Page 8 of Vetting the Biker

Since I have a bleeding heart, I have adopted or fostered many dogs. Because of this, getting the dogs acclimated to each other has been entertaining. Matilda has fight in her, which is going to be difficult. It’s all baby steps for now.

Chase

“Ed, how are you doing?” I stand to greet Ed as my secretary sends him in.

“Doing well. Battle Axe tells me you’re getting a puppy today. An old colleague of ours runs the rescue.”

“Yes. He’s taking him to the vet for me while I do some online shopping as advised by my daughter. Mallory is so excited. She went online to get some advice, or most likely wanted to find the cute stuff.” I swear you would have thought I told that girl we were meeting whatever boy band she is obsessed with in person when I told her about the new dog. I have to admit, I am pretty excited about our recent addition too. I know with some patience, love, and training, this boy will have a good life with us.

“I know Battle Axe called you, but I cannot break any confidentiality laws, So I’ll leave this folder here.” With that, he shakes my hand, places the folder on the desk, and hurries out of the office. I take it as my cue to grab the envelope and take it back to the clubhouse, and then we will learn about what kind of dirtbag this guy is.

“Are you fucking kidding me!” roars Eagle. We’re going over the folder containing information on one Richard Donovan, his wife Patricia, and their daughter, Harper. “This son of a bitch broke his wife’s arm, dislocated his daughter’s shoulder, and then put his wife in the hospital with numerous broken bones and a concussion.” I can feel the anger rolling off Eagle and Battle Axe. I can tell if this guy was in front of us, it would take every ounce of energy to stop them from ending him.

“From what I am reading, this Dick character has a sister who lives in Indiana. She refuses to answer questions because he’s seeking sanctuary there.” Reading even more about this guy, I want to find him just as badly. Eagle interrupts my thoughts.

“Listen, let’s ride to where she lives and just have a chat.” Eagle’s anger is radiating over him.

“Why do you want to go there and spook her, so she calls the cops?” Battle clears his throat, interrupting Eagle’s tirade. He’s really amped up on this case.

“Do you think I’m an idiot? I am talking about doing some recon and maybe accidentally bumping into her.” The coldness in his eyes would scare the average person, but I see more than anger. I see the passion he has for protecting the innocent. His passion for this stems from losing his foster sister at the hands of their foster dad. He’s vowed to help save as many as we can in honor of his sister, Kristina. Everyone in this club has a story whether it is from first hand abuse like me, losing a loved one like Eagle, or being on the job like Battle Axe seeing the ugliness of abuse and not being able to stop or prevent the deaths at the hand of an abuser.

“How about Needles and I spend the weekend there, and then we let you know what we find?” I actually like the plan Eagle brings to the table.

“Okay, let’s plan this weekend for you two going out for some recon. This gives Mouthpiece more time to get some details on the sister and this motherfucker. And when you both get back, we’ll go over what our next step is.” Then Battle Axe looks at me. “I took your newest family addition to the vet today. Jenna gave him a clean bill of health, chipped him and everything. Also, did you two pick a name yet?”

“Mallory came up with the name Judge.” Mallory and I went round and round, but we finally agreed on a name.

“Now you need two more dogs to name as jury and executioner,” Needles jokes. We all laugh, but now I’m thinking he may be right. If it was up to Mallory, we would have jury, executioner, and the clergy.

Just the thought has me groaning. “Please don’t give my daughter any ideas. I’ll need to buy a farm if she knows I’m open to more animals.” I groan. “I let Mallory loose with my credit card, so who knows what she bought on top of the basic essentials the dog needed.”

The meeting is winding down as everyone is talking about supply runs, next weekend, and my new dog. Battle Axe and I walk out to the main area, where Judge is in a cage and not running free. I take the dog out. He’s the cutest thing since I first held Mallory when she was seconds old. I was terrified of dropping her or, worse, breaking her when I held her. Judge is all brown with one eye surrounded by white fur.

“You should see his sister. She’s all white with brown eyes. Cutest puppy I’ve ever seen.” Battle Axe pulls out his phone, showing pictures like a proud papa.

“I didn’t know Judge had a sister. I’ll take her too.” I smile while I pet this handsome fella.

“Too late. Jenna took her. She’s a sucker for the lost causes. You’d like the vet. Jenna has rescued a few of our animals.” The twinkle in his eye as Battle speaks of Jenna like she’s next to Mother Teresa or Princess Diana.

“I’ll have to meet her sometime. I guess she’s my vet now, so it will be inevitable.” I smile. “I need to get this pooch home. Are you ready to go home?” Judge bounces around. “See y’all later.” I wave as Judge and I walk out to my truck. Before the meeting, I went home to change and switch from my motorcycle to my truck. “Can you get up there, or do you need my help?” Judge uses the running boards of my Dodge Ram. He lies down in the front seat, staring at me with an expression like “are we going or not?” I drive through town with the windows rolled down. Judge rests his head on the door, enjoying the wind. Why am I now getting a dog? I can’t help but laugh because I think Judge is actually smiling.

Jenna

Matilda and the other animals are all getting along well together. I decide to go to my favorite diner to grab some dinner. I’m secretly hoping the man from the other night will be here. I can’t get his deep voice, the smell of his cologne, or the way his touch made me feel out of my mind. I’m surprised I didn’t act like a cat in heat. Wesley sent me a text earlier he was with my in-laws. Mindy is making sure Robert doesn’t lose his temper with him. I sit in the booth, watching the door while I eat my bacon cheeseburger. I ask the server for my bill when the bell dings and it’s him. My breath catches.

“He’s cute, isn’t he?” the black-haired server in her fifties comments.

“Yes, he is.” I lick my lips. I cover my face as Jackie laughs.

“Girl, he’s looking at you like you’re dessert.” Jackie waves him over.

“Don’t you dare,” I scold her, but she ignores me.

“Chase, this is Jenna. Jenna, this is Chase. Have a seat. I’ll bring you the root beer crème pie I have on special.” Jackie winks at me. I send her a dirty look, but she laughs at me. “Your usual?” she asks, and Chase nods.

“Is it okay if I sit down?” This man is asking me and going against Jackie. I motion for him to take the other side. “Jackie is something, isn’t she?”

“Oh, she’s a force.” I laugh.