Page 12

Jaelynn

S omething was going on. Slate seemed pre-occupied this morning, and I knew he was worrying. I was wondering when to tackle it when Slate turned to me.

“Jaelynn, we’ve spoken about the trouble Rapid City is facing. That Fury wants a war to wipe us out?”

“Yes,” I replied. Slate had explained in detail what was happening. However, I felt safer here than fleeing to another state. Perhaps that was because I was quite confident that Slate wouldn’t let anyone harm me. The entire story Slate had told me was complicated, but it basically broke down into a nutjob thinking he was above the law. Obviously, this Fury also had an ego the size of ten Texas billionaires, too!

“Fury is on the move. Last night, we started moving the women and kids out. We are rotating the pilots, and the second lot’s flying out now. Those with families are going first, that also goes for our allies. Once they’ve gone, the old ladies without children are being moved. Babe, I want you on one of those flights,” Slate stated.

I sat down heavily in my armchair. “Slate, you really believe that this is that dangerous?”

“Jaelynn, even our allies are getting their loved ones out of state. Phoe bought a hotel for this purpose. Yeah, it’s that serious. James Washington flew out his family last night. Phoe is flying old ladies, allied families, hell, even cop’s relatives are being moved to safety.”

Anxiously, I leapt up and began pacing back and forth.

“The way you spoke about this, I didn’t take it seriously.”

“Jaelynn, there’s a fuckin’ army headed here. I want you on a plane. I need to be able to fight without worrying you’ve been hurt,” Slate said, holding my eyes.

“Slate, that’s for your old ladies and allies’ wives. They won’t let a girlfriend on a flight,” I replied. I began to wonder if I should rethink my own plans.

“Jaelynn, when a Rage brother falls for someone, and I mean cares deeply for them, they claim them. Not as property, but as somebody that holds their heart in their hands. I claimed you the moment you popped your pert backside off a stool and helped out with no scheme to benefit from it.

“Because of what happened in Jingle Jangles, I didn’t want to push or rush you. But we’re running out of time. In five days, I want you on the last flight, do you hear me? If they arrive sooner, then you will be shoved onto whichever flight we can arrange. But baby, you’ll be going as my old lady, do you understand?”

“No,” I said honestly.

“No?” Slate looked confused.

“Slate, I don’t get it.” “Which bit?” Slate asked.

“Your old lady. It’s a bit quick, isn’t it?”

“Maybe. But I’m moving slower than my brothers did. When you meet the other old ladies, they’ll tell you their stories. Jaelynn, I won’t receive your cut in time, but Phoe and Drake are aware I planned to claim you. Babe, I’ve been courting you slowly, and I’d not have approached this for a few more weeks, but I’ve no choice. Be my old lady,” Slate said.

Being honest with Slate was vital. “Slate, I’m not ready for sex.”

“That’s fine, baby. You suffered trauma, I can understand. Sex isn’t the be-all and end-all. Although my cock thinks you hate him.” Slate chuckled.

Weakly, I returned Slate’s laugh. “I want to have sex with you, Slate, but the thought of someone touching me there…”

“Jaelynn, I get it. You don’t have to explain. Take your time. Nothing will change how I feel about you.”

“Then I’ll be on whatever plane you need me on,” I said and sank into his arms.

Slate wasn’t lying about his cock. Poor Slate seemed in a semi-permanent state of arousal around me. I had to get to grips with the fear of being touched intimately again. He wouldn’t hurt me, but anytime I thought of having sex or being vulnerable down below, I felt sick.

“Hey, stop worrying. Jaelynn, we’ll find a way. You’re stuck with me,” Slate reassured.

That was good because somewhere along the line, I’d fallen in love with Slate. And he could make or break me.

Slate

He was heading to the strip joint when he got a call.

“Come to the bar. Now,” Drake ordered and disconnected. Slate did a U-turn in the road and throttled his Harley towards the Hell’s Rage. Now fuckin’ what?

Slate parked at the rear, noting how many Harleys were parked up. He walked in through the back entrance.

Half of his brothers were here, and Mac looked pissed.

Sat on a chair crying was Starla.

Slate took in her appearance, and a growl left his lips. “Starla was attacked?”

“Yes,” Axel responded softly. Slate was moved aside as Ellen bustled past him and wrapped a blanket around Starla’s shoulders.

“How bad is she hurt?” Slate asked.

“Starla was beaten, and the asshole tried to rape her, but she fought him off,” Axel replied.

Ellen went to take Starla’s hands, and she shook her head and snatched them away.

“No, I clawed him, I probably have DNA evidence,” Starla cried.

“Damn, that girl has spunk,” Axel muttered.

Drake moved behind the bar, searching for something. He came back around and placed two bags over Starla’s hands. Ellen immediately grabbed hold of them to comfort Starla.

“Is the ambulance on the way?” Slate questioned.

Ace approached. “Yes, and Drake called Ramirez. Ben’s going to meet Starla at the hospital. Nando’s collecting the footage.”

“Do we have anything?” Slate asked.

“Nothing, the asshole blacked the camera out, but we see him approach, dressed all in black, and then he sprays the lens. If Starla hadn’t fought hard, her body would be lying out back,” Ace muttered, keeping his voice low.

“Starla was attacked in the car park? It’s daytime,” Slate said, shocked.

“We think he was gonna get Starla into a vehicle and then dump her remains here tonight,” Ace replied.

“Fuck,” Slate hissed as the doors opened and paramedics entered.

“I’m going with her,” Ellen stated, and Axel nodded.

Drake watched as Starla was wheeled away and spun around. “Someone is targeting this bar or us. The bodies dropping are those with ties to Rage MC. We need eyes everywhere. We don’t need a serial killer on the loose with Fangs heading our way.” “Did we hear back about Frenzy?” Slate asked.

“Fucker’s still locked up in solitary. Serenity did such a fuckin’ job on him he freaks the hell out any time somebody gets near him,” Drake said.

And damn if Drake wasn’t proud of what his daughter had wrought.

Serenity was as sweet as they come until someone threatened her world. Then she went batshit crazy, and her torture methods were creative. Serenity’s party trick was cutting cocks off and stuffing them in orifices. Slate’s cock shrivelled at the thought of Serenity, and he realised he’d learned how to control himself around Jaelynn.

“Where’re the others?” Slate asked.

“Rock, Fish, Texas, Lex, and Savage are at the airport. They’re the third wave out. Ace’s kids, mine, and Blaze’s flew out this morning,” Drake replied. “Washington’s family has already arrived. There’re four RCPD families meeting them at the hangar.”

“When is Phoe leaving?” Slate inquired.

“Last plane out. We’re still trying to force Artemis, Ellen, and Irish to join her,” Ace said.

Slate glanced over at Slick and noticed the scowl on his face. “Let me guess. Irish is point blank, refusing… no, wait, she’s gone underground already.”

“Bingo. Brother wins a medal,” Axel boomed.

“What’s happening with the schools?” Slate asked carefully.

“The basements are reinforced. We have a guard around them. There’s plenty of food to last a month. You’ll need a tank to access the basement. Ellen has been running drills, and it now takes the kids one minute to get there. She’ll have ample notice to move her children,” Drake replied.

Axel was frowning and growling.

“And Ellen won’t leave either?” Slate surmised.

“No.”

“We’ll need an update of who is staying, Pres, because Ellen was meant to go as well as Irish,” Ace said.

“Yeah, well, your old lady wasn’t ever included in that,” Axel boomed.

“When Artemis rightfully pointed out she has more kills than me, I can’t exactly pack her off!” Ace retorted.

Slate had to agree. There was no controlling the diminutive woman.

“We’ll update everyone soon,” Drake promised.

Jaelynn

Hell’s Rage was not as busy. It appeared the public had got wind of something coming and were staying home. I couldn’t blame them.

Alexa and I had it easy tonight. Wraith from Hellfire was on the door, and Slate was sat at the bar. Despite it not being packed, the evening flew by, and I began the last table clearance.

I was in the kitchen when I heard raised voices.

“She’s fucking employed here, so I suggest you go get her,” Damien roared.

Shock ran over me like a bulldozer, and I collapsed to the floor.

“Told ya, asshole, ain’t got no one here working with that name,” Slate replied.

Oh God, Slate. Damien would hurt him.

I reached up with a shaky hand and hit the panic button. The silent alarm would alert the RCPD, and hopefully, assistance would come.

“I’m a fucking cop. Jaelynn Slate. She’s my fiancé, and I know she’s been seen here. Jaelynn’s mentally ill and requires help,” Damien insisted.

I wanted to look, but daren’t.

I knew what Damien would look like. His face would have set into the ‘I’m a cop, do not fuck with me’ expression. He’d run a hand through his hair as he tried to control his anger. His cheeks would have a hint of pink, a sure sign of temper, and his eyes would be narrowed.

“Either you fetch Jaelynn, or I’ll arrest you,” Damien stated.

“On what grounds?” Slate demanded.

“Don’t antagonise him,” I whispered.

I nearly screamed when a hand landed on my shoulder. Terrified, I looked up into Ramirez’s eyes.

“Scoot back and let us deal with this,” he murmured. Behind him stood Ben and two more cops.

“We were staking the rear out when the panic alarm call came in,” Ben explained.

I scooted backwards on my butt, and the four men marched out. The swinging door slammed shut, and I crawled closer to listen to what was going on.

“I said, asshole, what are you gonna arrest me for?” Slate pushed.

“Obstruction of justice,” Damien retorted.

“For not handing over a girl that doesn’t work here? Don’t know how it works where you’re from, but that shit don’t wash here. Get the hell out of my bar,” Sunny snapped.

“I’m a damn cop!” Damien yelled.

“And this ain’t your jurisdiction. You’ve got no call to arrest anybody here,” Mac said.

“Shut the fuck up. I’m calling for backup, and I’ll have you all in cuffs in ten minutes. Of course, if you hand Jaelynn over, I’ll forget this shit, and you can go about your business,” Damien stated.

“That sounds like blackmail. Does anyone else think that?” Sunny asked.

“You make a move for your gun, cop, it will be the last thing you do,” Mac suddenly exclaimed.

“All of you line up and place your hands on the bar,” Damien yelled.

“On whose authority?” Ramirez demanded.

“Who the fuck are you?” Damien boomed.

“Detective Antonio Ramirez, RCPD, these are detectives Eric Benjamin, Hawthorne, and Lucas. Now, who the hell are you?” Ramirez asked.

“I’m Sergeant Damien Barclay—”

“You ain’t in your jurisdiction, Barclay. I know every sergeant in my department. So, I’d like to understand why you’re threatening these men,” Ben said, cutting Damien off.

“I’m looking for my fiancé. Jaelynn Slate. She’s very ill, mentally and emotionally unstable. I’ve heard Jaelynn was seen here, in this bar, working, and these guys are refusing to bring her to me. Sorry, I’m really stressed, she’s been missing months, who knows what’s happened to her,” Damien responded.

I imagined Damien’s expression had changed to pleading and looking worried. He was fuckin’ good at that.

“Mac, you got a waitress called Jaelynn?” a man asked.

“Nope, Nando, just Alexa on tonight. And obviously Wraith, Sunny, Slate, and me,” Mac replied.

“Jaelynn’s been here!” Damien’s voice almost rose to a shriek.

“Who’s meant to be unstable?” Nando inquired.

“Look, I’m sorry. Really, I am. I need to find her. Jaelynn must be so scared and alone. She’ll push people away because she thinks they’ll hurt her. Hell, she’s even been known to accuse me of stuff, and everyone knows I’d rather die that harm her,” Damien replied.

“Well, let me tell you something. If Mac and Sunny say she ain’t here, Jaelynn isn’t here. We know these men, we don’t know you. What we do understand is you came in here and threw your weight around and nearly started shit. You’ve not even called in to my chief because he just confirmed that by text.

“That tells me you’re not sanctioned to be here. Barclay, you are not arresting anybody, you ain’t bullying anyone, and you’re not fuckin’ fooling anybody. This is our turf, and you weren’t invited. Pack your shit and get out of our town,” Ramirez said.

Mesmerised, I drew in a sharp breath. Nobody spoke to Damien like that.

“You’re not going to help a brother out?”

“You’re not my brother. Mine are here beside me,” Ramirez retorted.

“A brother in blue,” Damien pushed.

“Told ya. You ain’t mine. I don’t like you. You came in here like your shit don’t stink. This is my town, my turf, not yours. You’ve shown a total lack of respect, and I hate disrespect,” Ramirez stated.

“Trust me, you don’t want to make an enemy of me,” Damien threatened.

“Asshole, we’re facing a fuckin’ war here. I don’t have time to give two shits for your threats. Sergeant, you want to come at me, fine, but I’ll not stand there and take whatever bullshit you wanna hand out. Now get the fuck out of my town,” Ramirez snapped.

“Spic,” Damien spat and shoved Ramirez hard.

Silence fell.

“You’re done,” the guy, Nando, said. “Turn around and put your hands behind your back.”

“What the hell for?” Damien sneered.

“Hate crime. Assaulting an officer of the law. And by the way, it’s Hispanic asshole,” Ben said. There was grunting, followed by a thud.

“And now you’re under arrest for resisting. My chief will meet us at the station. And considering the time, he’s not going to be happy with you,” Ramirez said and sounded almost cheerful.

“I’m a fucking state trooper!” Damien yelled.

“And I’m fuckin’ popeye,” Nando replied.

There was shouting and threats, and then silence fell.

I gazed wide-eyed at the door as the one called Nando and the other cop reappeared.

“Hey. You can come out now. Ramirez and Ben took the asshole away. A word of advice: stay home for a bit. Hole up somewhere,” Nando stated.

“She’ll be flying out with Phoe,” Slate elaborated, barrelling past the two men.

“Good. But lock her down. Chief will have to kick Barclay free or risk potential blowback. But he won’t release him yet. In fact, the chief just texted he has returned to bed. Seems he’s got a migraine,” the other cop said.

“Lucas,” Slate acknowledged, amused.

“Howser’s dealing with a lot,” Lucas replied and opened the kitchen door to leave. He stopped dead on the threshold. “Nando.”

I glanced up at the tone of his voice.

Nando eyed his partner and frowned. He crossed the kitchen and peered through the doorway.

“What is it?” Slate asked.

“Another fuckin’ body has dropped. Fuck this! That asshole distracted us, and we fucked up,” Nando cursed.

“Let me see,” Slate stated.

He glanced outside and shook his head. “I don’t know her.”

“That’s a damn relief. Shit, I’m gonna have to call this in,” Lucas said and pulled his phone.

“I’m taking Jaelynn home. You can interview us in the morning. She’s had enough of a shock,” Slate replied, heading towards Jaelynn.

“What is going on?” I whispered as Slate lifted me up from the floor where I still sat.

“Another body,” Slate murmured, stroking my hair as he cupped my head and pulled me into his chest.

“No. Yes. I mean, why do bodies keep turning up around me?” I asked.

“Someone out there is a sick fuck Jaelynn, and they’re playing games with Rage. This isn’t the first serial killer we’ve attracted. But it means we’re all going to be more alert.”

“Like the police waiting outside and Damien distracting them. That was a rookie error,” I murmured quietly so the detectives didn’t overhear me.

“Yeah,” Slate agreed as he walked me through the bar. His bike was at the end, so it hadn’t been sealed off.

“There is one thing bothering me. How did the killer know to dump the body while the officers were inside dealing with Damien? He had all night. Is the timing coincidental?”

“Good question,” Slate replied as he fell silent.

I climbed on the bike behind him, still feeling shaky, and Slate headed to my home. But he made sure we weren’t followed.

Slate

He lay in bed, considering Jaelynn’s words. What were the damn odds that the body would drop when her ex was causing a commotion? Slate needed more information on him. Picking up his phone, he dialled Ramirez.

“What’s up?” Ramirez asked.

Slate quickly explained, and Ramirez grunted. “Already thought of that. You should hear the asshole right now. Talk about entitled. I don’t give a shit how big a man he is back home, he’s got no skin in the game here. Barclay is making demands and causing mayhem. Chief is gonna make him wait, and Barclay has used his one phone call. Don’t know who he phoned, but he’s sitting smug at the moment.”

“His boss or a lawyer?”

“Either one, I reckon,” Ramirez replied.

“Is the hate crime shit going to hold up?” Slate asked, doubting it.

“Nah. But it gave us a chance to get Jaelynn home. Chief will make things very uncomfortable for Barclay as we have it on camera. Mac sent the footage over, and we’ve enough to hold him. Hell, I’ve got sufficient evidence to charge him, but that’s unlikely to happen. What I will require is a public apology and a written one. And I want him reprimanded. But for now, it gives you an opportunity to shore up Jaelynn’s protection.”

“Thanks, Ramirez.”

“You’re welcome, bud,” Ramirez said and cut the call.

Slate wished to put Jaelynn on the next flight out, but that wasn’t feasible. He was going to have to console himself with being Jaelynn’s shadow.