Page 94 of Elling & Jackie

Chapter 36

Roar and Brage rodebeside each other, going north on I-5. Elling glanced over at Marcus, riding behind their president. They'd been on the road for an hour, leading the Slag truck loaded with the supplies for the shipment to Norway.

As they neared the exit ramp to Pitnam, he watched traffic for any sign of Bantorus Motorcycle Club. With the other club out for blood, they needed to make sure the supplies in the truck made it to Seattle in time to get on the cargo ship without any mishap.

The sun beat down on his shoulders. Thankful for the cool wind bringing some relief. The closer they got to Seattle, the warmth would be stolen by the clouds that hung in the area, making for an easier ride.

He gazed ahead, looking at the side of the road. For once, he wished the trip was shorter.

Jacqueline was already at her parents, having left earlier than him. Over the weekend, they'd only be an hour away from each other, but knowing she was on Brikken Motorcycle Club property and he would be up with the Seattle Chapter of Slag, he worried.

He had no control over the atmosphere around her once she went home.

Brage slowed, falling back within the hundred-member crew. Elling sped up, taking the spot beside the president of Slag. Having ridden many years with the same members, they weaved and rode like a well-oiled machine.

Looking at the highway signs, he read the upcoming one. The exit for Castle Rock.

Thankful to be coming to the end of Bantorus Territory, he straightened his leg, easing the tight muscles in his thighs and returned his boot to the peg.

A lone rider entered traffic from the on-ramp ahead of him. He looked at Roar, seeing if he recognized the rider and received a stern head shake. Squinting against the glare of the sun, he tried to see the patches on the back of the man's vest. The distance too far, he raised his hand off the handlebar, giving Roar a negative answer.

Roar motioned for Marcus to ride ahead and see what colors the biker wore. Elling stayed in sync with Roar, covering his president. They couldn't be too careful.

Intent on watching the single rider for any danger, he missed any sign of other riders coming onto the interstate via the on-ramp in Vader, until they were right beside him. He sped up, cutting off their view to Roar and glanced at his president.

Roar signaled for them all to spread out, making it harder for the other riders to cut into their pattern. Elling got a glimpse of the patches on the back of a vest and revved the motor of his Harley, getting Roar's attention.

"Bantorus," he yelled over the noise, knowing Roar would have to read his lips.

Roar nodded once. He'd heard.

There was nothing they could do but continue riding. With Bantorus members dispersed within their pattern, they were at the control of the other club.

A rider rode up on the outside and motioned them off the road. Elling looked ahead and spotted an exit. He pointed the off-ramp out to Viktor and signaled the others. They'd need to follow along with Bantorus and hope they found their way out when they all stood on equal ground.

Before he reached the exit, he spotted other riders coming up from behind them on the interstate in his side mirror. He gritted his teeth. The truck was loaded with useful supplies any motorcycle club would like to get their hands on.

Once off the highway, he rode for another mile after hitting the county road to give room to the other Slag members to pull over without tying up traffic. Stopping, he cut the engine and got off his Harley, moving to Roar's side.

"Make sure nobody pulls their weapons. We need to ride away with the truck." Roar pointed down the line. "Viktor? Walk your way back and make sure every one of our men understands."

Elling gazed up at the Interstate, the Slag truck wasn't in view. Either Joel fell behind, seeing the activity going on ahead of him, or he'd made it through undetected.

He could only hope that Joel was on his way to Seattle.

Bull Ramchett, the President of Bantorus MC, Pitnam Chapter, walked toward the head of the line. Ramchett's calm demeanor hid a powerful strength. He was a boxer, raised within the club. He knew his way around conflicts between motorcycle clubs.

Roar stepped forward and said, "State your business."

"My business has to do with Slag stealing from Bantorus." Bull stopped on two solid feet in front of Roar.

Elling moved closer, as had two other Slag members. Bantorus had no evidence. They'd covered the cameras when they came onto Bantorus property. If the other club was going off of rumors, well...rumors could get a man killed.

"I haven't heard that story," said Roar.

"I'm sure the contents in every single duffle bag belonging to Slag members could say differently." Bull widened his stance. "Care to share the contents?"

"Not happening," said Roar.

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