Deceived (7 page)

Chapter Fifteen

After another round of lovemaking, Lexi stared at the ceiling. She listened to Eli’s slow breathing as he slept. He hadn’t slept well the last few nights and she was glad he was able to drift off tonight. Lexi however, was restless. Not just because of what happened to Rose, that was part of it. But also her meeting with Carl Richards tomorrow. She had neglected her work the last week and was running behind in her reports. She knew Richards would hold that against her. That she didn’t care about. What did worry her was his taste for revenge. She saw how he had treated others when she worked with him and she didn’t want to be in the way of his wrath. But when he started rubbing up against her breasts and slapping her on the bottom, she’d had enough and asked for the transfer. Evidently, Carl Richards wanted to let her know that she was still within his grasp.

****

Alice was startled awake that morning by an ear-splitting scream. Rose had awakened, slipped out of the cot, and taken off her bandages to look at her wounds. She stood in front of the circle mirror that hung within the office. Alice jumped from the cot and grabbed Rose’s arms from behind.

“Rose honey, you weren’t supposed to take off those bandages yet. I need to clean your wounds.”

Rose started to cry. “Look what they did to me. Oh my God, I look like a freak!”

“Calm down Rose. This isn’t doing you any good getting upset like this. It will look better after its had time to heal.”

“I don’t believe you,” Rose sobbed.

Alice guided her back to the cot to sit down. Rose put up little resistance. She was still a bit groggy from the pill and painkiller, but coherent enough to know she had suffered a devastating injury.

“Why would they do that to me?”

“It’s a payback of sort’s hon. I don’t know why the Hounds picked you---it could have been any of us I think. But you happened to be the one there when they needed someone to nab. Let me clean your face and we’ll bandage it back up. It will heal better if you don’t get it infected.”

Rose sat looking down at her lap. She couldn’t understand how this happened. The night was all planned out and she was looking forward to it for once. Dog seemed interested and finally things were going to fall in place for her. But again, the rug was pulled out from under her. It would never work out for her she decided. Ever since she was born, the universe had worked against her. She turned and lied down on the cot and let Alice clean her face and bandage it. I just want to sleep she said when Alice was done.

“Okay baby,” Alice said and left the room.

Rose turned on her side and looked at the wall. Unfortunately, sleep wouldn’t come.

****

Lexi sat down at her kitchen table with a mug of strong coffee. Eli remained sleeping and she didn’t want to wake him until she had to. She was nervous about today, seeing Carl Richards again. But she was different from the last time they crossed paths. She felt stronger; in fact, she had felt that way ever since she left the corporate office. She wondered how she would react when seeing him again however. Would the old Lexi return, or would the new and improved one stand her ground?

Her thoughts were interrupted when she saw Eli, naked, standing in the doorway. His magnificent physique made her heart flutter.

“You were deep in thought,” he said groggily.

“Oh just going over what I need to accomplish today,” Lexi said with a smile. “Join me in the shower?”

“Now that’s an offer worth waking up to,” Eli replied as he chased her to the bathroom.

****

Rose sat in the chair in the office where she’d spent the night. Alice wanted her to come home with her and Blaze, but she declined, preferring to stay close to the club. She didn’t want Alice mothering or suffocating her right now. She had a lot on her mind and she just needed time to think.

The door opened and Dog Breath walked in with a tray. It contained a steaming mug of coffee and some pastries from the bakery downtown. Dog knew Rose had a sweet tooth and she needed to eat something. He sat the tray down on the desk in front of her.

“Hey babe, how you doing,” he asked.

“Okay,” Rose answered while touching one bandaged cheek.

“Are you still in pain?”

“No too bad---just when I smile.”

That brought a chuckle from Dog, as he knew Rose wasn’t the smiling type. His snigger did bring a smile to Rose’s face and she let out an “Ouch.”

“See I told you so,” she said.

Dog smiled at her and then sat down in a chair facing her.

“Try to eat something. I brought your favorite pastries, an éclair and crème horns.”

“Thanks, I’m just not hungry. I will drink the coffee though,” she said while taking a sip.

“Did you know I got patched into the club?” He felt funny about giving good news about himself when she was dealing with such a treacherous blow, but he wanted to get her mind off it, if possible.

“That’s awesome Dog. I’m happy for you.” Rose said, trying to bring back that smile, but try as she might, tears glistened in her eyes. She remembered the evening that seemed so long ago, when she planned on having a great night with Dog and envisioning him being patched in and she becoming his old lady. It all seemed like a dream now.

Dog reached over and grabbed her hand. “Rose, you don’t have to worry about anything, okay. The club will take care of you I promise.”

“That’s what Eli said too.”

“See it’s true then. Eli never goes back on his word.”

“Can he give me back my face? Can the club take away these scars? I don’t think so.” Rose said bitterly. “That’s all I had going for me was my beauty, and now it’s gone too.”

“Rose, you have so much more going for you. Don’t let this consume you.”

“Get out Dog!” Rose exclaimed. “I don’t need any lecturing about what I need to do or not do. Just leave me be!”

“Okay. Alright, I’m going.” Dog said as he walked out of the office.

Tears flowed from Rose’s eyes.
How will I ever walk out in public again
she thought.

And the more she thought about it, the angrier she became.

****

Making love in the shower took Lexi’s mind off what the day would bring. She was thankful for that and how empowered and sexy Eli made her feel. Eli had left right after, wanting to check on Rose and then picking up items from a new supplier. Lexi didn’t ask questions. That was still part of the club life she turned a blind eye too.
Not too much all at once,
she thought.

She arrived at The Copper Door early, wanting to get at least some of her workload done before Carl Richards arrived. So she was startled when she walked through her office door and found him sitting at her desk.

He was just as she remembered. Overweight, balding, with a smirk etched across his face. His bland brown suit and tie matched his demeanor.

“Well, there you are Lexi. I’ve been going over your reports.”

“Nice to see you too Carl.” Lexi quickly gained her composure despite being startled at his appearance.

Carl chuckled. “Sounds like you gained some moxie since you left corporate headquarters.”

“Oh, I’ve gained more than that,” Lexi said with no amusement in her voice or eyes. “I know I need to catch up on my reports. There were circumstances that kept me from the office the last few days, but I should have no trouble getting caught up today.”

“And what circumstances kept you away?”

“It’s personal Carl.”

“Well, alright then,” he said while standing up. “If I help then we can get the reports finished even sooner.” He walked around the desk towards Lexi. Even his cheap cologne repulsed her.

“I can work faster on my own, but thanks for the offer.” Lexi quickly walked the other way around her desk to avoid him.

“Have it your way Lexi, but I want to see those reports soon. I’ll check out the restaurant and make some calls, and then I’ll be back,” he said as he strolled out the door.

After he was gone, Lexi waved her hand in front of her face to dispel the hideous odor he left behind.
Okay
, she thought,
the faster I get these reports done the faster he’ll get out of my life.
Only Carl Richards had other plans.

Chapter Sixteen

Eli arrived at Chancey’s Tavern and walked towards the back to the warehouse office to see Rose. He met Dog on his way back to the Tavern.

“I was heading in to check on Rose. How is she?”

“I wouldn’t bother her right now Eli. I brought her some coffee and snacks and she’s not in the mood to talk.”

“Can’t blame her,” Eli said. “I’ll give her some time then. Blaze, Journey, Laser and I are heading out to pick up some supplies for the warehouse. Think you can hold down the fort here? I promise I’ll hire a new bartender soon. No member should have to work the bar.”

“No problem Eli. I’ve got it covered,” Dog said.

Rose listened at the door as the two men walked out of the warehouse.
Good
, she thought,
now I don’t have to worry about being interrupted during my hunt
.

Rose knew there were items in particular that she was looking for in some of the wood boxes in the warehouse. Of course, nothing was labeled. You don’t label stolen shit. She heard they kept a diagram of where items were located, but she’d have to search on her own for what she needed. She walked to the back of the warehouse where a pallet full of boxes sat covered with a tarp. She figured it was as good a place as any to start. She pulled the tarp away and noticed one of the boards on the wood boxes had been pried loose. Likely to see what was in the box before taking it. She moved the loose board and peered into the box.
Bingo
she thought. 

****

Eli, Blaze, and Journey took off on their bikes with Laser driving the box truck behind them. They were heading out to meet a new supplier of stolen goods. Usually Eli liked to have a large group with him when meeting a new supplier, but the guys came highly recommended from another charter. Besides, the group needed a breather after the last week.

His thoughts led back to Lexi. She seemed quiet this morning, not her usual sassy self. Eli was worried that everything that had occurred might be scaring her off, especially the carving on Rose’s face. If someone had done that to Lexi, he would have killed him or her. Eli knew his world was in stark contrast to what Lexi was use to. He wanted her to feel comfortable with his life, but unfortunately, a multitude of brutal acts had taken place right out of the gate since they met. Eli knew Lexi was meant for him; he just hoped she felt the same way.

****

Lexi was deep in thought, working on catching up on her spreadsheets and reports when Carl sidled into the room.

“How’s it going,” he asked.

“Oh--you startled me,” Lexi said as she looked from her computer screen to Carl.

“Did you forget I was here?”

“No.”
I wish I could
she thought. “I’m just concentrating, trying to catch up,” she said looking back at the monitor.

Carl walked over and stood behind her, then bent over to look at the screen. This was so coming back to her now, his subtle moves. He liked to look down women’s dresses or shirts as he pretended to look at the computer screen.

“I really can’t work with you peering over my shoulder.” Lexi couldn’t believe she said that. The more demure Lexi would never in a million years opened her mouth, but she was no longer that person.

“What did you say?” Carl retorted.

Lexi pushed back her office chair and looked at Carl. “I said I can’t work with you looking over my shoulder. Do you want me to finish these reports or not?”

“I don’t think I like your tone Lexi.”

“I’m sorry Carl. It’s been a crappy few days and all I ask for is some quiet time to get things caught up.”

“Fine. I’m leaving for lunch. When I get back this afternoon I’ll expect all the reports to be finished and ready for review.” And with that, he walked out the door.

Finally
Lexi thought.
Maybe this won’t be as bad as I imagined
. She had no way of knowing how bad it could get.