Page 5 of Scythe (Devil Daddies MC #2)

A dozen Devil Daddies stood around the open containers, shaking their heads in disbelief. They’d pulled everything out as soon as the delivery truck had made it back to the warehouse. The weapons inside would have to go into disguised storage areas until they decided what to do with them.

“What would have happened if these had gotten into the Ravagers’ hands?” Wraith asked the next morning.

“I bet they’d have shown up on our doorstep quickly,” Vex pointed out.

“No doubt,” Razor agreed and leaned down to pick up an oversized shell casing that was longer than his hands. “I appreciate you all preventing me from having to dig bullets this size out of your hides.”

“Like the Ravagers can hit anything,” Fury said, smirking.

A scrape of a boot on the concrete floor made the group turn to see who approached. At the sight of Lucien accompanied by Pirate, the circle opened, allowing him to join them.

“She had this?” Lucien said and shook his head.

“We should get her some money quickly,” Scythe urged.

“She needs funds?” Lucien asked, studying Scythe’s face.

“Her mom’s dying,” Hellcat said.

“Undergoing cancer treatment,” Scythe corrected.

“She’s past that, Scythe. The mom knows that.

She waved me over to talk while Winnie took a shower.

Our conversation delayed me in coming back in to secure the load on one trip,” Hellcat shared.

“The doctor already broke the news to the family. Mom wanted the guns gone so her daughters wouldn’t have to deal with them and possibly get into legal trouble. ”

“And you didn’t think to tell the rest of us?” Scythe demanded. His protective instincts flared. His Little girl knew of her mother’s impending death and couldn’t or wouldn’t stop trying to make everything okay. She would be crushed when her mother passed away.

Hellcat shook his head. “I liked her mom. She shouldn’t be dealing with this. I thought Pirate could work his magic on the computer and gather some information for us. Maybe there’s a specialist somewhere.”

“I’ll need some details,” Pirate told them.

“Scythe, send him everything you’ve got tomorrow,” Lucien said.

“I saw a hospital bill on the entryway table,” Vex shared. “I’d bet the mom’s name is Evelyn Morgan.”

“So, money?” Scythe reminded everyone as Pirate made a note in his phone.

“The street value of this is high. We’ll keep everything,” Lucien decreed. “Pirate, while you’re researching tomorrow, give us a used regular retail price. We’ll pay in installments to avoid questions. Scythe, you’ll see her tomorrow?”

“Yes.”

“Stop by my office after two. I’ll have the first amount ready for you.”

“Thanks, Lucien.” Scythe felt some of the worry lift from his shoulders. If they were right that the mother was beyond hope, her daughters could make her comfortable with enough money to pay for the expenses.

“Pirate, send me her medical files when you locate them. I’ll check over everything to see if any resources could possibly help outside the normal treatments,” Razor offered.

“Got anything to share with the group, Scythe?” Lucien asked with one side of his mouth quirked up in amusement.

“I probably need to tell someone else first.” Scythe would share the news about finding his Little with the MC after talking to Winnie. He might admit that Lucien guessed immediately.

“Then, let’s get these boxes moved into storage areas C, T, and W. Ammo in one section, guns in another, and miscellaneous items in the third. Bring me the details and the keys,” Lucien directed.

“I’m going to grab a couple of guys to take Winnie’s car home from the parking lot first. I’ll be right there,” Scythe told the group.

“Of course,” Lucian agreed with a uncharacteristic smile.

Scythe didn’t react but walked away, tossing the cute keychain in his hand.

That afternoon, Scythe climbed the steps to the elevated office.

Lucien stood up from behind his desk as he entered.

He grabbed a thick envelope from his desk and walked to meet Scythe.

“Installment one. There’s five thousand in fifties in that packet.

Those should be easy enough to spend. Tell her not to drop the entire amount in the bank.

It’s best if she uses the cash for groceries, medicine, etc. ”

“How much more is coming?” Scythe asked.

“I’m not sure. Pirate will give us an estimate soon. She can count on at least two more payments like that one.”

“I’m sure this will help.” Scythe slid the envelope inside his shirt. It would be safe there under his cut.

He got almost to the door before turning around to meet Lucien’s gaze. Scythe decided to go ahead and share the news. “You were right. She’s mine.”

“Of course I was,” Lucien smirked. “Congratulations. I’ll look forward to meeting her in second-grade teacher mode.”

“How did you know that?” Scythe asked. He wasn’t surprised Lucien knew things about her. He checked out everyone on his radar.

“The other guys. They like her—think you’re a good match. Plan a ride on Sunday. Midnight.”

“Sure. How many can be gone?”

“Let’s take twenty bikes.”

“Old ladies allowed?” Scythe checked.

“Not this time. Leave from the warehouse at midnight. We’ll be back before dawn.”

“Destination?”

“I’ll reveal that on Sunday,” Lucien stated firmly.

“Many of the Devils will be interested in that,” Scythe pointed out.

“Choose our best riders. No newbies on this one. Loyal members. Move Street up to that level.”

“Will do.” Scythe patted his vest. “Thank you for helping Winnie.” He never regretted joining the Devil Daddies MC, but times like this reinforced his confidence in Lucien’s leadership.

“She’s going to keep you on your toes.”

“I’m counting on that.” Scythe couldn’t imagine Winnie any other way than she was.

Scythe closed the door behind him and descended to the main floor of Inferno. He returned the greeting of the other MC members as he walked to the side door. His bike waited outside in the lot.

Scythe took a seat and pulled out his phone. Choosing several riders, he sent a message: “Next Sunday, midnight ride.” He’d select more as he thought of them.

A bike rolled up beside him and parked. Street checked his phone and read the message. “No way! Really?”

“Lucien says you go,” Scythe told him.

Street’s face revealed the power of that statement. He nodded and didn’t comment, as if he needed to sit with that information before he could react to it. Lucien had made the right call. Street was ready.

He grabbed his helmet and strapped it on without saying another word. The Devil Daddies connected on many levels. Lucien had handpicked his officers to create a rock-solid MC they were all proud to support.

Heading out of the parking lot, he focused on his next stop. He would go find his Little. She needed his support.

Thirty minutes later, he turned into the school parking lot. At the front entrance, school buses were already lined up to whisk the kids home. Scythe chose a spot in the faculty parking lot and removed his helmet to enjoy the beautiful weather.

A bunch of impish kids appeared in one of the windows. A hand shooed them back to their seats before Winnie’s beautiful face appeared. Her mouth rounded in a silent O. Scythe waved and grinned, and she automatically returned the gesture before catching herself and rushing away from the glass.

Scythe counted the windows leading to that room and memorized it. The chubby chipmunk decoration posted in the window would jog his memory. He bet it wasn’t the only one in the classroom.

He’d timed his arrival well. Under ten minutes later, professionally dressed adults streamed out with clipboards. They roamed between the busses. Several stopped and stared pointedly at him. Scythe knew he’d have a visitor soon when a starched-looking female lifted her walkie-talkie to her lips.

The police car approached exactly two minutes later and stopped in front of him, blocking Scythe into the parking spot. Well, trying to pin him into place. Scythe had driven a bike for years. He wouldn’t have a bit of trouble threading the handlebars through the gaps in the cars.

The police officer stepped out of his car and walked forward, stopping a safe distance away. The fit man’s expression was guarded as he looked at Scythe. “Hello, there. I’m Officer Riley, the school resource officer. Could you tell me your business here?”

“Officer Riley.” Scythe greeted him with a nod. “I’m waiting for a staff member to finish her day.”

“For what purpose?” the officer asked.

“She’s a friend. I’m not here to cause trouble. Just to give a her a ride home if she needs one.”

“Who’s that?”

“Is that principal going to cause her trouble for having an acquaintance who rides a bike?” Scythe nodded at the principal who stood on the edge of the sidewalk, staring intently at him.

“Of course not. Devil Daddies MC. Is that the MC that runs the bar? Inferno?”

“Inferno is owned by the founder of the motorcycle club.”

“I think he’s an ex-con….” The cop let his voice trail away as if he were hoping Scythe would comment.

“A lawful resident and successful businessman.”

“Some might not agree with that.”

“I’m sure you deal with a lot of bad people. It must be hard to guard yourself from making instant judgements about someone’s character based on their appearance or that they’re riding a motorcycle. I’m going to grab my ID from my pocket. You can run my license.”

At the cop’s nod, Scythe reached carefully into his pocket and withdrew a slim wallet containing nothing but his license and his health and vehicle insurance cards. He was careful not to make any other moves.

The officer returned to his squad car and maintained his view of Scythe while running his information.

In the meantime, the front sidewalk exploded with elementary-aged children.

The chaotic mass of kids organized themselves into lines with encouragement from the adults.

Staff members walked each group to the correct vehicle in a well-practiced routine.

“Here you go, sir.” The officer handed him back his cards. “Nothing on your record would endanger the kids. I always have to check. Thank you for your cooperation.”

“I understand you have a job to do.”

The resource officer left to park his car before resuming his school duties with dismissal. Both he and the principal kept their eyes on Scythe.

“Crap,” Scythe swore under his breath. He pulled out his phone and called Winnie. He wasn’t concerned about their bias against him, but he didn’t want anything to harm Winnie.

“Scythe? Is something wrong? I had the worst day. Don’t tell me something else happened.”

“I’m sorry, Chipmunk. Unfortunately, I may have screwed things up for you. I’m in the parking lot, but I can get out of here.”

“Why would you leave?”

“The resource officer and your principal are way too interested in who I know here. I didn’t give them your name. If I head out now, they’ll never know I came to see you.”

“Don’t move an inch.”

He smiled at the steel in her voice. “You okay, Chipmunk?”

“I could use a hug…. And a ride home if you wouldn’t mind?”

“I’m on my bike, Chipmunk.”

“Even better. I’d like to blow this day out of my hair. I’ll be out in fifteen minutes. Teachers can’t leave before then,” Winnie shared.

“Take your time. I’ll be here.”

Disconnecting the call, Scythe sat back on his bike. He couldn’t care less about others’ reactions to his presence. As long as Winnie was okay with him staying, he’d stay as long as she needed him.

As the last bus departed, the female principal headed directly to him. “Sir, who are you waiting for?”

“Good afternoon,” Scythe said without a trace of sarcasm in his voice.

“Good afternoon. Who are you waiting for? This is the faculty parking lot.”

“I’m Scythe. You’re the principal here?” Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the side door open, and a small figure emerged.

“Yes. Lorraine Oberson. Who are you waiting for?”

“He’s waiting for me, Ms. Oberson. Is that a problem?” Winnie spoke.

“Ms. Bradley? Are you acquainted with this… gentleman?” the principal asked after a deliberate pause. Winnie’s administrator chose to call everyone Ms. instead of learning what title her staff members preferred to use.

“Yes. This is Scythe. He came to my rescue and will give me a ride home. Remember? You wrote me up this morning for being late when my car broke down on the way to school?” Winnie said in a pleasant tone.

“Of course, I remember. Very well. I’m glad you had someone to help. Too bad he wasn’t available earlier to get you to work on time,” Ms. Oberson said snidely.

Scythe bristled at her attitude toward Winnie.

Automatically, he knew she put in a lot of personal time into her job.

He forced himself not to snarl at the bitchy woman.

“Had she thought of phoning me, I would have been happy to help her. These things happen to everyone at some point. I bet this was her first time in,” he paused and looked at Winnie. “How many years have you taught here?”

“Six years,” Winnie provided.

“Her first time in six years. Sounds like an extremely conscientious teacher,” he said deliberately before continuing, “Good job, Winnie. Are you ready to go?”

“Not yet. I didn’t want you to get in trouble.” Winnie glanced at her principal as if to see if everything would be okay.

“I’m sure Ms. Oberson won’t write me up. Go grab what you need, Winnie,” Scythe urged.

“Rules are rules,” Ms. Oberson snapped.

“Thanks, Scythe,” Winnie said. “I’ll be just a few more minutes!”

Winnie scurried back to the building like the cute chipmunk stuffie he’d spotted last night. She was adorable. Dismissing the administrator from his thoughts, Scythe pulled out his phone and sent the name Lorraine Oberson to Pirate along with the word “dirt”.

Out of the corner of his eye, the unpleasant woman smacked her walkie-talkie against her palm to grab his attention. “Since Ms. Bradley has vouched for you,” Ms. Oberson said and turned sharply on her heels.

“No problem, ma’am,” Scythe answered as he swung his leg over the seat to dismount on the opposite side of the bike.

He turned his attention to retrieving his extra helmet and jacket to protect his Little girl.

Scythe pushed the thought of that awful woman away to make plans to turn Winnie’s day around.

It sounded like she needed to have some fun.