Chapter Thirteen
Sapphire
The trip back to Houston seemed to fly by faster than Sapphire would have preferred. She wanted to see her sisters. She wanted to wrap them each in hugs and thank the Lord above they were all okay. But, she was dreading seeing her mother — lifeless. For the majority of the ride, she spent time thinking about every conversation, every interaction she ever had with the woman that loved and cherished her — even when she was rough and unfeeling.
As the Devil’s Henchmen approached the city limits, Sapphire moved her bike to the front. Even though she had no desire to take over the club, until she officially handed the reins over to one of the other Kimber girls, it was hers. If there was one thing her mother drilled into her head, it was appearances are everything. If you showed any form of weakness, someone would always be waiting to eat you alive.
Not wanting to disrespect the President of the Henchmen, Sapphire rode beside him through streets she knew like the back of her hand. Taking a left, they all followed the one-mile drive that would lead to the Iron Angels MC clubhouse. Cresting the hill, Sapphire’s heart dropped. The destruction of her childhood home finally hit her square in the chest. Hearing about it was one thing, seeing it was another.
Oh my God!
Heads turned and Sapphire could see several Angels reaching for their sidearms. They were on-guard and ready for war.
Giving Sledge the signal to slow down, Sapphire pulled out in front. There was no way she would allow any more devastation to take place on her home soil. There was enough death already. The closer she got to the house, the more the Angels seemed to relax. Finally coming to a stop, as she stepped off her bike, members began to line up to give condolences.
“Let her freaking breathe!”
Sapphire grinned through the tears that threatened to fall at the sound of Scarlet’s voice. As her sisters pushed past everyone, Sapphire felt a hand on her lower back. It wasn’t possessive, it was comforting. She didn’t need to look to see who it was; she already knew — Tank.
“Sapphire...” Hearing the catch in Scarlet’s voice just about broke Sapphire.
“Breathe,” Tank whispered in her ear and Scarlet wrapped her arms around Sapphire’s middle.
“Shhh,” Sapphire hushed, as she rubbed a smoothing hand over her sister’s back. “We’ll be okay. One way or another, we will be okay.”
“It’s about fucking time you decided to show up,” Sable snapped.
Sapphire stiffened at the venom shooting from her sister’s mouth. Sadness coursed through her veins but was quickly replaced with anger.
“Excuse the fuck out of you?” Sapphire snapped back, taking a step towards Sable.
“You should have been here!” Sable popped back.
“Sable,” Piper warned. “Enough.”
“No,” Sable replied. “It’s not enough. Mom is gone. Sapphire should have been here. But no. She was out exploring the world. Like always.”
“I was working!” Sapphire shot back.
“On him?” Sable taunted, pointing to Tank.
“I said enough!” Piper bellowed.
“Bitch, please!” Sapphire countered, ignoring Piper’s outburst. “What or who I do is none of your business. Mom knew where I was. She knew how to get in touch with me. She said nothing. Not a fucking word. So get off your high horse before I knock you off that fucker.”
“If you think you’re bad enough,” Sable taunted. “Try it.”
Sapphire didn’t waste another breath. Before Sable had the chance to utter a single syllable, Sapphire had her on her back, pinned to the ground by her throat.
“Stay in your lane, Christina,” Sapphire warned. “Your mouth is about to write a check that your ass has no way of cashing.”
“Get off me!” Sable demanded.
“Stop your shit or I will have you escorted off the property.”
“You can’t do that.”
“Want to bet?” Sapphire grinned. “Until I say otherwise, this is now my club. My house. My property. You are in my fucking world.”
Sapphire felt the fight instantly leave Sable. She wanted to wrapped her sister in a hug and tell her it was okay. But Sapphire would not be her punching bag. She would not show weakness, even to comfort her sister, in front of the club. They would know, she was still the rock. No matter what, until she decided otherwise — she owned this bitch.
“Excuse me,” Sledge said. Sapphire pushed off her sister and stood. In the heat of the moment, she had completely forgotten the Henchmen were here.
“You must be Sledge?” Piper asked.
“I am,” he replied.
“And the Henchmen?” Piper asked again.
“Correct,” Sledge answered.
“Why did you bring the Henchmen here?” Sable asked Sapphire.
“Stay in your lane,” Sapphire’s voice was filled with warning.
“We are here to help,” Sledge answered. “Your mother and I fought against the same problems. What affects her city, also affects mine. The majority of my men have military experience and...”
“Several women here have military experience, also,” an Angel called from a few feet away.
“That’s great,” Sledge replied. “The more hunters we have on this, the faster we can eliminate the threat.”
“Hunters?” Piper asked. “And for the record, I’m a cop. So, please for the love of all that is holy in this world, watch what you say in front of me.”
“If that’s the case,” Sledge grinned. “It’s a need to know, and you don’t need to know.”
Sapphire chuckled as a groan fell from Piper’s lips. She loved her sister and knew she wanted the person responsible for their mother’s death to pay just as much as the rest of her siblings, but Piper was also a Harris County Detective; and no matter what, Mom would never want her to jeopardize her career.
“Sapphire?” the soft voice of her baby sister reached her ears over the noise around her.
“Scarlet,” Sapphire sent her a sad smile and opened her arms, pulling her in tightly.
Scarlet was the sister who still wore her heart on her sleeve. She was as tough as the rest of them, solid as steel, but had a heart of gold. Scarlet was working towards a degree as a social worker and still believed in the system. At twenty-one she had yet to see the ugliness this world had to offer, but last night changed everything. Sapphire hated that those events would taint her sister’s soul.
“Why don’t we head inside,” Piper offered. “Sapphire, I’m sure you would like to look around and we have business to take care of.”
“You’re right,” Sapphire sighed, placing a kiss on Scarlet’s head. “Let’s go.”
Walking into the house, Sapphire’s stomach wanted to revolt. She had never been a runner, but everything in her was screaming to get out of there. To run away as far as she could go.
“I got you,” Tank whispered in her ear. “Just remember that.”
Turning her head, she came face to face with a man who was beginning to work his way into her world. His presence calmed her in a way that had never happened before. Just knowing he was there, helped to make this experience a bit easier.
“Thank you,” Sapphire smiled, but she knew it didn’t reach her eyes.
* * *
Sapphire listened closely as Piper gave a walk through and explained the events of last night. Apparently, the Angels were getting ready to head to the club, when gunshots erupted from outside. Before Pope could even make it out of the kitchen, the front door exploded inward and she was shot several times. Some of the Angels said it seemed she was a direct target. Eight Angels lost their lives right along with their President, and seven cartel members fell with them.
“I also have one in custody,” Piper offered.
“Have you had a chance to speak with him?” Sapphire asked.
“No,” Piper answered. “And I won’t.”
“What? Why not?” Reaper asked as he walked into the house and joined her, Tank, Sledge and her sisters in the living room.
“I’ve been ordered off the case,” Piper said. “I’m involved.”
Sapphire knew the drill. Piper was here when the assault happened, plus it involved not only her mother, but also her home.
“I’ll make a few calls and see if I can get in to talk to him,” Reaper offered. “What’s his name?”
“Jorge Morales,” Piper answered.
“Isn’t that Damion’s brother?” Diesel asked.
“I think so,” Sledge answered.
“It is,” Piper replied. “Jorge is the youngest of the Morales boys. He’s been running a few of the operations on this side of the border for the last couple of years.”
“Make the calls Reaper. Get in and speak to him,” Sledge said. Turing to Sapphire, he continued, “What do you want to do first. The Henchmen are here to help in any way possible. You give the orders, we follow.”
“That’s up to Piper,” Sapphire replied. “She will be taking over the club.”
“Um, no I’m not,” Piper replied quickly. “This club is yours by birth. Plus, I don’t want it. I can’t do my job as a detective and run an MC, too.”
“Why not?” Sapphire asked. “Everything in the club is one-hundred percent legal.”
Sapphire had to convince her. Piper had to take over the club. There was no way Sable could do it. She was too hot headed. Spoke before she thought clearly, and was a complete bitch. How she ever made it as a successful attorney, Sapphire could never figure out.
“Legal or not,” Piper answered. “There are times when club business clashes with police business. I can’t have that.”
“Hey,” Tank spoke, rubbing a gentle hand across her back. “Why don’t you handle the important stuff, and you can figure this out later?”
“But this is important,” Sapphire argued.
“Not as important as other matters,” Tank replied.
Sapphire knew what he was referring to and honestly, she was dreading it. She needed to handle the arrangements for her mother’s funeral, but making those calls would make this entire situation more real.
“If you’d like,” Reaper chimed in. “I can make the arrangements for your mom?”
“No,” Sapphire sighed. “I got it.”
“Are you sure?” he asked.
“Yeah,” Sapphire gave him a sad grin. “Thank you though.”
“Always, kid.”
Sapphire grinned again at the nickname he’d always called her, even though she wasn’t much younger than he was.
“I’m gonna head to Mom’s office and see if I can find anything regarding her wishes,” Sapphire said to the group.
“Okay,” Piper replied. “I’m going to head to the station and try to get some work done and see if they have any other answers. Call me if you need anything.”
Nodding her head, Sapphire started walking towards the back of the house. So many times she walked these halls, but never once did she think she would ever have to do it without finding her mother at the end.
“Hey Sapphire,” Scarlet’s small voice called.
“Hey, honey.” Sapphire turned back to see her sister still standing in the living room.
“I’m...” Scarlet’s eyes filled with tears.
Walking back to her sister, Sapphire wrapped her up in a hug. Her heart broke seeing the look of devastation on her baby sister’s face.
“It’ll all be okay,” Sapphire whispered. Placing her hands on Scarlet’s cheeks, Sapphire looked into eyes the same bright blue as her own. Their mother’s eyes. “I promise, everything will be okay.”
Scarlet nodded her head. “I can’t go back there,” she whispered.
“It’s okay. I’ll handle it.”
“Okay.”
“Go make some hot tea. It’ll help.”
“Okay.”
Placing a kiss on Scarlet’s forehead, Sapphire headed back towards the office again. Opening the door, it felt odd not seeing her mother sitting behind the big mahogany desk.
“Oh Mom...” Sapphire said into the vacant room. “I don’t know if I can do this.”
Taking a seat in her mother’s chair, Sapphire took a deep breath and got busy.
* * *
“Knock, knock.”
Startled, Sapphire jumped at the sound of the voice at the door.
“Hey, Sledge,” Sapphire replied. “Come in.”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“It’s okay. What’s that?”
“Your sister made you something to eat and asked that I bring it to you.”
“Which sister?”
“Scarlet.”
“Oh, okay.”
“What? Afraid Sable might poison you?”
“Maybe.”
“What in the hell is her problem?”
“If I could figure that out,” Sapphire grinned. “I could most likely find the answer to world peace.”
“Has she always been so...” Sledge trailed off.
“Bitter?” Sapphire finished.
“Yeah.”
“No,” Sapphire sighed. “A few years ago, she was dating this guy and fell in love. Next thing we knew, they split. Ever since then, she’s changed.”
“Damn.”
“Yep.”
Sapphire reached for the tuna sandwich and took a bite. The moment the sweetness of the green apples touched her tongue, she couldn’t help but smile. Her mom’s recipe. Sapphire hated the taste of fish, so her mom started adding green apples to it to take away some of the flavor.
“Anyway,” Sledge said. “Find anything?”
“No,” Sapphire sighed. “I’ve looked through every damn computer file, every paper file in the cabinet — and nothing.”
“Maybe she never made any arrangements?”
“I doubt it,” Sapphire replied. “My mother was always prepared.”
Not always. Obviously. Or she’d still be alive today.
“Maybe some help, then?” Sledge offered.
“Sure. I’d appreciate it.”
Sapphire wasn’t sure why he was being nice to her. After their meeting at Diesel’s and the fact that they were two separate MC’s — they really should be interacting like they were.
“I know what you’re thinking,” Sledge said, walking over to the bookcase.
“And what’s that?” Sapphire asked.
“You’re wondering why I would bring half the Henchmen here. Why I would help,” Sledge answered while skimming the spines of the millions of books her mother had collected.
“A mind reader, too?” Sapphire chuckled.
“No,” Sledge said glancing her direction. “But I’m a pretty good interrogator so I know how to read facial expressions. If you plan to take over this club, you’ll need to learn to hide those better.”
“I don’t plan on taking over the club.”
“Why not?” Sledge asked. “The members respect you. When I was out there helping to clean up, I overheard several conversations. This club and the members love you. They are loyal. You have strength, courage, and balls of steel. But most importantly, you have heart and compassion. That is what makes a good leader. You have to have balance.”
“I want a life.”
“And you think you can’t have that being an MC President?” Sledge inquired. “Because honestly, I think I have an amazing life. I have my kids, a wife I fall more in love with every day, and a group of friends that are more like family. This is life.”
Sapphire sat quietly thinking of something to say. Sledge was right. He had a life, but he wasn’t her. How could she have the life she wanted and bring children into the dangers that sometimes came with the club?
“Aren’t you ever scared that the enemies you make protecting others will come for your children?” Sapphire asked.
“Of course,” Sledge replied. “But I have a house full of men who would lay their lives down without a second thought to keep them safe.”
Sapphire thought about the women in the club. The Angels were all fierce warriors. True goddesses. Sapphire knew every one of them would have her back at a moment’s notice. But bringing a child into this life? That was the part that stopped her every time.
“Listen,” Sledge said coming to sit on the edge of the desk. “Bad things happen every day. You’re a doctor, you know this. A garbage man’s kid could get hit by a car playing outside. A senator’s kid could fall out of a tree and break their leg. Shit happens. It happens to everyone. But you can’t stop living because of it. You can’t forget everything you know; or walk away from everything you could possibly have because of fear. Sapphire, seriously — you cannot let fear control your life. You cannot let the past dictate your future.”
Sapphire sat in silence, contemplating. She knew everything Sledge had said was true.
Was she really letting the past control her?
Yes...
With a heavy sigh, Sapphire said, “Sometimes, I don’t think I like you very much.”
“Why?” Sledge chuckled. “Because you know I’m right?”
“Shut up,” Sapphire grinned. “And get to work.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Sledge answered.
* * *
“Found something,” Sledge said after about an hour into his search of the bookcase.
“What?” Sapphire replied, standing from the chair and walking towards him.
“Well, from the looks of it, it’s exactly what we’ve been searching for.”
Looking at the binder in Sledge’s hand, Sapphire read the spine. Final Arrangements for Penelope Kathryn Kimber.
“You’ve got to be kidding me?” Sapphire groaned. “I’ve, hell we’ve, been at this for hours and it was right there. Labeled. Fuck me sideways.”
“I’ll leave that to Tank,” Sledge jested. “But yeah, right there labeled.”
“First, that wasn’t an offer,” Sapphire rolled her eyes. “Second, let me see that thing.”
Taking the binder, Sapphire placed it on the desk and opened the cover. The first thing she found was a note, addressed to her. Her mother’s beautiful handwriting flowed across the page. A single tear made its way down Sapphire’s cheek.
“I’ll just step out and go check on things,” Sledge said quietly, backing out the door.
With a shaking nod, Sapphire took a deep breath and began to read.
My Dearest Stephanie,
If you are reading this, that means something happened and I am no longer here. There is so much that I probably left unsaid and for that, I am sorry.
First, I want you to know that all funeral arrangements have been made and paid for. All you have to do is call Franklin Abernathy. His phone number is in my personal address book. Blue book, middle drawer, left side.
Second, I want to say I am so proud of you. Your strength, determination, and resilience have always awed me, ever since you were a child. I love the fact that you wanted to pave your own way. Make a name for yourself outside of the Iron Angels. I love that you let nothing stand in the way of your dreams. Fearless, that’s what you are. I love you so very much — always remember that.
Third, the club. I know you have made it clear that you don’t want it, but it wants and needs you. Out of all my girls, I truly believe that you are the only one who can keep it together. But to do so, you have to let go of the past. Move forward. I know what happened to you while you were in that horrendous camp. I know about the mental, physical, and sexual abuse. I never forgave myself for the hurt and pain you had to endure. Again, the strength you possessed...I am so sorry, sweetpea. I wish I could have taken it all away, but unfortunately I could not. It is a battle that only you can overcome. And you CAN overcome it, Stephanie. Please, stop letting it control you. Do not let past events and hurts prevent you from living. Trust me, it will only lead to loneliness. Take the Angels and make them yours. Let them help you heal.
Fourth, always remember to keep your faith. If you find yourself lost or needing guidance — pray. I might have been the leader of a group of the most amazing women on the planet (in my opinion), but it was my faith that led me. It can lead you, too.
Finally, do whatever is needed to make it through each day. You got this. Remember, you are an Iron Angel. A spine of steel and a heart of gold. A warrior with a survivor’s soul. Follow your heart and you will always find happiness and peace.
With much love,
Mom
~ ~ ~
Sapphire read through the letter for a second time, tears streaming down her face. This letter was so different from the person she had known. Her mother had always been hard, not uncaring, but stern. If Sapphire hadn’t seen her mother’s handwriting on the paper, she would have never believed it was from her.
Resting her face in her hands, Sapphire’s heart broke open. So much left unsaid. So many things she wanted to say to her mom, but would never get the chance.
Oh Mom! I miss you so much. I love you even more.
Sapphire had no idea what she would do about the club. Everyone was basically telling her the same thing. But could she really overcome her fear and take over? She honestly didn’t know. There was so much going on in her head, she couldn’t decipher one emotion from the other.