Page 35 of Tex's Angel

Chapter 15

Clara

Taking all my leave time at once hadn’t turned out to be the impossible ask that I thought it was going to be. Tex and I spent a wonderful two days at his club’s cabin by the lake. We hiked, he tried to teach me how to fish, and we cuddled up in front of the fireplace at night and talked. I told him about what it was like growing up in Las Salinas and he told me about growing up in Texas. I really enjoy talking to Tex. He’s smart and always has something interesting to say. I can’t believe I ever thought he was grumpy and unsociable.

I have to admit that when I told him he was the best thing that ever happened to me, and he told me I was one of the best things that ever happened to him it threw me for a loop. After spending the weekend thinking it over, I realized something important. This man is ten years older than me and that ten years comes with a wide variety of experiences, including living and loving.

First and foremost, is his son, Levi. Of course, the day his son was born was one of the best days of his life. If it weren’t, I’d be worried about him and his ability to bond. I can tell that Tex adores his son and I’m growing a strong liking for Levi as well. He’s a neat kid, unique and super smart. I can’t imagine that anyone who really knew him wouldn’t like him.

The thought of him having to pick which was better, falling in love with his wife or me broke my heart. His deceased wife and I are two totally different people. Falling inlove with her was clearly a different experience from falling in love with me—if that’s even what’s happening between us. Each experience will be unique, and I’m not interested in competing with a dead woman for his love. I trust that he’s got enough love to go around for his deceased wife, Levi, me, his club brothers, and any damn body else that he cares about. Love isn’t like a pie where we all need to compete for slices.

Today is Sunday evening and we’re supposed to be meeting with the Savage Legion’s IT specialist. His name is Zen. Tex said he got tagged with that club name because he’s always so chill. We walk into the clubhouse, and it’s packed with brothers, their old ladies, and club girls. There’s a young prospect behind the bar, and someone is changing up the music.

We head back to Siege’s office and find several brothers already there. There’s Fran’s husband, Rider. Siege, Rigs, and a younger brother with a laptop. Siege jerks his chin at Tex.

“Come on in and have a seat. We’re waiting for Wade. He’s on his way with an idea on who else might be harassing you.”

Tex leads me over to a pair of empty chairs off to the side and we sit down. No one says anything and I speak up because the silence is making me uncomfortable. “It’s great that you’re all so welcoming of Wade. He’s had a difficult last few months.”

Siege drops back into his swivel chair behind his desk. “Wade’s a good man in need of a fresh start. That’s what our club is all about.”

Before I can ask what he means by that, Wade walks into the room wearing a prospect’s cut. My mouth falls open because Wade deciding to join the Savage Legion MC was the last thingon my crazy bingo card for this year. I know I’m staring at him like he’s got two heads, but I just can’t stop.

Tex reaches over and helpfully pushes my chin up, closing my gaping pie hole.

Wade is nothing short of amused by my reaction. “Brittany said you would be shocked shitless, and I can see that she was right.”

I snap out of it in the blink of an eye. “Sorry Wade. I just never saw you as the kind of guy to ride with the Savage Legion.”

“I like it here. The brothers are nice. I need something meaningful to do with my life and the Legion offered me the opportunity to be part of something larger than myself. I decided to take them up on it.”

I finally get my act together and smile at him. “I’m sure you’ll love it and become a real asset to the club. Congratulations on finding something that gives your life meaning.”

Siege speaks, “We think Wade will be a good fit for our club. He’s honest, dependable, and smart. Plus Tex vouched for him.”

“I’ve still got to prospect until I prove my worth. One step in that direction is realizing that we’ve overlooked a couple of possible people who could be stalking Clara.”

Rigs says excitedly, “Well, have a seat and tell us all about it.”

Wade does exactly that and launches into his explanation. “I remember you telling me a few months ago that you hadto make a report to CPS about potential abuse of one of your students.”

“Yes, I’ve had to do that twice this school year. I believe both reports ended up with open CPS cases. But how could that possibly be related to someone stalking me?”

Rigs comes to his feet and answers before Wade can formulate a response to my question. “Mine and Siege’s old ladies both work for Child Protective Services. They tell horror stories about parents who come to the office threatening to kill their workers for removing their kids. One guy even brought a gun and ended up getting himself arrested.”

“Really?” I ask.

Siege adds quietly, “Yep. People get really pissed when CPS takes their kids.”

“I’m not CPS though. I’m just a schoolteacher. We’re mandated reporters. If we see abuse and don’t report it, they’ll pull our teaching license.”

Rigs responds, “Desperate people aren’t thinking clearly and can be dangerously unpredictable.”

Still not able to wrap my head around the situation, I say, “But why harass me? I don’t have a choice in reporting abuse and neglect. It seems like they’d be pissed at the people who actually made the decision to remove their children.”

Rider shrugs. “Who knows how these bastard’s minds work?”

Tex puts his hand over mine and gives it a little squeeze. “I still think it’s your soon-to-be-ex. He’s a selfish asshole who regrets letting you go.”

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