Rough Road: A Bad Boy MC Romance, page 11
“Hey, count me in,” Robbie exclaimed. “I’m delivering groceries during the day and pizza at night. I’d much rather hammer nails for you, Koda.”
“Sounds good! Okay, gang, I need a quick word with Sam, then I’ll join you all for a drink.”
As the group broke up, Koda jerked his head toward the back door, signaling to Sam he wanted to speak with him outside. Grabbing two beers, Sam followed Koda to the patio.
“What’s goin’ on?” Sam asked, ambling up to join him and handing him a bottle. “Why’d you wanna meet out here?”
“It’s quiet, and there’s no chance of being overheard or interrupted.”
“Sounds serious.”
“It is,” Koda said solemnly. “Sam, I know what’s been going on here, and I know you’ve been covering it up.”
Sam’s eyes grew wide, then he abruptly turned his head away.
“Fuck. This is bad. This is so bad. Koda, I—uh—”
“Sam, it’s okay,” Koda assured him, putting his hand on his shoulder. “Just tell me what happened. Were you threatened?”
“I don’t even know where to start.”
“Just answer the question. Did they threaten you?”
“Not me. M-Mary and the k-kids.”
Sam was a tough guy, tall and brawny, but his face crumpled like a child’s. Koda’s heart broke for him.
“Sam, take a drink, then tell me what they did.”
He nodded, raised the bottle to his lips, drank several gulps, then took a long, deep breath.
“Did that help?”
“Yeah, kinda,” he replied, slowly lifting his gaze. “Okay, so, uh, they put cameras around, said they’d be monitoring me, and if I told you anything...”
“Go on.”
“Sorry,” he stammered, trying to control a wave of heavy emotion. “It’s been hell... like nothin’ I’ve ever been through... nothin’.”
“But your family’s okay, right?”
“Yeah, but I worry like crazy every day. Koda, this guy... he had pictures of my two boys g-gettin’ on the school bus, and Mary shoppin’. He said he’d c-cut her stomach open and kill the baby and m-make the boys watch, then... then...” Unable to continue, he dropped his head in his hands. “The man is a monster.”
“Fuckin’ bastard,” Koda grunted. “Does Mary know about any of this?”
“Lordy, no,” Sam sputtered, vehemently shaking his head. “Koda, I’m s-sorry. I wanted to tell you, but...”
“After hearing threats like that... believe me, Sam, I get it. Take another drink.”
Gulping down half the bottle of beer, Sam shook his head, then let out a strange grunting sound.
“Envelopes with money show up in my car. He said if I don’t take it I’ll be sorry. I’ve been hidin’ it in the garage under an old toolbox.”
“That’s good, Sam. Don’t touch it. Who is this guy who gave you the orders? Who made the threats?”
“I only met him once. He called himself Eddie. When he came in I thought he was from one of the offices nearby. He was dressed nice, ordinary lookin’, easygoin’ personality. He told me he sold life insurance, then he said, I’ll ensure your wife and kids will be protected from all the shit in our big, ugly world, but only if you do what I say. My heart just about stopped. I think it did for a minute. It hasn’t been beatin’ steady ever since.”
“I can’t even imagine,” Koda murmured. “What do you have to do?”
“When his goons deliver the crap booze I have to sign the invoices, and he knows about Bebe. If she questions me I have to tell her it’s all on the up and up. She hasn’t, not once, but Koda, they would’ve seen you come in tonight, and sure as shit they’ll be askin’ what we talked about. I’m just glad there’s nothin’ out here... no bugs or cameras.”
“How do you know?”
“I had to watch his thugs put them up. He wanted me to know I couldn’t go anywhere without bein’ seen and heard. Weird thing though, when the construction started I came out here to look around and there was nothin’. I check all the time. I don’t know why he didn’t bother with this area.”
“Maybe he didn’t want his workers recorded,” Koda said thoughtfully.
“Maybe, but what do I do now? When he questions me he might be able to tell I’m lyin’. Mary... my kids... Koda, I’m scared.”
“Sam, I’m going to get rid of this bastard, but my hands are tied while you and your family are still here. Is there somewhere you and Mary can go for a while? Somewhere outta town?”
“Outta town?” Sam murmured. “Maybe...”
“You’re from Texas, right?”
“Yeah, Fort Worth. Hey, I’ve got an elderly uncle in Dallas. He’s always pesterin’ me to visit. He’s a wealthy guy, owns a big house on a decent patch of land just outta the city. He’d be over the moon to see us.”
“Perfect. Let me think. Do your kids have phones?”
“My oldest does.”
“Use that phone and call him,” Koda suggested, relieved Sam and his family would have had somewhere safe to stay. “Tell him you have some unexpected vacation time and you want to use it to visit him, but it has to be right away. I’ll take care of all the reservations and the fares, and Sam, you have to tell Mary what’s going on.”
“Yeah. You’re right,” Sam said, nodding his head. “She knows me too well. She keeps askin’ what’s wrong. I didn’t wanna scare her.”
“Take a shower with her. If there are any bugs in your home you won’t be heard.”
“That’s a great idea, and no chance of the kids walkin’ in. What about drivin’ to the airport?”
“I don’t know about that yet, but I’ll figure it out. One more thing,” Koda said urgently. “Draw a sketch clearly showing where the cameras and transmitters are hidden. I’ll get it from you before you take off.”
“Fuck, Koda, I hate leavin’ you with all this crap.”
“You’re not leaving me, I’m getting you and your family out of here so I can deal with it. If you stay...”
“Yeah, I get it. Damn,” Sam mumbled gravely. “I feel so bad about all this shit.”
“None of this is your fault, but this Eddie guy, he’ll be singin’ the sorry song real loud, real soon. You mark my—what the hell?” he muttered as his phone chimed. “Who’s calling me at this hour?”
Worried about Portia, he yanked it from his pocket.
It was a blast from the new security system at his garage.
The three bearded bikers could be clearly seen trying to cut through the thick wire securing the padlocked gate.
Chapter Thirteen
As Sam hurried to Koda’s side and looked at the screen, a call came in from Hank.
“Hi, Hank. I know why you’re calling! I’m watching the bastards right now,” Koda exclaimed. “I’ll call the cops then head over there. Where are you?”
“At Suzy’s, but I’m taking off. What about you?”
“The bar. If you get there before the police arrive, park up the street. Don’t let the dirtbags in the garage hear you. They could be armed.”
“Yeah, I was thinkin’ the same thing. See you soon.”
Immediately calling 911, Koda reported the break-in, then hurriedly rolled his Harley from the patio.
“Be careful,” Sam said as Koda climbed on his bike.
“I’ll be fine, and you and your family will be on a plane tomorrow. Your uncle’s going to see you whether he likes it or not.”
“He’ll love it, and Koda—thanks! I feel like I can breathe again.”
“That makes two of us, but don’t let anyone see your relief.”
“Gotcha!”
Koda grabbed his helmet, but just as he was about to put it on, he paused.
An idea had popped into his head.
The break-in had created an unexpected opportunity, and it was too good to pass up.
“Hey, Sam, let everyone know where I’ve gone and why. Tell them they’re welcome to join me.”
“Are you serious? Everyone will show up. It’ll be mayhem.”
“I hope so! Catch ya later.”
* * *
It was a fifteen-minute ride to his garage, but with the lateness of the hour and little traffic he arrived in half the time. Rolling to a stop a short distance away, he noticed the gate was still padlocked, but a gaping hole had been cut through the chain-link fence.
“Hey, Koda,” Hank called, jogging toward him.
“Where the hell are the cops?” Koda asked anxiously. “They should be here by now.”
“It’s the weekend.”
“True!”
“But look,” Hank declared excitedly, “the cameras are great. I’ve been watchin’ the dirtbags since I got here. Check it out.”
Inside the garage the three bikers could be clearly seen, and they appeared to be searching for something.
“What the hell are they looking for?” Koda muttered. “I thought they’d be ripping the place apart.”
As a horde of headlights blazed into view, the roar of fast-approaching motorcycles rumbled through the quiet night.
“The cavalry!” Hank exclaimed. “Did you call them in?”
“They were invited.”
“Holy shit. This is awesome.”
Unlocking the gate, Koda and Hank slid open each side, and the close-knit members of the club rode past them.
The thundering noise became deafening.
Hank and Koda exchanged a grin.
With over twenty bikes filling the open space in front of the garage, the intruders didn’t stand a chance. Checking the camera feed, their smiles became chuckles. The three prowlers were in a state of panic. One was on the phone, while the other two were embroiled in what appeared to be a heated conversation.
“Hey, Koda, where are those scumbags?” Robbie demanded, off his bike and jogging up to join him. “I’ll rip their fuckin’ heads off.”
“Take it easy. I’ve called the cops, and I don’t need anyone getting arrested for assault.”
“Koda,” Hank said urgently, “they’re filming us.”
Looking back at the screen, Koda saw the bearded burglar holding his phone up to the window. Deep satisfaction flowed through Koda’s body, but the agitated crowd was off their bikes and ready for action. Shouts of where are they? Let’s go get ‘em, and various other volatile remarks were shouted as they milled around.
Koda blasted his horn.
Everyone fell quiet.
“Thanks for showing up! The police are on their way,” he shouted. “If you could just man the doors and stop them from leaving that would be great.”
“No! Don’t! That’s unlawful detention.”
“Who said that?”
“It’s me, Koda,” a young guy said urgently, striding toward him.
“Hey, Jeff. What are you talkin’ about?”
“Just what I said. You don’t have the legal right to detain them. It would be like kidnapping.”
“How do you know?”
“I haven’t seen you in so long I haven’t had a chance to tell you. I’m studying criminal law.”
“No shit? That’s great. What do you suggest?”
“We could make a citizen’s arrest. “
“Yeah! Let’s do that,” Robbie said enthusiastically.
“We’ll have to try that another time,” Koda said, relieved to hear the approaching sirens. “The boys in blue are finally here.”
“Make sure you tell them who you are,” Jeff said earnestly. “We’re all suspects until they know what’s what.”
“Damn, Jeff, you’re handy to have around.”
“I’ll talk to them if you want. Quick, take out your wallet,” Jeff said hastily, reaching into his pocket and withdrawing his. “When you walk up, put both hands out in front of you.”
“I’ll say it again! I’m glad you’re here! Come with me when I meet them. Robbie, do me a favor and tell everyone to hang back.”
“Will do.”
With no room in front of the garage, the two squad cars were forced to stop outside the gate. In the glare of their headlights, Koda and Jeff walked slowly forward with their arms extended, holding their wallets open to show their IDs.
“I’m Dakota King,” Koda stated in a calm, clear voice. “I was the one who called. I own this place. The guys who broke in are still inside. Everyone here came to help.”
“My name’s Jeffrey Green,” Jeff declared. “I’m a law student. I was about to make a citizen’s arrest.”
“Keep coming,” the police officer directed, standing behind his car door, “and leave your hands where they are.”
Following the officer’s instructions, Koda and Jeff walked forward and handed over their wallets.
“Quite a group you’ve got there,” the cop said, gesturing them around his car door, then checking their driver’s licenses.
“They’re all good guys,” Koda assured him.
“I’m glad to hear it, but we need them out of the yard. Have them move their bikes out of the way, then walk out to this side of the fence. Do you know how many people are inside the garage and if they’re carrying any weapons?”
“There are three of them, but I don’t know if they’re carrying,” Koda replied, retrieving his phone. “Here, you can see for yourself. I have security cameras everywhere. There’s footage of them breaking in as well.”
“Excellent. Get your friends out as quickly and quietly as you can. We’ll take it from there.”
“But you don’t want them to ride their bikes out?”
“It would be better if they just rolled them off to the side and left on foot, otherwise we’ll have to move our cars.”
“Ah, of course.”
The throng had grown quiet, and jogging back to them, Koda announced what the police needed them to do. It only took a few minutes for the group to comply. With the yard empty, the officers cautiously approached the garage. Watching the video feed as they reached the door, they observed two of the bikers hide under a tarp, and the third behind a motorcycle at the back of the garage. Quickly moving inside and making the arrests, the officers led them outside.
“Hey! You’re the assholes who came in looking for Koda the other night,” Robbie bellowed, striding forward.
“Robbie, settle down,” Koda said, quickly grabbing his arm. “They’ve been arrested.”
“Yeah, well, they’d better watch their backs when they’re out!”
“I second that,” a gruff voice yelled.
As angry muttering rippled through the throng, three more squad cars suddenly appeared on the scene. The officer Koda had already met walked swiftly forward, stood next to him, and raised his hand.
“Okay, okay, I know you fellas are pissed off,” the officer began, “but this is over now. The three men who broke in have been arrested. You can get your motorbikes and be on your way, but don’t go inside the garage. It’s still a crime scene.”
Koda sensed the group settling down. They were tough, but they weren’t violent just for the sake of it, though he had no doubt if they’d grabbed the three thugs before the cops arrived, fists would have been flying. As they began walking back into the yard to collect their bikes, Koda made it a point to personally thank each of them for showing up.
“Are you coming back to the bar?” Robbie asked.
“No, I’ll probably have to deal with the cops some more, but I’ll see you tomorrow night.”
“I can’t wait to hear your news. Won’t you give me a hint?”
“Patience,” Koda said with a grin, then a sudden thought crossed his mind. “Hey, Robbie, do you still have that old station wagon?”
“Yeah, and I’ve got her running like a dream.”
“I’ve got a job for you, but it’s important, really important. Are you up for it?”
“Sure. You can depend on me. Whatever you need.”
“Great. I’ll call you in the morning. Go home and go to sleep. I’ll need you wide awake and clear-headed.”
“You got it!”
Breaking into an excited smile, Robbie trotted across to his bike, climbed on board, and rode off with several others. Koda liked him. He’d come into the club a troubled kid, but was quickly growing out of his bad attitude.
Koda had also seen his heart.
It was as big as the Grand Canyon.
“You can have this back now.”
Deep in thought, Koda jerked his head up.
“It was a great help,” the officer continued, handing Koda his phone. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome. From the believe it or not file, I put that security in yesterday.”
“No kidding! What a lucky break,” the cop said, then taking a breath, he added, “I’ve got a Harley myself.”
“Yeah?”
“I love taking off and riding through the canyons. I can’t get enough. It’s like a disease.”
“I know what you mean,” Koda said with a grin. “You should stop by my bar and get to know everyone. They’re a rough lot, but like I said, they’re good guys. We often take off for day-long rides. You could join us if you want. It’s The King’s Tavern on 45th.”
“That’s your place?”
“Yep. You’d be very welcome. Show up in uniform some time. I’d like a police presence to be seen there.”
“Having trouble?”
“Nothing I can’t handle, but it wouldn’t hurt.”
“Never does. The name’s Barry Parker,” the cop said, extending his hand.
“Dakota King, though you already know that, but my friends call me Koda.”
“Got it. Too bad about your chain-link fence.”
“I think I’ll electrify it,” Koda remarked, staring down at the huge hole.
“Just make sure there are plenty of signs.”
“Or none,” Koda retorted, shooting the officer a look.
“Hah. I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that.”
“None sounds good to me,” Hank declared, striding up. “Hi, I’m Hank Chapman. I work here.”
“Hey, Hank. Barry Parker. Good to meet you. I have to join my partner in the garage, and you need to come with me, Koda. You have to check for damage and make sure nothing’s missing, though your would-be burglars didn’t have anything on them when they were arrested.”
