Page 42 of Where We Ended

I had finally started accepting a wage from her because she could easily afford it. Every week she’d completely sell out of everything she’d brought that day, and often had to even turn people away. It was a sweltering day in June when we heard the rumble of engines coming down the main road.

With Silas gone again, this time I had no idea what he was doing with his father; he was just gone again and every time he returned to me, he was a little more jaded and shattered. I felt like he was slowly slipping away from me, but I had no idea how to stop it. I’d even asked Sasha if she could talk to him about stopping his visits, or whatever the fuck they were, but she only hummed, listening but never agreeing.

“My son’s business is his own. I won’t interfere with what he’s trying to do.” That was the answer she’d give me, and while I completely bristled at her lack of help, I did understand it.

The group of bikers making their way toward us all slowed as they turned into the small park where our cart, along with several others, was set up. People were milling about, but had frozen at the fast approach of at least fifteen Death Raiders.

My stomach clenched tightly as I watched them all park and joke while they slid off their seats. Dirk, the president, was the first bike in line, next to him was his vice president, and then down the line it went with his captains. My back felt exposed in the spaghetti strap dress I wore, without my property patch. Sasha had removed hers as well because of how hot the cart would get.

She quickly dug hers out from under the counter and slipped it on with shaky fingers. I hadn’t brought mine with me and felt mortified and naked without it.

“Go into the back, Natty,” Sasha ordered harshly, under her breath. Dirk and his men made their way toward the cart, but there was still a line of customers waiting to be helped.

Hesitating, I walked closer and muttered, “I can help. I’ll just keep my head down and keep assisting while Dirk talks to you. He’s here for you.”

Her hard gaze was pure ice as she snapped back, “Get in the back.”

I did as she said, scurrying through the curtain that covered our crates and extra inventory and took a seat against the wall. The heat nearly suffocated me, but I just endured it, waiting until Sasha told me it was safe to come out.

There was a crack in the curtain allowing me to watch the front, so I was able to track Dirk as he cut the long line of customers Sasha had, effectively ruining her image and reputation with them. My insides bristled with the need to go out and apologize to them. They’d been waiting in the heat all this time, only to be found at the mercy of the Death Raiders.

Several customers already walked away, giving a long glance at the leather cuts and glancing over at the bikes. Sasha had never once broadcasted her affiliation to the club, but now there was a good chance she’d have no returning customers thanks to it.

“Close up. Want you back at the club, we have some shit going down today.”

Sasha smiled up at him, but I could see the lingering tension in her face. The forced smile, the radiating anger. “What stuff? Should I be worried?”

Dirk pulled her forward by the front of her tank and kissed her hard. “No, baby, not worried, but I need my playthings where I can find them. Which reminds me.” Dirk looked over Sasha’s shoulder as if he were looking for something…or someone.

“Where’s that pretty assistant of yours?”

My breathing stopped, my head jerked up, and my fingers shook. Sasha started toying with Dirk’s cut, leaning over the counter to kiss him, but he pushed her back.

“You always fuckin’ do this. You think I don’t know what you’re doing? Where the fuck is she?” He pushed hard at Sasha’s shoulders until she was falling back a step.

Sasha’s fingers trembled as she pushed some of her hair back. “Not here. Bitch left me stranded today.”

Shit. Should I run? What if they saw me from the back?

Dirk gave one last glance around the cart, before taking a step back.

“Pack it up, get back to the club. I wanna fuck you before I have to deal with this shit tonight.”

Sasha nodded, but didn’t let out a breath until Dirk walked away. She hung up her closed sign, which was a fancy piece of wood I had crafted for her and attached twine to. It dangled over the counter, while the few remaining customers groaned in protest. Sasha took a crate, walked out to the line and began handing out what she had left for free to everyone who was still in her line.

Once she was back, and her crates were mostly empty, she began storing what was left.

Sasha’s movements were hurried, as panic filtered into every single gesture. It wasn’t until the Death Raiders left that I finally emerged to help her.

She spoke low but swift. “I need you to stay out of sight. Especially tonight. I have no idea what he’s planning, but I want you safe. Do you have a hiding place, somewhere only Silas knows?”

I shook my head. “Just his room…or the pond, but other people know about the pond; some people have started fishing there.”

“When we get in the Jeep, braid your hair back. Put on a hat and wear sunglasses. We need to hide as much of you as we can. I’ll pull around the back end of the club. You’ll have to walk back to the house, that way no one sees you from the club.”

Panic surged forward in my chest. I wanted Silas.

I nodded, packing crates and salvaging the eggs and produce that would wilt from the heat.

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