Page 30 of Pigeon

“Bella can speak just fine and started to within a few days of being brought here,” Pooh answers. “We’re assuming it was the trauma that silenced her because there was no medical reason for it.”

“That’s understandable. Since we rescued our first victim, we’ve seen some women and young girls in horrific conditions. The fact that they survived attests to their inner strength,” Luis replies in a low, angry voice.

“Recently, we found out about a sex ring that’s operating out of Seattle. Our contact told us they will be transporting a few women to Denver at the end of this week to meet up with their new owner. We don’t know how many women this involves, but we may need a place to bring them to for immediate medical attention, food, and clothing. After we know they’re healthy enough for travel, we’ll take them to Chicago with us and locate their families then,” Mateo informs the room.

“I’ve found a few locations where I think the exchange might take place. Nothing definite, but I’ll continue looking into them. We don’t know much about the buyer other than his online name. I’m still trying to trace his online presence backward to find where he’s coming from and where he plans on taking the women,” Rex states.

“What do we know about how many men will be in on the exchange?” Trigger asks.

“Nothing yet. What we’ve found so far is that there are usually two men with the women and another one that handles the business transaction itself on behalf of the seller. The buyer usually brings his own bodyguard and a couple of extra men to transport the women. That way, the buyer can see what he’s paying for but doesn’t have to travel with the women in case they’re caught. The buyer doesn’t always come, but if he’s there at the exchange, it’s the only time we’ll catch him along with the rest. The guys that do the transporting are scum and should pay for it, but it’s the buyer we really want. We’re hoping if we can catch him, he’ll give up the seller to save his own ass. Not that it will,” Mateo explains.

“Rex will continue looking for the location while the rest of us can help in any way you need us to. We have a club nurse, Vex’s wife, and she’s stocked a spare bedroom here with basic medical supplies. We’ll gather up additional items, like clothing, and have that ready, too. Kitchen and bar are well stocked, freezers full. You’re welcome to it all, and we’ll keep the clubhouse closed to just your crew and us,” Gunner says.

“Thank you. We’d like to scout out the possible locations over the next few days. Not being familiar with this area, it would be helpful to us if some of your guys could help with that?” Mateo asks.

“Absolutely,” Gunner answers immediately. “Pigeon, Horse, and Cash can help with that. Need more, let me know.”

After discussing a few more details, the meeting ends. I make sure each of Carmen’s family members have my number, and I leave. It’s as I’m riding out the main gate that I realize Chubs wasn’t at the meeting. Pulling to the side of the road, I pull my phone out and call Cash.

Chapter 10

Ivy

Today’s the day to deliver the donkeys to Ava. It’s a huge day for her, and yet I’m dreading it immensely. When I got up this morning, the first thing I did was contemplate calling her to postpone. Instead, I did my chores and hooked the horse trailer to my truck. I owe Ava this, and I won’t disappoint her because of my own issues.

I make a point to get my work done early today, and at the same time, I avoid Ted at all costs. Placing my backside into my truck, I begin the long drive down the ranch driveway. I call Margie and let her know I’m on my way, so I know the donkeys will be ready to go when I get there. Reaching over, I crank the radio as loud as my ears can take, and I slowly relax into the familiar drive.

Lying in bed last night, I admitted some truths to myself. I can’t continue to live with the way things are with Ted. I certainly can’t do nearly three more years of this. That was truth number one. Truth number two was harder to admit, but I finally did. I’m developing feelings for Pigeon. Maybe it’s because he’s shown me kindness after such a long drought without any? Maybe it’s because he’s so different from anyone I’ve ever known and gets to live his life free? Maybe it’s the gorgeous face and eyes combined with all the tats? I don’t know the exact reason for my feelings, but I know they exist. What else I know is that we’re complete opposites, there’s an age difference, and while I’m confident in myself, I’m sure I’m certainly not someone that would be on his radar. So, what in the hell am I supposed to do with these feelings?

Arriving at the rescue, I push these thoughts aside and focus on what I need to do. I stuff my mass of curls into a ball cap, keep my sunglasses on, and I meet Margie by the horse barn to load the donkeys. Once accomplished, I climb back into the truck and pull out. Calling Ava, I let her know I’m on my way. She gives me directions different from before, and I realize I’m going directly to Vex’s house and not passing through the club’s compound. I cross my fingers and silently give up a small prayer that none of The Devil’s Angels members are at the barn, but I realize that God’s ignoring me again when I see the crowd gathered.

Parking the truck, I step out and am immediately swamped with excited kids. After greeting them and receiving several hugs, I watch Ava approach with a blinding smile. Quickly glancing around, I note that Pigeon isn’t present. A sigh of relief, a tight squeeze from Ava, and it’s time to unload her new babies. Before I do that, I explain to the kids that the donkeys will be nervous with the new surroundings and that they should stand back and let the donkeys check things out on their own. They all agree, including Craig, and race over to stand with the bikers near the barn.

Unloading the donkeys, Ava and I walk them around to let them check out their new surroundings. Moose, as usual, was more concerned with finding food than exploring. Matilda, being the more protective one, studied everything and everyone around us. After she deemed the area safe, we took them into their new enclosure and then walked the fence line. The donkeys settled quickly, partly because Ava had everything well prepared. Another successful adoption done right.

While everyone gathers near the fence to check out their new family members, I return to my trailer and secure the door. When I turn around, I find Petey standing quietly nearby. I flash him a smile that’s not returned, and I feel a moment of unease. That feeling triples when he speaks in a low voice.

“Sunglasses cover the bruise, but not the real damage.”

“I’m—” I start, but he continues speaking.

“Don’t say you’re fine. Don’t say you’re not hiding a black eye or worse. You don’t owe me or anyone an explanation, and don’t ever let anyone force you into giving them one. Just know, Ava and Pigeon aren’t your only friends here, Ivy. You have help when you’re ready for it.”

With that, he gives my elbow a gentle squeeze and walks off. I take a couple of deep breaths, settle my emotions, and walk the paperwork over to Ava. After answering a round of questions, mostly from the kids, I give Ava a hug, Petey a small smile, and leave.

My shift ended 15 minutes ago, but I’m exhausted and not in a hurry to make the drive home. Due to staff shortages, two nights a week, there’s no human here until 4:30am, so staying late isn’t a problem. Deciding to take a break from life, I grab a bottle of water, put a leash on Thor, and go outside to sit in the dog park while Thor races around. Leaning my head against a fence post, I think about Petey’s words.

I need to schedule an appointment with my grandparent’s attorney. There’s got to be a way around the wording of the will and a way out from under Ted’s control. I don’t want to lose the ranch and my dreams, but I can’t keep going on this way either. Ted having so much control over my life wasn’t the intent of the will, but it’s gotten twisted over the years.

Deep in thought, I absently notice that Thor’s went completely still. When I hear his low growl, though, he gets my full attention. When we came outside, I didn’t turn on the lights because the moon is bright tonight, and I knew Thor could see just fine. Now, seeing him watching something behind me, I wish I had turned on the floodlights.

Turning my head, I see two men walking toward the barn that houses the dogs. The rescue is closed, has been for hours, and these men did not come from the parking lot direction as visitors would have. They haven’t seen me sitting on the grass in the dog park, but one of them turns to face Thor’s growling.

“He’s locked in there. Someone must have forgotten he was outside. Let’s get this done,” the man says as the two of them enter the barn.

As soon as the door closes, I whistle softly to Thor and place his leash on his collar. Walking quietly to the door of the barn, I peek through to see the men placing puppies in two large burlap bags. I place my hand on Thor’s head to calm him while I pull my phone out. Without thought, I hit Pigeon’s contact and wait while it rings. No answer, and the call goes to voicemail. Disconnecting, I dial 911.

When the men finish stuffing puppies in the bags and the police haven’t shown up yet, I know I can’t let them leave. Scared out of my mind and doubting myself, I open the door and hit all the light switches. The room floods with light as both men jerk around to face me. Thor hits the end of his leash, but I hold tight and stand between the men and their only exit.

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