blade, he nods, carefully placing the pouch on the bench nearby. The teeth on that blade would hurt like hell, doing some serious damage to its intended target.
“This should work nicely,” Twist says aloud to no one in general. “Let’s see just how dead you really are, stupid fucker.”
With that he crouches down in front of the tied-up guy, slitting the man’s right pant leg from shoe to knee. Twist carefully folds the damaged jeans away, exposing the unconscious man’s skin on his lower leg.
His face lights up, almost as if he were just presented with a prize as he gazes on the bared flesh. Kissing the side of the blade closest to him, Twist whispers to himself cryptically, “I still hear you.” I’ve heard him murmur this on multiple occasions when he plays with his knives. With that, he drives the blade forcefully into the fleshy part beside the man’s shin. The guy remains still and Twist glares, irritated he didn’t make him cry out or get any response from him.
He shakes his head, mumbling to himself and slits the pant leg up higher, producing the man’s thigh. Twist chuckles lowly, tossing the blade to catch it in his left hand. Before I even blink he drives it quickly into the meaty area closest to the man’s cock. Still nothing. Twist growls low in his throat in response.
Time to interrupt before Twist goes on a stabbing spree and riddles the guy full of stab holes. “Look Brother, I think Brently put the motherfucker in a coma or some shit. He hasn’t moved since I pulled the brother off of him. He’s barely even breathing, so fuck knows.”
He nods, gesturing to my next victim. “Can I have him then?”
“No. He will be dealt with by me.”
“You sure ‘bout that, Ares? I’ve got plenty more knives I could use on him; we could have some fun.”
“How ‘bout you go ask 2 Piece to come on out here for a sec.”
“Oh, I’m the fuckin’ gopher boy now?”
Growling, I glare, “Seriously, Twist?”
“I’ll be back.” He grins. Twist is always trying to stir shit up for whatever reason.
Once I have a few of my saws plugged in, I scoot them closer to the idiots. I unfold a large sheet of black painters’ plastic around the dark-haired asshole’s chair. I grab my black rubber butcher’s apron, tying it snuggly to help keep the blood off my clothes. Not that it really matters about it staining, being that I’m dressed in all black attire, but I sure hate the fucking smell. That weird scent and copper like taste when it sprays on your lips and you lick them, forgetting about it. I don’t mind the warm blood on my hands; it’s cathartic, renewing the memory of bathing my skin in my father’s blood. The crimson liquid is there coating my skin with each kill, to remind me that I overcame an extent of evil and prevailed.
“What’s your name?”
“Ermmmm.”
“You need to tell me your fuckin’ name, this shit won’t fly with me motherfucker.”
He stays silent and I huff. They always try to hold out, stupid idiots. He probably won’t even make it to his small ass wrist before he gives in. They never do, bunch of goddamn pansy asses.
“I’mma call you screamer, ‘cause I bet you’re a bigger bitch than you lead on.”
Circling Screamer’s plain, sturdy metal chair, I grip the back piece behind his shoulders and pull him a little closer to my saw. Grabbing the roll of trash bags off the bench, I place a few underneath him around the chair. I don’t need to make a mess. The painter’s plastic will help keep it off the ground but all of the body parts need to go somewhere or the blood will bleed through any hole it can find. I’ve learned a lot since my bleach scrubbing days as a kid.
It’s easier to just burn the nasty smelling plastic, then bury the remaining melted pieces, effectively getting rid of the blood evidence. Now if it’s a whole body, I’ll usually dump the blood back in the river close by. Don’t need no fuckin’ coppers snooping around looking for anything. In this case, I’m gonna bag up all of the body parts and take ‘em out to feed the pigs at the farm close by. It’s been awhile since I was out toward that way, and I know they enjoy a special treat occasionally.
Light floods in to the room as Twist opens the door again, returning with 2 Piece. As soon as 2 Piece notices the dark-haired man, he launches himself at him, ready to rip the scum apart. Twist leaps toward 2 Piece before he can get to the chair, tugging an irate 2 Piece away, keeping him close to the door.
Twist gawks at me, flustered, attempting to hold on, “Ares, you wanna hurry it the fuck along, brother? 2 Piece isn’t the easiest to hold when he’s pissed.”
“2 Piece, calm down, for fuck’s sake. I gotta ask him a few things, then you can have him.”
His eyes flair as he snarls, “Let me ask the motherfucker some questions!”
“Not yet, can you chill the fuck out so Twist can let you go?” 2 Piece nods briefly and Twist releases him. 2 Piece shoves Twist away a few feet, irritated that he was holding him and Twist snickers, fully amused. “Don’t start, either one of y’all. I get you’re fuckin’ heated 2 Piece, but let me find out what I can first.”
“Then I can do what the fuck I want with him?”
“Yeah, man.” I’m surprised he even decided to ask; normally this sort of thing makes him way too queasy. I get it, though. It’s personal when it comes to a threat toward Avery. I wanted to have a few witnesses if these dicks decide to talk, especially to make sure all of the facts make it back to Prez. “Where’s Cain?”
2 Piece glares at me growling, “Sitting with the girls. He wanted to come, but they begged him to stay if I had to go.”
Sighing, I nod. Cain should be doing this shit, technically being the Enforcer and all, but I know he probably wants to stay with London to make sure she’s alright emotionally and remains safe. He’s been stuck to her like glue ever since she admitted to being pregnant. I get that, but the brother just got his fuckin’ patch as Enforcer, and as VP, I shouldn’t be getting’ so dirty anymore. Everybody’s either thirstin’ for blood or fuckin’ dippin’ out of their shit they need to handle.
The shed door creaks as it opens again and more light pours in “This where the party’s at?” Spin cheekily inquires and 2 Piece grunts.
“Any more of y’all gonna come triapsin’ through the fuckin’ door before I get anywhere?” I grumble as I start to picture how it’s going to feel when my saw blade begins to grind through this asshole’s bones. I may let 2 Piece play with him, but in the end I will be the one wearing his blood.
“Naw man, but I can go get some pom poms and shit if you’d like? What color?” Spin snickers.
Shaking my head, I smirk, “Get yourself a fuckin’ skirt while you’re at it, bet it’d fit your ass perfect.”
“Ermmm,” Our heads all quickly turn toward Screamer as he moans. He’s probably hurting; I got a good one to his jaw, pretty sure that’s fuckin’ broken now.
“Hey ya, Ares, let me carve him up some, yeah?” Twist asks with an almost childlike excitement.
I sigh loudly and shake my head. “Screamer, you gonna talk yet?”
“Ummph.”
Rubbing my hands together, I smile for the first time since I was lying in bed with Avery. I step next to him and my saw, untying his left hand; I bring it next to my miter saw. I line up his dirty, weathered palm right where my blade will slice off from his knuckles on up. It’s easier for the pigs to eat it in smaller pieces anyhow.
“Oh fuck, I can’t watch this shit,” 2 Piece says and turns so his back is facing me. Twist and Spin chuckle as the room echoes with the shrill ringing sound of my saw.
I hold the handle tightly with my left hand and the Screamers arm with my right, applying pressure. The blade lowers and starts to make a grinding sound, almost sounding as if it’s choking as it tears through the thin meat into the muscle of the hand. Blood spatters all over me, and I keep smiling, as I reminisce with the feelings washing through my system. The saw smokes and a strong fleshy smell bathes the room as it finally cuts the body parts completely off.
As the saw silences, the echoes of screaming meets my ears and suddenly I possess Screamer’s full attention.
“Ah, there you are fuckface. Told ya you’d fuckin’ scream with the first one, huh? Glad your bitch ass didn’t pass out. Now shut the fuck up, and tell me why you came after my chick?” The words leave my mouth without me realizing what I’ve even said. The brothers remain silent. 2 Piece knows the seriousness of my declaration in front of club members, but the other brothers, I’m sure, believe it’s just an angle I’m using to get some information.
“Please, please, please.”
“You can beg as much as you want. This is what I do. I can chop you up, piece by motherfucking piece, until you tell me what I want to know.”
“Okay, okay!” He cries, clear snot dripping from his crooked nose as he pleads. “I-I,” he takes a deep, broken breath “Your Prez had a deal, and he broke it.”
“A deal? What kind of a deal, and how the fuck does it affect my club?”
“Yes…he wasn’t supposed to get another VP. We heard that your club patched in someone for the spot.”
“Yep…and? The fuck we supposed to do, never have another VP? Get the fuck outta here.”
“Yes.” He coughs, clearing phlegm. “No VP for as long as your Prez is alive.”
“What the fuck for? What did he get out of this shit?”
“He became President.”
The room silences completely as the weight of his words shower over each of us, and our minds race with this type of implication. Either we just found out a huge chunk of secret information the Prez has been keepin’ for a hell of a long time, or this cock sucker is begging for a miserable death.
“You realize what the hell will happen to you if this is all a fuckin’ lie?”
“Please, yes man! Shit, my hands already no good now; I ain’t got no reason to lie to any of you. You think I’d break into a motorcycle compound just for shits and giggles. Fuck! I’m only following orders!”
I glance over at Twist, 2 Piece, and Spin. I’m so conflicted on what the fuck to do at this point. I definitely need more information, but fuck me, if this is true. The guy starts to sweat profusely, shaking and pale. He could go into shock, and that’s the last thing I need to deal with right now. I grab an old greasy shop rag and throw it at him, then untie his other hand so he can hold the cloth tightly to his wound. His legs are still tied, so he can’t go anywhere. Not that I’m worried about him getting away. I’d just catch his ass again and maybe cut a foot off next time.
“Now why couldn’t he have a new VP, and who are you exactly?”
“I’m just a messenger; this came from my uncle and his club.”
“Tell me why can’t we have another VP?”
“I was told your President struck a deal with my uncle. My uncle’s brother was supposed to be next at your table to be in line for President.”
“You mean the old VP that died?”
“Died?” He looks at me incredulously. “No, he was brutally murdered, so your President could have his spot instead. My uncle warned him that he would kill every VP your club patches until your President, now, finally dies.”
“Well, that’s fuckin’ dumb.”
The man shrugs, breathing deep raged breaths, clearly in a lot of pain.
“Grow some fuckin’ balls and man up; I’ve seen men make it to the wrist before they act like a goddamn vagina about it.” I grumble and turn to my brothers.
The man surprisingly pales further at my words. I didn’t think that was possible. Apparently he thought I was only gonna chop a few fingers up.
“Well?” I question my brothers. I definitely need their input on this shit here.
Twist, 2 Piece, and Spin gawk at me, looking angry and confused.
2 Piece hisses, “I still get my turn with him,” and gestures towards Screamer.
“In time, brother. First we need to speak with the others about this, and then we need to talk to Prez.” They all chin lift and I secure Screamer’s hands again. “Oh, and what’s your fuckin’ name?”
“Jake, man, my name is Jake.”
Nodding, we all head to the door; I lock up the shed and follow my brothers inside the clubhouse. This is going to be one nasty clusterfuck. I already know the brothers are gonna go berserk if all this shit Jake’s been spouting out is really true.
We hit the bar up first and I go straight for the whiskey, ‘cause fuck this sober shit. Prez is the closest damn thing I have had to a father figure. Hell, he’s the closest to just a plain old family member in general. I’m gonna have to call church without him knowin’ about it, and that drives me crazy inside. Should I speak to Smiles privately and try to learn what he knows, or just have it out in front of all of the brothers?
No, there are clearly way too many secrets as it is. I’m gonna have everyone in on this, so shit doesn’t get screwed up. Shooting down the remainder of whiskey left, I slam my glass down, angry. I can’t believe I’m the one fuckin’ dealin’ with this shit. I just got my goddamn patch.
A small hand lands on the center of my back and I turn, finding Avery’s worried honey colored gaze. “Yo, angel. Not a good time, beautiful.”
“Are you all right? You slammed that glass down on the counter so hard, I was surprised it didn’t shatter everywhere.” Her worried honey irises flicker all over my face, coming to meet my dark gaze again.
“I’ll be straight wit’ ya’. Right now you should be with 2 Piece.” Swallowing, she peers up at me, lookin’ hurt that I’m chasing her off, but I need to think about this shit. There’s too much going on, and I have too many responsibilities in all of it. It’s gonna fall on me to make sure it all gets handled the way it’s supposed to.
This is why we’re all so perfect together as a unit. 2 Piece can give her this kind of attention she needs. Me, on the other hand, I’m colder inside. I’m not good at all that comforting and lovey-dovey bullshit. I lie to myself, pretending that her touch doesn’t calm my racing heart, that it doesn’t bring me renewed hope in having someone in my life. It does though. It makes me want to be better, for her and for myself. 2 Piece will take me like this, but I need to learn to be a little softer for Avery.
She leans in, kissing me softly on the bottom of my jaw and then walks away, giving me exactly what I just requested. She does it without asking me any questions about it at all, and I think my heart just completely went with her.
“Church!” I bellow loudly and the brothers whip their heads toward me. “Now.” I grunt and gesture to the Chapel. They all set their drinks down immediately, making their way into the room. We’re missing a few people, but there are enough here to discuss the issue at hand. I don’t think I can wait anyhow. I’m brimming over inside with anger and deceit. I need to get to the bottom of this shit that could possibly break the fuckin’ club in half.
Church…
I take my seat and everyone stares at the Prez’s seat. Well, all of them but Twist, 2 Piece, and Spin, that is.
“We have a problem to discuss.” I glance around at everyone’s faces. “Prez ain’t here, and it’s too important to wait on it.” Smiles peers at me puzzled, and I decide to get started with him.
“Smiles, brother, do ya know anything about what happened to the last VP of this club?”
“Yep, he got into a wreck and passed on. God rest his soul.”
“We all know that story. I’m talkin’ ‘bout what the fuck else happened to him?”
He shrugs, suspiciously glaring at me.
Nightmare grunts, “Ares, wanna clue us the fuck in? I ain’t got time for no fuckin’ guessin’ games, you feel me, brah?”
Shifting my glare to him, I huff. I think he and Exterminator are decent people, we’ve been cool for a while, but interrupting me is a fuckin’ no go. I may be the VP and not the Prez, but right now I’m highest other fucker at the table, and he needs to shut the fuck up ‘till I’m done.
“Pretty sure I was getting to it brother, wanna fuckin’ cookie while you wait?” I growl in response, and he grins. “Now, before I was fuckin’ interrupted, there was some shit I was heading toward. Does anyone know of a different story about what happened to the last VP?”
The room stays silent, and I flex my hands into tight fists. For fuck’s sake, I can’t believe I’m put in this fucking position right now. It boils my blood inside.
I crack my knuckles and rehash what Jake admitted to us in the shed. The brothers all react the same way 2 Piece, Twist, Spin, and I had—with anger, hurt, confusion, and skepticism. All of them except for Smiles. He wears a smirk like he’s pleased it finally came out.
Cocking my eyebrow, I confront him, “Well?”
“Nah, let Prez tell you ‘bout it. This ain’t my shit to share.”