A Family Man (20 page)

It was over a week before he got back to Seattle. He could only ride for short distances at a time, taking hourly breaks and stopping at a motel or clubhouse every night. He was grateful to Fox for staying with him for the entire trip. It must have been tedious for him, but he hadn’t complained, and without him there, Joe would have definitely pushed himself too hard. Finally, after eight long days, he was home.  He was exhausted, sore and, frankly, felt like shit, but as he hugged his girls none of that mattered. He was back where he should be. In the arms of his family.

THIRTY

Although she often teased him about it, Amy never saw Joe as old. For as long as she’d known him, he had been unchanged, strong, unbreakable and invincible. She hardly recognized the man standing in front of her. His face was etched with pain, and he looked exhausted, and… old. As she watched Beth lead him to the bedroom she couldn’t stop the feeling of panic that was rising into her throat, threatening to choke her. She’d been scared before. When her mom was using, or when Joe got mad at her, but this was different. He’d been hurt before, and he’d been in jail, but she’d never thought she would lose him. That he could be taken away from her forever. That he could die.

Beth had told her he’d been hurt, but that he’d be fine, so she hadn’t been too worried and was eagerly looking forward to him coming home. Judging by the expression on her face, Beth, too, had been shocked by his appearance, although she had quickly hidden it and taken control of the situation, insisting he needed to rest and leading him, firmly, to the bedroom. She could hear them talking behind the closed doors, but couldn’t make out the words. Anxiously, she waited for Beth to come out, and as soon as the door opened she headed for the room. Beth frowned. “Amy. Joe needs to rest. You can see him later.”

“
No, I can’t. I need to see him now. I need…”

“
I know, sweetheart. Okay, just for a little while.”

Joe opened his eyes as she opened the door. “Hey, sugar.”

“
Hey.” Amy swallowed the urge to cry.

“
You gonna stand there all day? Or are you gonna get your skinny ass over here and keep me company?” Grimacing, he pulled himself into a sitting position and held out his hand as she walked slowly towards him and climbed onto his bed.

She was almost too afraid to touch him. His bare torso was covered with a large dressing and even under his tan, she could see how pale he was. Joe slipped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer. “Don’t look so worried, sugar. I’m a little beat up right now. But I’ll be fine. I promise.”

“Okay. Joe?”

“
Yeah?”

“
Don’t die.”

“
Not planning on it, sugar.”

“
But you could?”

“
Every one’s gonna die.”

“
You know what I mean. I want you to die when you’re old. When I’m old. I don’t want you to get killed.”

“
That makes two of us.”

“
But you could?”

“
Managed to stay alive this long, sugar.”

“
Joe!”

“
Okay, I’m sorry. I know you’re freaking out.” He kissed the top of her head. “I dunno what to tell you, Amy. Sometimes I get in dangerous situations and sometimes I get hurt. This time was worse than usual. But thinking about you and Beth got me through it. I can’t promise I’m gonna be around forever. No one can. But I can promise that while there is breath left in my body I will love you.”

“
You could promise never to go away again.”

Joe shifted and pushed her away slightly so he could look her in the eye. “I’m a Freak, sugar. I love you and I know me going away is tough on you and Beth. I guess it’s selfish of me to want a life with you and a life with the club. Ma always said I was. But this is who I am, and it’s the only life I know. I am sorry that this has freaked you out and it will probably happen again.” He pulled her close to him again. “If you wanna go back to Cali, I’ll understand.”

“Why would I do that? I love it here. I miss Jack and mom. But you and Beth feel more like my family. I don’t really want you to stop being a Freak. It makes you who you are. I just got scared when I saw how much you’re hurting.” She closed her eyes “I really love you. Joe.”

“
I love you too. You’re a good kid.”

“
I ain’t a kid.”

“
Sure you are.”

Joe smiled as she snuggled closer, just like she did when she was little. He closed his eyes and let sleep claim him, still holding tightly to his little girl.

When, two hours later, Beth peeked around the door to see if he wanted something to eat, they were both fast asleep in each other’s arms. Quietly she backed out of the room, closing the door quietly behind her, leaving Joe and his kid alone.

“Beth.”

“
Hey, sweetheart. Is Joe awake?”

“
No.” Amy threw herself down onto the sofa, next to her aunt. “He’s hurt real bad isn’t he?”

“
I think traveling home took it out of him. He probably should have stayed in Texas for a while longer. He’ll be fine, Amy. He just needs a few days to recover.”

“
He won't, though.” Beth could hear the hysteria rising in her niece’s voice. “You know what he’s like. He’s gonna push himself and get an infection or something, an’ then he’ll get sick an’….”

“
Amy calm down. He will be fine. I’ll make sure of it.” She gave her a hug and stood up. “How about I get us something to eat?”

~ oOo ~

Joe opened his eyes and took a moment to reorient himself. He was home, in his own bed. He looked around, and he was alone. The light through his window was telling him it was morning, and his inner debate about whether or not he should get up and find his woman was decided by the nagging of his full bladder. Gingerly he sat up and swung his legs over the edge of the bed. As he shuffled slowly to the bathroom, he wondered if this was what it felt like to be old, but quickly dismissed the idea. Most old people don’t have a nine inch knife wound under their ribs.

Beth was cooking bacon. He slowly made his way from the bathroom to the kitchen, he stomach growling in anticipation. She turned as he approached and, smiling, wrapped her arms around his neck. “Hey.”

“Hey.” He kissed her softly. “That for me?”

“
Yeah, you hungry?”

“
Yeah. Mmm, you smell so good.” He nuzzled into her neck. “I seem to remember asking you for a blowjob last night.”

“
You did. Right before you fell asleep. The mind’s willing but the body’s weak, I guess.” She laughed. “Eat your breakfast. Then we can go back to bed and finish what you tried to start.”

“
You wouldn’t be making fun of me, would you, girl? I’m a sick man.”

“
Maybe a tiny bit.” She piled the bacon and eggs onto a plate. “Now eat. You need to build up your strength.”

He hadn’t expected to be able to eat much. For the last week he’d had to force himself to eat, knowing if he didn’t, he wouldn’t have the strength to get home. But suddenly, sitting at his own table with the breakfast that Beth had made in front of him, he found he was ravenous.

Beth smiled as he polished off his food. She knew it was only a matter of time before he was back to his old self again. The challenge was going to be stopping him from trying to do too much, too soon. As soon as he’d finished, she took his hand and led him to the bedroom. “Lay down, I’ll be with you shortly.” She pushed him down gently on to the bed and kissed him softly before leaving the room.

“Hey! Get back here.” Joe’s objection to being left alone was only half-hearted. His eyes were already closing, and Beth knew that when she returned to the bedroom he would be asleep. She had no idea how he’d managed to ride home, but it had clearly taken every last ounce of his strength, and it was going to take a while to get it back. She walked back through the empty apartment. To her amazement, Amy had gone to school without any argument; she hadn’t wanted Joe to be pissed at her. Beth shook her head, wondering how long that would last.

The buzzing of the doorbell shook her from her reverie. She picked up the receiver. “Hello?”

“Hey. I’m looking for Tiny. He in?”

“
He’s sleeping. Who’s this?”

“
Name’s Samson.”

“
I’ve heard him talk about you. Do you want to come up? I can always wake him.”

“
Nah, it’s all good. I’ll drop by later.”

“
Okay. Bye, Samson.”

“
See ya, darling. Oh, hey, what’s your name?”

“
Beth.”

“
Okay, Beth, see ya later.”

Samson climbed back on his bike. Beth, so that was her name. Joe had mentioned that he had a woman and a kid, but he’d put it down to delirium, brought on by shock and loss of blood. He’d known about Joe’s relationship with Amy’s mom and knew that had been dead for a long while, but had assumed it was her he’d been talking about. Oh he’d definitely be back to see who that secretive fucker had squirreled away.

The Seattle clubhouse was heaving, both Bay View
and Salt Lake were in town, and the place was packed to the rafters with patches, sweet butts and hangarounds. Samson glanced at the clock on the wall. As much as he wanted to stick around for the party, he also wanted to see Tiny before he hit the road in the morning. Reluctantly, he headed for the door.

“
Leaving so soon?”

He turned and grinned at the sight of Spike with the skankiest pair of whores wrapped around him. Shit, that man had absolutely no standards. “Gonna see Tiny. He’s still laid up, and I’m heading up north in the morning.” 

“Wait up, I’ll come with. Ain't seen that big fucker for ages, and I hear he got banged up pretty bad. Keep ’em warm, girls, I’ll be back later.”

Joe knew that he was missing one of the biggest parties of the year. But as he sat in front of the TV, with Beth resting her head on his shoulder and Amy lying with her head on his lap, he really couldn’t bring himself to care. He ran his fingers through his girl’s long blonde hair and gave a small smile as he felt Beth snuggle closer, the fingers of his other hand entwined in hers. Right now there was nowhere he’d rather be. He frowned as the doorbell buzzed. “Who the fuck is that?”

“
I’ll get it.” Beth stood and walked towards the intercom. “It’s probably Samson.”

“
Samson?”

“
Yeah, sorry, I forgot to tell you. He came round earlier, while you were asleep. Said he’d come back.” She buzzed him in and opened the door as the sound of voices came up the stairs.

“
Hey.” Joe nudged Amy. “Make yourself scarce.”

“
But.”

“
Do it, Amy.”

“
Fine.” She got up, and he watched as she flounced to her room, slamming the door behind her. She might not like it, but he didn’t want her to hear anything Samson had to tell him.

He looked up as Beth walked back into the living room, followed by Spike and Samson. She smiled. “Can I get you guys a beer?” Spike gave what could only be described as a leer. “Sure, doll. Need a hand?” He wiggled his eyebrows. “I got a spare.”

“No, It’s okay. I can carry two bottles of beer.” Joe looked up. “No Joe, it’ll mess up your medication.” She walked into the kitchen. “Have you eaten? I’m cooking chicken.”

“
Great. I love chicken.” Spike grinned and took the offered beer.

Joe rolled his eyes. So much for a quiet night in. “Was there something you wanted?”

Samson sat in the armchair opposite him. “Just checking in. Showing some brotherly concern.” He looked over to the kitchen, where Beth was preparing vegetables, chatting animatedly to Spike. “Your old lady?”

“
Yeah.” Joe had no intention of talking about Beth.

“
Spike know her?”

“
They met once, in Bay View. We weren’t together then.” He sighed. “She’s M’s sister.”

“
Shit, Joe. Your life’s just one big soap opera.”

“
Fuck you, asshole. Why you really here, Samson? I’m pretty sure it ain't to discuss my private life.”

“
Salt Lake is being disbanded, for now anyway. Dixon talking about going Nomad. Wanted your opinion.”

Joe nodded. Unlike the other chapters, members didn’t need a unanimous vote to patch in. All they needed was the approval of the president to become a nomad. “Don’t like him.”

“Gonna need a bit more than that, Joe.”

“
Fucker’s an asshole. He blackmailed his prez into giving him the VP position. Got no right to call himself a brother.”

Samson grinned. “That’s what I thought you’d say. Vince put it to the vote at Salt Lake as to whether or not he kept his patch. They saved him, but no chapter will vote him in. Nomad’s his last chance. Or at least it was.” He stood up and put the now empty bottle on the coffee table. “I’m gonna head off. You look done in.” He looked back over to the kitchen. “Spike. C’mon, bro. Let's go.”

“But I wanted a piece of chicken.” Reluctantly he followed the nomad down the stairs, whining as he went.