Page 15 of Wildcat

“Malty, don’t try to take the blame for what that bastard did. None of it is your fault. You didn’t make him do any of those awful things he did. I’m thinking it was probably him over the years who was responsible for those ‘weird things’ that happened to us. I’m sure Shadow will try to get it all out of him but get those thoughts out of your head. We need to talk about what’s next. I know, Mom and Dad, you can’t stay out here forever. You either, Malty. Jobs, families, and fur babies need you. There has been no word on Joey yet, but Tink’s dad, Tank, and his club are going to check out where Shadow’s dad was holing up. Some of the cameras show movement so maybe that’s where he’s holed up. We have a situation getting hot that we might have to move on. Oh shit, let me explain that better. When I joined the Devil’s Handmaidens Motorcycle Club, I took an oath to do my best to assist in the rescuing of abused and trafficked women, men, and children. That’s how a lot of the situations around Timber-Ghost have been cleared up. We’ve busted or torn down the circuits, bringing the victims to the ranch where they get physical, mental, and emotional help. Some move on and go back to their prior lives and families, while others decide to stay at the ranch to start a new life. We have partnerships with many professionals to help, depending on what we find on each rescue. Sometimes it might be ten to twenty survivors, while other times it’s fifty to one hundred. We’ve had to form close partnerships with the Blue Sky Sanctuary, which is Raven’s brother’s place for ex-military trying to recover from traumatic situations. Most of the folks over there are ready to deal with and try to heal and move forward. Also, we have chapters of the DHMC all over the country. The Thunder Head Knuckle Brotherhood is one of the organizations and, yeah, they are huge. We’ve been concentrating on them lately. Believe it or not, they have affected a few of my club sisters. You are all more than welcome to stick around but as you can see, I’m fine and as safe as possible. Not to mention, I can take care of myself. Not only my cop training but we train constantly at the ranch. Tink and Glory take our safety very seriously. Oh, might as well drop another bomb while we’re all together. I’m in the process of applying to be a deputy out here. Shadow’s dad, George, is our sheriff and he’s desperate for some help. I talked it over with Tink, Glory, and Raven, who did a deep search to see if there was anyone on the dark web looking for me. There wasn’t and now that we found out Michael’s involvement in our attack, once Joey is caught it should put that time in our lives to bed. So I’ve just regurgitated enough info to each of you, hope it clarifies everything. Do you have questions, concerns, or anything?”

I look at the one woman I’ve loved for as long as I can remember. I know she’s giving me a way out, but I don’t want one. Not sure what’s happening or if we even have a chance, but I’m not running away anymore. I look to see Enzo’s eyes on me. The small smirk and barely-there nod tell me he knows where my head is at and what my thoughts are. Thank God I have his support.

“Frankie, I can’t speak for your folks but I have a shit ton of vacation time. If it’s not a bother, I’d love to stick around for a while. Can’t remember the last time I took a day, let alone vacation, away from work. If your club needs it, I can do whatever you’re short on. A ranch hand, a cook, or cleaner. I might not be licensed in Montana but I am a doctor in New York. Whatever. What I’m trying to say and not doing a good job of is that I’d like to stay and get to know who you are now, Frankie.”

I hear a sniffle to see Billie, of all folks, has tears in her eyes. Then she opens her mouth and ruins it.

“Well, damn it, Malcolm, not sure my mascara is waterproof. Though got to say that was gorgeous and stated so eloquently, son. And to add to Malcolm’s request, your dad and I are planning on staying for at least a week or two. It’s been way too long, Frankie, so we have time to make up for. You go about your life; we won’t get in your way. Actually, we are looking for a Vrbo or something close by so we don’t continue to impose on your president or club.”

This shocks me because didn’t think Montana or Timber-Ghost would be a place Enzo or Billie would ever consider a vacation spot. I watch as Frankie glances at her folks before she looks my way. Then she shrugs her shoulders before getting up, squeezing my shoulder, placing a kiss on my cheek, and then moving to both of her folks and doing the same.

“You’re all welcome to stay as long as you like. You’re family and I’m glad you came out to check on me. I was wrong to run away, but now I can’t leave here. This is my life now. I hope you get that. As much as I love all of you, I can’t ever go back to New York. Too many bad memories there for me.”

With that, she turns and walks toward the bar area where a bunch of her club sisters are sitting. Feeling eyes on me, I look across the table to her parents. Enzo beats Billie to it.

“Well, Frankie was clear, Malcolm. What are your thoughts on moving to this quaint town, or does the big city hold your heart?”

I grin because that’s an easy question to answer.

“Enzo, you should know better. The only thing that’s ever held my heart just walked toward the bar. Now, if you will excuse me, need to figure a few things out.”

Pushing my chair back, I walk through the room and out the front door. Looking around I see a bunch of bikes, cars, trucks, and then not much. Shit, forgot this is small-town USA not New York City. Guess there’s no way I can order an Uber or get a cab. I step off the porch and walk to the far side, which has a beautiful view of the mountains. My God, it’s breathtakingly beautiful. So serene, quiet, and beyond stunning. So much so I’m lost to the view in front of me, so caught up in what my eyes are taking in that I don’t hear anything until a branch snaps. When I turn, I see Avalanche looking down at me.

“Need something, Malcolm? I’m pretty free for the rest of the day. Actually, came here to try and find something to do.”

“Yeah, Avalanche, can you show me around and tell me what’s so great about Timber-Ghost and Montana?”

He breaks into a smile and his eyes twinkle.

“So am I to assume you might be calling Timber-Ghost home soon? I sure the fuck hope so, we could use a few more good men in the area. Sure, let’s go for a drive and I’ll show you around. Though, remember, I’m not from here either so I’ll do my best.”

With that I follow the big man to his truck and he starts it up, heading away from the clubhouse of the Devil’s Handmaidens. I pray this could be a new challenge for me but not sure how many doctors are needed in such a small area. I’ll figure something out because if I can manage this, I’m not going to leave Frankie again, no matter how much of a fight it’s going to take on my part. Though hoping cleaning stalls doesn’t become my new job.

SIXTEEN

‘WILDCAT’

FRANKIE

After all that’s happened, it’s almost refreshing to sit with my sisters and discuss breaking up not a human trafficking circuit but a domestic situation that has gotten out of hand. Raven was able to hack the records of the man in question, Jeffrey Walsh. He’s a seven-time abuser but every single time he’s been brought up on charges they are eventually dropped or the witnesses disappear. This time he’s holed up in a cabin out in the woods and deputies have been out there a few times for wellness checks. From the police reports, there are multiple men with a handful of women and children. One main cabin then some smaller hut-like buildings and a few tents. One deputy said it reminded him of a commune. Early yesterday a couple was out camping when someone attacked them. When the man came to, his girlfriend was gone. He managed to get out of the woods so he could catch a cell signal and call 911.

Sheriff George is here along with Yoggie. Tank is also here because his daughter, Tink, called him. Apparently, the girl missing is the daughter of one of Tank’s longtime friends. William and Tank go way back. William and his wife, Sherrie, are both here also. The boyfriend is in the hospital getting checked out. The sheriff starts with what they know and what the plan is.

“All right, William, Sherrie, you sure ya want to be in here? What I’m gonna say isn’t going to be easy to hear.”

With wide eyes filled with fear, they both nod. Sheriff George drops his head then sighs.

“Well, from what we can tell and what Kevin told us, he and Cici were hiking and were surprised by a bunch of men. While Kevin tried to fight, he was immediately beaten while Cici was ‘played’ with, their term. Three men surrounded her, tearing and ripping her clothes off. Kevin tried to get to her but eventually his pain was too much. When he felt hands on his own belt, he went ballistic but that didn’t stop the men. Both he and Cici were raped at the same time. That’s the last thing Kevin remembers before he lost consciousness. I’m sorry, Sherrie, William, but I promise to find Cici. That’s why we have Tank and the Devil’s Handmaidens here. This is what the DHMC specialize in. Yoggie is not only an Intruder but also one of my deputies. He’ll blend in until he needs to use his star to arrest whoever is in charge. I’m guessing this is part of that domestic thing you have going on, Tink. How do you want to do this?’

Tink looks around until her eyes fall on mine. She tilts her head like she does when she’s planning on dropping a bomb.

“Sheriff George, I think it’s high time you deputize Wildcat. She’s passed all the necessary tests and we could use her going forward in a fuller capacity to bind our world with yours. Between her and Yoggie we’d have the law with us on these missions, and maybe that will alter the turnout of how this ends because they are the law working side by side with our clubs. Two deputies serving Timber-Ghost and its residents.”

My head swings between Tink, Sheriff George, and Tink again. Finally, a huge sigh is heard just as Shadow goes to speak. The sheriff raises his hand, shaking his head, and for once Shadow shuts her mouth. My God, miracles do happen, I think to myself with a tiny grin.

“Well, Tink, get outta my head. My plan was to speak to Wildcat after this meeting but let’s fast forward. If you still want the job, Wildcat, or should I say, Frankie, it’s yours with a three-month probation period. You will be working with Yoggie as your partner. The rest we can figure out later. Let me go out to my SUV and grab your deputy bag, which includes a bulletproof vest, a star, and some other shit—I mean stuff—necessary or mandatory for the job.”

We all kind of giggle or chuckle at George’s slip. And hearing Shadow tell her ol’ man that our club’s bulletproof vests are probably better than what he’s going to give me, adds to the laughter. He turns, gives her the stink eye, and walks out. We all wait until he comes back in with a duffel bag filled with stuff.

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