Page 86 of Elling & Jackie

Chapter 33

Peer walked into theclubhouse holding Tyr. Elling shoved the last bite of lefsa in his mouth and brushed the granules of sugar off his hands. Looking expectantly at his MC brother, he hoped the deal had gone down without any problems.

"It's yours." Peer tossed him a key. "The landlord didn't have the key to the garage on him and said he'd put it on the kitchen counter for you in about an hour."

He shook Peer's hand. "Thanks, man."

He'd given Peer the money to check on the rental for him, knowing the landlord would be more willing to rent under the impression that a single, full-time father would be a more reliable renter, even wearing the Slag vest, than he would be if he went alone.

"When are you planning on moving in?" Peer passed Tyr to Holly, one of the women who helped out wherever she was needed at the clubhouse.

"There's no hurry." He stretched his back. "I don't have any furniture or anything."

If it were up to him, he'd move Jacqueline in immediately, but he still needed to speak with Chief Stanton before that happened. He had to walk carefully around the subject.

It wasn't the MC after Jacqueline. It was only him.

He wanted no retaliation coming to Slag because of his personal choice. If Jacqueline's family wanted to take their anger out on him, he'd take the punishment alone.

"Let us know if and when it'll happen. Someone needs to watch your back." Peer looked toward the kitchen. "Anything left to eat?"

"I'm getting ready to take off, so had a couple pieces of lefsa, but there are herring and bread put out for everyone." He clapped Peer on the shoulder and walked out of the clubhouse.

Brage and Marcus stopped him in the alley. "We're going up to Seattle on Tuesday and will return on Wednesday."

"I'll be ready." He kept walking.

"Hey," shouted Brage.

He stopped.

"Are you going to be around tonight?" Brage lifted his chin at Marcus as their MC brother walked away from the conversation.

"Nei. I'm taking off. Need something?"

Brage shook his head. "Just getting a headcount. Ride safe."

"I plan on..." He raised his hand in goodbye, deciding not to jinx himself by predicting the future.

Between his schedule and Jacqueline's, he tried to plan for when he could see her next. It would be easier when they both lived together. As it was, he was catching time with her when he could, and it wasn't enough.

He slid onto his Harley, put his helmet on, and started the engine.

Brage jogged over to him. He leaned to the side to hear him.

"I forgot to tell you; Bantorus Motorcycle Club is gathering in Pitnam. Be careful riding out there alone. It doesn't take them long to get riders to Portland.

He nodded, slipping the bike in gear. Riding through the alley, he watched Dag open the gate for him. There would be a day of reckoning for the hit Slag put on the other club. It was only a matter of time.

It took him thirty-five minutes to arrive at the hotel because of extra traffic on a Saturday.

Inside the parking garage, he spotted Jacqueline standing at the back door waiting for him. He rolled to a stop beside her, and she leaned over and gave him a kiss.

"I almost called you. You're late, and I was worried." She found the helmet in his duffle and put it on her head, but not before making sure the tape still covered the Slag colors.

She hopped on behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist.

He glanced over his shoulder. "Ready?"

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