Layne's Capture (Blazing Outlaws MC, #6), page 20
Epilogue
Pyro
TODAY HAS BEEN a long as fuck day. I have so much shit on my mind and being stuck at the clubhouse is the last thing I planned on doing. However, Satan and the rest of us decided it was past time for us to finally patch Axel in. So, we had church and put it to a vote. Axel is now the newest fully patched member of the Blazing Outlaws MC. His new road name is Romeo because he’s never been one to take up the house bunnies on their offers of free pussy or anything else. Romeo wants to find his one true love. Once upon a time I used to believe there was one woman out there for each of us. Or a man for a woman. That was all ripped from me so long ago now and there’s not a day I wake up and relive the pain and anguish all over again. Especially around this time of year.
It’s the end of summer and this time of year is always the hardest on me. The last few years since everyone has started finding their ol’ lady and settling down, having kids of their own have made it almost unbearable. I’ve given up so much and had so much taken from me it haunts me each and every single day of my life. My heart is broken daily when I wake up and realize the two most important people in my world are no longer here. One by choice and the other one not by choice. The two loves of my life have been taken from me and I can only do something about one of them. However, that’s not a decision I’m willing to make because I have already proven I’ve failed when it comes to protecting those I love. I do the best I can and try to block out as much pain as I can. For the rest of the year I can pretend it’s working. Now, not so much.
“You okay?” my brother Torch asks walking up to me as I sit alone at the bar.
“Not at all.”
“Why don’t you bring her home? Don’t you think it’s time?”
“Nope. Not gonna discuss this. Again,” I state, anger filling me as I turn to face him. “Why won’t you drop this shit?”
“Because Vic and I hate how you fuckin’ hurt and break on a daily basis. Don’t fuck up her life by never bein’ there for her,” he tells me, his voice void of emotion.
“You think I’m not there for her? That I don’t fuckin’ love her with everythin’ in me? You don’t know a fuckin’ thing, Noah,” I state emphatically using his birth name instead of his road name.
“Pyro, do you really think Vic and I don’t want to be in her life? That we don’t want to spend every possible fuckin’ second with her? You’re keepin’ her from us as well as yourself.”
“I know what the fuck I’m doin’. I’m the one who lives with it on a daily fuckin’ basis. Not you. You have your woman, an amazin’ woman who loves you and worships the ground you walk on. You have your own little family with another baby on the way. Vic has her man and babies. What the fuck do I have? Not a fuckin’ thing. It was all ripped from me in a split fuckin’ second,” I yell, letting all the pain and anguish filling me out in the middle of Romeo’s party. “Every single choice I make is to protect the one good thing in my life with everythin’ in me. I can’t stand to deal with the heartbreak and pain I went through. Don’t you remember pickin’ up the fuckin’ pieces when I wanted to die?”
“I remember it every second of every day I wake up. You weren’t the only one who lost someone they loved that day. Our entire blood family did. On top of that, now we remain a broken family because of you. Because of your choices. We’re all payin’ for somethin’ that wasn’t your fault. You had no control over what happened. Stop fuckin’ feelin’ guilty for it.”
“I’m outta here.”
Leaving the clubhouse, I don’t bother looking back. Even with my brother’s eyes drilling holes right in my back as I quickly leave the fucking clubhouse, Romeo’s party, and my family by choice. Straddling my bike, I don’t bother putting on my helmet. Instead, I tie my bandana around my lower face, start my engine, and speed from the compound as fast as I can. Hell, the Prospect, a new one, on the gate barely got the gate open for me to ride through. Still, I didn’t slow down or stop in my pursuit to outrun the demons haunting me. I’ll never outrun them, but it will never stop me from trying.
Losing all track of time, I just ride. There is no destination in mind for me as I make my way out of town and ride the backroads. They’re filled with sharp corners and have had their fair share of accidents on them from both cages and bikes. When a biker goes down on one of these curves in the road, it’s usually deadly. I let the tears, pain, and anguish go without worrying about what anyone thinks of me. I’m a man so lost in my grief and pain no one gets beyond the strong, high walls I’ve erected time and time again over the years.
Seeing I need to go find a gas station, I find a turnoff and begin making my way back toward Willow Creek. Taking the same roads at the same fast speeds no one else would dare attempt here. I honestly don’t give a fuck if I live or die these days. Not even the club can save me this time. I’m beyond the point of caring and Torch can see it. It’s why he’s been pressuring me to do the one thing I made myself promise I’d never do. Bring back the one person in my life who would make me change my mind about wanting to live or die.
When I’m almost back in town, flashing lights catch my eye. It’s not the lights of a cop car, ambulance, or fire truck. These are hazard lights filling the dark night as I slow down and begin to try and figure out what’s going on before I pull up on the scene. What I can figure out is it’s an older model car with the hood lifted up. To me it doesn’t matter if it’s a man or woman on the side of the road. If a person is in need, I’ll lend a hand if I’m able to. The least I can do is call a tow for whoever has broken down. Hell, it gives business to the garage the club owns.
Slowing down even more, I take my time pulling off the side of the road. With witnesses around, I don’t want to have an accident on the loose gravel and dirt on the shoulder. Shutting my engine off, I get off my bike and take a second to stretch out my muscles while groaning out in relief. After pulling down my bandana so I don’t scare whoever owns this car, I cautiously look around the area I’m standing in which is nothing but fields. Taking my first steps toward the car, there’s absolutely no movement from the car as I keep my eyes peeled for a setup from a rival or anything else to happen out of nowhere. It’s so still out tonight, there’s not a single sound filling the cool air around me. The temperatures at night drop pretty fast tonight is no exception. It’s cold as fuck out tonight despite me only wearing a tee-shirt under my cut.
When I get up to the car, the sight before me guts me. I’m pissed, upset, and concerned all at the same time. In the back seat is a baby small enough to still be fastened in an infant car seat. From here I can’t tell if the baby is a little boy or girl. What I can see is several blankets piled high around the little one against the cold night air no doubt filling the car. my gaze moves to the front seat where a small woman is laying with the seat reclined. Other than where her arm is up under the blankets, not a single thing is covering her. She’s made the decision to give every blanket in her possession to her child for warmth and protection. Her eyes are closed even as the window is down a crack to allow fresh air into the vehicle. Fuck!
Tapping on the window, the woman instantly startles awake. Her violet eyes stare up at me with fear filling them. I’ve never seen eyes the color of hers as she continues to stare at me. I’m mesmerized and can’t pull my eyes from her until I finally shake my head.
“Do you need some help?” I ask her, not sure what’s wrong with her car.
“Um, well, no I don’t think you can help,” she says, glancing nervously in her backseat at her child as he or she continues to sleep soundly.
My heart is ripped from my chest all over again. The what-ifs and all that other shit fill me. Fuck! This is really the last thing I need tonight.
“What happened?” I question her through the barely open window.
“I think it overheated. I’ll be okay. In a little bit, I’ll try to move it again until I can find somewhere in town to stay. Thank you for stopping. You’re the first person who has since I broke down,” she answers, her voice filled with emotion as tears fill her eyes.
“Let me make a call. Not gonna have you and a baby stranded out in the middle of the night on the side of the road. I’ll get my sister to come pick you and your baby up and take you into town,” I tell her, walking away and calling my sister who I know is home with Tags and their children.
Onyx
It’s been two days since my car broke down and I’m currently staying at a motel in town with my young son. This is definitely hampering my plans to get the fuck away from my previous life. There is nothing I can do about it though until my car is fixed. It’s going to take the last of my money in order to get it fixed to. The only reason I’m in this motel is because Pyro, the man who pulled over to help me, paid for me to stay here while my car was being fixed. My son Theo is being a dream though. He’s taking everything in his stride as we’re cooped up in this dated motel room.
The day after my car broke down, Pyro stopped by with another man he introduced as Torch. These men certainly have some weird as hell names if you ask me. They had all of my possessions from my car along with some groceries and a few things for my son as well. Including a brand-new box of diapers, not the cheap ones, wipes, and a few more things. When I tried to hand them money, they refused to take it. I tried to hand the things back because I’m not a damn charity case and they refused to take the things back with them. Torch even told me about a new diner in town who might be looking for help. He gave me the address and told me to ask for Charisma when I went there. However, without a car, I’m not sure how far away it is.
I’ll have to walk to the place. So, that’s what I’m currently doing with Theo sleeping in his stroller. Since Pyro pulled over and helped me, I can’t stop thinking of him. He’s seeping into my mind at all times of the day and night no matter what I have going on and where I am. Including walking through this unknown town. Pyro has short, dark hair that’s shaved close to his head on the sides and back with a little length on the top. When I saw him, he had a bandana hanging around his neck but with how dark the night was, I couldn’t see what color his eyes are. He stands taller than any man I’ve ever seen up close and makes me look even smaller than my five foot one. This man is well over six-foot tall and all muscle.
When I saw him the next day with the other man, I still couldn’t see his eyes because they were hidden behind a pair of sunglasses. What I did see are the tattoos covering both of his arms and sneaking up the collar of his tee-shirt to cover his neck. I’ve never really looked at a man with tattoos covering him, but on Pyro, they definitely work and add to his sex appeal. He had stubble covering his chin making him look rougher than I already thought he was. Along with even sexier than I imagined him being when I finally calmed down enough to close my eyes and fall asleep. Pyro now stars in every single one of my dreams and it’s not a good thing. I’m just passing through town and can’t afford to have any distractions going on right now.
Another thing I noticed is Pyro and the man with him aren’t just guys who enjoy riding motorcycles. They’re actually bikers who belong to a club. I’ve never met a biker in real life and would never judge them for their decisions though I know the same can’t be said for everyone. To most, a biker is to be viewed as the enemy who’s going to rape and beat women while selling children to the highest bidder and selling drugs in their spare time. No, these men made sure my son and I had what we needed, and Pyro stopped to help me out without even knowing what was going on with my car or who was inside. He didn’t have to stop and help me, yet he did. Not all bikers are the same and not every man wearing a suit is good man either. I know from experience.
Today is hot as hell and I’m not going to make a very good impression on this woman I’m supposed to be meeting at a diner in the hopes of getting a job so I can save my money and get back on the road. Nothing good will come from me remaining here longer than a few days at most. Maybe two or three weeks in order to save money so I can put even more money up to avoid having to stop in another small town where a new person will stick out like a sore thumb. I’ve learned a lot in the last few weeks of being on the road and going through one small town after another. I’m always the one who sticks out because I’m new in town and no one knows me. I don’t talk or get attached to anyone for my own personal reasons.
Finally, I spot the diner Torch told me about up ahead and I breathe a sigh of relief. If nothing else, being inside will allow me to get out of this heat, check on Theo to make sure he’s okay even though he’s completely covered from the sun hitting his sensitive skin. When I make it to the door, I take a good look at my reflection. I’m covered in sweat; my long black hair is sticking to my face and the back of my shirt. Even my clothes are sticking to my body and I’m wearing a tee-shirt and a pair of shorts. This is insane and I know I’m more than likely not going to be hired to work here with the way I look. The only thing I’m thankful for right now is I’m not wearing any make-up. It would be ruined and running off my face right now if I were.
Opening the door, I’m immediately hit with the cool, refreshing blast of the air conditioning from inside. I want to stop and take a few minutes or the rest of the day to stand right here and let my body cool off. However, I have things I need to do, and it doesn’t include taking up space in this diner when I have no extra money to pay for a meal here. Every penny I have to my name right now has to be spent on fixing my car so I can move on.
“Welcome. Take a seat and I’ll be with you soon,” a woman says, walking by in a flash as the door finally closes behind me.
Taking the seat closest to the door and looking out the window toward the parking lot, I don’t have to wait very long for the same woman to come over to me and pull a pad and pencil from the apron tied around her waist.
“Can I start you out with a drink?” she asks, her voice cheery and bright.
“Um, I’m actually here to see a woman named Charisma,” I tell her tentatively.
“Oh, that’s me. Do I know you?” she asks, letting her arms fall to her sides.
“No. I’m new to town. Well, I’m more of passing through if I’m being honest. A man named Pyro stopped and helped me when my car broke down on the side of the road two days ago. Until the garage can get it fixed, I’m stuck here and need to earn some money. Another man named Torch told me to come talk to you and see if you were hiring,” I tell her, looking up in her face. “It would only be for a few weeks until I can save up enough to get back on the road.”
At that moment Theo wakes up and decides to let it be known he’s here too. Quickly I lean over and unstrap him from the stroller and pull him against my chest. I’m still breastfeeding him and this is going to be awkward to do here in a diner. I don’t have any breastmilk pumped already like I’ve been known to do either.
“I’m sorry,” I apologize to the young woman standing next to me with a smile on her face.
“It’s okay. I’ve got little ones of my own and another one on the way,” she informs me as I take in the person in the back working while I’m taking up Charisma’s time.
“Congratulations.”
“I am looking for another person to hire. You say you’re only going to be here a few weeks at most?”
“Yes. I need to get out of town and keep moving,” I answer her, giving her more than I’m truly comfortable with.
“Okay. I’ve got the breakfast shift covered but could use some help with the lunch rush and dinner rush. Would you be able to make it work?” she asks, tipping her head down to Theo.
“I have to find a babysitter, but I can make it work. It’s not easy for me to trust people with my son, but if you know someone, I’ll meet with them and see if they’re a fit,” I tell her, again not comfortable sharing anything about myself.
“I know of someone. It’s actually Pyro and Torch’s sister. They’re brothers and she’s cut back on her hours at the tattoo parlor because of her little one. Can you hang out a bit? I can give her a call to come meet you and get you something to eat.”
“Um, I can hang out a bit. I don’t want anything to eat. Maybe a glass of water?”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah. I have to go in the bathroom so I can feed Theo and a water will be needed when I’m done,” I tell her with a soft smile on my face.
“Okay. I won’t bring it out until I see you back here. Victoria doesn’t live too far from here so she shouldn’t be long,” Charisma tells me as I make my way toward the bathroom with Theo in one arm pulling the stroller behind me with the other.
For the first time since leaving home, I feel as if I can take a breath without it getting stuck in my chest. I’m in no way out of the woods yet, but if I can just keep moving, I’ll be okay. I have to believe it, or I’ll give up where I am and not continue to move forward. For Theo. My baby boy is the reason I’m still alive and fighting to remain alive. I’m the only one who will love and protect him the way he deserves. No one else will have his back. Theo’s life literally relies on me staying alive and well enough to shelter him and keep him out of harm’s way. I’ll do anything for him; suffer at the hands of a madman to ensure his safety.
The End!
Layne’s Capture Playlist
Gone Too Soon – Andrew Jannakos
Villain – Lily Rose
Giving You Up – Kameron Marlowe
Wasted on You – Morgan Wallen
Under My Skin – Nate Smith
Wish You’d Miss Me – Chase Wright
The Good Ones – Gabby Barrett
Liam’s Song – Tainted Lyric
Beauty in the Struggle – Bryan Martin
