Chapter 11
Big
When I’d told myself that I was going to keep my distance, that I was going to fight the pull I’d been feeling towards Josie, I didn’t realize just how hard it was going to be. I kept finding myself thinking and worrying about her. Even though she tried to keep up a brave front, I knew she was having a rough go of it. Hell, she’d already lost her parents, and now this shit with her sister. Just the thought of having someone that I cared about taken by the cartel was enough to make my blood run cold. She’d put all her trust in us, knowing we were her only hope, but there was always that haunting fear that we’d fail, leaving her sister in a horrific situation. For anyone else, the thought would be soul crushing, but Josie was still standing strong. She was determined and wouldn’t give up until we brought Tristen home. When she left my room, I’d hoped that she’d spend the day preparing herself for the trip ahead, and maybe even take some time to relax before all the hell began. Unfortunately, she wasn’t taking that much needed break. Instead, I found her in the bar staring at her laptop, and from the look on her face, it was clear that she was troubled by what was on that screen.
She didn’t even notice when I walked up. I looked over her shoulder, and when I noticed what she was reading, I asked, “Why are you doing this to yourself?”
Her eyes never left the screen as she answered, “I had to see for myself.”
I had no idea what all she’d read, but I knew it wasn’t good. The pictures alone were enough to make my stomach turn. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Did you know most of these women are actually sold by their own families? Some of them don’t know what’s really happening. They think they’re doing something to help their child escape poverty or to get them into the States, but there are others that know exactly what they’re doing.”
“It’s fucked up.”
“It is. I can’t imagine doing that to someone I cared about.”
Her voice cracked, letting me know it was time for her little study session to end. It might’ve been a mistake, but it was clear she needed a friend. “Let’s go.”
She looked up at me with confusion. “Go where?”
“Gonna take a ride.”
“I don’t…”
I cut her off. “It’s not up for discussion.”
“Umm… okay.” She closed her laptop and stood up from the table. “Let me grab a jacket.”
“I’ll meet you out front in the parking lot,” I told her as I started for the door. I went out to my bike, and I’d just gotten my helmet on when she stepped outside. Just the sight of her walking towards me took my breath away. She was wearing a fitted, black leather jacket and a pair of dark jeans with boots, and her long, wavy hair fell loose around her shoulders. Pure perfection. Once she made her way over to me, she pulled her hair to the side and slipped on her helmet. “You ready?”
“Always.” I waited for her to get on and settle behind me before I started the engine. With no real destination in mind, I pulled out of the gate and onto the highway. I thought taking a ride might help Josie clear her head. I wasn’t thinking how much good it would do me, too. As soon as that wind hit my face, it was as if all the cares and concerns of the day, the week, and all that was going on released its grip on me. The roar of the engine and the clean, crisp air rushing by my ears was like a powerful symphony playing music directly into my soul. Add the fact that Josie was behind me, her arms tightly wrapped around my waist, and my day couldn’t have been better.
We’d been riding for almost an hour when I found myself pulling into Smokey’s place. I figured Josie might need a break, and the orchard was the perfect place to stretch our legs. When I pulled around to the back and killed the engine, Josie asked, “An apple orchard? What made you think to come here?”
“It’s Smokey’s place. Thought we’d take a look around.”
She got off the bike and took her helmet off as she looked over at the barn. “It’s beautiful.”
“They’ve done some work on the place. Smokey just had the house remodeled, and I think they’re planning to expand the barn at some point.”
“Smokey is one of the brothers, right?”
“He is.”
“And he runs an apple orchard?”
“It’s complicated,” I told her as I took off my helmet. Smokey inherited the place when his father died. He was reluctant to take it on, but with MJ’s help, he decided to give it a go. Together, they’d managed to make it a success again. We walked past the barn and out into the orchard where we found rows upon rows of apple trees. Harvest season was still months away, but the trees were beautiful. I looked at Josie and was relieved to see that she seemed better. Relaxed, even. We continued to stroll along the dirt path, enjoying the warmth of the sun on our backs and the cool breeze on our faces while we left our worries of the upcoming days behind us.
“So, do all the brothers have jobs outside of the club?”
Club business was off-limits. It wasn’t discussed with anyone, especially with someone outside the club, so I left it simple. “Guardrail runs our construction company. Most of the guys work out there with him while some of us do some odds and ends in the garage.”
“And Guardrail is the VP of the club?”
“He is.”
A mischievous grin crossed her face as she asked, “What about you? Do you have a special role or an official position?”
“I fill in wherever they need me.”
“Mmm-hmm.” She continued to walk as she shook her head playfully. “Don’t know many garages that need themselves a computer hacker, Big.”
“Josie,” I warned.
“I know, I know. Certain questions shouldn’t be asked, but I thought I’d give it a shot.”
She was smiling. Nothing else mattered in that moment. We continued to talk as we started back towards the barn. When we made it to the bike, Smokey was there waiting on us. “You should’ve told me you were coming. I’d have given you the full tour.”
“It’s trees, Smokey. I think we managed just fine without a guide.”
“You must be Josie,” Smokey said as he extended his hand to her. “Heard a lot about you.”
“I could say the same about you.”
Smokey looked over at me with a shit-eating grin as he snickered. “Maybe, but my stories aren’t as cool as yours. Heard about you pulling a fast one on Big.”
Damn. They weren’t ever gonna let it go. Choosing to change the subject before it even got started, I asked, “Where’s MJ?”
“She’s at the office. Had some big case come in. Been at it for over a week now.”
“We’ll catch her next time.”
I handed Josie her helmet and got on the bike. Before she had a chance to join me, Smokey turned to her and said, “I’m sorry to hear about all this mess with Tristen.”
At just the mention of her name, Josie’s entire demeanor changed. Her body grew tense and that smile she’d been wearing quickly faded. The carefree sparkle in her eye all but disappeared as she replied, “Thanks, Smokey. I’m hoping it will all be over soon.”
“Big’s the best. I’d trust him with my life. If anyone can bring her back, it’ll be him.”
“Let’s hope you’re right.” She smiled and climbed on the bike behind me. “It was nice to meet you, Smokey.”
“Same here. You two be careful out there.”
“Will do, brother. See ya back at the clubhouse. Church is at seven.”
“I’ll be there.”
I started the engine and headed down the long gravel driveway. I didn’t waste any time getting back to the clubhouse. The sun had just started to set, and the temperature was falling fast. By the time we made it back, Josie’s cheeks were bright pink and her teeth were chattering. She followed me inside and over to the bar. Cassidy came over and asked, “What can I get ya?”
“Two shots of bourbon and a couple of beers.”
“You got it.” Seconds later, she brought our drinks over and set them down on the counter. “You two have a nice ride?”
“We did.” Josie smiled. “Big took me out to Smokey’s orchard.”
“Oh, it’s so pretty out there. I could spend the whole day just walking around.”
“I loved the barn, and the house was beautiful.”
“You should see inside. Smokey completely redid the place.” Some of the guys walked in and sat down at the other end of the bar. “Gotta run. Let me know if you need anything else.”
Josie looked at me and smiled. “I really like her.”
“She’s a good one.” I’d already taken my shot while Josie’s remained untouched on the counter. “You gonna drink that, or wait ‘til someone else snatches it up?”
She took the shot glass in her hand and quickly downed it. Her nose crinkled as the alcohol burned its way down her throat. “Damn. That’s awful.”
“Yeah, but it’ll warm you up.”
“Or burn right through me.” She reached for her beer and took a long drink before placing it back on the counter.
“Did you enjoy the ride?”
“I loved it. Thanks so much for taking me, Big. You saved me from myself. All that reading was freaking me out.”
“Glad I could help. You had me worried there for a minute.”
“No more online searching.”
I nodded. “That’d probably be for the best.”
She sighed as she said, “I guess I better go pack.”
“You got a dress or something nice to wear?”
A curious look crossed her face as she looked over to me. “Why?”
“You might need it.”
“I’m sure I can come up with something.” After taking one more drink of her beer, she stood up and turned to me with a smile. “I really did have fun today.”
“I did, too.” More than she knew.
By the time I’d finished my beer, it was time for church. Cotton had already informed the brothers about Tristen’s kidnapping, and he’d called us all together to discuss our plan for bringing her home. Once we were settled, Cotton shared every detail of our plan with the brothers, and I could see that they were concerned. It was risky. We all knew that, but with Nitro’s help, I had to believe we’d pull it off.
As soon as we were dismissed, Cotton came over to me and placed his hand on my shoulder. “You all set?”
“Getting there.”
“If you need anything, you just let me know.”
“Will do, Prez.”
“Don’t go playing the hero.” His grip tightened on my shoulder. “I want you to get her out of there, but don’t get yourself killed doing it.”
“You got it.”
“I’m holding you to that shit, Mike. We need you around here. Don’t want to lose you.” He gave my shoulder a quick slap before he turned to leave. As I followed him out, I prayed that I’d be able to keep my word.