Havoc tosses JR Into the deep end of the pool. He comes up sputtering.
“Strip, take off everything. If you have contacts, leave those in the pool too.”
“I need a prospect to get this guy towels, sweats, and a tee.”
While JR strips, one of the prospects rushes off to get what I ask for. I notice patches of color on his skin as the man strips. As well as multiple bruises.
“What happened?” Charlie asks.
“He has a wire or some other similar device. My alarm system picked it up. Drowning it was the quickest way I could think of to destroy the device.”
“Does he look like someone beat the hell out of him, or is that just me?” She asks.
I return my attention back to JR. As he moves toward the shallow end, he exposes a clearer view of the bruises. He’s taken a serious beating and whoever did it took great pains to make sure clothing would cover their handiwork. I almost feel sorry for the guy. Almost, but he was a shitty father, and I can’t abide by that.
By the time he’s out of the pool, dried and in spare clothes, most of my brothers have gathered around us. I spot Doc and give him a nod.
“Can you check him out then bring him to church?”
“You got it.”
Doc looks at JR. “Follow me.”
He didn’t wait for JR to respond. He turns on heel and heads back toward the clubhouse. We have a small clinic set up inside.
We’re prepared for an emergency, including surgery if needed. Not only do we have Doc, but we also have Nay, who recently started her residency as a Nurse Practitioner.
Chapter 26
Charlie
Twenty minutes later, I’m sitting in church surrounded by more than a dozen tattooed bikers waiting for Doc and JR. I go over his injuries mentally cataloging each one. What the hell had JR gotten himself into and does it further endanger our daughters?
“Want something to drink?” Wizard asks.
“I’ll take a Coke.”
“I’ll be right back.”
I check my phone for messages while we’re waiting. I told Ma there was an incident and I’d let her know as soon as I know something more. Wizard returns, sitting a cold bottle of orange Nehi in front of me.
I smile at him. “Did you start carrying these for the Caruso girls?”
He nods. “Stormy had a few, but yes, I keep them in stock and cold now for my girls.”
“Your girls? They’re not your girls, they're mine!” An irate looking JR shouts as he enters the room.
Wizard stalks toward my ex until he’s up in his personal space.
“Watch your tone. You’re here as a guest and that could end at any second. If you think those bruises are bad, I can inflict enough damage to make you beg for death but keep you alive for days. Hell, I’m tempted to torture you for all the shit you’ve already put your family through. Now sit down and shut up until it’s your turn to talk.”
JR takes one look around the room and takes the seat Doc indicates. As soon as Gambit takes a seat, the rest of the Kings follow suit. When the last brother is seated, Gambit grasps a hand sized skull and bangs it on the table.
“Church is in order, fuckers.”
Everyone quiets down. All eyes turn to him. Gambit turns to JR.
“You’ve got the floor. Better make it good and don’t leave any details out. Start with how you know Tyler Barnes.”