Page 16 of Hell on Wheels

“It does. I need a place to lay low. Not sure how long.”

“Done. Before I take it to Grim, I need a little more info to go on.”

“When I left the VA this afternoon, I found a young girl being beaten on the side of the road. Couldn’t let that go, Dale.”

“Shit. That the girl you brought with you?”

“Yeah.”

“Who was beatin’ on her?” Patriot looked pissed. I knew he hated that shit as much as I did.

“He was oddly familiar. I didn’t realize who I’d shot until I was on my Harley and ridin’ away with her on the back of my bike.”

“Fuck. Tell me.”

“Guy was sticking his boot up her ass,” I fumed. “He kicked her fucking hard,” I seethed. “Should have seen the way he smacked her and how hard she hit the ground. I saw the marks around her throat when he nearly choked her.”

“Who?” Patriot had about as much patience as a rabid dog.

“Angel Mackenzie.”

Patriot whistled low. “Grim isn’t gonna like this.”

“Yeah, I figured that. Not like I meant to start shit with the golden boy of the Guerrero Cartel. What the fuck was he doing in my neighborhood anyway?” I fumed.

“This is gonna stir up a hornet’s nest, Flint. The club has to vote. I can’t say for sure if you can stay here or not. Got to take it to my pres and then church.”

“I understand.” I really did. I’d grown up around several different clubs. It wasn’t a surprise how things worked. The choice had to be a group decision, and every brother had a chance to weigh in. “If I need to leave, I won’t hold it against you.”

Patriot sighed. “That’s just it. You’re like family to me. Whatever the decision of the club, I’m going to have your back. Know that, Flint. You’re a brother whether you wear the patch or not. I don’t say that shit lightly.”

“I know.” I felt the same.

“You almost died trying to save David. Didn’t forget what you lost or the scars that you carry.”

All of the emotion buried deep within threatened to surface.

“What I’m sayin’ is that you won’t be going anywhere alone.”

He wasn’t going to risk his life for me. No fuckin’ way. The more I thought about it, the more I realized I shouldn’t have come here to begin with. I was placing Patriot, Grim, and the entire club at risk. If anyone noticed I was here, the Crossroads would be in danger.

“I shouldn’t have come.”

Patriot shot me a look. “Don’t pull that shit with me. You’re not leaving until I talk to Grim. Give me the night. That’s all I ask. I’ll let you know the decision in the morning.”

Nodding, I didn’t have any intention of sticking around.

“Fuckin’ say it, Flint. I know you won’t go back on your word if you give it.”

He knew me too well. “Fine, Patriot. I won’t leave before tomorrow.”

“That means midnight, you slick fucker. Don’t even try. I’ll put a prospect on your ass and watch every move you make.”

“Dammit, Dale. I’m not gonna leave. Okay?”

A triumphant smile curved his lips. “Now I know.”

I flipped him off as he laughed and exited the room, the door shutting with a soft click. Kane was perched on his haunches, waiting for any word from me that he could move.

---