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1249 Words
As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, Crow's bike roared up the street, and for a moment he let the engine growl as he gazed at the blazing structure, his eyes sweeping over the devastation the flames had wrought.
Afterward, shutting off the bike’s engine, he turned his eyes toward Leo and me where we sat huddled together on the sidewalk. Climbing off the bike, he made his way in our direction, then, with Leo still in my arms, he pulled me to my feet, and into his arms. Afterward, holding us tight, he peered over my shoulder, snarling, "Jesus. Fucker’s did a job on it, didn’t they?”
I remained silent, knowing his words weren’t really a question, but more of a statement than anything. After a few seconds, his arms loosened, and dropping one, he kept us by his side with the other as Rouger filled him in quickly, seeing I was in no shape of mind to even figure out where to begin.
When Rouger’s words died, Crow, teeth clenched, looked down at me and Leo, hissing, "Until we figure out who did this and the bastard’s dead, you and Leo are going to the compound, and I don’t wanna hear no f*****g argument about it either, got it?"
As the flames of my burning house cast shadows across our faces, the thought of arguing never even entered my mind. I wouldn’t have had the wherewithal anyways; stress had me wrapped within its clutches.
After a quick survey of my truck, which was now a sad, burnt husk that sat in the driveway—another helpless victim to the cruel hands of my attacker—Crow pulled out his phone and dialed a number, ordering that a car be brought to my address.
A short time later when the car arrived and sat idling smoothly by the curb, I buckled Leo in, then, after making my way around to the drivers side, I climbed in behind the steering wheel. Nodding at Crow that we were ready, I flipped on my blinker and pulled out onto the street, following close behind the motorcycles as they roared off down the street.
It didn’t take long before we pulled up in front of a warehouse. The place was a beehive of activity, but as Crow led us inside, the room went deathly silent.
Crow, gazing around at everyone, snapped, “What’s everyone looking at? Never seen a woman and kid before?” Then, turning to a man who reminded me of Santa Claus—same white hair, same white beard, just missing the red cheeks and suit—Crow ordered, "Take her to the back. Get her and Leo cleaned up, fed, and rested."
As Santa led us to another area of the warehouse, I couldn't shake the feeling Crow was trying to get me out of the way. At the moment, I didn’t have time to worry about the what if’s and how comes’ if he was.
Looking around the room I was led to, I took in the whiskey bottles and overflowing ashtrays, the half naked posters of women on the walls, and the full implications of what had happened sunk in. Shoulders drooping, a sense of uncertainty washed through me. What the hell were we going to do? Our home, my truck, everything but the clothes on our backs were gone. Even Leo’s medicine! f**k! Leo's MEDICINE!
Suddenly tears filled my eyes. I had no idea how I was going to replace Leo’s medicine—I couldn’t afford to.
"You're gonna be okay," Santa said gruffly, hearing my sniffles and coming up beside me, he gently squeezed my shoulder. "Names Clause, and you can bet your ass Crow is gonna handle whoever shot at you and burnt your home."
I nodded, my throat tight with unshed tears. These people, these rough and tumble bikers, had taken me and Leo in without hesitation. And for that, I was grateful.
The hours ticked by, the warehouse a flurry of activity. I could hear the low murmur of voices, the occasional shout, as plans were made and orders given. But here, in this small sanctuary, Leo and I were shielded from the chaos. Finally, Crow's heavy footsteps approached, the door creaking open to reveal his broad frame. "We're gonna get you two to my place out in the country," he said, his eyes serious. "You can't stay in town. It's not safe."
Immediately, I began to protest. “But we can just go back to the apartment—”
However, Crow cut me off. “I told you no argument.”
“But…" I began.
“No,” he snapped.
Frustration turning to anger, I snapped, “Dammit, Crow! I can’t leave town. Leo has appointments and all his medicine burnt up and I have no idea how…how…"
Suddenly, I was balling my eyes out.
Crow's expression softened, and he stepped closer, his fingers cupping my chin. “We’ll get it sorted. The club’s got connections. We’ll get him what he needs, Oceano. But for now, we're getting you two outta here."
I wiped the tears away with the back of my hand, feeling a fierce protectiveness for Leo that made me want to fight the world. “Okay, okay," I conceded.
With a nod, Crow reached down and took my elbow with one hand, while grasping Leo’s hand with the other, as he led us to yet another waiting car. The biker who had been instructed to take us, a stoic man named Grizzly, waited outside, his bike gleaming under the early morning light. He offered a curt nod, the engine of his bike purring to life beneath him.
With one last look at Crow as he waited outside the warehouse, I placed Leo back in the car.
~~
When we arrived at Crow’s house, I just sat in the car and stared. I’d expected a log house, or a fairly simply designed home, not the mansion of a very wealthy man. Hoooolyyy s**t!
Grizzly led us inside, where a grizzled old biker named Bear greeted us with a nod. His eyes were kind, though, a contrast to his rough exterior.
"You'll be safe here. Crow built this damn house like Fort Knox. Ain’t know one gettin’ into this place unless we want’em to," he explained, his voice gruff but gentle.
With those words said, Bear led Leo and me to a spacious bedroom with a bed larger than any I had ever seen in my entire life. It looked like it could hold every damn member of Crow's gang with room to spare. I knew my thoughts were silly, but I needed some kind of comical relief.
A short time later, as I tucked Leo in, he looked at me with eyes full of exhaustion, "Thank you, Oce," he murmured sleepily.
The weight of his words, the trust in his eyes, made me realize that for all the chaos and danger, I was all he had. And I would do whatever it took to keep him safe.
As he drifted off to sleep, I lay beside him, listening to the steady rhythm of his breathing. The house was quiet except for the occasional sound of Bear moving around, a reminder of the trouble that had visited my doorstep.
With an exhausted sigh, I closed my eyes. For now, I had a temporary reprieve, a place to catch my breath and plan my next move.
- Writer
