Loving The Biker (MC Biker Romance) (15 page)

Meanwhile, back in Jensen

Thirty-one

Terin

After Cole and I stepped out of the shower, he went into the kitchen to make us something to eat while I checked in with Walters.

“Did you talk to Cole Johnson?” he asked.

“Yes,” I said, lowering my voice.

“What did he say?”

“He was shocked and claimed he didn’t know anything about Ronnie and Pete. He also has an alibi for last night.”

“What’s the alibi?”

“He was working at Griffin’s.”

Walters sighed. “Even without one, I’m sure he didn’t do it. Someone wanted us to find that card so we’d divert our attention to Cole. Besides, who carries around a business card with one’s own name written on the back?”

“True.”

“Someone is trying to frame him.”

“The same person who called in the tip yesterday?”

“Maybe, although we thought it was the Devil’s Rangers and now one of them is dead.”

“Would one of the Devil’s Rangers kill their own V.P. just to frame Cole?”

“Yes, if there’s more going on than we know. These clubs act like it’s all about the brotherhood and trusting each other, but that only goes so far. Especially when you’re dealing with a club like the Devil’s Rangers.”

“So, you think it was an inside job?”

“Sure. If someone higher up than Ronnie ordered one of the club members to take him out, I bet the person wouldn’t blink an eye. It would just happen.”

“Do you think Schmitty could have ordered it?”

“It’s possible. Look at the mess Ronnie’s created while Schmitty’s been on his road trip. Not to mention, being out of town is also a good alibi for the club president.”

He had an excellent point.

“I know these clubs. I’ve been following them for years and have learned to never rule anything out. Especially inside jobs.”

“So, what’s the next step?”

“I’m waiting to see if we can identify who was on the video footage and if they get any prints or DNA from the crime scene, other than what’s expected.”

“Okay.”

“I’ll let you know if we find out anything. Meanwhile, enjoy your day off and we’ll see you bright and early tomorrow.”

“Sounds good.”

After ending the call, I walked into the kitchen, wearing one of Cole’s T-shirts, and found him making ham and cheese omelets.

“Those look delicious,” I said, peeking around his shoulder.

“Thank you. Why don’t you make yourself at home and I’ll fix you a plate?”

I went and sat down at the kitchen table while Cole finished the eggs. His home and his kitchen was nicer than mine and I wondered where his money came from.

“You’re quiet,” he said, bringing the plates over.

“I was just thinking,” I answered, staring down at the food. “You know, I don’t think I’ve ever had a man make me breakfast before. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He nodded toward the clock. “It’s more like lunch, but I can eat eggs any time of the day.”

“Me, too.”

We began eating and I had to admit, the silence was a little awkward. He noticed it too.

“So, are you thinking again?” he asked, looking at me.

I took a sip of coffee. “I’m always thinking.”

“Don’t think too hard. It’ll stress you out.”

“Easier said than done,” I replied. “So, tell me more about yourself, Cole Johnson. And I’m not talking about club stuff.”

He grinned. “What do you want to know?”

“What are your hopes and dreams?”

Cole laughed. “Right now? I’m hoping to get my hands on some condoms so that I’m able to dream with a smile on my face tonight.”

I smirked. “What makes you think that we’ll be having sex again?”

“You’re still here, aren’t you?”

“I’m hungry.”

He gave me a devilish grin. “So am I.”

Thirty-two

Cole

After breakfast, I talked Terin into taking a ride on the back of my bike. She put her clothing back on and we cruised around for a couple of hours.

“Did you want to stop by your place and change out of your work-clothes?” I asked her, after stopping at a drug store.

“No, that’s okay.”

“Are you sure? You’d be more comfortable.”

“I’m fine,” she answered.

I had a feeling that she didn’t want me knowing where she lived. I didn’t say anything, but it annoyed me. Especially after the last several hours.

We got back onto my Hog and I asked if she was enjoying herself.

She smiled. “I forgot how much fun it is to be on one of these things. How hard is it drive?”

“Drive? Hell, they’re easy to drive. It’s the other people on the road that make things difficult. You have to try and anticipate everyone’s moves and hope they’re paying attention so you don’t die.”

“I can imagine.”

“But, if you’re interested in learning, I definitely wouldn’t let the other idiots on the road stop you. They have courses that you can take and they’re only around ten hours to complete. So, you should be able to fit them into your busy schedule.”

“What about a motorcycle?”

“They provide you with one of those as well.”

She put the extra brain bucket I’d loaned her. “I’m going to have to check it out.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

“Cool. Then we can go riding together once you learn.”

Terin just smiled.

On the way back to my place, we stopped at the grocery store and picked up a couple of ribeye steaks, two potatoes, mushrooms, and a bag of salad.

“Don’t you have to work tonight?” she asked me.

“No.”

“Is that the only place you work? Griffin’s?”

“Nope. I work part-time at Black Diamond Restoration. It’s an auto body shop.”

“Really? I had no idea,” she answered. “What do you do there?”

“I’m one of the paint technicians.”

“How long have you worked there for?”

“About three years now.”

“Interesting. Do you like it?”

“Yeah. I’d like to be able to put in more hours, but I’ve been so busy with the club.”

“When are they going to patch you?” she asked.

“I don’t know. I haven’t been with them long, so it might be a while.”

“But, you’re going to be Tank’s brother-on-law soon, right?”

“Yes, but you have to earn your way into the club. Gain everyone’s trust,” I said.

“You say that like it’s not an easy task.”

I just shrugged and put my helmet back on. “Nothing is ever easy. Are you ready?”

“Yes.” She slid her arms around my waist and we headed back to my place. Once there, we put the groceries away, marinated the steaks, and made use of some of the condoms. Afterward, I fired up the grill and we made dinner together.

“I’m glad that you have a healthy appetite,” I said, watching her eat. We were sitting outside, having dinner on the patio. “And aren’t one of those girls who eat nothing but salad or brown rice.”

“To be honest, I don’t eat like this all the time. Although, I enjoy it. My schedule is so crazy though and so I eat a lot of fast food.”

“I do too, but it’s nice to sit down and share a meal like this with someone. We’ll have to do this again.”

She didn’t reply.

“I don’t know about you, but I’ve had a hell of a good time today,” I replied, cutting into my steak. “And could get use to this.”

“You realize that I’m not supposed to be here,” she said softly. “I could get fired.”

“Not if you don’t get caught.”

Terin didn’t say anything.

My phone began to ring.

It was Tank.

I sighed. “I need to take this. I’ll be right back,” I said standing up.

“Sure.”

“I got your message about Ronnie and Pete, earlier. Sorry it took so long to get back to you,” said Tank.

“It’s not a problem,” I told him. “You have any ideas about who might have done it?”

“No. Wasn’t one of us,” he said. “Unless you went vigilante and took care of business yourself.”

“Hell no.”

“Raina was with me all night, so I know she didn’t do it,” Tank said, sounding amused.

I smiled.

“Had a detective drop by, about twenty minutes ago. This prick named Bronson.”

“What did he want?”

“He was trying to find out if we knew anything about Ronnie’s murder and then he started asking some questions about you and Detective Terin O’Brien.”

I clenched my jaw. “Like what?”

“Personal ones. I think he was trying to find out if you two had something going on.”

My thoughts returned to the gym and our stalker. I wondered if the person had sent something to the police. I swore.

“You thinking about that guy who had your phone?”

“Yeah,” I replied. “He might be trying to get her fired.”

“Did you check your phone to see if he sent the photo to anyone else?”

“Hell yeah I did but it looks like he just sent it to Terin.”

“He might have used his own phone to take another picture.”

“True.”

“Is something going on between you and the cop?” asked Tank.

“Just sex,” I admitted.

“So you did bang her.” Tank laughed. “Nothing wrong with that.”

“Is that all he wanted?”

“I guess that Hoss talked to him about some shit, too.”

“About what?”

“He told me that he was discussing Facebook and internet scams with the guy and asking for advice. I don’t think Bronson was able to help him out with anything though. He looked just as confused as Hoss.”

“The old man just needs to stay off social media,” I replied.

“No shit. So, are you at work right now?”

“The shop? No, not today.”

“You’re welcome to stop by tonight. Raina and I are making burgers on the grill.”

“I’m actually in the middle of dinner.”

“Oh, shit. Sorry. I’ll let you go.”

“It’s fine. You need me for anything tonight or tomorrow?”

“Not tonight. Why don’t you check in at the clubhouse around ten a.m.?”

“Will do.”

“Later, brother.”

“Later,” I said and then hung up. I walked back outside and sat down. “Sorry about that.”

“Who was it?”

“Tank,” I replied. “Looks like someone named Bronson was asking him questions, earlier.”

“Bronson? About Ronnie and Pete?”

“Yeah and about us.”

“What?” she said sharply.

“He asked Tank if you and I were seeing each other.”

She set her fork down. “Dammit. That nosy, sonofabitch.”

“Do you think he might be the one who took the picture at the gym?”

“No, but I wonder if it’s someone Bronson might know though,” said Terin, standing up. “I’m sorry, Cole. I’d better get out of here.”

“Hold up,” I said, pushing my chair back.

“This was a mistake,” she answered, her eyes filling with fear. “I don’t know what the hell I was thinking.”

I walked over and put my hands on her shoulders. “Terin. It’s okay. Just, calm down.”

“Easy for you to say,” she replied. “You’re not in danger of losing everything you’ve worked for.”

I pulled her into my arms and held her. “You’re not going to lose anything. Even if they found out about us, what could they do? It’s not like we’re doing anything illegal.”

“I’m not supposed to be sleeping with one of the men I’m investigating,” she said, pulling away.

“I don’t recall us sleeping at all,” I teased.

“Not funny,” she said, heading into the house.

I followed her. “Are you seriously leaving?”

Terin grabbed her purse and walked quickly toward the front door. “Yes. I’m sorry. I have to get to get the hell out of here. For all I know, they’ve got someone watching your house and I’m already screwed.”

“Terin… wait.”

Without another word, she hurried out of the house, got into her car, and sped away.

I thought about going after her, but knew that there was nothing that I could say that would change her mind. Not only that, I knew she was right. As much as I wanted to get to know her more, I was the last thing she needed in her life.