Page 40 of Pigeon

He’s wearing an expensive suit but having money can’t disguise the evil inside of him. He’s obviously scared at this turn of events, but as his eyes take in the clothing of the men holding him, he wilts. Yeah, blue jeans, hoodies, and cuts don’t scream cop, so he’s smart enough to realize he’d have been better off being grabbed by law enforcement who have laws to follow. We don’t, and that realization is draining his face of all color. Predictably, he starts begging for his life and offering payment to be released unharmed. He’s under the misconception that we’re a dirty club looking to steal his money and the women. He couldn’t be more wrong and knowing that gives me an overwhelming sense of pride in myself and my club. We might ride bikes, swear a lot, and drink more, but we’re the good guys in this scenario.

“Shut your fucking mouth,” Gunner barks loudly as he stops in front of the man.

“I can pay. I have money, and you can have the girls. Just let me leave, and you’ll never see me again,” the man tries again.

“We, too, have money and already have the girls. You are right about one thing, though. They’ll never see you again, but neither will anyone else,” Jorge Morales answers with rage thickening his voice.

“Shake them down, load everyone into their van, and head to the clubhouse. Decisions will be made there,” Gunner orders and turns to walk off. At the last second, he turns back around and plants his fist dead center in the face of the buyer.

When everyone’s ready to leave, Axel turns to me and says, “You’re riding with me and our angel. Let’s take her home.”

Walking to the van, we climb in and head for home. Upon arriving at the clubhouse, the prisoners are stripped and placed in the holding cell in the basement. Pooh roughly chains each one to the walls, with the buyer being chained to the ceiling. Reeves takes a seat outside the door and hangs his head. He’s drawn the first guard duty of the night.

Discussions take place between our club and the Morales family, and when the decisions have been made, Axel and I head outside. Stopping just outside the main door, I pull a pack of smokes from my pocket and hold them out to Axel. Neither of us are regular smokers, but this occasion seems to call for it, so we light up while leaning our backs against the building.

A few minutes later, Pooh joins us. He’s holding a bottle of Jack and passes it around. We have one more thing to do yet before this night of horrors has ended. When Gunner, Petey, and Trigger join us, I note their faces show the strain of what’s got to get done.

“Most of you have kids. Let me do this alone,” I say into the silence. “Where do I take her?”

“Vex called Taja to ask her for a number to a nurse she knows because our doctor isn’t in town. Didn’t work out like we were hoping, and she’s on her way. Ava and Trudy are coming too and bringing clothes to put her in. Fuck me, none of them should see this. The girl is about the age of our twins and looks similar,” Gunner says in a low, tortured voice.

“I don’t like it either, especially with two of them being pregnant, but let them do this for the little girl. She deserves a woman’s touch and care. We’ll pick up the pieces later if needed,” Petey advises.

“Take her to my room,” Gunner mutters.

Taking the blanket Trigger hands me, I walk to the van. Opening the back doors, I take a deep breath before opening the toolbox. Inside is a tiny child, laying on her side, dark hair spread across her face. The smell of blood assaults my senses, but I ignore it. Carefully gathering her small body, I place her against my chest and then wrap the blanket around her, tucking her in gently. I drop my head back and stare at the black sky for a moment. Sending words to the God I’m not sure exists anymore, I ask for safe passage for a young girl who didn’t deserve the cruelties of this world. When I’m done, I turn and stop abruptly.

Standing on both sides of the sidewalk is a long line of men. Different nationalities, beliefs, ages, different in a lot of ways, they’re standing united for her. Heads bowed, standing in silence, I walk between them, staring straight ahead. Vex opens the door for me, and I pass through, going directly to Gunner’s room. I gently lay her on the bed and place the blanket over her tiny form. When I turn, I see the women waiting at the door. Each face has its emotions tightly under control except for the resolve of what needs to be done. I walk past and make my way to the silent main room.

“You’re done tonight, Pigeon. Head home. We got this from here,” Axel orders.

I nod and do as I’m told.

The house is silent when I enter through the kitchen door, but there’s a light on above the stove. Reading the note left there, I ignore it and instead make my way upstairs to the bathroom. I strip and take a long, hot shower. Head hanging, I watch as a child’s blood washes off my hands and down the drain. When the water starts to cool off, I step out and dry off. Pulling on a pair of sweatpants, I towel dry my hair.

Cracking open the door to my room, I see Ivy curled up in my bed with Tabitha lying on the foot of it. As I’m closing the door, Ivy lifts her head and looks my direction. Changing my mind, I push through the door, shut it behind me, and make my way to the bed. Sliding in beside Ivy’s warm body, I pull her close and place my chin on the top of her head. After a moment, she pushes in tighter to my chest. We lay together in silence for several long moments before she speaks.

“You okay?”

“I don’t know yet, honey. Probably not, but I’ll get there. Do you mind if we don’t talk, and I just hold you tonight?”

“I’m good with that,” she answers before wrapping an arm around my middle.

I run my hand along her arm until it finds her hand. Clasping my fingers with hers, I close my eyes and pray for the sleep that takes hours to come.

Chapter 12

Ivy

I lean over Pigeon to reach his phone when the alarm goes off. When it’s silent again, I stay propped up on an elbow and look at the man next to me. Beautiful tats stand out even in the dim available light. Muscled chest, arms, and abs, Pigeon has a lean build. He’s not bulky in muscle like Axel but has definition, and it’s obvious he works out. I let my eyes roam his body and tats before returning to his face. I find sleepy, hooded eyes staring back at me.

“Go back to sleep. I have to get to the ranch, but Chubs said he’d take me. James is coming again for another day of more disgusting torture. His words, not mine. He said Livi wanted to come too, so he’s picking her up and meeting us there. We’ll be back before my shift,” I tell him.

Pigeon lifts a hand and runs it through my hair before pulling my face into his neck. Holding me there for a moment before releasing me, he continues to silently watch me. I slide out of bed, grab my clothes, and make my way to the bathroom.

I find Chubs in the kitchen pouring travel mugs of coffee. As I’m screwing the lid on mine, Pigeon walks in. Bare-chested, sweatpants barely clinging to his hips, he looks delicious. When I realize I’m staring as bad as Dale does, I turn to grab my hoodie and pull it on.

“Spoke to Axel this morning. Church this afternoon. Anything you need, brother?” Chubs asks.

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