“No, it’s time Micah and I have a come to Jesus talk, no more running from it.” Sarge looks like he has the weight of the world on his shoulders. “Rye, I need to finish this meeting and then I will be at the ranch. The Bass Haven Ranch is under our protection so keep your brothers where they are. It’s like I have always said, when life throws you a curve drop that bitch in low gear and ride that bitch and it’s time for me to do just that. Just give me a few hours to get our business in order. I’ll send two prospects with you to help. I am also sending Sean a text to let him know to watch your back. He’s a good man just like his brother and they will help.” Enough said. I give Sarge a nod and walk away from the table and toward the door. “Don’t let Micah know I’m coming. It’ll be better if it’s a surprise. Pepper and Fin go with Rye and follow his instructions,” Sarge yells at the prospects across the room. I don’t argue with Sarge. I already know not to tell Micah. If I mentioned Sarge, she’d be gone. We need her safe.

  17

  Shadow People…

  “Hemric hasn’t been seen in twenty-four hours but I know he’s still on that ranch. I have the other men watching for him to come out. His car was seen in the barn. Do you think he’s still alive? My gut tells me that he is. Ritter and Slayer have been sent out of town on business and Driver is watching the clubhouse. Those guys that Hemric brought in are useless. They have guns if needed but they have no brains for people that are supposed to be smart. If we lose Hemric it’s no big loss, we’ve about used him up and it will be one less person to split the money with when the time comes. He couldn’t do the one thing we needed him to do. Who can’t sweet talk a slut out of her clothes? Micah is just like her mother, nothing but a slut,” the woman says with contempt in her voice.

  “That sounds close to sour grapes. Are you sure you’re not just jealous of both the women? I told you Hemric is soft. Sure, he can talk a good talk because of his size but the man doesn’t have the balls to carry through with anything no matter how much bullshit you fed him. We’ve all seen the court documents, the prenup, the divorce decree, and the protective order. The police never believed any of the crap about Deb or Liz being involved in the murders. They have air-tight alibis and if you had done your homework you would have known what they were doing that weekend and waited a week to take Stiles out. Everyone also knows that neither Deb nor Micah care a damn thing about what people think about their reputations with the carousing they both do. They’ve never tried to hide a damn thing. You have jumped the gun and if you cost us this money you will be going straight to hell along with Hemric. Do you not remember how I told you Micah stood up to the rodeo committee? She didn’t give an inch and she got her way. All the charges they were going to file against Micah were dropped and the men fired. She sticks to her principles and doesn’t bend in the least and Deb is the same way. I guess you can’t send a boy to do a man’s job. We can’t let that biker get close to her again, he is her weakness,” the man says with determination in his voice. “I have a plan I am putting in motion tomorrow. It will give me the advantage and I can bet you given the chance I will have Micah creaming in her panties before she knows what has happened and the rest will be history.

  “What do you mean? The plan was for you not to be involved with the Bass women. We have a good thing going and I am not giving you up.” The man turns on the woman and grabs her by the throat.

  “You’re the one that fucked this up with your impatience and now I need to fix it.” The man throws the woman against the wall. The woman shrieks in pain as she falls to the floor. “Don’t question me. You and I are nothing more than me getting off. Have you never wondered why we never have sex? I let you get me off with that smart mouth of yours but woman you are too old and ugly for me. You will get your cut of the money but that is it.”

  “You had this planned out all along, didn’t you? Why does the coal mine still want this property? They are selling off all the property they have bought.” The man laughs out loud.

  “You really are stupid, aren’t you?” The woman looks surprised. “Don’t worry about it, I have everything covered. You keep those damn bikers in line and ready to move. Tell them not to leave town again. I need them at my disposal just like Driver. Be ready in case my plan backfires tomorrow and get your ass up off the floor.” The man hates the woman on the floor, but she is a means to an end and the boss is always right. He said to use this woman to get where we need to be.

  18

  Micah…

  For the first time in my life I am questioning how Aunt Deb wants to do something. Sure, Aunt Deb, Maddie, and I have had our fights before and been butt hurt for a few days, but Aunt Deb doesn’t want me saying a word about any of this to Maddie and that crap doesn’t fly. I don’t know what Aunt Deb is thinking, in fact I don’t know what has taken our lives into a spin. Maddie needs to know to protect her family. If someone is close enough to take pictures, then they are too damn close. This can’t all be a coincidence. I sit and think about all the facts I have. My operating materials for the rodeo this season have had to have more repairs than all the last five years put together. I went over all the receipts last night and things aren’t adding up. The friction between me and the rodeo officials has been getting worse over the season. I mean the good old boys club has always been in full force but this year they had been more difficult, and Aunt Deb was having troubles as well. I chalked it up to so many people being replaced on the rodeo’s part, but it has never been a secret that the Bass Haven Ranch is run by women. Could be coincidence, but I need to investigate further. The Hemric thing was beyond bazaar and mixed with the rodeo happenings can’t be a coincidence. Why after all these years would Hemric show up? Stiles had a lot of friends in the rodeo circuit, could Hemric have something to do with all this or whoever he’s working with. I rub my temple; I have a headache brewing behind my eyes. I know if I don’t shut my eyes for a few minutes that the headache is going to be beyond excruciating. I’ll lay my head down on my desk and close my eyes, the thoughts of what I’ve been going over will not leave my mind. I hear a noise outside, so I stand up and walk around my desk and look out the window. I don’t see anything. It’s an overcast day outside but I know I heard a noise. I start to step away from the window and I hear a weird noise beside my head right after the glass shatters. I try to get down, but I feel a sting on my shoulder. I know I have been shot. I try to stay down as best I can try to crawl to my desk but then I feel another sting in the back of my leg. I stop and roll into a ball and roll towards the wall. I know I can’t stay on the floor forever, but the pinging sounds have seemed to stop. I try crawling back toward my desk slowly while keeping my body close to the floor. I feel the flood of warm blood from my shoulder dripping down the side of my shirt and my leg is aching from the back and I feel warmth their too. I think I hear the squeals of tires heading away from the house. They must be trying to make a fast getaway. I keep moving until I get to the back of my desk and push the panic button. It’s not long before I hear banging coming down the stairs and I see my grief-stricken aunt as she sees me lying on the floor. I yell at Aunt Deb, “Make sure no one is still shooting.” My leg is really burning and I’m losing feeling in my shoulder. I know it won’t be long before I pass out. She pulls her cell phone out and is on the phone with someone. I can’t understand what she’s saying, all the sounds are running together. That’s the last thoughts I have before everything goes black.

  A few hours later.

  I can smell disinfectant and the sounds of a heart beating. I know I must be in the hospital, the last thing I remember is watching my Aunt Deb on her phone. I open my eyes carefully and I see I’m in a room by myself and it’s dark, but it could be I need to wipe my eyes, they’re still blurry. I try to sit up but it’s no use. I feel a pair of strong hands push me back down, and I try to focus, but then I smell him before I can see him. I don’t know why Sarge would be here, we’re not even friends anymore or he’s not friends with me. I shut my eyes to try to get them to focus better, then I open them slowly.

  I was right, Sarge is standing right beside the bed. I also see Aunt Deb on the other side, and Rye is sitting in the corner in a chair. They all look worried, so I must’ve been right that I was shot. I know I pissed off a lot of people in my life, but who the hell would want to shoot me? Kick my ass, sure, but kill me? I don’t know those kinds of people.

  My aunt Deb bends over to look at me closely, “You scared the shit out of me girl, don’t do that again. We are calling in more security to help protect us and I am not leaving the ranch until I know everything is secure and you are no longer in danger. What is it, a month loaded with full moons and all the crazies are coming out of the woodwork?” I know Aunt Deb is making jokes to cover her concern. She doesn’t want me to worry.

  “Deb, I already told you that it isn’t necessary to call in anymore security. I’m moving into the ranch and I’m keeping you safe. Micah is my woman now and that makes you family. It’s a done deal.” Sarge looks at me. “I’m not gonna take any backtalk from you either. This is the way it’s going to be Micah; you and I are going to be together and you are going to be my woman. You’re going to stand by my side and I’m going to stand beside you. We’re going to work through this. You got shot today. There’s no room for negotiations. I’m telling you, that you are mine.” Sarge is being the typical Neanderthal.

  “No Sarge, I’m not yours. I never was, and I never will be. If you want to move to the ranch until this craziness is over with then fine but you will be occupying another room. You’re not gonna be staying with me and I’m not gonna be your little sex toy to play with. I’m not gonna be treated that way anymore. I know what happened between us is as much my fault as yours, and I’m not letting it happen again. I’m stronger and better than that and I won’t let it happen in any longer, period. I don’t need a man to make me complete, all I need is my life. I don’t have the time or the energy to argue with you. I need to know what the hell is happening and if you don’t share with me then we have nothing else to discuss.” Sarge told me he wanted nothing to do with me, but now that my life was in danger he wants to rescue me. No sir, I will not play damsel in distress to his hero. I’m not an idiot to think I am ten feet tall and bullet proof. Bullets kill. I will take the help offered but that is as far as it goes.

  “Micah you act like I’m giving you a choice, I’m not. I’m your man and I’m claiming you. You’re my woman, that’s just the way it is. Suck it up and get used to the idea.” Sarge is too calm for this. He’s not acting irrational. I think the calm is worse. “You have two bullet holes in you that need to heal and that will give you time to adjust to the idea. I will be spending my time tracking down the asshole that did this.”

  I look at Aunt Deb and she shakes her head. I’m not going to get any support from her, she just wants us all safe. I look down at my shoulder and I see the bandage. This sucks, great big hairy balls. I hear a knock on the door. Aunt Deb tells whoever it is to come in. I almost grab her hand, but I see the doctor and nurse walk in and Shield reaches in and pulls the door closed. He must be guarding my door. I feel safer already. if Shield is here then some of the other club members are here too. I wander why Shield didn’t at least say something to me.

  “Ms. Bass, I am Dr. Wexler and I will be the floor doctor today. Do I need to clear this room to talk about your medical conditions or are all of you family?” The doctor hesitates when I don’t answer. I am not going to be childish about this, I can see the worry on Sarge’s face.

  “No, it fine. Everyone here is family or as close to as needs be,” I answer. Sarge relaxes a little.

  “This is your nurse for the day, Gina.” I look to the woman who looks barely old enough to be a nurse. I see her ogling Sarge and at one time that would have bothered me. Now, not so much. “Glad to have you awake so early this morning. That is a good sign. You came into the emergency room with two gunshot wounds. The one in your shoulder went through and through. There shouldn’t be any permanent damage and it may be uncomfortable because of the location and how often we use our shoulder but your clavicle, scapula, and humerus were left undamaged. I don’t want you to take this lightly, any of these bones could have been damaged or your rotator cuff and that little lady would have put you in quite a bit of pain. Not that you aren’t in pain now but it could have been a long-term injury. The injury to the back of your thigh was in the muscle and believe it or not that was the best outcome you could have hoped for.” This doctor acts like he has been into some happy juice. The best outcome would have been not to be shot at all. “We removed the bullet without any complications and as long as you follow the after-care orders to the letter then you should be as good as new in a few months barring any infections.” The doctor looks at his chart. “I am happy to tell you that your baby has a very healthy heartbeat, but we used the vaginal ultrasound to find the heartbeat since the pregnancy is still in its early stages. I would say about four weeks maybe a little more, but I am sure your OB/GYN has already explained that to you.” I know my eyes are the size of saucers. This can’t be happening. It was only one time without a condom or birth control.

  “Are you sure?” I ask the doctor to look again.

  “I see this may have been a surprise to you. I can refer you to some doctors if you need me to. You need to follow up as soon as you are released so you can start your prenatal vitamins. You will be here at least forty-eight hours. I want to make sure that the antibiotics are working before I release you. Since you are pregnant, we need to make sure the wounds are clean, and you are infection free. Do you have any questions for me?” I look at the doctor only. I am not letting my eyes wander to anyone else. I know the disappointment that I am going to see, and I don’t want to deal with Sarge right now. Soon, but not today.

  “Nothing, thank you. I’m just tired,” I tell the doctor.

  “That’s what getting shot while being pregnant will do for you. If you need anything just push that call button and ask for Gina. If she is not available, then another nurse will be in. After lunch I want you up and moving around. Just back and forth to the bathroom first and then tomorrow a few strolls up and down the hall. Just relax and recuperate.” I want to punch the man in the face. He’s in such a good mood and I should be happy I’m alive, but a baby. Me, a mother? Sarge, a dad? I have been dumped in the twilight zone for the last few weeks and this is the end of the line where the men in the white coats come and take me away and I wake up screaming. “I’ll check in later before my day is over.” The nurse never even fluffs a pillow. The door shuts, and no one says anything for a minute. Sarge walks back over to me.

  “Did you know you were pregnant and just not told me?” Sarge’s first question isn’t too shocking for me.

  “No. I didn’t know, or I wouldn’t have taken any chances with Hemric. I may not have wanted children for a few more years or maybe never, but I would never endanger a child that way. I’m not super woman and I know not to put myself in danger if I am pregnant. I had no clue. Things have been stressful for a while now and I haven’t exactly been watching my calendar or paying attention, too much other shit going on.” I don’t want anyone thinking I would do anything to harm my child.

  “Is this my child?” Sarge asks through gritted teeth.

  “No, it’s not. It’s mine. I don’t need or want your help in raising my child, but I can damn well guarantee you it will have your blood running through its veins.” I am pissed at Sarge’s sarcasm and attitude.

  “Did you do this on purpose?” Sarge asks me. I can’t believe he just asked me that.

  “That doesn’t deserve an answer but I’m going to give you one, no I didn’t. When we were together in the bunkhouse you didn’t use a condom and I wasn’t on birth control. That is your fault and mine. I take full responsibility for my part, but you need to get out and stay away from me. I will let you know when my doctor appointment is. We can get a test done and make sure just for you. I don’t need the test, I already know. Then I will let my attorney take it from there. That’s as far as my thoughts can go for today, now please leave, and don’t come back. If you are staying at the ranch be sure it is far away from me.” If looks could kill I would be dead right now. Sarge is not happy. Sarge walks out of my hospital room without another word. Aunt Deb has moved closer to me and she takes my hand trying to give me some reassurance, but it isn’t Aunt Deb who speaks.

  “You did good Micah. I’m proud of you. You held your ground with Sarge and didn’t bend. If he doesn’t come around, then he is a fool and we got you. Your aunt Deb and I will be here to support you and be there if you feel like you are going to fall. We won’t let it happen.” I look at Rye or try to. His words are so comforting that my eyes are full of tears. I am blaming it on pregnancy hormones. I’m not a crier. I look at Aunt Deb.

  “You heard him. It comes from both of us. I think you need to call your sisters after a nap and let them know they are going to be aunts. I know Maddie is going to be thrilled to get some payback for you spoiling B.” I shake my head because I am still choked up.

  “Thank you both. I do need a little nap,” I get out, still sounding choked up. I shut my eyes and that’s the last thing I remember being said.

  19

  Sarge…

  I had to get out of the hospital and have the wind in my face. I thought I was suffocating. I know Micah and I have a lot to talk about, but I can’t talk rationally with someone until I can wrap my mind around the situation. Three little words put my world into a tailspin. I always knew inside that Micah would be the woman to bring me to my knees. I gas my bike up the highway. I don’t know how far I have driven; I just need to go faster to get my thoughts clear in my head. I realize that since I broke Callie’s heart, I hadn’t planned on having children, but I can’t walk away. I don’t want to walk away. I want that baby and I want Micah. I know we’ll have arguments and butt heads, but our lives will never be boring, that I can guarantee. I slow my bike and take the first exit with a gas station close. I top my tank off and take the time to eat a burger at the diner near the gas station. I don’t even remember what the burger tasted like. I paid for my food and was on the highway back toward Mt. Vernon. I have a woman to remind she is mine and she will be mine from this day forward. I am going to love and protect her and our child. I feel a weight lifted from my chest. I feel lighter and I know this is the right thing to do. I can’t get myself back to Micah fast enough. I don’t want my woman thinking she is getting away from me or building any walls between us. I make it back in record time. When I walk through the sliding doors of the hospital, I let out a breath that I didn’t even know I was holding. I enter the elevator and push the button to the floor I need. I step off the elevator and I go straight to the waiting room and see Shield sitting where he can see the whole room, eating from a fast food tray. He sees me and motions me over. I walk over to him.