I laugh. “Trey, that’s how she does an ultrasound since I’m still very early,” I point out. He reluctantly sits down, but I can see he is still on edge about it.
Trey holds my hand but doesn’t take his eyes off of the doctor, and I relax and look at the screen next to the bed.
The screen is fuzzy. She pushes a few buttons and then I hear this whooshing sound. “That is your baby’s heartbeat. You’re around seven weeks along.”
Vinny kisses my shoulder, our eyes glued to the screen. I can’t really make anything out, but the sound of the heartbeat is enough for me.
“Trey, can you record the heartbeat for me?” I ask.
He takes out his phone and records for a minute. Vinny rubs my tummy. I feel like I could burst. I never dreamed that I could be this happy.
The doctor writes me out a prescription for some prenatal meds and hands us some papers with information we may need.
“I’m not sure if it’s a good idea for you to come on the raid tomorrow,” Trey tells me once we’re in the truck.
“Why don’t you want me to?” My first thought is to be angry that he would suggest something like that. I take his hand and hold it as he pulls away.
He looks over at me and his eyes go to my belly. “I just can’t bear the thought of something happening to you.”
“I really want to go. We’ve put so much effort into getting it ready. Do you think we could find a solution?” I offer, and he smiles.
“Baby, you are too fucking sweet. I want you out of harm’s way. I want extra protection with you. I want Danny to stay with you guys until it’s safe. Deal?” Trey asks me and Vinny both.
“I like that idea. I’ll be careful and I’ll stay put until one of you come get me.” I can understand the need to make sure I’m safe.
They make sure I feel so safe that I forgot that Freddy even existed. California feels like it’s such a long time ago, a different part of my life even.
Everyone in Raleigh, Texas has left me alone or they’re just intimidated by the guys. Not even fans approach me anymore and that’s what I wanted.
What I have wanted for so long is happening before my very eyes. Next week I’m going to look at places for lease to put in a clothes store.
There are a lot of boutique stores, but not a lot of them carry plus size clothes and everyone should be able to feel pretty. I’d like to have someone in the store to help alter clothes if needed.
I look out of the window, watching the small town of Raleigh pass by. “I’m excited to tell people.”
Vinny grins. “The girls will be so excited.”
“Our baby and Michaela can grow up together.” I’m excited at the idea of them growing up, to see them playing together.
I rest my head on Vinny’s shoulder. I couldn’t stop the smile on my face even if I tried.
Freddy
She’s pregnant? She can’t be. She’s meant to be mine! I punch the wall outside of the clinic, where she’s sitting with those stupid fuckers who’ve kidnapped her!
They’ve taken her from me. They both use her and abuse her!
That is the only way she could have let them touch her. She knows she’s mine. That’s the only reason, isn’t it?
I stand in the alley as they push her along to get in the truck. Why are they touching her so much?
They’re going regret it. I will have her and she’ll be thankful that I’ve taken her away from those devil men.
I’m waiting and watching to find the right moment to make my move and take her with me.
The truck door closes with her inside. I’m so close but so far away.
I will have her.
Soon, my darling.
Vinny
Today is the day we’ve been planning for. We were all shocked at how many underage marriages had taken the place in the last five years alone.
We had to plan for that. We didn’t have room for everyone until now. We’re prepared and we don't want anyone to be hurt.
I look behind me at the vehicles in the back of the line, filled with the women in the club ready to bring all of these girls and boys under their wing.
Trey and I can’t help but worry about Lani. We don’t want her to get tired or hurt with all of this.
Trey rides by my side. Kyle raises his hand then lets it fall and he takes off. The Devil Souls and the Grim Sinners are coming together once again to get shit done.
Lane is riding up front with Kyle, and Smiley is right behind them because he used to be the president of the Grim Sinners until Lane, his son, took over.
I look behind me and see some of the prospects lining up the metal fence in the road so no one can try to break through and escape. The prospects also have been armed with spikes just in case.
One by one we all split up and go to different houses.
There’s one way in and one way out. No one is getting out unless we make it so.
We have buses lined up to hold everyone before they’re taken to their new homes, and that’s where the therapists and the house moms are going to come in.
I lived this life, but after I left, it’s like everything went to hell. If something like this was going when I was here I would have murdered every single fucker who dared to hurt a child.
It still breaks my heart about my sisters, and I found out Danny was abused too. That shit hurts me.
Trey and I split off. This is where Lynn’s best friend Abigail is. She’s fifteen and just got married a few months ago. Lynn wanted us to go here personally.
I see a face in the window, and I can see the fear on her face.
Trey takes the back of the house in case a fucker tries to run off. Oh, we have a special place for them too. They’re going to get theirs.
I go up to the front door and knock. I listen for the soft footsteps inside of the house and the girl answers the door.
“Can I help you?” she asks, not looking up past my feet, but my eyes are glued to the bruises on her arms.
“Hey, I’m Lynn’s brother Vinny. Do you remember her?” I ask her, and I want to squat down so I’m face level with her, but I don’t want to scare her.
She looks at me for the first time. “How is she? I was told that the devil got her.”
I shake my head no. “The devil did not get her. She’s right on the edge of town waiting on you. We’re here to get you out of this place, to start a new life. It’s not legal for you to be married at fifteen years old, sweetheart.” I soften my voice as I explain it to her.
Her eyes fill with tears. She looks behind her into the house. “I know it’s not right, but in this life we have no rights. I would rather be taken by the devil than live with him.” She sniffs and wipes away her tears.
I want to hold her, take away all of the shit that has happened to her, but I can’t do that. What I can do is make him pay for hurting her and burn this place to the fucking ground so this shit doesn’t happen again.
Just as she’s about to step outside, I see a man come around the corner behind her. I assume this is her “husband.”
He takes in the scene before his eyes and glares at her. “Are you being a whore again, Abigail?” he snaps at her and walks over like he’s going to jerk her from me.