“I’m thinkin’ we call in Tommy. He’s the one who got Gwen out and helped the clubs when we were there before. He’s also close to Kim and Gwen. He’ll do anythin’ to help us keep them safe and will know more than we do at this point in time,” Fox says, looking at each of us. “Tommy worked for her dad, but I guarantee he knows more about Neil than even I can find.”
For several minutes, we all think about Fox’s suggestion. I agree with him. I’ll do anything I can to make sure my woman and the rest of the women in the club are safe and protected. Slim looks around the table at all of us. His gaze lingers on me the longest since this mainly concerns my ol’ lady.
“All in favor, say aye,” Slim says, motioning to Playboy.
We all go around the table and say aye. There isn’t a single man who’s against this suggestion because Fox is right. No one knows the ins and outs of Gwen’s father and Neil like Tommy does. Slim slams the gavel on the table passing the vote. From there we move on to other business because until Tommy gets here there’s not much we can do about it.
Just before we get ready to leave church, my phone goes off. Looking at the screen, I see the alarm is going off for fire, EMTs, and the police to head to the residence. My heart stops dead in my chest while I think of Gwen being there and all the different scenarios that could be going on right now. Standing up, the chair I was sitting in slams to the floor as I race from our meeting room.
“Killer, what’s goin’ on?” Slim asks, racing up to my side as I don’t stop running for my bike.
“Gwen and Rich went to the house. I’m gettin’ and alert for all first responders to show up on my phone. I have no clue what’s goin’ on but I’m about to find the fuck out,” I tell him, my body trembling and my heart beating uncontrollably in my chest.
I can’t suck in a full breath as I straddle my bike, start the engine, and race from the clubhouse. There’s no way I’m taking the time to tie my bandana around my face or put my helmet on. If I knew Gwen was okay, it would be a different case; I don’t therefore I’m not wasting anymore time getting to her.
As I race to my house, every member of the club is hot on my heels. They’re racing behind me as I get closer to my house. I can already see thick, black smoke billowing up to the sky. Lights flash up ahead as I slow down because the cops are already putting up a blockade. I’m not trying to die, I only want to lay eyes on my woman.
Stopping my bike, I pull my phone out and click on Gwen’s name. It rings until going to voicemail. Hanging up, I immediately call her again. The same thing happens. Looking at the men surrounding me, I see them all pulling out their phones.
“I can’t reach her,” I state, my level of panic increasing as I continue to try while making my way to the officer blocking traffic.
“Sir, you can’t go past here,” he tries to tell me as I look for any friendly face.
“What’s goin’ on?” I ask him, still looking for anyone we know and work with.
“There’s been an explosion at one of the homes here,” he states, not giving me anything to go on.
Finally, I spot Jim. He’s been on the force for a while and is semi-retired. He sees me and makes his way hastily over to us.
“Killer, I got Gwen. She’s at the clubhouse with Rich and Kim. She didn’t hear her phone goin’ off because it was on silent for some reason,” Fox lets me know.
Taking a deep breath, I calm my racing heart and let the smoke-filled air fill my lungs.
“Jim, what’s goin’ on? I got an alert for all first responders to go to my house,” I question him as the punk ass cop looks on.
“I hate to tell you this, Killer. Your house exploded. We have no clue of the cause yet obviously. For now, we’re still trying to put the fire out. I’ll let you know as soon as we find anything out,” Jim responds.
Anger fills me. This is Neil. That fucker is going to die a slow, painful death when I get my hands on him. He just took this entire situation to an entirely new level. If Gwen had been close to the house, there’s no telling what would have happened to her. I need to leave here and get eyes on Gwen.
Turning on my heel, I leave the scene. There’s nothing I can do here for now. I’ll have to wait on a call from Jim and the fire chief before we can take the next step. Slim and the guys make their way behind me as we head to the clubhouse. Again, I don’t waste time in my haste to get back to Gwen.
Pulling in the clubhouse parking lot, I see her car parked near the door. I quickly park in my normal spot and race inside. Gwen is sitting on the couch with Kim. They’re talking softly among themselves as Rich sits at the bar and the house bunnies lounge around the room. Glares are being directed in my woman’s direction and that’s not something I’ll have. Especially today.
“Is there a fuckin’ problem here?” I shout out, causing all heads to turn my direction. “You bitches got no right to be glarin’ at my woman and Kim. You have a problem here, you know where the fuckin’ door is. Otherwise, find somethin’ to fuckin’ clean. This place is disgustin’.”
Each of the house bunnies looks behind me. I know they’re looking to Slim instead of listening to me. That does nothing but raise my anger even more.
“I’m an officer of this fuckin’ club and if I tell you to do somethin’ you better fuckin’ do it. I can easily kick each and every one of you out of here. It won’t bother me at all,” I state, walking closer to Gwen.
The house bunnies jump up and scatter throughout the clubhouse. They know better than to disobey one of us. Today is not a good day for them to be trying my patience. Picking Gwen up in my arms, I sit down on the couch and place her in my lap. I don’t want her out of my sight or touching distance. I’m not sure I ever will again.
“Killer, are you okay?” she asks me, placing her hands on each side of my face.
“I am now, Sparrow. Got somethin’ to tell you,” I begin. “The house exploded. It must have happened shortly after you and Rich left. I doubt there will be anythin’ left of the place. I’m so sorry.”
Gwen looks at me and rakes her eyes down the front of my body. She’s looking for any sign of injury. Wrapping my arms around her, I breathe in her soft, clean scent. It works miracles to finish calming me down.
“Killer, I don’t care about the house. As long as we’re okay, the babies are safe, and everyone we love and care about is okay I’m good. We can figure out something with the housing situation at a later date. The only thing we need to do right now is find Neil and take him the hell down once and for all,” she tells me, keeping her voice low and soft.
This is why I love Gwen. She’s not into material possessions and cares more about the people in her inner circle than anything else. She will be an amazing mother and I can’t wait until our babies make an appearance in the world. I want to watch her nurture them, love them, and teach our children how to be honest, loving people as they grow up in this dangerous, nasty world we live in.
“Let’s go to our room,” I tell her, lifting her in my arms as I stand from the couch.
“Killer, I’m gonna make the call. I’ll let you know what happens when I get a response,” Fox says.