Page 83 of Chubs

The knock on the door startles both of us, and we each reach for our handguns. Taking up opposite sides of the door, Les says, “Yeah?”

“Quit your fucking shouting before the LEOs are called, you simple fucks. Open the damn door, or I’m kicking it in,” a familiar voice growls.

In shock, I lean back, move the curtain, and look outside the window. There stands several members of The Devil’s Angels, and not one looks happy. Well, fuck, this has taken an ugly turn. I may not even live long enough to meet with Ruzzo.

I indicate for Les to step back and to lower his weapon. Turning, I take a deep breath and unlock the door. The second I do, it’s shoved open, and Gunner, followed by the others, storms into the room. Last inside is Vex, and he shuts the door then leans his back against it, crossing his arms over his chest.

The punch lands on the left side of my jaw, and I stumble back into Les, who keeps me standing. When he moves to shove me to the side, I put my arm out in front of him and shake my head no.

“Nice punch, old man,” I say to a fuming Trigger while rubbing my jaw with one hand.

“It’s going to be the first of many, Chubs,” he warns while shaking out his hand.

“Chubs? Who the fuck are you to bust in—” Les bellows but is cut off when Gunner places a hand in front of Trigger and speaks in a quiet, deadly voice.

“Stop. Time for that later, Trigger. We’ll make sure there’s plenty of time for that later, in fact. Right now, we have somewhere to be. You two will be riding in the van. The rest of us will follow and get set up. We need to hurry so we’re there before they are. Let’s go.”

We’re herded outside to a waiting van with Horse as the driver. My brother and I are assisted, that being a polite term for shoved, inside with the door slamming shut instantly. I take a seat and lean against the side wall, watching Les do the same.

“Address?” Horse asks, and I give it to him.

“Please tell me these assholes aren’t your club brothers. I saw their vests, but they’re not acting like you’re one of them,” Les says angrily. “You sent our women to them! What the fuck, Drew!”

“Cuts, not vests, and yes, they are,” I answer, then shrug. “I broke club rules. Their behavior is expected. Don’t antagonize them, Les, because even though I’m out bad, they’ve protected the women, and they’re here now to help.”

“When you say ‘our women’ you best mean your brother’s wife and mother-in-law or something close to that. If you’ve been leading Lucy on, things are going to get painful for you,” Rex states calmly from the passenger seat.

“Hey, Rex. No need to ask if you’re the one who found me. But how the fuck did you do it? I’ve been so careful,” I ask, curious about the answer and where I fucked up.

“I tracked the buffet lines and food shortages across the U.S.,” Rex says.

“Fuck you!” Les barks in outrage, but I chuckle.

“Where did I mess up?” I question again.

“I taught you only a tiny portion of what I know about computers, tracking, finding people, and all that other good stuff. I am the master, and you are but a student. The women? Let’s talk about them now.”

“Our sister and mother. Thank you for keeping them safe,” I answer softly.

“They are safe, aren’t they? That big fucker didn’t beat our whereabouts out of them, did he?” Les asks with concern.

I kick him in the leg and return his glare.

“The big guy, I’m assuming you mean Gunner, or it could be Cash. Either way, the answer is yes. Of course, they’re safe. We may wear cuts and ride bikes, but we’re not into abusing women. Are you sure he’s your brother, Chubs? He seems a little angry,” Rex says with a small laugh.

“Second time I’ve been kidnapped, and it grates on my nerves, okay?” Les says sarcastically. I kick him a second time and a little harder than before.

“We haven’t kidnapped you. We’re here as your backup to hopefully increase your survival chances. We hauled ass from Denver to do that, closing businesses, and leaving our families behind just so we could help you out of a tough spot. You’re welcome,” Rex replies, still in a calm, unruffled voice.

“Shit. Sorry,” Les mumbles.

“Park here, Horse. We’ll go the rest of the way on foot,” Rex orders, then closes his laptop and bails out the door.

I climb out of the van, followed by my brother, and wait for the others to join us. As soon as they do, Gunner starts barking orders. Everyone jumps to comply, with Les and I trailing behind Gunner and Cash.

“You both armed?” Cash questions quietly.

“Yeah, we’re good,” I reply.

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