Page 70 of Pooh

I’m standing at the building site of my house and I’m amazed at the amount of work they have accomplished. It’s getting close to the time for me to start picking out furnishings like beds, dressers, couches and appliances. I have to admit that I’m getting more excited by the day knowing that I’ll have a home to call my own soon.

“Looking great,” Vex says as he stops beside where I’m standing.

“Yeah, I’m happy with how it’s coming along. Glad I built here instead of buying land elsewhere. You should build on the other side of me. It’s a great parcel of land. And how could you go wrong with Axel and me as your neighbors?” I ask laughing as I say it.

“Maybe someday. Not sure what I’m planning on doing in the long run. For now, the clubhouse works fine for me.”

“What’s up with you, Vex? You haven’t seemed like yourself in weeks now. Something going on?”

“No, not really. I don’t know. Everything is fine and yet I’m restless. Antsy all the time. I’ve tossed around the idea of going nomad. Not sure if that’s what I want though. Maybe I just need to take a few weeks and hit the road. Hit the reset button,” he answers.

I’m surprised as hell to hear he’s thought about going nomad. We’re not a large club, but we do have several support clubs scattered throughout the western states and in California. He could be kept busy working for the various clubs, but I never thought Vex would up and leave his home charter.

“Take some time off and ride, Vex, before making a decision like going nomad. That’s a huge change and nobody here will like losing you to the other clubs. Talk with Gunner first. If you want a riding partner, I’ll go with you,” I advise him.

“No, Pooh. Now’s not the time for you to be on the road. You have a shot at something good with Pippa. You’re putting down roots with this house and you need to be here. I’m fine. Just restless, I guess. I’ll hit Gunner up and see about some time off and see how it goes from there.”

“Here if you need anything, Vex.”

“I know.”

I watch him walk to his bike and ride away. It’s unsettling seeing Vex like this. I don’t know what’s up with him but, hopefully, he’ll get it figured out soon.

Pippa

Other than a little soreness, I’m healed and ready to get back to work. I want to move back to my own home, move Craig in, and get back to my life. I feel bad that Craig is about to make another move in his young life, but he seems to take everything in stride. It’s been several weeks now since he’s even mentioned his mom. It’s like poof, she’s gone, and he’s moved on.

Craig is spending the day at the clubhouse with Bella, Trudy and the pets and he was very excited this morning to get there. He pushed and prodded until Pooh gave in and drove him over there. I’m going to speak with Ava later today and see what she thinks about me getting Craig a pet of his own. Something we can take to and from New Horizons with us and something that would do great with an active four-year-old boy.

Tammy is already at New Horizons and I’m on my way there now that I have finished up my doctor’s appointment. I know that one of the club members will be there, but my stomach is still in a few knots. Officer Kantola has stayed in touch with me and I know Becky Wilson is still on the loose.

I pull to a stop in the lot and sit quietly in my car for a few moments. Images flash through my head of the attack and of Anne’s face while she lay dead at my feet. I can almost still feel the fear coming off the children and I can easily remember their screams of terror. Since the attack, I’ve pushed all of these thoughts from my head and not allowed them to surface. Being in the same parking spot again has given them free reign in my mind.

I know I haven’t processed everything that happened that day, but I haven’t really had a moment alone to do so. I notice my hands are shaking slightly, so I grip the steering wheel to stop them. I take a deep breath in and hold it for a moment trying to calm myself.

I let out a small scream when someone taps on my window. Whirling my head that direction, my door is opened before I get a glimpse of who’s standing there. Heart pounding out of my chest, I see a huge hand grasp my forearm and gently pull me out of the car. I nearly collapse in relief when I see Gunner’s face looking at me in concern.

“I got you, Pips. Come here,” the huge man says quietly while pulling my shaking body to his. Hand at the back of my head, he settles my face against his chest. I feel wet hit my eyes and I fight back the urge to cry.

After a moment, Gunner leans back and looks down into my face. After studying my features, he wraps his giant arm around my shoulders, pulls me free of the car door and slams it shut.

“You okay?” he rumbles.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. You just startled me, is all.”

“You’ve been sitting in that car, gripping the steering wheel, for several minutes, Pippa. Being back here has brought up all sorts of shit for you. I get that. My Ol’ Lady went through some shit too and it takes time to get it straight in your head. You’re not okay, but that’s cool, because you’ll get there. Takes time and it takes talking with someone. Pooh, Ava, Trigger, me–hell, any club member. It doesn’t matter who because any of us will listen. Got me?”

“Yeah, Gunner. Thanks. For everything.”

Gunner studies my face for another moment before grinning and pulling me with him as he walks toward the back door.

“You got coffee in that kitchen?” he asks.

-*- -*- -*- -*-

“I’d love to help, Ava! Really! I can chop and dice with the best of them,” I insist.

“Count me in, too,” Tammy adds.

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