Page 12

Lavender

“The Bloodsworth Journal?” Sin asked as she stepped up.

She put some gloves on and opened it up. Then she read the description and looked mildly surprised. “I’m shocked at how clear the ink is. This is over four hundred years old?”

“Yes. Richard came here in sixteen thirty-five.”

“Um. It’s widely accepted that South Dakota was colonised in eighteen-zero-three with the Louisiana purchase. The United States acquired the land from France. And Fort Pierre was established in eighteen-seventeen. But a small group of English settlers had been here since the sixteen hundreds. The Native Americans mainly ignored them unless they were trading with them. I can quite easily believe your family settled here then. And this building certainly has some features dating back to that era,” Sin stated as she read Richard’s introduction.

“How fascinating,” she mumbled as she began setting a scanner and laptop out. Sin pulled out some tweezers, a brush, and some other items.

“We’ve lost her,” Phoe said, and Sin didn’t even acknowledge her. Phoe winked at me. “Sin, naked Jett alert!”

“That’s nice,” Sin murmured as she squinted at the page. She angled a light towards it and picked up a magnifying glass. “This ink is amazing. It should’ve faded, but looks new.”

“Yup. We won’t get anything out of her for the rest of the day,” Phoe said, linking arms with me.

“Wow. I thought I was bad when in the zone,” I muttered.

“Have you ever seen this before? Is it ghost activity?” Harriet was demanding, and Callie looked amused as we approached.

“I’d need to check CCTV. Is it set up in here?” Callie inquired.

“Yes. And that aisle is covered,” I replied.

“Interesting,” Callie responded as she and her team took pictures and studied the stacked books and chairs.

“I guess we’ve lost her too?” I asked, and Phoe snorted in amusement.

“Callie, we’re heading into town to discover any gossip about hauntings. Would you like to come?” Phoe questioned, and Callie’s head snapped up.

“Yes! Okay, let me sort the team out. Harry, you take base readings, one every two hours. Phil, get a layout of the place and start researching the history. Jack and Freddie, please set up the infrared cameras and some voice recorders,” Callie ordered.

“Not a problem,” Phil replied, and Callie looked at us.

“Let’s hit Clio’s tearoom and the diner and the library. Those are the best places to get the gossip,” Callie said.

Phoe nodded in agreement. “Come on, Lavender. Let’s hunt some ghosts!”

I was sure the noise Phoe made could officially be called a squeal!

Four hours later.

My head was swimming. Who knew there’d be so much gossip about the Manor? First off, we had stopped at the diner for milkshakes. There, we’d spoken to a waitress who said she had seen a hulking figure out there one night that had chased her with an axe. I was thinking she’d watched too many horror movies. However, two other people listening in confirmed others had seen it and they’d given us names.

Then, there was a ghostly horse and carriage mentioned, which people confirmed seeing barrelling up to the house and a male figure leaping out to disappear. This had even been filmed, and Callie nearly came out of her chair as we watched a social media video on it. It did look real, but I had my doubts.

Two ghostly children had also been seen and a lady in white; there was always conveniently a lady in white, in my opinion.

Having drained all the information from the diner possible, we headed for Clio’s tearooms. Phoe and Callie explained they’d been started by Clio and had proved highly popular.

Kris, the manager, greeted and ushered us to a table and then proceeded to send locals over to tell us their ghost stories. Many repeated those told at the diner, but there were some new additions. A screaming woman covered in blood wearing a long pale dress. A man was seen staring from a window several times. And a maid who chased people off by yelling.

After the diner, we headed for the library where we were shown documented reports that confirmed all the stories. And there we discovered a new one. The hulking guy was joined by an elderly woman. Together, they had chased all intruders away for the last twenty years. Many believe the elderly woman to be the last owner, but nobody had a clue who the man was. Some thought it was a servant who killed for her, but no bodies had ever been found.

I bristled angrily at sweet Aunt Aggie being called a murderer. But that did raise one question.

“How did Aunt Aggie die?” Callie questioned me as we left.

I blinked at her in surprise. “Holy hell, I never asked!” I exclaimed. A shamed feeling flooded me as I realised I didn’t even know where Aggie’s grave was.

Callie headed back inside and asked and came out.

“She died in hospital,” Callie said.

“I know that much,” I replied grumpily.

“I know Aggie is buried in the family cemetery,” Callie stated.

“Of course, we have one of those!” I groaned, and Phoe giggled.

“And it’s on your land!” Callie exclaimed.

“Yup, what a surprise!” I said, and Callie and Phoe laughed.

Chatter

“Jinxy!” he called as he saw the candidate heading out.

Jinx stopped moving towards his piece of shit bike. “Yeah?” he shouted back.

“Get your ass here,” Chatter yelled. Jinx looked worried as he walked towards Chatter.

“Did I do something wrong?” he asked.

“You tell me, kid. Lavender mentioned something, and I’ve not been able to get you alone. You pull in one point five k a week and now Lavender’s paying you for working there. You got gambling debts?” Chatter questioned.

“No! Lavender shouldn’t have said anything,” Jinx answered defensively, and Chatter knew the candidate had a secret.

“Be lucky it was me because she was ready to tear us a new asshole. If she’d got hold of Chance… it would be a different story,” Chatter explained, and Jinx blanched. “Yeah, exactly. Now I wanna know where your money is going because you wear the same damn clothes every week and have a piece of crap bike. We pay you better than that.”

Jinx’s chin jutted out, and Chatter almost laughed. The boy was going to defy him. “It’s private.”

“Then pack your shit,” Chatter threatened. It was an idle threat, but Jinx didn’t know that. Chatter had an inkling the kid was in way over his head.

Jinx paled. “You can’t do that!” he exclaimed.

“Any brother can get rid of a candidate if you’re a fuckup or hiding stuff from us. Trying to help you here. If you ever want to be a brother, this is where it starts, reaching out for help when you need it,” Chatter stated.

“It’s my mom. She’s badly ill, and medical bills have piled up. They’re taking four thou a month and Mom can’t afford to live. She only gets disability. She can barely pay rent on a one-bed shithole. I’ve been buying her food, paying her utilities, and the bills,” Jinx blurted.

“How much are the med bills?” Chatter asked. Jinx was twenty and had been shouldering this alone. Fuck him.

“Three hundred thousand. I’ve paid forty off,” Jinx replied.

“No probs. The money will be in your bank by the end of today. You’ll pay me back two k a month until you hit prospect. Then we’ll re-discuss this. This ain’t a club loan. It’s private, and nobody needs to know. Up to you if you tell anyone, but I’ll keep your faith. If you need anything else, speak to Fanatic or Sunny. Or come back to me, but I am telling you as a brother, Fanatic and Sunny need to know, kid. They’ll help you with shifts and time off for appointments and stuff.”

“But I’m only a candidate.”

“And? You are a Hellfire candidate, which means unless we boot you, you’re not alone. Got a big family around you. Lean on it,” Chatter said.

“I’ll pay the money back Chatter, any bonus or overtime I get, I will pass your way,” Jinx promised.

“No. You’ll pay the two k a month, and you’ll take your mom out for a couple of decent meals. Or treat her to a shopping trip or spa day. And you will get a better bike. I’ve got a ten-year-old Fatboy sitting in storage. You can have that. Get it over to Jett at Rage to customise it for you. I’ll give him a call.”

“I can’t thank you enough,” Jinx said, and Chatter noted how close to tears he was. “Swear I won’t let you or the club down.”

“Believe ya, Jinxy. I will transfer the money now and you pay those bills off,” Chatter replied.

“I’ll do it in front of you,” Jinx promised and whipped his phone out.

Chatter moved the money, and Jinx checked his account. His eyes widened as he saw the balance, and he swallowed hard. Chatter noted how Jinx’s voice cracked when he dialled the medical billing department and cleared the amount.

Chatter made a mental note to remind Sunny and Fanatic to keep a better eye on the candidates. One of them should have noted the piece of shit bike and the kid wearing the same clothing. But it had taken a woman on the outside to do their jobs for them.

Chatter waited until Jinx got off the line. “There’s five k left over. I’ll move it back to you.”

“Nope. What you’re gonna do is head out tomorrow morning and hit the shops. Take Momma with you and use that five k to buy you both some new clothes. If yours are rags, I’m betting hers ain’t much different. Get her lunch and dinner. Be at Lavender’s tomorrow night for seven. I’ll have Sailor do your duties there until then.”

Chatter almost squirmed as Jinx stared at him and then flung his arms around Chatter. Chatter stiffened as Jinx hugged him and slapped his back before stepping away and heading towards his bike.

“What was that about?” Chance asked from behind, looking a little shocked.

“Need to talk to Fanatic and Sunny. They dropped the ball on Jinx.”

“Gonna tell me?”

“Kid’s been struggling to pay three hundred grand of med bills, pay Mom’s utilities and food, and look after himself. Medical were taking four k a month. Nobody questioned why a candidate is getting six k a month yet is wearing the same seven sets of clothing. Nor why he’s riding a piece of shit bike,” Chatter growled out.

“Ain’t no kid if Jinx been handling all that,” Chance said.

“Club failed him. Should have seen he was struggling and stepped in.”

“Agreed. But how did it come to your attention? You never stick your nose into other people’s business,” Chance asked.

“I noticed! I’ve given the kid tomorrow off to get some new clothing and take his momma out. And also told Jinx to inform Sunny and Fanatic about his momma, so if he needs time off for medical appointments, he can get it,” Chatter said.

“You’re fuckin’ chatting up a storm, brother,” Chance quipped.

Chatter scowled. Fuck that. Chatter didn’t admit he’d only paid attention because of Lavender. Nope. Not telling Chance that at all. He marched away, knowing Chance would speak to Fanatic and Sunny.

◆◆◆

He arrived to chaos at the Manor. What was causing the issue was Tatum yelling at a man on the porch, with Dan and Kelly backing him up.

“Get out! You’re not welcome here,” Tatum yelled in the guy’s face.

“This ain’t your place, Carpenter!” the other guy back.

“I’ll knock you flat out!” Tatum threatened, stepping up.

Chatter’s eyebrows rose at the aggression coming from Tatum.

“What’s going on?” he demanded.

“Hello, my name is Roger Whittaker, I’m an expert in—”

“Committing fraud!” Tatum spat.

Chatter immediately took a good look at the man in front of him.

“That’s a scandalous lie!” Whittaker shot back.

“Is not! I know about you and what you’ve been up to. Why you are here, I’ve no idea because Lavender certainly wouldn’t have called for your lack of expertise!” Tatum hissed.

“What does he do?” Chatter asked, trying to keep up.

“My friend…” Whittaker began.

“You’re no mate of mine,” Chatter interrupted.

Whittaker looked annoyed before continuing. “I value priceless artifacts. I have heard there is a vast collection here that need valuing, and I’ve come to offer my services,” Whittaker explained charmingly.

“What collection? The coins? We’ve got Tatum here for that,” Chatter said.

Whittaker’s eyes narrowed. “Are you telling me there’re no other collections here? My dear man, it’s common knowledge that Lavender Bloodsworth has put feelers out for a couple of experts. I’m merely answering her call.”

“Except I didn’t phone you, and yes, I did make inquiries. But not for a collection. I won’t lie, there is one here, which Tatum is dealing with. However, Mr Whittaker, your reputation precedes you and I’ve no intention of hiring you or letting you anywhere near those coins,” Lavender announced from behind them.

“I beg your pardon,” Whittaker said, drawing up to his full height.

“You heard me. I’m well aware of what you are, a treasure hunter. You’ve long been suspected of various crimes and somehow manage to get away with them. Unless you’re a better coin expert than Tatum, and you’re not, I’ve no need for you. Please get off my property, Mr Whittaker,” Lavender said.

Whittaker narrowed his eyes at her, and Chatter bristled.

“You’ll regret this,” he muttered, and Chatter got into his face.

“Did you just threaten her? Because that’s a mistake you won’t walk away from,” Chatter growled out.

“I’ll take my leave now,” Whittaker stated with dignity and marched down the porch steps.

Lavender watched him leave and turned to Tatum. “How the hell did that rat bastard find out about Ravenberry?”

“It’s got to have come from someone you’ve asked to value one of the collections,” Tatum said.

“Shit, I should have asked him which one,” Lavender muttered.

“And that would have let him know there’s more than one valuable item here. No, you did it right. Did the asshole mention anything?” Chatter questioned.

“No,” Tatum replied.

“Yes,” Dan interrupted. Everyone looked at him. “I opened the door to him, and he declared he was here to value the trinket collection. That’s exactly what he called it. I know you would have told us at breakfast if someone was coming today, so I was suspicious. Then he started ordering me to let him in and take him to it.”

“And no doubt Whittaker would have pocketed some of the most valuable items before being kicked out,” Tatum added angrily.

“Which means he must have found out from Tasmin Walker, who is part of your group,” Lavender said with accusation in her voice.

“Not a chance in hell. Tasmin wouldn’t tell him anything,” Tatum denied.

“Who gave you Tasmin’s name?” I asked.

“Jake Mann!” Lavender exclaimed. “He did mention Whittaker at first and I said no. His reputation was unsavoury. I should have heard the alarm bells then.”

“I’ll call Tasmin and get her out here asap. With Whittaker around, you need to start cataloguing everything,” Tatum offered.

“No. He can’t get into the house. Slaughter has increased security and we’ve already too many here. I trust you, Tatum, but with this current threat and everything else, I don’t want anymore strangers here,” Lavender declined. Chatter couldn’t blame her.

“I understand, but you need to get those collections catalogued,” Tatum said.

“And who do I trust? I have a well-known thief on my doorstep, I have a car collection at Hellfire MC. I’ve got more dolls and collections than I can handle. This is my legacy, and I have to protect it. But letting people run all over the Manor and maybe have them steal? My own parents stole from me; a stranger wouldn’t hesitate!” Lavender exclaimed.

Chatter saw she was feeling overwhelmed. Phoe and Callie stood close by, watching.

“I’ll trust in the security measures and hope they don’t let me down. If they do, it’s on my head,” Lavender said.

Tatum inclined his head. “Just be careful. Now Whittaker knows, they’ll all come out of the woodwork.”

Chatter saw the worry on Lavender and Tatum’s faces, and then Lavender’s phone rang.

Lavender

Finding Whittaker on my doorstep was a grave concern. I knew him to be a thief. It meant that others out there might have knowledge of the collections. Once more, feeling pressure, I answered the call and was surprised at who it was. A brief conversation later, I hung up and blew out a relieved breath.

“Lavender?” Chatter asked.

“My parents have been charged with the thefts and fraud, as had Janice. They’re facing multiple counts, and their property, bank accounts, and belongings have all been frozen by a judge. He has warned that they might head here, although they’ve been told not to leave the state,” I said with a smile.

“Which state?” Chatter asked.

“New York,” I confirmed.

“Far enough away from you,” Phoe interrupted.

“Yup. Let them get on with it. I’ll testify against them and ensure they get what they deserve. For what they did to Aunt Aggie and me, justice will be served,” I replied firmly.

I looked around. Far too many people were listening in, and I hated my personal life being spread about.

“Shall we see what your team has found and update everyone with the gossip?” I asked.

Phoe and Callie nodded, but both had looks of sympathy.

“Sure. We’ll start some lunch. Despite the fact we hit the diner and tearooms, we didn’t actually eat,” Phoe suggested and walked inside with Callie on her heels. Dan and Kelly headed back to the library, and Tatum followed Phoe and Callie into the kitchen.

“Are you okay?” Chatter said, running his hand down my arm.

“What are you playing at Chatter?” I asked as my frustration boiled over. “You told me you are not looking for long-term, and I do not do short-term. Now, because I had a date, you’re all interested and touchy-feeley. You state we’re going out on a date, and I’m just so damn confused. And I don’t need bullshit! I need solid ground under my feet.”

“I can’t get you out of my head. That has not happened to me before,” Chatter soothed.

“That’s not my fault, Chatter. But there’s so much going on around me, I need someone to support and care for me. Not pick me up and put me down or tell me I’m not good enough to risk falling in love with,” I replied.

“I never meant it like that,” Chatter denied.

“But that’s how it came across. You put Hallie on a pedestal, and nobody can match her. Sorry, Chatter, but I am not second best to anyone!”

“Lavender.” Chatter sounded frustrated and ran his hands through his hair. “I want to see if we can make something together.”

“No. This is bull. You’re acting like this because I went on a date with Tatum. And you didn’t like that somebody showed interest in me. Chatter, I’m not a shiny new toy or an old comfortable shoe. To decide you want me because someone else does isn’t fair to me. Because then, once you get me, you’ll get bored, and I’ll be back at square one!”

Chatter hauled me into his body before I could say anything else and kissed me firmly. “Does that feel like I might get bored?” he demanded as he rocked his groin against mine, making me moan. I could feel the outline of his cock against me, and shit, he was big!

“Lavender!” Callie called from inside.

“Make no mistake, this isn’t because you went on a date with someone else!” Chatter warned. “I’ll be in once I’ve got control of my dick!”

I nodded dumbly and headed in. That had been totally unexpected.