The ties that bind 3, p.41
The Ties That Bind 3, page 41
part #3 of The Ties That Bind Series
“Did it make you feel better to confess your sins just so you could seek absolution?” Raymundo countered bitterly.
Blaze dead-eyed him. “None of this makes me feel good. I came here to tell you that we’re rebuilding our club. Not in Chatham, though. I’d like to offer another peace treaty since we started this. I highly recommend that you accept it.”
“And if I refuse?” Raymundo challenged.
Blaze’s eyes touched each Aztec member at the table long enough for them to shift uncomfortably.
“Then, one at a time, we’ll pick every member of your MC off. No matter how much time passes, we won’t stop. We’ll keep gunning every time you try to rebuild your club.”
“Cállate!” Raymundo shouted when the Aztecs started protesting.
“As we speak, Thrasher and the Death Lords have the clubhouse surrounded. I came clean about last summer, and he understands club loyalty. He’s willing to renew our treaty if you are. It’s a new day for the Immortals. Let it be one for the Aztecs too. You have a chance to start something new with Barrera’s money.”
He stood up and Shakes and Ransom followed suit and Raymundo frowned at them. “Where the fuck do you three think you’re going?!”
Ransom raised his eyebrows at the question. “I thought it was obvious. We’re going to respect your privacy by stepping outside. This is now an in-house discussion.”
“What?! Like hell it is, pendejo! I’m president of the Aztecs, and I say fuck your peace—”
Pow!
Raymundo dropped, face first, to the table, exposing the neat, little hole Frankie had put in the back of his head.
Pee Wee, Gypsy, and Charlie never flinched, an indication that the VP had discussed his meeting with Blaze, Ransom, and Shakes prior with them.
“Let me break it down for you, Frankie. There are close to fifty Immortals in Chatham right now. The three of us are willing to implicate a non-Aztec member in order not to bury your asses in brimstone. It’s not an ideal situation, but there’s been too much death already. Two wrongs don’t make a right. I want to restore the integrity of our treaty. With that being said, I know we won’t be able to reason with Raymundo. If you truly love your MC, you’ll let it be known at the meeting you’re going to facilitate, and we’ll back you one hundred percent. If not…” Blaze trailed off, allowing the VP to draw his own conclusion.
“It’s been a pleasure doing business with you, fellas.” Blaze shook Frankie’s hand. “Looking forward to working with you…Prez. You’re gonna want to make that title official ASAP. I hope you got your disposable plan and story on lock.”
“Yeah, Pee Wee’s cousin owns a pig farm. We got everything covered. I hate that it had to come to this,” Frankie ran a hand over his head and shrugged helplessly, clearly at a loss for words.
“We all do,” Shakes insisted quietly. “But your club will be much better because of it. Take care, brother.”
“We’re not quite done yet,” Ransom interjected grimly. His gaze locked on Charlie, who sat up straighter with the spotlight now on him. “Let’s talk, you and I.”
“Director Shore speaking.”
“It’s Marcus Glover.”
Shore’s voice was marginally guarded. “I didn’t expect to hear from you again. How’s everything going?”
“Things are fine. I’m sorry that you weren’t able to get Peña.”
The special-ops team that penetrated the fortress did not find the kingpin present. He’d succeeded in eluding them once more and gone into hiding. The medical equipment and medications left behind with his name on them confirmed the rumors that Peña’s health was in jeopardy.
“The bastard is on borrowed time anyway. We were able to get his medical records and determined from those and the medicine we found that he’s got stage two pancreatic cancer. What can I do for you?”
“It’s actually what I can do for you, which is put another feather in your cap. Barrera was behind the attacks in Chatham. He wanted to do business in New Mexico that would cross into the territories of the Aztecs, Death Lords, and Immortals. Remember the meeting at the Inferno last summer?
“Yes, I do. The flesh-peddling deal. I thought the MC’s rejected it?”
“They did. This was retaliation for a multitude of rejections,” Marcus fibbed easily. “Barrera was wooing Lawson hard. He threatened to go to the police. Now that he’s dead, witnesses in Chatham are willing to come forward and speak up about seeing the captain and his turncoat bodyguard in town that night. They say that the bodyguard paid a visit to the shops and took pictures of the crowd. If anyone talked, a visit would be forthcoming from Barerra personally.”
Silence ensued.
“I swear to God, you could get into trouble in a fucking church, Glover! How stupid do you think I am? What the hell happened to you? You used to be such a straight shooter! Now, you’re literally in bed with those people and keen to stick your neck out for them!”
“Says the man who welcomed a traitor back with open arms,” Marcus reminded him sardonically. “You. Owe. Me. Do this one thing, and I’m out of your hair for good, Shore. You told me to keep away from Fitzgerald and I have.”
“Alright! I’ll head there in the morning and clean shit up. Get your ass out of town. If I see you, I might just change my mind.”
Marcus grinned. “Yes, sir.”
Key West, Florida
Angela walked along the beach and wondered if anyone thought they were looking at a beached whale. She was abjectly miserable and wondered how much longer she had to carry the burdens growing in her womb. Her OBGYN mentioned that twins usually came earlier. Angela was praying to every known deity that what her doctor said was true. Her skin was stretched tight and itched like hell. She struggled to get in and out of bed and waddled like a penguin. Her body was bloated and huge, making mumus her signature wear. With each passing day, they became more active. It felt as if they were fighting or chasing each other; whatever it was had Angela ready to scream.
She noticed something sparkling in the sand a few feet in front of her. Her curiosity got the better of her, and she shuffled faster, eager to explore. Angela was delighted to discover it was a perfect rainbow Abalone seashell. She used to collect seashells every summer that she spent in Orange Beach, Alabama with her grandparents. Angela tried digging it out with her foot, but it wouldn’t budge. She tried harder and almost lost her balance. Tears sprang to her eyes and Angela quickly wiped them away. It was silly to be so emotional over something so trivial, she knew, but darn it, after sacrificing so much of her happiness over the last eight months, was acquiring a little seashell too much to ask for?
Slowly, she lowered her body, trying to avoid toppling forward. Only when her knees touched the sand did Angela exhale a sigh of relief. She was able to dig the shell out and she clasped it to her chest with a victory laugh. Suddenly, she was faced with another dilemma. She needed help getting back up.
“It looks like I got here just in time.”
Angela’s head whipped around and screamed with happiness when she located that familiar, amused voice. “Billy! What are you doing here?”
“I’ll answer that in a minute. Come on, lady. Let’s get you up.”
Billy helped her to her feet and managed to squash her surprise at Angela’s pregnancy developments. Mentally, she was cringing for her friend who truly looked uncomfortable. Her midsection looked as if she swallowed two kick balls. On the plus side, her hair was shiny and healthy, and her skin was glowing. Since Billy couldn’t wrap her arms around her, she settled for a one-armed hug and a kiss on the cheek.
“I still can’t believe you’re here!”
They linked arms and walked back up the beach.
“I’m sorry to spring up on you like this, but you’ve been on my mind lately, Angela.”
“Really? Why?”
“Girl, what do you mean why? Because you’re my friend and I care about you! I’ve been worrying about you like crazy. I also wanted to tell you about some new developments that concern both of us.”
“Okay, now you’re making me nervous, Billy. The only thing we have in common other than our friendship is our ties to Ransom’s family.”
Billy grimaced. “That’s true. I was hoping what I shared would bring you some closure…”
“I’m glad that place is gone!” Angela shuddered. “What will the survivors do now?”
“They’re relocating to Taos. Ransom is going to stay in Chatham for the funerals and to help them wrap up loose ends. He’ll be home in another week. Did I mention that his mother Claudia also relocated to California?”
“No. What’s she like?”
“She’s great. We had an issue because she thought I broke Ransom’s heart, but we’re good now. You would like her.”
“Would I? I keep envisioning Rizzo from Grease.”
Billy laughed. “Claudia? I’ll have to tell her that! She’ll find it funny. She’s got spunk, and I honestly admire her. She did a very brave thing this week. It was the right thing to do, but I know it couldn’t have been easy for her to come to terms with.”
“What was that?”
“She turned Harley in to the authorities. He’d left Ransom a written confession, and she used it to bring closure for Carmelita’s family.”
Angela studied the waves. “I can’t imagine that was easy. She sounds like a decent person…”
“Claudia is more than that. Angela, I had no idea that you would come to mean so much to me in such a short time. How everyone would, honestly. When my mother died, I felt so alone. Now, I have this wonderfully eclectic community, and I’m grateful for all of you. I’ve been carrying your secret, and I can’t any longer. It’s affecting my relationships with everyone. My grandparents are concerned about you, and they asked about your condition in front of Ransom and his mother. I had to deflect them before they mentioned your pregnancy. Later, he’s confessing his guilt about Harley again! I’m hella stressed, girl! They deserve to know about the babies. Ransom is a good person. Deep down, you know he is. Would you consider meeting Claudia and getting to know her?”
“She’s here?” Angela looked around frantically.
“Yes, I brought her with me. She’s been wanting to apologize to you on that bastard’s behalf. I haven’t told her about your pregnancy yet. If you say no, then I’ll tell her that. If you say yes, and I’m really hoping you do, I’m sure she’ll just want to make sure you’re doing well. What’s it gonna be?”
Claudia was a nervous wreck waiting for Billy. There were so many things going on in her mind. What if the girl decided not to meet with her? What if she looked at her with disgust like the officers who’d taken her statement about Harley? Her lawyer had handled most of everything. Claudia was thankful for that because her mind was in Chatham and wondering how everyone was coping. When she was finally permitted to leave, she’d returned to Ransom and Billy’s place and announced, “I need to get out of here.”
Billy took one look at her and said, “Me too. Let’s go. Don’t worry about a bag. We’ll get stuff once we arrive.”
They dropped Alexis off with Sheldon and headed for the airport. The next thing Claudia knew, she was flying then driving across the Overseas Highway and in The Keys. She still hadn’t processed Slade’s death fully. Marcus said he was going to respectfully give her space to, but would be there if she needed him. Claudia felt like it was something she and Ransom should do together. Her mind was still spinning with the knowledge that Raymundo had known who’d committed the murders. He could have exacted his revenge on her and Ransom at any time. Unbeknownst to them, they’d been sitting ducks. That couldn’t happen ever-
“Claudia.”
Billy’s voice interrupted her pensive thoughts. She turned and her eyes widened with surprise at the redhead Billy was drawing forward while keeping a shielding arm around her.
“This is Angela.”
Dear God.
Claudia was proud of the way she managed to compose herself as her eyes slid past Angela’s neck. Her mind was spinning with questions. The young woman was obviously scared. She looked ready to bolt at the slightest provocation. Billy whispered something to her and Angela gave a slight nod, angled her chin higher, and faced Claudia squarely.
Good for you sweetheart, she thought proudly.
“Hello, Angela. It’s very nice to meet you.”
“I’m a grandmother, I guess, in theory.”
Claudia was still in a daze. She didn’t know what to say or feel. It took monumental effort not to gawp at Angela. If it wasn’t for Billy navigating the waters, Claudia would have been sinking.
“You don’t look like anyone’s grandma I’ve ever seen,” Marcus gently teased.
She rolled her eyes and asked the question that had been weighing on her mind.
“Did you know, Rage? That they were Harley’s?”
“No. I met her once last fall but her past never came up. According to Billy, she didn’t find out until right before she left for winter break and was sworn to secrecy.”
“She’s giving them away.”
Claudia stared pensively at the ocean from her hotel window. Billy was staying with Angela who’d extended the offer to her also. She’d graciously declined, needing the solitude to wrap her mind around today’s shocking discovery. Sadness filled her at the pain and brutality Angela must have suffered at her own child’s hands to want to get rid of the babies so badly.
“I’m so torn about her choice. They’re my flesh and blood and she’s giving them away like they’re dispensable!” she exclaimed, then clamped her lips shut on the wave of rising hysteria and fear churning in her stomach.
“You may not respect her decision but it’s her right, Claudia,” Marcus rebutted firmly.
“I understand that, but-”
“Do you? Because what happened to her didn’t happen to you. You’re there for a couple of days, yeah? How about you spend time with Angela and get to know her instead of rushing to judge,” he chided.
The old Claudia would have popped off with a sarcastic “Mind your damm business!” type of reply. New and improved Claudia was at a point in her life where peace was her priority and negativity couldn’t exist.
“I know, you’re right,” she conceded. “How’s it going? I miss you, Rage.”
“Shore’s smoothing things out in Chatham and will continue to as long as I keep my distance from Lorelai and my mouth shut about what she did.”
Claudia was outraged. “So that’s it? She put Billy in danger and doesn’t even get a slap on the wrist. That bitch!”
Marcus laughed softly and the warm sound sent her heart fluttering. “I didn’t say all that, mamacita. I gotta go. Can I take you to dinner when you get back?”
“How about I make dinner for us at my place instead?”
“I’m already looking forward to it.” Marcus’ voice dropped an octave, knowing what it did to her. “Aye, Claudia?”
“Yeah?” she breathlessly replied, hating that he wasn’t here with her to enjoy the romantic setting of lush gardens with frangipani, white sand, and turquoise waters.
“Until we meet again, you should be imagining me doing what I do best when we’re together.”
Claudia pressed her forehead against the cold window pane and smiled wide. This man. He was provocative, demanding, funny, arrogant, and…her utter addiction.
“Well, don’t keep me in suspense, Rage. What would that be?” she coyly wondered.
On the other end, Marcus gave a snort of knowing laughter. “Quit frontin’, mamacita. Touching you and loving you, of course. I miss you and can’t wait to see you either.”
Four days later
“Twins, Billy? You should have told me.”
“I’m not denying that, Ransom. However, I gave my word. If it’s any consolation, I felt like crap the entire time. Especially at my grandparent’s dinner. Although to be fair, you did say that you didn’t want to know—”
“Don’t even try it. Has she made a decision yet?”
“She’s still deciding between the two couples. She and your mother are getting along great. Claudia’s been cooking like crazy and spoiling Angela but respecting her space. It’s a beautiful sight to behold and exactly what she needed.”
“That’s good. Ma’s a nurturer. I hate that Angela felt like she needed to go through this alone,” Ransom muttered. “Tell her I want to be there for the birth too. I need to look the chosen parents in the eye and let them know I will tear their universe apart if they aren’t on the up and up. Baby, can you just let her know that me and Ma are there for her too? Whatever she needs.”
“I will. We’ll be back in Famon in two days. When are you coming home?”
“I’ll be hitting the road soon, but I’m going to stop in Farmington and pay Jacy and Adsila a visit.”
“What?! No fair! I want to see them too.”
Ransom grinned. “I’ll tell them you said hi, baby. Look at you gettin’ comfortable playing hooky.”
“I know,” Billy sighed. “But this trip was so necessary.”
“It was. Thank you for doing it. Listen, I gotta run, wildthing. I love you and I can’t wait to see you. Call me when you make it home, okay?”
“I love you, too, baby. Be careful and tell everyone I said hi. How does Shakes like being VP?”
Ransom chuckled. “You can’t tell him anything now. He said he’s going to get personalized VP toilet paper to wipe his ass.”
“Heaven help us,” Billy laughed. “Bye, babe.”
The frantic urge to be with her and reconnect was profoundly elemental. It drove Ransom to prolong their conversation with an offer that he knew would please her.
“Mexico, wildthing. When I get back, let’s go. Fuck waiting. After all this craziness, I just want to get away and be with you, Billy.”
She was experiencing the same emotions. Billy couldn’t quite identify the feelings that were twisting her in knots, she just knew that she couldn’t wait to see her man.
