Chapter 6
“War tell you why you’re here?”
“Not really.”
Warren shifted in his seat.
“Why don’tyoufill me in, dad?”
King contemplated me, his face blank as usual. It often surprised me how easily he looked made of stone. It was difficult not to break the silence knowing he cared so little about me he hadn’t even asked how I was, what I’d been getting up to since he last saw me. That was my stupid fault allowing those thoughts to affect me. He didn’t give a shit, that was obvious. He wasn’t even referring to Warren like he was my brother, but his VP doing a job he’d ordered of him.
“The club has some trouble, its best you’re where we can keep an eye on you.”
I looked at my brother then back to him. “I don’t need anyone keeping an eye on me. I’ve been capable of looking after myself for the last…” I cut myself off, I was heading into defensive territory.
Taking a different tack I asked, “What kind of trouble? I was summoned, I’m here to hear you out but you can’t make me stay if I don’t think it’s necessary.”
King rubbed a hand over his chin, his fingers wrapped around the thick beard that hung down over his neck. He held my gaze, even when Warren shifted, sitting forward in his chair. I cut him a quick look letting him know I did not need his help.
“Why don’t you enlighten me on what I need protecting from,” I said.
“You always were stubborn,” he said, without his usual air of annoyance or impatience. “We’re having some issues with a rival MC. History is rearing its head. It’s something that affects you both.”
Warren shifted again, but still didn’t speak. I could tell from his body language, he hadn’t expected dad to be this forthcoming. My foot started tapping on the floor anxiously and I had to fight to stop it. I didn’t want him to clam up again.
“How?” I asked, one word couldn’t be too argumentative.
After a moment’s contemplation, he finally said, “It regards your mother.” He turned to look out of the window, his jaw tense.
This time we both reacted and turned to look at each other. Dad never talked about mom. Ever. Warren didn’t know about this, his brow furrowed as he looked at dad.
“What about her?” Warren asked.
“Not many people know about this,” King leaned back in his chair, shifting sideways a little. He favoured his left side after an accident about fifteen years ago. His hip still bothered him, but he would never voice that he was suffering. He’d just adapted how he moved. King blew out a heavy breath. “It needs to stay that way. Your mom had ties to the Kingsmen.”
Warren got up and paced. I didn’t speak, it would be better if the questions came from Warren.
“Do I want to ask in what way?” Warren stopped, folding his arms over his chest.
“When your mom came to us, it was for protection. The Kingsmen were into drugs in a big way, their Prez didn’t keep their noses out of the product. Things got messed up, they got into a lot of shit with neighbouring clubs, some of their own chapters weren’t happy. It was causing shit, messing things up for a lot of people. They ended up owing money to some dangerous people. And they were trying to come up with ways to recoup cash.”
This was by far the most my dad had ever said about club business with me present. Warren was stiff as a board, clearly making a leap before I did.
“Skin trade?”
Dad nodded. I was horrified. The Devil’s Chaos was into a lot of illegal shit but one thing they’d never dealt in was women. Sure, they had the women that hung around, mostly for sex with club members, but they were never held against their will, paid, or did anything they didn’t want to. As far asIwas concerned they were mistreated, but they wanted to be here, and accepted club life.
This MC wasn’t into the buying and selling of women, or prostitution. They ignored others doing it, which was just as bad in my eyes, but I didn’t worry about them being involved. This was unnerving. Did hebuymy mother?
“Some deals were made,” King went on.
“Mom was involved?” I asked quietly. I got a nod from King. “So she came here?” another head incline. “Did you buy her?”
“Of course we didn’t fucking buy her,” he scowled at me. “She was young, beautiful. Perfect for what they wanted, and she would get them a lot of cash.”
“She ran so they wouldn’t sell her?” Warren cut in, diverting my train of thought.
“She realised the trouble she was in, after watching it happening to the other girls in the club. She thought it couldn’t happen to her.” He looked towards the window. “Then she overheard them making a deal for her. Point is,” he didn’t want to give any more information about that. “She came here for protection. Dutch took her in,” he looked back at us, referring to the previous president.
