CHAPTER THIRTEEN

 

Monday night, AJ climbed from the back of Undertaker’s bike, staring up at the place where they’d stopped. It was called Bourbon Bar and appeared to be an upscale nightclub. As she unbuckled her helmet, she noticed the lot was empty. The sign on the door read, CLOSED.

She frowned at Undertaker, wondering why he’d stopped here. As she followed him to the door, she couldn’t help noting the obvious, “Undertaker, this place is closed.”

He grinned and rapped on the glass door. “I know the owner.”

A moment later a man appeared on the other side. He unlocked the door and held it open for them.

Undertaker’s warm palm landed on the small of her back, guiding her inside. With his other hand he patted the man on the shoulder. “Thanks, Bill.”

Bill dropped a set of keys into Undertaker’s palm. “Lock up when you leave.”

“Will do.”

AJ watched in confusion as the man exited the door they’d just come through. What in the world was going on?

Undertaker took her by the hand and led her through the entry area into the swank nightclub’s large main room. There were bars on either side, a dance floor in the center, and upscale lounge furniture in small groupings in between. He led her through a large doorway and into another slightly smaller back room to a circular booth. Her mouth dropped open as she saw that it was set up with a tablecloth, two place settings, and even a small, lit candle in a votive.

She looked up at Undertaker. “What’s all this?”

“I arranged a quiet dinner for us.”

“He closed the place? Just for us?”

“He owed me a favor.”

She could smell the food. There was a large brown takeout bag from a local steak place sitting on the table next to the white china plates and real silverware.

“Sit down, pretty girl.”

She slid across the leather, scooting over to give him room. He joined her, reaching into the bag and pulling out two containers. He transferred the hot food to their plates, then stashed the containers into the bag and moved it away.

There were steaks, baked potatoes, vegetables, and all the fixings.

Undertaker opened a bottle of wine that was left sitting on the table and filled both their glasses. Then he lifted his in a toast. “To good food and good company.”

She clinked her glass to his. “I can’t believe you did all this for me.”

“Impressed?”

“Yes.”

“Good. Mission accomplished.”

“You surprise me.”

“In a good way, I hope.”

“In a very good way.”

He grinned. “Well, that’s what I was going for.”

She sipped her wine then let her gaze move around the club. Quiet music played softly from speakers somewhere. “Do you come here often?”

“I’m a silent partner in the place.”

Her eyes widened. “You’re kidding.”

“Nope.”

“Wait. Who exactly is the silent partner… you or the club?”

“Me.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really. Shocked?”

“Yes, I guess I am. So this is an investment for you?”

He nodded. “It does good business.”

She glanced around the place again, noting that it had more of an upscale nightclub feel rather than the dive bar she imagined suited him more. Her eyes met his as she set her glass down. “It really doesn’t fit with the kind of place I’d imagined you frequenting.”

“Nope. Not my kind of place at all, but the dance crowd loves it. Makes a ton of bank.”

“So you’re smart with your money?”

He cut into his steak. “I have some stashed away for the future.”

She took a bite of potato. “The future, huh? And what does that look like?”

He shrugged and tore a roll apart. “Still figurin’ that part out. How about you?”

“How about me, what?”

“What’s the future look like for you?”

She got quiet and pushed the steamed vegetables around on her plate. Lately she hadn’t thought much about the future. She’d been more consumed by just surviving the past than anything else… except for the Women’s center. That project was dear to her heart.

He picked up his wine glass, his eyes on her. “Woman like you, I bet you’ve got it all planned out.”

She had. Until a couple of years ago she’d had a perfect vision of her future. But not anymore. That all was taken from her in the blink of an eye. Setting her fork down, she turned to him with somber eyes. She tried an attempt at a smile, hating that once again she’d let her mood descend to such a melancholy one. Attempting to shake it off, she focused on the one good thing in her life. “I have big plans for the center.”

His eyes scanned over her face, seeing the sadness written there.

She knew he had no clue what had caused the sudden change in her mood. Somehow the mention of the future—a future that no longer looked anything like it had just a couple of years ago—always dimmed her spirit.

“Your food good?” he asked quietly, changing the subject.

“Yes, delicious.” She attempted a bright smile, not wanting to ruin the night after all the trouble he’d gone to for her.

He lifted his chin. “Eat up, we can talk after.”

She was grateful he didn’t ask about her mood shift and took up her fork again. They ate quietly and when she was finished, he refilled their wine glasses.

“Want a tour?”

She wiped her mouth with the napkin and looked eagerly around the place. “Sure. I’d love one.

They scooted from the booth, taking their wine glasses with them. He took her by the hand and led her around the club.

“This back room is often used by gold card members and for private functions.

It was upscale décor, very classy, and everything about it screamed money. Expensive bottles of bourbon lined the glass shelves behind the bar, all a-glow with amber lighting.

He led her back to the large front part of the club. It was modern with purple lighting. “This is where all the action takes place. The dance floor is packed on the weekends.”

“I’ve heard of this place, but I’ve never been here. I heard the cover charge is enormous.”

He winked. “Seems to make people want to get in all the more.”

She surveyed the place. “I think it might have something to do with how amazing the inside is. It’s really stunning.”

He lifted the hand holding his wine glass and extended his index finger toward a large smoked glass window on the floor above them. It overlooked everything. “See up there?”

“Yes.”

“That’s the office. Come back on a Saturday night, and I’ll take you up there. You can watch the crowd.”

She chuckled. “Hmm. Probably more fun than it sounds.”

“We can make bets on which guy’s about to get shot down by which girl.”

“Oh, so you study their moves, do you?”

“Only the ones that work.”

“Somehow I’m guessing you have no trouble in that department.”

“Let’s find out.” He grinned, hooked an arm around her waist, and pulled her flush against him. The wine in their glasses sloshed, almost spilling. And then he kissed her.

AJ found her free hand stealing up to cup his neck, her fingers sliding into the hair at his nape. He smelled so damn good it was intoxicating. She loved the way his strong arm held her tight against his muscular body. It felt good. It felt right. And the things he was doing with his mouth chased every thought from her head.

The heady moment was broken by the ringtone of a cell phone.

He pulled back an inch to look questioningly down at her. “That’s not mine.”

It was the theme song from Star Wars.

He huffed out a disbelieving laugh. “You’re kiddin’, right?”

She rolled her eyes as she dug her phone out of her tiny purse, its strap slung cross-body style. “I’m a Star Wars fan, shoot me.”

He chuckled. “I had no idea you were such a nerd.”

“Look who’s talking, Disco King.”

He laughed even harder.

She glanced down at the screen. “It’s the women’s shelter. I need to take this, I’m sorry.”

“No problem,” he replied, the smile sliding from his face.

“Mavis? Is everything okay.” He studied her intently as she listened. “Oh, my God. Is he there now?”

That had Undertaker stiffening, his laser focus on her.

“Okay. I’ll be right there.” She disconnected. “I’m sorry. I have to go.”

“What’s wrong?” His voice was almost a growl, taking on a no-nonsense tone.

“There’s a problem at Sunrise House. It’s a safe house where abused women can stay without their abusers knowing where they are. It’s supposed to be a secret location. Apparently one of the girl’s ex-boyfriends found it.”

“What happened?”

“He showed up there and tried to get in. Scared them all to death. The police came, and he took off, but Mavis said the girls are a wreck. I’m sorry, I have to go.”

“Of course.” Taking the glass from her hand, he set both theirs on a nearby table. “I just need to lock up.”

“I enjoyed tonight. Thank you for everything you did for me. I can catch a cab. I don’t want to trouble you.” She began to turn away, but was brought up by his firm hand on her arm, tugging her gently back around to face him.

“You think I’m going to let you go up there alone when that asshole might still be in the area? Think again, lady.” When she bit her lip, he paused, his head pulling back an inch. “Unless you got a problem with me knowing where this safe house is.”

“No, it’s not that.”

“If you don’t trust me with the information, AJ—”

“I didn’t say that. I just don’t know if…” She broke off, her eyes taking in his vest. “I mean, well, the vest you wear, and the motorcycle you ride, and the tattoos… It’s just that you might scare the girls.”

His jaw tightened. “It’ll be fine, AJ. I promise.” He took her by the hand and led the way to the front door. “Wait here while I shut off the lights.”

She watched as he disappeared down a hallway.

The music faded away, and then the lights shut off, and she found herself standing in absolute silence in the dark club except for the glowing exit signs. She heard his boots as he approached, but she couldn’t see him until he was about ten feet away.

As her eyes swept over his tall form and broad shoulders, she had to admit she would be glad to have him by her side tonight.

 

***

 

Undertaker locked the nightclub and led AJ to his bike. She gave him directions to the safe house, and twenty minutes later, they arrived. The place was set alone at the end of a wooded drive.

His eyes swept over the area as they rode in. He supposed it served its purpose in keeping the house secluded and out of view from the road, but his trained eye saw all the ways the house could be accessed with little notice or warning. Anyone with ill intent could come in through the woods from two sides or cut up through the cul-de-sac on the east.

There was one squad still there. Undertaker parked the bike and took a jacket from his saddlebag, putting it on over his vest.

His eyes met AJ’s. “Better?”

She nodded. “Thank you.”

They walked up to the house, and an officer met them on the stairs.

Undertaker’s eyes swept over him. He was young, probably fresh out of the academy, low on the totem pole, which was why he most likely pulled this duty of being left to guard the house. Undertaker hadn’t had any run-ins with him, so he doubted the kid recognized him.

“I’m Dr. AJ Carter, officer. I’m on the board of directors for Sunrise House.” AJ introduced herself with a nod toward the building. She extended her hand, and he shook it.

“I see,” he replied, his eyes skating past her to Undertaker. “And you?”

AJ replied before he could. “He’s with me. Have you found the man yet?”

“Not yet. We’ve got units out searching, and we’ll be patrolling the area all night.”

“Thank you. We appreciate your help, officer. I’m going to go in and see if I can calm the ladies down. I’m sure they’re upset.”

He nodded, and they walked past him into the house.

An older woman met them in the hall, hugging AJ. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

“The police will catch him,” AJ assured her. “Everything will be okay, Mavis.”

The woman pulled back and stared at her, shaking her head. “Not this time. Shelby has court tomorrow. She’s supposed to testify against Lyle.”

“And now she’s afraid to?”

Mavis nodded. “Exactly. Said she’s not going.”

AJ patted the woman’s hands. “I’ll go up and talk to her.”

Mavis’s eyes moved to Undertaker, and he extended his hand. “Name’s Derek, ma’am, a friend of AJ’s.”

She shook his hand tentatively. “Nice to meet you.” Her eyes swung back to AJ. “I thought you had dinner plans tonight.”

“I did,” AJ replied.

Mavis’s gaze swept over Undertaker again. “Oh, I see. I’m sorry I had to disturb you.”

“Not at all. You know I’m always available, especially at times like this.”

 

***

 

Undertaker stood in the hall while AJ went upstairs. He glanced in the living room to see children clinging to their mothers who were trying to soothe or distract them. One young mother sat on the couch with a child on either side of her. She was reading them a story, but her nervous eyes lifted from the page to him, and she pulled her children closer.

On the carpet was another mother playing with blocks with her children and a boy off to the side, rolling a car back and forth repeatedly.

The women all appeared beat down and scared, although they were doing their best to hide it from the children.

Undertaker ran a hand down his face. No one should have to live in fear like this. He’d like to get his hands on this son of a bitch. Seeing this firsthand, he had a new respect for what Allison did and a deeper understanding of why she was so committed to helping these women and children.

“I was just about to make a pot of coffee. Would you like some?”

He turned to see Mavis standing there. She was a middle-aged black woman with an intelligent face that brooked no-nonsense. Undertaker smiled. “I’d love one.”

He followed her into the kitchen and took a seat at the table.

She took the carafe from the coffee maker and moved to the sink to fill it. Her head turned toward him, and her eyes ran over him again. “How long have you known Dr. Carter?”

“We met years ago. Just reconnected recently. Why?”

“She’s been a Godsend here. Without her help with the women and with raising money for Sunrise House, this place probably would have closed two years ago.”

Undertaker nodded. “This is important to her.”

“And she’s important to everyone here, me especially.” Mavis gave him a warning look, and Undertaker had to fight to keep the grin off his face. It had been a long time since he’d been treated like a high school boy who’d come to pick up his prom date and had to pass muster with her father.

“Yes, ma’am.”

She filled the tank in the coffee maker, added grounds to the basket, and flipped it on. Then she turned, leaned against the counter with her arms folded, and studied him. “Why are you here?”

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me.”

The corner of Undertaker’s mouth pulled up at her directness. “Our date was interrupted. She didn’t have her car, so I brought her here.” Undertaker had a feeling that wasn’t the answer she was waiting for. Her uh hmm said as much. So he laid it out for her. “Look, there was no way in hell I was letting her come up here alone. Not with that guy around.” He lifted a brow at her, daring her to make a comment.

She seemed to like that answer better. The coffee maker percolated behind her as she turned and got two mugs from a cabinet. When the pot was finished, she poured them each a mug and carried them to the table.

They studied each other over the rims as they sipped.

Finally, she set her mug down and spoke. “Not too many people Dr. Carter trusts. Don’t give her a reason to be wrong about you.”

“Hadn’t planned to.”

They heard footsteps coming down the stairs, and AJ appeared in the doorway. Her eyes met Mavis’s, and she shook her head.

“Oh, Lordy,” the woman muttered. “If she doesn’t testify against that man, he’ll do it again.”

“Do what?” Undertaker asked, his eyes moving between the two.

AJ took a seat at the table, staring at her folded hands.

He could see she was struggling with how much to reveal to him.

“Tell him.” Mavis lifted her chin toward him, her eyes on AJ. “You trust him, don’t ya?”

AJ met her gaze. “Yes.”

Mavis stood and patted her on the shoulder. “I’ll get you a cup of coffee. Looks like you could use it, hon.”

AJ turned to him. “It started with black eyes and then progressed to outbursts in public, then to beating up anyone who looked twice at her. She got her first restraining order when he broke one of her ribs. The last time he beat her, he put her in the hospital. She still has the cast from the broken arm to prove it. Every time he apologizes and swears it’ll be the last time.”

“How long has this been going on?”

“She was with him four years. It started not long after they moved in together.”

“Son of a bitch,” he breathed.

She nodded. “He can apologize all he wants; I know for a fact he’s threatened more than once to kill her if she ever left him. And now she has.”

“Christ.”

Mavis returned to the table, sliding a mug in front of AJ. “He’s a piece of shit, is what he is. Only one who belongs six feet under is Lyle.”

AJ reached up and patted the hand that Mavis put on her shoulder. “She’s the only one who can put him away, and to do that she has to testify, but she’s terrified. I’m afraid he’s got her so scared that she’ll go back to him out of fear.”

Undertaker leaned forward, his elbows on the table, and dipped his head close to AJ’s. “Ask her to come down here. Let me talk to her.”

Her brows rose. “You? What could you do to change her mind?”

“Let me try.”

“I don’t know. She’s fragile right now.”

“Babe, let me try. Like you said, she has to testify. Either that, or I put him in the ground myself.” He could tell by her wide eyes, she thought he might do it.

“Now you’re talkin’,” Mavis muttered, sitting back down.

AJ gave her a glare.

Mavis shrugged. “Worth a try, honey. She ain’t goin’ unless someone changes her mind.”

AJ pinned him with a look. “You’ll be careful what you say?”

“Absolutely.”

She stood and left the room to get her.

Mavis grinned at him over her mug. “Knew I liked you.”

Undertaker chuckled outright at that lie. “Right.”

 

***

 

Undertaker pulled up at AJ’s place—a small new construction brick house in a quiet neighborhood on the east side of Slidell—and walked her to the door. It was late, and he knew she was worn out from dealing with what had happened.

When they reached the door, she turned to him. “Thank you for tonight. Dinner was lovely.”

He smiled. “You’re welcome, angel.”

“And for talking with Shelby. You were good with her. I suppose that’s why Holly is so attached to you. You have a very caring side.”

He studied her eyes. “No woman should ever be treated like that.”

“I agree.” She nodded and searched his face. “But you didn’t have to offer what you did.”

“She needs to testify, and if it will make her feel safe, I’m glad to do it.” He paused. “Unless you got a problem with it.”

She chuckled. “Nope, not at all. I’m looking forward to seeing the look on his face tomorrow.”

Undertaker grinned. “Intimidation is our specialty, babe.” He lifted his chin to her door. “Get some sleep.”

She hesitated, then leaned toward him, her hands on his chest, and pressed her mouth to his.

He took it from there, his hands sliding to her waist and pulling her against him. His tongue swept into her mouth, and her head fell back. She tasted sweet, her lips soft and willing. He wanted her like he hadn’t wanted a woman in a long time, but now wasn’t the time. He wanted the first time he took her to bed—the first time he fucked her—to be special. And tonight he had some things he needed to deal with. It hadn’t been the plan originally. Originally, he’d planned to have all night with her, but the events of the night had changed things.

He pulled back, studying her face, and ran his thumb along her cheek. “One of these nights, lady, we’re not gonna be interrupted. And it’s gonna to be so good.”

She smiled up at him and whispered, “Come inside. It can be good now.”

He ground out a growl. Damned if that soft request didn’t have his dick going rock hard. But he knew the time wasn’t right. “Wish I could, but there’s some business I have to take care of.”

“Club business?” She frowned.

“Yeah, but nothin’ for you to worry about.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “Understand?” When she nodded, he dipped his head and brushed his mouth over hers one last time. “Goodnight, baby.”

“Goodnight.”

He waited until she was safely inside, then turned and walked back toward his bike, pulling his cell phone out as he walked. Mooch picked up on the second ring.

“Yeah, man?”

Undertaker stopped next to his bike, his eyes aimed down the street. “Got a job tonight. Who’s at the clubhouse?”

“Sandman, Easy, me, and Joker.”

He pulled the scrap of paper from his hip pocket and read the address Shelby had given him. He reeled it off for Mooch. “Need the four of you to meet me there.”

“You got it. We’ll roll out right now. See you there.”

When Undertaker disconnected, he grinned. “Time to give that motherfucker a taste of his own medicine.”

 

***

 

Undertaker and his club brothers didn’t have long to wait in the alley before they caught the little asshole sneaking into his grandmother’s house. It was a place that Shelby had told Undertaker he’d possibly go, somewhere he’d think the police wouldn’t bother to look for him.

As Lyle crept past, Joker and Easy jumped out and slammed him up against the side of the garage. Undertaker put a knife to his throat before the kid knew what was happening.

When he saw the five leather-clad men surround him, his eyes got huge above the glove Easy had clamped over his mouth.

Undertaker could hear his muffled sounds of terror. “Hear you like to beat up on women, Lyle.” He got right in the little punk’s space, an evil grin on his face as he let his eyes slide to the back of the house. He lifted his chin toward it. “You love your Granny, Lyle? She good to you?”

Lyle could only nod.

Undertaker sheathed his knife and yanked a pair of gloves on slowly, flexing his fist a couple of times. “I like to beat on things, too.” He glanced toward the house again. “Little old ladies… They don’t run too fast, do they?”

Lyle’s eyes widened at the insinuation that the next beating would be reserved for his grandmother. It was something Undertaker would never do, but it served his purpose to let him believe it. He wanted the motherfucker scared; he wanted him shaking in his fucking shoes.

“You like to hear women scream and plead for you to stop?” He flexed his fist again. “Yeah, I do, too.”

Lyle tried to say something, but it just came out muffled.

The boys all laughed.

“Think he’s tryin’ to say something, boss,” Sandman taunted. “You want to hear it, or you want me to knock his teeth down his throat?”

Undertaker looked at Sandman and lifted his chin toward Lyle. Sandman took the signal and slammed his fist into Lyle’s stomach. With that the beating began.

 

***

 

When the guys made it back to the clubhouse that night, Undertaker was exhausted. He rubbed the back of his neck as he walked over to the bar and signaled the prospect for his usual. The kid brought him a bottle and a shot glass.

Mooch and the boys joined him.

He’d downed one shot when Bug approached him.

“Got that information you wanted, Prez.”

Undertaker turned, the shot glass still in his hand. “Yeah? What’d you find out?”

“Ronald LeMonte was released about two weeks ago.” Bug slid a piece of paper across the bar. “Here’s what’s listed as his current address in the system.”

Undertaker picked it up and studied it, then his eyes lifted to Bug. “Anything else?”

“He’s got one surviving brother, Donald LeMonte. As far as family goes, that’s it. Can’t find anything that shows he’s found employment yet.”

“Thanks, man.”

Bug nodded and walked off.

Undertaker stopped him with one final order. “Hey, you find a current photo of him?”

“Got his latest prison photo.”

“Print a copy and bring it to me.” Undertaker ordered, then turned back to the men at the bar. “Got another job, boys.”

There were several groans.

“Tonight?” Sandman asked.

“Yeah.” Undertaker slid him the piece of paper. “Need you to do a little surveillance on this address. Guy’s name is Ronald LeMonte. Did time in prison with him. See what he’s up to.”

Sandman studied the address. “You want us to knock on the door, scare the shit out of him?”

Undertaker shook his head. “No. Don’t let him know you’re there.”

Bug walked up and handed a piece of copy paper to him. Undertaker passed it to Sandman. “Here’s your guy. Might have his twin brother with him.”

“You want photos?”

“Yeah. Anything you can get. And I’ve got something else on for the morning. Need you back here at eight a.m.”

More groans all around as they headed out the door.

The corner of Undertaker’s mouth pulled up. He had ten years on all of them; they’d survive.

 

***

 

Easy climbed up on the roof of the garage in the back of the neighbor’s yard. Sandman and Joker climbed up with him.

He focused the telephoto lens of the camera they’d brought at the house on the other side of the fence. The place was run-down, with an attached carport to the side and a covered porch on the back. A soft golden glow came from the lights inside. The drapes on the sliding glass doors that faced the backyard were open, giving him a perfect view inside. “Looks like two guys and a girl.”

“She cute?” Joker asked with a grin.

“Can’t tell. She’s partially out of view.”

“What are they doing?” Sandman asked.

“They’re arguing.”

“Who?”

“The two guys.”

Raised voices carried across the yard.

“You catch any of that?” Sandman asked.

“Nope. Too garbled from here,” Easy replied.

Sandman glanced at Joker. “How ‘bout you?”

“Something about a waste of time. Didn’t hear the end.”

“I’m gonna try to get closer,” Sandman murmured and made to shift to the edge to climb down. He lost his grip and slid, rolling off the sloped roof toward the edge. Easy made a grab for him, catching his wrist. Sandman hung half off, his feet flailing at the air. It was too much strain, and his sleeve slipped through Easy’s fingers. Sandman landed with a thud on the other side of the fence.

Easy and Joker peered over the edge.

“You dead?” Easy whispered.

Sandman groaned. “Fuck you.”

“He’s good.”

“Hey, Easy,” Sandman wheezed.

“Yeah, brother.”

“Remember that time you threw me off a roof and broke some of my ribs and then all the remaining ones.”

“I didn’t throw you; I dropped you, fat boy.”