Page 48 of Embracing My Nightmare
“The motorcycle gang?”
“It’s a club,” I said, stopping Skid from launching into the validity of the club and the brotherhood that went with it.
I saved Skid’s younger brothers life a few years ago and he came to work with me, with the club’s blessingsof course. He was the youngest blood brother to the club, and they understood him feeling indebted to me. I tried to turn him down, but he was devoted to repaying me for saving him with a blood oath. I knew one day he would repay the debt and would rejoin his brothers. I was prepared but would miss him.
Chuck scrubbed his hand down the front of his face, and I turned the car off.
“Let’s grab something to eat while they look. I need to check in with James at the same time.” The need to be out of the enclosed car was staggering so I stood from the seat and stretched my hands over my head. Slipping my coat over the visible weapons, the three of us walked into the deserted diner and waited for the call that would send us into battle.
The three of us ordered coffee as the sound of a loud motorcycle filled the air. Looking out the window, a rider pulled up to the diner and parked his bike. He stood and crossed his arms, his back to us as he watched up and down the street. The same emblem that emblazoned Skid’s arm was proudly displayed on the back of his cut.
“Extra security,” Skid remarked with a smirk and I nodded at him as he walked outside to greet his brother.
“I don’t know how to feel about all of this,” Chuck said as his omelet and my waffle were delivered.
“This isn’t normal. For any of us.”
He shook his head and was digging into his meal when his phone chimed from his pocket. He looked at it and his eyes grew wide. Turning the phone to me, it showed Cameron was calling him, so I sent James a text to trace the call. Nodding to Chuck he picked up the phone.
“Hello?”
“Hey, brother. Are we still on for that BBQ on Saturday?” he asked, his voice sounding like he had been drinking.
I motioned for him to keep the conversation going.
“Absolutely. I was thinking of grilling some steaks. Or would you prefer hotdogs and hamburgers?”
“Steaks sound perfect. I should be finished with my business soon, so I wanted to see you before I left. It may be awhile before I can get back this way.”
“Why don’t you stay with me and Blaire for a few days. That way we can catch up before you leave.” His face was pinched, and I could tell the conversation was killing him. He wanted to lash out, but knew we needed to keep Cameron in the dark until we could locate where he’d hidden Elise.
“Really? Oh, man! That sounds fantastic. Let me finish what I’m doing today, and I’ll be there tonight.” His raucous laughter sounded across the booth and I listened for any sounds coming from Elise.
Chuck’s face grew red and I could tell he was close to losing it. I motioned for him to continue and he gripped the side of the table as he asked. “Where are you? I would love to grab lunch today.”
“I’m out of town, but I’ll be back and at your house by seven. Save me some dinner,” he chuckled again and hung up.
Chuck dropped the phone and buried his face in his hands. I dialed James and listened as he typed furiously on the keys. After a moment, I spoke, “Give us something.”
“I got it narrowed down to a three-mile radius. Skid told me about the Hounds. Move them to the area near the old mill that burned all those years ago. He’s somewhere near there. I’ll keep working on it and I’ll see if there are any eyes still out there.”
He hung up and I thought of Marco’s eyes all over the city. Cameras he positioned to capture dirt on everyone. Knowing James, he would find a way toget them working again. I explained what James had said and Chuck quickly tossed a twenty on the table as we rushed out of the diner.
Skid passed the information on to the Hounds and he, along with the other club member, followed us to the burned-out mill on the outskirts of Portstill. Parking along the edge of the road, we exited the car and stared into the Flats. This was were the worst people in Portstill lived and played and somewhere in there was my lamb.
***
Elise
THE SOUND OF A GLASSbreaking came through the door and I pulled the paperclip from the lock and ran back to the bed. Dropping the clip on the floor and watching it bounce under some trash, I pushed my wrist back into the zip tie just as Cameron opened the door. He stood in the doorway and my fear grew deep inside.
“You’ll never guess who I just spoke with,” he taunted and took a step into the room. “My big brother, Chuck. He invited me to go stay with him. I’m guessing he either doesn’t know you're gone, or, if you really want my opinion, he’s glad to finally be rid of you.”
“You’re lying,” I responded. There was no way Devlin didn’t know I was missing, and I prayed that Chuck and Blaire had been told.
“Afraid not, cockroach. He seemed happy and even asked me to lunch.” He clicked his tongue as my vision grew hazy with a fresh round of tears.
They had to know I was missing. Right?
