Rough Road: A Bad Boy MC Romance, page 14
Eddie’s warning sent Arthur quickly from the car.
Closing the car door, Dean placed his hand behind Arthur’s back and guided him up to the gate. Though the fence was high, Dean reached over the top and flipped the latch, but as they walked through it slammed shut behind them.
Arthur jumped.
“Shit. What if the neighbors heard that?”
“Hey, settle down, kid,” Dean said calmly, grabbing his elbow and hustling him across the yard. “This is a piece of cake.”
“For you, maybe.”
Reaching the back door, Dean artfully picked the lock and pushed it open.
“Wait here,” Dean said quietly as they entered the kitchen. “I’ll check the house.”
Walking swiftly through the small home and finding it empty, he returned to the kitchen, only to find Arthur looking more nervous than ever, grasping the edge of the counter in a white-knuckle grip.
“What’s wrong with you?” Dean demanded. “You look like you’ve seen a fuckin’ ghost.”
“I, uh, f-feel weird b-breaking in.”
“Get a grip, kid. I’m texting Eddie to let him know we’re—”
Before Dean could finish a sharp blow hit the back of his head.
He tumbled to the floor.
The phone clattered across the kitchen tile.
As Arthur bolted out the door and raced across the yard, a heavy, booted foot kicked Dean’s stomach, landed a second time against his midriff, then powerful arms dragged him to the door and shoved him outside. Holding his gut and trying to catch his breath, Dean stared up at his attacker. A muscled body was covered in tight black clothing, dark brown eyes peered through a balaclava, then to Dean’s horror, the man raised a gun.
The gate opened.
Jimbo entered, then abruptly stopped, quickly lifting his arms in the air.
“You,” the assailant growled, pointing the pistol at him, “get this dirtbag the fuck outta here.”
“Yeah, sure, no problem,” Jimbo replied hastily. “Just don’t shoot.”
Cautiously moving forward, he helped Dean struggle to his feet and hurried him away. Reaching the Bentley and pushing him into the front seat, Jimbo ran to the driver’s side and jumped in behind the wheel.
* * *
Eddie had sent Jimbo after Dean the moment Arthur had run out the gate, alone and visibly shaking. Climbing into the car, all Arthur had managed to stammer was that a man had attacked Dean.
“What the hell?” Eddie demanded as Jimbo accelerated down the alley. “What did this asshole look like?”
“I dunno, boss. He was wearing a balaclava and had a gun,” Jimbo exclaimed.
“I’d say it was that fuckin’ Benny,” Eddie grunted, “except he’s miles away. Fuck. Maybe he came back.”
“No,” Dean groaned, “it wasn’t Benny.”
“How do you know if his face was covered?”
“Brown eyes.”
Eddie grimaced.
Benny was famous for his baby blues.
“You want me to go to the emergency room, boss?” Jimbo asked. “He looks pretty bad.”
“Hell, no. Call the doc and tell him to come to the house.”
“I c-can’t stop sh-shaking,” Arthur whimpered. “I need s-something f-for my n-nerves.”
But Eddie barely heard him.
Eddie was worried.
Very worried.
He likened his business to a football game. Momentum mattered. It had been with him, now suddenly the ball was being fumbled, field goals missed, and passes intercepted. He needed to take back control. Finding Benny and bringing him back would be a start. Reaching into his pocket he withdrew his phone, tapped the screen, and handed it to Arthur.
“Here,” he barked, “forget about what happened and do something useful. See that red dot? That’s Benny’s tracker. Where is it?”
“Uhh... Pennsylvania.”
“That’s a big state. Where in Pennsylvania?”
“Um, looks like it’s in a p-place called Camp Hill.”
“Jimbo?” Eddie barked.
“Yes, boss?”
“Benny’s in a town called Camp Hill in Pennsylvania. When we get back to the house, don’t take your eyes off him. I want him back here. Make it happen.”
“You got it, boss, but who the hell was at the bookkeeper’s house?”
“I don’t know, and I sure as fuck wish I did,” Eddie muttered. “Maybe Koda has supplied Bebe with a bodyguard?”
But as the words left his lips, Benny’s note danced in his head.
I promise you, she has 24-hour protection.
As Jimbo had sped from Bebe’s house, no one in the Bentley had paid any attention to an old black van with tinted windows parked at the end of the alley... or when it turned around and began to follow them.
* * *
As Koda rode into Bebe’s driveway, he’d barely climbed from his bike when she ran out the front door frantically calling his name.
“Bebe? What’s the matter?”
“I’m so glad you’re here,” she exclaimed breathlessly. “I’ve been trying to reach you. Oh, my goodness, I’m so glad you’re here,” she repeated, flapping her hands up and down.
“Bebe! What’s happened? I’ve never seen you in such a state.”
“Someone has been in the house. I found the back door unlocked. There’s blood on the kitchen floor, and my cats were locked in the laundry room. Oh, dear. I don’t know where to start. There’s so much to tell you.”
“I already know about the dirty money going through my tavern.”
“You do?”
“Bebe, we should go in the house and talk about this over a cup of coffee.”
“Benny left me a note. He said you’d come by and he’d removed the listening device so we could talk freely, but whoever broke in might have put it back.”
“Has anything been disturbed?”
“No, and I’ve checked thoroughly. Nothing.”
“Interesting,” he murmured. “You make that coffee and I’ll have a look around.”
“Okay. Thanks, Koda. Oh, dear. I just can’t believe all this is happening, and I still can’t believe Benny is gone. I’m so worried about him.”
“One step at a time,” Koda said calmly, putting an arm around her shoulders as they headed into the house.
As she walked down the hall to the kitchen, he entered her office and began to search. Though there were no devices, he found residue of the sticky blue substance under Bebe’s desk and against the wall behind a large painting. She had been monitored, but the bugs had been removed. Checking the other rooms and finding nothing, he made his way to the kitchen to find her sitting at the table drinking coffee. Across from her, a generous slice of carrot cake waited on a plate next to a steaming mug.
“All clear, Bebe.”
“Can you please check in here too?”
“Sure.”
Moving around the kitchen, sidestepping the small patch of blood, he looked behind the pictures on the wall and under the cabinets.
“You don’t have to worry,” he assured her, sitting at the table, “there’s nothing in here or anywhere else in the house.”
“Should I call the police? That’s why I didn’t clean up. I wasn’t sure.”
“That’s a good question,” he replied thoughtfully. “The problem is Calhoun threatened Sam’s family. That’s why Sam didn’t tell me anything. I don’t know where that puts him legally, and I don’t know where you stand either. I’m no lawyer; you could both be in trouble for perverting the cause of justice, or some such nonsense.”
“Oh, dear,” she mumbled, shaking her head. “I wanted to tell you, I did, but Benny insisted I keep it to myself. Koda, I’m scared. Why do you think there’s blood on my floor? Whoever was here, do you think they’ll come back?”
“Calhoun probably broke in here while you were at church to steal your computer—”
“And was met by the person Benny arranged for me,” she muttered. “He wrote me a note. He said he’d arranged protection.”
“He left me a letter too,” Koda said with a sigh. “His heart was in the right place. I hope he comes back when all this is over.”
“Do you think he will?”
Koda could see the desperation and pain in her eyes. She and Benny were an unlikely pair, but there was no denying how much they cared for each other.
“Bebe, I’m not a betting man, but I’d put money on it.”
“Sorry,” she whispered, wiping away a sudden onset of tears. “This has been very difficult. I miss him. I miss cooking for him and having him around. He didn’t live here, but the house feels empty.”
“I have an idea,” Koda said slowly. “How would you feel about having an extra bodyguard? Someone visible until things settle down.”
“My goodness, that would be wonderful. I’d be very grateful.”
“I’ll make the arrangements,” he said, finally taking a bite of his cake and washing it down with coffee.
“So—I shouldn’t call the police?”
“Not until I find out where you and Sam stand in all this.”
“Then I must clean up this mess,” she declared, rising from the table.
“Can you send me a report of exactly how much money Eddie ran through the tavern and the construction?”
“I can give it to you right now,” she exclaimed. “I had this funny feeling, so I printed out a paper copy and hid it.”
“A paper copy would be great.”
Picking up a pair of tongs from a drawer, she walked into the laundry room. Curious, he followed her, then broke into a grin. Pushing the tongs beneath her cats’ litter, she pulled out a plastic bag and held it up triumphantly.
“Bebe, that is genius,” Koda declared. “Is that the only copy?”
“Except what’s on my computer.”
“Put it back and print me out another one. You never know what might happen, and that spot is probably more secure than my safe. While you’re doing that I need to make a couple of calls, then I’m taking you to lunch. There’s someone I want you to meet.”
Chapter Seventeen
When Robbie called to report Sam and his family were safely through airport security, Koda texted the name and address of the restaurant where he and Bebe were having lunch and asked him to stop by. Robbie sent a message back saying he was on his way. Knowing he’d be arriving soon, Koda brought up the subject of a part-time bodyguard.
“Bebe, you obviously have someone looking out for you, but I’d feel better if you had someone around to act as a deterrent. An invisible bodyguard can’t do that. I hope you don’t mind, but I have someone in mind and he’s on his way here.”
“Who is he?”
“His name is Robbie Cooper and he’s a member of my club. He’s young, but he knows how to handle himself, and he’s no dummy. I wouldn’t recommend him if I didn’t believe he could do the job.”
“I’d love the company,” she said softly.
“If you like him, kick me under the table and I’ll make the offer.”
“Koda, you’re so clever. I will, and thank you.”
Ten minutes later Robbie sauntered into the café, and Bebe broke into a wide smile. With his boyish good looks wrapped up in cowboy boots, light blue jeans, a long-sleeved T-shirt and leather jacket, he could have been a country music star. Koda introduced them, and as Robbie ordered something to eat, Bebe’s shoe hit Koda’s shin. He immediately picked up the cue and told Robbie about the break-in at Bebe’s house.
“I’m convinced it was one of Eddie’s boys. He probably wanted to steal Bebe’s computer or install spyware, who knows,” Koda said solemnly, “but thankfully Benny arranged for someone to watch over her.”
“Bless his heart,” Bebe murmured. “I do hope he’s all right.”
“If anyone knows how to land on his feet, it’s him,” Robbie remarked. “I wonder—could it have been Benny himself?”
“I think he’s long gone,” Koda replied. “He made it clear it wasn’t safe for him here, at least, not right now, but he once hung out with some hard guys. I bet he called in a favor, but all this brings me to the reason I asked you to join Bebe and me for lunch. Robbie, how would you feel about being a bodyguard?”
“Please say yes,” Bebe said imploringly. “I’d feel so much safer if you were there, especially after this morning.”
“How can I say no to you?” Robbie said, grinning across at her. “Of course I will. I’d much rather be keeping you safe than delivering groceries. My mom works during the day so I don’t have to worry about her, but what about the nights?”
“I’m pretty sure Bebe’s special security guard will be there,” Koda replied, “and before I left the house just now I put up cameras facing the back yard and the front porch. They’ll alert me if anyone approaches.”
“Perfect. Let me know how I can watch too, just in case.”
“I intend to, but Robbie, when you arrive keep your helmet on until you’re inside. Eddie might have someone watching the house or doing drive-bys. He can’t know you’re doing this, and keep your phone on!”
“Will do, and I’m gonna love this. I almost hope one of Eddie’s goons tries something.”
“No, you don’t,” Koda said brusquely. “Your presence is to act as a deterrent.”
“Don’t be angry with him, Koda. He’s just being honest,” Bebe said, then turned to Robbie with a warm smile. “I’ll enjoy having you around. I hope you like to eat. I love to cook.”
“Better and better,” Robbie said with a grin, “but Koda’s right. I shouldn’t invite trouble.”
“Robbie, can you see Bebe safely home? She followed me here in her car.”
“It will be my pleasure, and I’ll stick around a while.”
“Thanks. I wish I could stay but there’s somewhere I need to be,” Koda said, glancing at his watch.
“Koda, thank you, I’m very grateful,” Bebe murmured as he rose to his feet.
“Hey, I take care of my girls,” he said, leaning down and pecking her on the cheek. “I’ll speak to you soon.”
Taking care of the bill on the way out, Koda climbed on his Harley, rode a couple of blocks to a gas station, rolled around the back, then cut the engine and called Portia.
“Hi, Koda. I’m so happy to hear from you.”
“Hey, princess.”
“Did Sam and his family get off okay?”
“Yep. They’re in the air as we speak.”
“That’s great. What about Bebe?”
“She had a dramatic morning, but she’s fine.”
“What happened?”
“Sorry, babe, I don’t have time to go into everything. I wanted to let you know Leo finally called and I’m meeting him shortly.”
“He did? Thank goodness.”
“Yeah, but things are heating up. Do me a favor and stick close to home.”
“Uh, I was just about to leave. I’m going to the dry cleaners and I need to buy some groceries.”
“Text me the list. I’ll pick up whatever we need.”
“But, uh—”
“Do I need to make this an order?” he said, abruptly lowering his voice. “I will if I have to.”
“Seems like it already is.”
“So be it. Walk the dogs around the block if you need to get out, but stay inside the gates.”
She sighed.
“Portia?”
“Okay, okay. I won’t go anywhere.”
“Hey, I’m not taking any chances,” he said solemnly. “Calhoun might have eyes on the street looking for you.”
“Why? You and I haven’t been together for months, and no one knows we’re seeing each other again.”
“I don’t care,” Koda retorted gruffly. “Just remember why you’re staying at your parents’ house. It was because of Benny, but Eddie was behind all that. Stay put. I’ll call you after I’ve seen Leo.”
“Sorry,” she replied, her voice suddenly soft. “I promise not to go anywhere.”
“That’s more like it.”
“Will you be staying in town all day?”
“I’ll be back after my meeting with Leo, but I’ll be swinging by my house to grab a few things first. I need to collect my black bag.”
He heard the gasp.
“Let that thought keep you company until I come home. It might also remind you to do as you’re told.”
“Shit.”
She’d whispered the word, but he’d caught it.
“You know what I expect when I walk in the door.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Bye, princess.”
“Bye.”
Ending the call, he imagined the blush crossing her face.
“It’ll be a whole lot redder when I’ve finished with you,” he muttered, then starting up his bike he headed to the pool hall.
But his apprehension only grew during the fifteen-minute ride.
He had no desire to walk into the headquarters of the infamous biker gang.
The Tornadoes had a gruesome reputation.
It was odd Leo knew them, let alone spent time at their club.
Rolling to a stop outside the old building, he wondered if he should take his weapon, then decided it was a bad idea. After he strode up the steps and pressed the bell, the door was answered by a bald, brawny, heavily tattooed biker with a long beard. Though Koda was almost 6′2″, the man towered over him.
“I’m here to see Leo Hartman.”
“Dakota King,” the man declared with a nod. “I’m Bushy. Come in. Leo’s a funny guy,” he continued as the door closed behind them, “and so fuckin’ smart it’s scary.”
“Yeah, he’s amazing,” Koda replied, but following him down a narrow hall, Koda found it hard to believe the hulk in front of him would be scared of anything.
“There’s a minibar and a coffee machine in the room. Help yourself.”
Opening a nondescript door, Bushy gestured for him to enter, then marched away. Stepping inside, Koda found Leo sitting at a round table studying his laptop.
“Hey! You’re here!” Leo exclaimed, jumping to his feet.
“Hi, stranger. Damn, you’ve gained some weight. About time.”
