Page 25 of Colton (Raging Barons MC #17)
-:- COLTON -:-
I watch quietly as Nyx sits next to Penny and takes Arabella from her gently, cooing and kissing the baby's hair. She looks a natural, and it has me imagining her holding our baby. A thought flashes through my mind that I never asked if Nyx was on any kind of birth control, but hey, if not and she’s pregnant then I’m okay with that.
“Penny, do you have any idea who would do this? Please don’t lie or hide things. We are all going to help you, but we need to know the truth to be able to do that.” Nyx gives Penny a warm look, showing her that she cares. I hope she takes this help with both hands.
Taking a deep breath, Penny begins to tell her story.
“I met Darren while working at my local deli. He came in and at first just gave polite good morning comments. Gradually, he would come in later in the day and ask if I was having a good day. Then he asked me out on a date.” Taking a breather, and I can see she’s collecting herself, she continues, “I went out on the date and it was lovely. We had a meal, a walk around the local park. He was sweet, caring and I fell for him hard.”
“Did he show any signs of something being amiss about himself?” I ask.
“No, he was a perfect gentleman. I met his mother, who seemed a little standoffish, but she wasn’t nasty to me or anything like that.”
Nyx rocks the baby, and coos again, all the while smiling softly at the child. I take a seat next to Nyx at the kitchen table and lean on my elbows while clasping my hands, giving Penny my attention .
“I was dating him a year when I became pregnant with Arabella. He went crazy, shouting at me he didn’t want a child.
He didn’t want saddling with me for the rest of his life.
I didn’t recognize him as the man I’d been dating all that time.
” Penny has a tear running down her cheek, but she swipes it away with irritation.
“I’m not crying over that asshole anymore.
Basically, I had Arabella on my own after I told him to get lost. I didn’t see him at all throughout my pregnancy.
I didn’t place his name on her birth certificate.
Then, all of a sudden, he appears with his mother.
She wanted to see Arabella, and then once she had, she wanted her for herself and tried to keep her from me.
Arabella was like a toy she could dress up and play with.
I was scared they would snatch her, so I told the local cop and then ran.
I wanted someone to be aware as a pre-warning.
He’s found me again, though. I’ve moved for the second time in eight weeks.
I don’t want to run again. I’m going to have to see a lawyer and hope they can take payments.
I have no savings now as I spent what I had on Arabella’s crib, stroller, clothes, and the rest.”
“I’m going to speak to our Pres, and I’ll speak to Specs.
Find out what is going on with Darren. So, write all you know and I’ll be back once I know more.
You stay here with Nyx.” I kiss Nyx on the top of her head and make my way to the clubhouse.
I know Nyx is locked up and will stay locked up until I get back.
****
Sitting in front of Axel’s desk, I listen as Buzz tells Axel all we know about Penny and her circumstances.
It’s not a lot at this point. “Do you think Specs will do a deep dig? Find out about this family. You know it is odd that the asshole didn’t want her to have the baby, then poof, the mother decided she wanted her.
But to keep trying to get the baby isn’t good, and it is not normal this is happening. ”
“It isn’t really our business, but we can’t allow this shit to happen once we know. We can’t put our hands over our eyes, thinking I’m not looking. What is your suggestion, Colton?” Axel leans back in his chair and waits for me to respond.
“I think we need all the information about this family. They are suspicious with the way they are acting about Arabella. My gut is telling me something is seriously wrong and we need to hide them. Penny is with Nyx at the moment, which is okay when I am around. But it’s not going to be hard for the asshole to find her.
If my house sale was completed, I could take her there with Nyx, too.
But it’s not completed as yet. I’m wondering if I can bribe the fucker to get it through faster. ”
Axel leans forward, laying his forearms on the table and clasping his hands.
“All you have said is what I have thought. Not the house part, but the rest. Buzz, go tell Specs to find out about the family. Also, tell him to speak with PT, TwoCents, and even BS if it’s needed, to pressure the realtor to get the house sale completed. ”
Buzz leaves to speak with Specs while Drag walks into the office.
“Pres, there is a sign of Stefan in Levenston. My source is watching, but it doesn’t look like he is staying there at the moment.
I’ve been told he was buying supplies, food mainly, but he also was watching a group of females who were shopping.
My source is watching closely, and I’ve told him if the fucker touches the women to let me know. Shall I head out to Levenston, Pres?”
“Take BS and Wings with you. Colton, you stay with Nyx and Penny for now. I’ll see who else I can spare. An unattached brother would be best I think.” Rubbing his head in thought, “Who is unattached, and not busy at the moment? ”
“I’ll do it, Pres.” We all turn and look at who has spoken, and are surprised to see Ruger standing in the doorway.
“Sorry for speaking out, Pres, but I heard what you were saying as I was passing. I’m having a few days free from the construction.
We just finished that house on the edge of town, and have all the brothers finished and back here.
Well, until the next one pops up, wanting a plot on the compound.
So, I can help if you need a spare pair of hands. ”
Now, I don’t have much to do with the construction brothers, as they are deep in building most of the time.
Hammer has purchased a large trailer that they take and leave on the site when possible.
That way they have amenities, and if they work late or the weather turns, they can be comfortable.
From what I have seen of Ruger, he is a good man.
Always been around when needed, and like now, offers to help however he can.
“I’d be happy to have Ruger with me, Pres.
He's more than able to fuck anyone up that needs it.” I give a cheesy smirk at the thought of it.
“Oh, I can do that alright. We’ve not had much excitement around here for a while.” Ruger grins, and Axel shakes his head, but I can see he has that tip on the corner of his mouth in amusement.
“Right, you go with Colton, and both of you stay with them until we have some information from Specs.” Axel dismisses us and I give Ruger a flick of my head to follow me.
Stepping into the kitchen, I grab a bottle of water and take a seat.
Ruger copies my move, and looks at me expectantly.
“Penny is a single mother, as you’ve heard.
Arabella is so cute and you’ll see immediately that Penny is protective of her, and more than a little worried. In fact, she looks terrified.”
“Babies don’t worry me, Colton. I’ve not had a lot of dealings with them, but I’ve held the twins and Summer when Mia has needed it.
I’m not scared of shitty diapers either.
Let’s face it, we all have to shit and babies can’t do anything about it when it’s left their ass.
” Ruger smirks, “Goddamn, what a conversation this is turning out to be.”
“Penny was struggling to make her money stretch. Nyx brought home some meals for her. I’m wondering when we get her a place if we can give her some meals.
” Turning I look for Meat and see he’s slicing up a chunk of beef.
“Meat! You think you could make up a few meals I can give to a single mom who’s struggling? ”
Meat stops slicing, looks at me and studies my face. I’m sure he’s checking if I’m messing with him. Grunting, then giving me a small nod, I know he’s onboard.
Before leaving the clubhouse Ruger and I head into BS’ office and study the board.
It seems Stefan has been seen in many places.
Yet, nowhere that he repeatedly returns to.
He has covered five towns from what the board is showing.
Oh, he is ducking and dodging that is for sure.
I’m wondering if he is looking for somewhere to get a clubhouse. That would be an obvious start I think!
I turn to Ruger who is standing next to me also studying the board’s information. “Do you reckon he’s looking for a place to make a clubhouse?” I ask and Ruger stares at the board, studying each of the towns where Stefan has been.
“You know, Colton, you could be right on the money.”
“Right on the money with what?”
Looking over my shoulder BS steps into the office. “Do you think Stefan is looking for somewhere to have a clubhouse? If that is his endgame, you know, to have his own MC. Then surely he needs a clubhouse? ”
Nodding as he also studies the board, BS turns and looks at me. “I think you could be onto something. I’ll speak with the others and Pres and see what they think.”
“What happened to the two kids?” I ask. I’ve heard nothing about them since they were grabbed.
“Axel let them go, but Wings took them out of town in the van. Threatened them to stay the fuck away, or he’d put them in the ground.
He also gave them a stash of cash to set them up when they got to the next state.
They are kids that have run from family, similar situation to you, Web and the others.
They were trying to find somewhere to fit in, but when they realized what was going on with Stefan they tried to leave but were beaten each time they tried.
The only information they gave that was worthwhile was that seven of the men helping Stefan are assholes, but one has been helping the kids, and has even got three out.
” BS rubs his chin, then looks at us. “It seems Target and Colton were right that there was one who tried to help while the rest of the grown men ran to save themselves.”
“Cowards, that’s what they are! Using kids to do their dirty work is sickening. But I am positive we will catch this fucker eventually,” I snarl.
Ruger slaps my shoulder. “We worry about Penny and your woman, Nyx. Let Pres and the others sort out Stefan. For the moment, at least, you have a different asshole to sort out.”
Back at Nyx's apartment, I walk in and kiss her. Penny covers her eyes while laughing, and I hear Ruger chuckle behind me. Throwing an arm around Nyx’s neck, I look at Penny.
“You and Arabella will stay here for the moment. Both Ruger and I will be here, and if one of us has to go somewhere, the other will stay with you. Ruger will sleep on the couch, so don’t panic if you get up in the night and see him. ”
Penny replies. “Are you sure it’s not putting any of you out? Nyx has already told me to stay here until we know what is going on. Well, where the heck my ex is and who it is that broke into the house.”
“I’m going over to look at the house. Has anyone been to clean up the mess?” Ruger asks. He was disgusted when I filled him in on what we had found.
“No, it is just as it was. I was going to go over and start cleaning, but I didn’t want to leave Penny here on her own.
I sure didn’t want her to come over to the house, either.
Trouble was, I just thought if I go over and then someone sees me come back they’ll have a good guess that she is here.
I hope they didn’t see me earlier.” Nyx is frowning and looking at Penny.
“Yeah, I can see that. Okay, leave it with me. I’ll get it cleaned and I’ll see about having brothers around, a show of force if you like. Seeing bikers kicking around could scare the fuckers enough for them to back off.” Ruger steps out of the house, and I follow.
“I’m going over with Ruger, but won’t be long. I’ll lock up, keep it like that until I get back.” Grabbing the key to the place where it’d been placed next to the front door.
Stepping inside the house, I show Ruger what had been done, and after cursing a while he agrees we need to clean up then maybe have a night here. Let it be seen the place is occupied. They’ll maybe make a mistake enough to break in again.
“I wonder if Nell can give us the contact info for a cleanup company?” I murmur, more to myself than Ruger .
“She has people she uses, and I don’t see why not. It’s work after all. It’s not dead bodies either, well, not yet.” Ruger smirks.
Shaking my head at Ruger, I take out my phone and send a quick text message to Nell. I’m hoping she can help because cleaning shit isn’t my idea of fun.
Colton: Nell, can we use your cleanup crew? Got a matter here where a house needs fumigating after graffiti was left all over the bedrooms.
Nell: Yeah, text me the address. I’ll have them come right over. It’ll cost you, Colton. Not money, you’ll owe me one.
Shit, owing Nell could be a tricky move, or it could be very interesting.
Colton: OK, I’ll owe you.
I send Nell the address and update Ruger. We lock up and head back to Nyx and Penny. But we are watching our surroundings as we walk from the house to the apartments.
Stepping into Nyx’s apartment once again, I fill her in on the cleaning crew. I didn’t tell her they usually clean up crime scenes before the law arrives. What she doesn’t know won’t worry her.
“Leave the food for our supper with me. I’ll deal with it.” I pull Nyx into the living room and flop down on the couch, taking her down with me. I pull her into my side and lean my head back, closing my eyes and resting for a moment.