Page 19 of Lake's Legacy

Olivia comes out of the restroom as loud pipes echo outside. I step to the window and see three motorcycles riding past the gas station. Stepping outside, I rush to the street to look at them, but they’re too far away.

Olivia’s already at my bike with her helmet strapped.

“Were those the guys we saw yesterday at Francois’ restaurant?”

“I don’t know. I think so, but I didn’t get a good look at them.” I tell her about what the kid inside said about the attack on his coworker.

“We’re over an hour away from Francois’ restaurant. Is it normal for a motorcycle club to cover so much territory?”

I shrug. “Depends on the club and the area. Some clubs own entire towns and the surrounding area. New Orleans is big, so I wouldn’t be surprised if more than one club wants in. Puma’s club in Las Vegas owns all of Vegas, but he has another club in Vegas that they’re allied with—the Shadow Bornes. The Demon Dawgs own San Diego because that’s our mother chapter. Dante’s father and grandfather made sure no other clubs took root. We’re new to New Orleans. We don’t have the numbers to take over the whole city. But so far, we’ve only seen three members of this club. If it’s the same club and if it’s the same guys. They may be starting out. Pirate and Abra are digging into them. We’ll know more when they’ve gathered the info. Come on, let’s go.”

She climbs on behind me, and we continue our journey to the Terrebonne Parish, where our tribe lives and works. Unlike other tribes, the government doesn’t recognize the United Houma Nation. Therefore, where the tribe lives isn’t considered tribal land. We’ve been trying to gain recognition and territorial rights but haven’t succeeded. Yet. The chief has made great strides toward this goal since he took over. Our people make a hard living in the bayou. They earn a living off fishing, trapping,shrimping, and crabbing. No one knows the bayou better than my people.

As we approach our land, I feel Olivia shifting behind me as she takes in the lush surroundings. Our neighborhoods don’t have the typical suburban feel. Most everyone lives deep in the bayou, but that doesn’t stop our tribe from maintaining close ties within the community. We have a few homes further inland for those who don’t rely on the bayou for their livelihood. The main street houses the schools, library, general store, and a handful of homes. The tribe’s chief lives in one of these homes.

He lives across the street from the public school and library. Growing up, I used to think he chose that location to keep an eye on all the kids. Later, I found out I was right. But he didn’t do it for nefarious purposes. He watched the kids like any grandfather would watch his grandkids with pride and an eye for trouble. His house was large but not the largest on the street. That belonged to Dr. Solon. I knew from Toff that Dr. Solon hardly stayed in the house, not after the death of his wife. He has a daughter who was around Toff’s age. I don’t know what has happened to her. I hadn’t seen her since she was sixteen before I joined the Army.

His door opens when I park in front of the chief’s house. Toff comes outside to greet us. A young woman with him. She has the same long black hair, sculptured cheekbones, and copper skin tone enjoyed by most of the tribe. She looks familiar, but I can’t place her. Besides, my attention immediately goes to the two men behind her, Coyote, the chief, and his brother, Crow.

Coyote is scowling at me as I swing off my bike before offering my hand to Olivia.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” Coyote snarls at me.

Olivia stumbles as she disembarks. Likely surprised by the venom in his tone. I steady her before taking her helmet, ignoring the chief as he approaches me. With my arm aroundOlivia, I turn to face the leader of our tribe. “Hello, Dad. Nice to see you, too.”

CHAPTER TWELVE: OLIVIA

The physical force of the chief’s animosity toward Lake has me stumbling off the bike. I brace myself for the fall, but Lake’s strong arms wrap around me and hold me steady. I expect him to stiffen at the man’s words, but he seems unaffected. The older, angry man is muscular with broad shoulders and a commanding presence. I don’t need to hear Lake’s greeting to know these men are father and son. Looking at the chief is like looking into Lake’s future. I can’t say I’m not pleased to see he’ll be just as hot when he’s older.

The man next to the chief shares DNA but is a pale imitation—like a copy of a clone. However, the third man standing next to a beautiful woman must be Lake’s younger brother.

“Hello, Dad. Nice to see you, too.” Lake’s tone is dismissive, but I can hear the tightness underlining his words.

“You can get back on that machine and get your ungrateful ass back to New Orleans.”

“I will, once I’ve seen the patients Toff called me about,” Lake says.

“Dad, we need Lake’s help now that Dr. Sinclair is unavailable,” Toff says.

“We don’t need a medicine man. It’s time your brother stops throwing his life away and accepts his role.”

“I’m not having this conversation with you again. It isn’t going to happen. I will never come back and take over as chief.”

“You are my firstborn. It is your responsibility!”

“No. Your responsibility is to do what’s best for the tribe. I’m not the best choice. You know it, I know it. Toff is the leader this tribe needs. Not me.”

“Tradition…”

“Shouldn’t become a detriment to the tribe. We have to evolve to survive. Our ancestors lived in thatched houses and made our clothes from the animals we hunted. You no longer live in a thatched house. You’re wearing jeans instead of a breechcloth. Times change. When are you going to stop being so stubborn and recognize that Toff is the best fucking chief this tribe could hope to have?”

“I’m not saying Toff won’t be an asset. He’ll be your right-hand man, like Crow has been for me. It’s time for you to come home.”

Lake drops his head and takes a deep breath. “This is not my home. It hasn’t been my home since I joined the Army. My home is in New Orleans with my club. They’re my family now. My brothers.”

“You think your wife will want to leave the tribe and live in New Orleans? Will you strip her of her family, too? Are you so selfish that you’d take her from everything she knows?”

I stiffen at his words. What does he mean? Lake’s wife? Is Lake married? I shift away from Lake, but he pulls me closer to his side.

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