Page 18 of Cheshire

“Ha!” Robert Lewis barked, his laughter cold and empty. “You and what army, Cheshire?”

“An old man and a snake don’t scare me,” I retorted, crossing my arms over my chest. “Especially when they’re both crawling in the dirt. You think you’re untouchable, but you’re wrong.”

“Such big words for someone who’s clearly out of his depth,” Mayor Davis said, his voice dripping with condescension. “But let’s not be hasty, Cheshire. I’m willing to make you a deal.”

I raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to continue. I only wished I had a way to record this conversation. No way I’d be able to take out my phone and open the recording app.

“Abandon this foolish crusade against Sheriff Holmes, and I’ll ensure the Underland MC remains untouched by the law,” he offered, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

“Really? That’s your grand plan?” I scoffed. “Sell our souls to the devil himself? I’d rather dance with the Reaper than side with scum like you.”

“Such loyalty,” Robert Lewis sneered. “But what has the Underland MC ever done for you, Cheshire? The club’s nothing but a bunch of losers.”

“Watch your mouth,” I growled, fists clenched at my sides. “The Underland MC is my family. We may be flawed, but we’ve got each other’s backs. Each and every man in the club has served in the military. Those men are heroes. That’s more than I can say for you two.”

“Your loyalty’s misplaced, Cheshire,” Mayor Davis insisted, his voice growing more insistent. “Align with us, and you’ll have power beyond your wildest dreams.”

“Sorry, Davis, but there’s not enough money in the world to make me forget who I am,” I replied, my voice cold as steel. “I’m an honorable man through and through. No amount of sweet talk can change that. I’d sooner die than become like you.”

“Suit yourself,” he said, shrugging his shoulders. “But don’t say I didn’t offer you a chance. You’re making a grave mistake, Cheshire.”

“Only grave I see is the one y’all are digging for yourselves,” I shot back, turning on my heel and walking away. If I stayed there, I’d take a swing at them, at the very least. Worst case, I’d kill the bastards right here in front of anyone passing by.

I’d often wondered why evil people were put on this earth. I still didn’t understand why. All I knew was I’d do whatever I could to get rid of trash like those two. I hadn’t survived hell on earth to deal with this shit in my own backyard. Hatter and I had a plan. But before we could implement it, we needed to clean house. Once the sheriff was gone, these two would be next.

Keep walking. Don’t look back. Don’t do anything stupid.

The air was thick with tension, like the calm before a storm. I could feel it in my bones -- this was far from over. Their gazes were locked on me. I didn’t have to see them to know. I could feel it.

“Cheshire,” Robert Lewis called out, his voice dripping with venom. “I think it’s time we settle this like men.”

I paused and glanced over my shoulder. He cracked his knuckles menacingly and stepped forward, a smug grin plastered across his face. Shit. I knew I needed to keep going, to ignore him… but I couldn’t.

“Fine by me,” I replied, rolling my neck to loosen up. My hands were already itching for a good fight. “But just to be clear, you asked for this. I tried to walk away, and you wouldn’t let me.”

Robert lunged at me like a caged animal, his fists flying. But I was ready for him. I sidestepped his first punch and delivered a hard jab to his ribs. He grunted in pain, but his eyes never left mine -- filled with rage and determination.

“Is that all you got?” I taunted, ducking under another wild swing. Robert’s face was growing red with frustration, and I loved every second of it. He was strong, no doubt about it, but he was slow and predictable. And I’d fought far worse than him in my day.

He came at me again, and I dodged and countered with ease, each of my hits landing with precision. It wasn’t long before he was gasping for breath, sweat pouring down his face. I could see the defeat in his eyes, but he refused to back down.

“Enough!” I snapped, grabbing his wrist and twisting it until he cried out in pain. “You’re clearly not going to win. Just back down while you still can. Or do I need to put you down?”

I shoved him away, watching as he stumbled and fell to the ground in a heap. As I turned my back on him, I wondered if he took it as the sign of disrespect I intended. You never turned your back on an enemy -- except in this case, I wasn’t worried he’d take me down. The fucker was far too weak for that.

I knew I’d have to tell Hatter what happened, and he’d likely chew my ass out. I’d crossed a line. However, the little shit hadn’t given me much of a choice. I knew I needed to cover my ass, and fast. I pulled out my phone and shot off a text to March.

Pull camera footage near town hall. I need proof I didn’t start the fight with Robert Lewis.

My phone rang almost immediately.

“What the fuck?” March asked the second the call connected.

“Watch what happened. You’ll understand. I did my best to walk away. The asshole just wouldn’t let me.”

“Fine. But you know I have to tell Hatter since you’re asking me to do this,” he said.

“Yeah. I was going to talk to him when I got back anyway. I grabbed a few things for Eliza. Have one more stop to make before I head back.”

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