For Her Honor (4 page)

Step
ping back into the garage area, Taz surveyed the scene. He and Wes only had two cars left and the stupid prospect was up to his dick in splintered wood and debris. Motorcycles coming up the gravel driveway told him the top three guys were back. He should just toss Zippy into their path and let them knock him around. But when it came to his domain, he wanted things in order, though he wasn’t as anal as Ben with his neatness compulsion. The only things Taz liked dirty were club work and his fucks. And right now, the disorder in his work area made him twitch. He approached the three bikes backing into their spots. “Just in time for the good news.”

Vic didn’t have to wonder if he was being sarcastic
, and his look told him so. “What happened?”

“Zippy The Idiot
trashed the office door and most of the jamb.”

Doug’s head fell back as he
let out a groan. The club’s sergeant at arms didn’t know how to filter his reactions, which often came across as whiny. “Holy shit. You fuckin’ kiddin’ me? What the hell was he doin’?”

“
Doesn’t know the difference between ‘forward’ and ‘reverse’ on a forklift. Wes got him cleanin’ up, and he’s gonna pay to fix it.” He scanned their unreadable faces. “How’d it go with Conti?”

“He approved the list,” Aero cut in.
“Now we gotta get the charter up and running.”

“Where?”

“Central Ohio,” Vic said. “Hogs got two other smaller charters besides them. Three of the guys are former one-percenters. They get bored quick when the action’s dull.”

Taz knew exactly how they felt
, as that inactive itch crept up. “Doin’ it soon?”

“Next weekend.
Gonna meet at the Lakeland clubhouse. We’re pulling one each from our other two charters and two from the third, making it seven. Solid start. According to Conti, the northern Ohio ring’s a go August first, so the central chapter should be ready for security and deposit runs by then. Gonna lay it all out end of week.”

Taz headed
towards his own bike, pulling his cut out of the saddlebag and slipping it over his work shirt. “Ben and Tanner are still at the mill. Gonna swing by and see if they can set aside some material. I’ll let ‘em know.”

Less than twenty minutes later, Owens Mill came into view.
One of the largest and most prosperous companies in the state had its home in Tippitt. The Skulls had installed Charles Owens as a friend of the club a long time ago, and his connections and resources came in handy. It was close to four, when things should’ve been wrapping up, but Taz saw it through the heavily gated fencing as soon as he’d pulled his bike into the lot. Bodies circled each other, and shouting was distinct over his sputtering straight pipes. Three guys who weren’t familiar were spewing shit and pointing, while three Owens employees, including Ben and Tanner, kept them at bay. Taz easily spotted Big Ben who, at six-foot-six, stood head and shoulders above just about any other guy he knew. Just as he dismounted, all six men went after each other.

“Fuck
!” Tossing his helmet, Taz ran towards the entrance and through the open gate. His adrenaline usually pumped at the sign of trouble. It got him hard, too, as a long, dry spell, with things moving along swimmingly, had given him little opportunity to sow his freaky oats. Two guys were on Tanner, while Ben had the third guy over his head like a barbell. The other employee, a young, scraggly kid with a cigarette dangling from his mouth, went for something to swing with. Stupid chicken shit. Swooping in, Taz pulled one of the guys off Tanner and tossed him to the ground. Straddling him, Taz went to cock his ringed fist back when Charles came tearing out of the main building.

“Stop!
Right the fuck now!”
Charles’ statement was directed at Tanner, Ben and Taz before he shouted at the young employee. “Drop the two by four, Ty. Now.” The kid did as he was told then stood back.

The three Skulls
dropped the guys they were all over, then held their hands up. “What the fuck, Charles?” Ben asked.

“I don’t need assault charges or lawsuit on my head, that’s what.”
Charles Owens, handsome and dressed in his L.L. Bean finest, went up to the three intruders, addressing one of them. “Get off my property, Mallory.”

This Mall
ory retrieved his cap, pushed back his unkempt hair, then covered it up. He then spat out sand and gravel bits stuck to his mouth and beard. “Or what, Charlie? Gonna sic your thug goons on me?”

That itch Taz had been feeling for a long time intensified.
Oh, to put the hurt on this asshole right now. Ben must’ve sensed it, and placed his big hand on Taz’s shoulder to pull him back. “Charles is right. Don’t.” Still, Taz bounced up and down in his boots.

“You got something to say, Mallory
, you do it the right way. Businessman to businessman. You don’t show up at
my
mill with
your
thugs and bait my employees.”

Mallory
spat on the ground again. “Yeah. Big, fucking businessman, Charlie-boy. Cut me and my guys out without notice.”

“Didn’
t cut shit out, Mal. I’m just testing out another crew. They got more guys and equipment and can churn out more raw wood.”

“Yeah?
And where does that leave us when they supply more than the demand?”

Charles shook his head.
“First come, first serve. We have no contract or non-compete. But if you want to turn this into a competition, then step up your game.”

Mallory went for Charles, only for one of his men to hold him back.
“You pampered little pussy! You sit in your cushy office like a king on a throne and play chess with your suppliers.”

“It’s called
busines
s, Mal. Plain and simple. Getting product the most cost-effective way possible. You raised your prices when you took over your brother-in-law’s business. That cost gets passed onto me.”

“
I had no choice, Charlie. I’m a small guy starting out with a lot of bills to pay. You got no fucking idea……” Mallory took his hat off and flung it, angrily running both hands through his hair. Then his voice got low and urgent. “You got no idea the mess I’m in.”

Charles shook his head.
“Then get it together, crunch your numbers and push your guys.”

Mallory’s fists clenched, but
he kept his cool as he retrieved his hat. He then scanned the men, his eyes falling last on Taz, before putting his hat on. He then stomped his boots on the cement walk to shake off dried mud as a sort of final ‘fuck-you’. Silence seemed to be the best last word, as he gave one parting glance to Charles before gathering his men to leave.

“What…….the fuck?” Taz asked.

Charles joined them; his arms, covered in a cotton oxford, crossed his chest. “James Mallory. Took over Pearson Logging from his brother-in-law and raised his costs. I’m just shopping new crews. It’s just business, fellas.” He gave all three men a look. “You understand what that’s like.”

Did they ever.
Taz had learned exactly how having the main source of your bread and butter toyed with when the Santagio family wanted to cut the Skulls out of their long term arrangement to run their narcotics out of state. But whereas Charles was on the up and up, the Santagios had been playing the Skulls – and wound up losing in the long run. Now better business, and with a more powerful family in play, took center stage. James Mallory would eventually find his.

Tanner nodded to Taz.
“What’re you doin’ here, bro?”

Taz almost forgot the reason he came here.
“Need to get some material. Shop repair. Forklift plus Zippy equaled a busted door and frame. Gonna come out of his pocket. Need to fashion a new door and wood for trim.”

“I’ll see what we got hangin’ around.”
Tanner motioned to Ty. “Gimme a hand.” Ty spit his cigarette out, which landed dangerously close to a pile of sawdust. Tanner freaked. “You fuckin’ stupid, kid?” Tanner’s boot smashed down on the cigarette before he pulled him by the shirt. “C’mon.”

Taz was left alone w
ith Ben. “Guys came back from meeting with the
consigliere
.” Taz got a kick out of saying that word. “List is a go. Gonna set up a meet to do the charter formation and patch-in.”

“Sounds good.
Ben stared at the ground and kicked at the imprint of caked mud left behind by Mallory’s boot treads. “You look a bit wound up there.”

No shit.
He was tight as a string, considering his little afternoon lunch at the pussy buffet. “Need some action, man.”

“I can tell.
But feeding your fists to those guys would’ve been bad. Not with our impressive resumes.”

Taz knew about Ben’s past and jail time.
Hell, they’d all done stretches, ranging from misdemeanors to assault and weapons charges. Taz had paid his dues after he turned thirty, when a little information extracting went awry. He’d left a guy with little to no ear cartilage. Turned out the guy’s cousin was a cop, who’d wound up trapping Taz on the road with an unregistered weapon and the registration expired on his bike, which was his own stupid fuck-up. Now, targets were picked wisely, usually with Big Ben in tow to handle any final clean up. But a dry spell was trying his patience. “I know. Just……shit, Ben, if I don’t get my hands dirty soon I’m gonna climb the walls.”

The big Skull smiled
, no doubt understanding Taz’s dilemma. “Got a proposition for you.”

Taz twirled the poi
nt of his beard. “I’m listenin’.

“I’m off Wednesday.
Need to take some small trees down in the back yard. Wanna come over and give me a hand?”

It was intriguing enough for Taz’s black eyes to light up.
“Do I get to use an ax?”

Ben grinned.
“Better. Got a brand new chainsaw.”

“I love you.”

Chapter Four

The following two days, Karen concentrated on getting her ducks in a row. She had heard from Jane Marsh, who’d spoken with her former supervisor. Everything was a go for Karen to start at the bank next Monday. With a paycheck in the works, she felt settled enough to move onto the next task at hand – getting out of this motel room.

She spent most of Tuesday organizing her stuff.
After washing her clothes at the local laundromat, she used the iron and board provided in the motel room to press everything nice and crisp before hanging them up. She then allowed herself two hundred dollars from her savings to do a bit of shopping for any incidentals she’d need, then grabbed something for dinner on the way back.

Later that night, she changed into her workout clothes
, then spread her Pilates mat on the floor of the motel room. She switched the satellite television to a calming music channel before lying down. Arms overhead, she stretched, elongating her body from tip to toe, feeling the anxiety of the last several days leave her. Even though she willed herself not to think about anything while in this state, she couldn’t help it. Her mind went to her conversation Monday evening with first her father, then her mother. The former had gone well, as Ed Hanson’s concern was only for his daughter’s welfare and safety. She assured him she was okay, had landed a job and was going apartment hunting as soon as she had a few paychecks under her belt for good measure.

The latter conversation, of course,
had gone a bit differently.

“A ‘Super 8’, Karen,”
Betsy had scoffed. “
Really?”

“There aren’t
any Hiltons around here. Oh, and by the way – I’m fine.”

“So you got a job?”

“At a bank, in Tippitt.”

“Where?”

“North of where I’m staying. First place that offered.”

“Doing what?”

Karen really hated talking to her mother.
“Teller.”

There was silence followed by a disappoint
ed sigh
. “My God, Karen. You have a business degree and you’re going to cash checks and take rolled coins for a living?”

This conversation was over.
“I have to go. Say hit to Shelia and Sam. I’ll check in over the weekend.”

She couldn’t hang up fast enough.

Wednesday morning, she lay in bed listening to the news and the maids beginning their routine room cleaning outside. They helped drown out her thoughts, but were not loud enough to erase the shame she felt for something she hadn’t done. Even Preston was a distant memory while he spent the next several years in an Ohio prison. She may not have embezzled one dime, but her relationship and engagement to someone who had was scandal enough for those within the tight circle her parents and sister traveled in.

It was almost ten
, and Karen saw no reason to move. The
Do Not Disturb
sign was on the door, so she could have lain here as long as she wanted, even though she should have gotten her ass up and done something. It was probably going to be another scorcher, so she soaked up as much of the room A/C she was paying for. There was a coffeemaker and a mini fridge in the room, so she decided to get up and make a pot. Once it brewed, she fixed herself a cup, then got back in bed and searched for the remote. No sooner had she settled than her cell phone rang. It was a blocked number. Suspicious, Karen answered. “Hello?”

“Karen?”

“Yes?”

“Hi, it’s Eva Lawson.
We met in Clarks. I own the card shop in town.”

Karen sat up and put her coffee on the night table.
“Yes. Hi, Eva. What’s up?”

“Do you have time to swing by today so we can talk more?”

Okay, so Karen wouldn’t have to keep her ass in bed all day. “Absolutely. What time?”

“Ho
w about one? I’m not at the store today, so it’ll be at my home office. I’ll give you the address.”

Karen scrambled for her purse to yank out her day planner.
Flipping to a page, she slid the pencil out and wrote down the address. “Got it. Thanks.”

“
I’ll see you then.”

~~~***~~~

It was the most charming house Karen had ever seen.

The pretty, little Victorian came into view as she pulled onto the street and counted the house numbers.
Eva’s was on her mailbox, which was almost an exact replica of the house. Parking her Focus on the street, she got out and looked around the neighborhood. It was pretty empty since it was midday, when most people were at work, nor were there any children enjoying the last bit of summer. The surroundings were peaceful and serene, the July heat washing a thin haze over the clear, sunny sky. It was a far cry from city living, where everything was constant movement and noise. The only sounds were that of birds and passing cars.

And a chainsaw.

The revving seemed to be coming from the direction of Eva’s back yard.
Karen approached the front walkway, noticing a maroon Jeep in the driveway and a motorcycle parked adjacent to it. She immediately thought of that mysterious biker, but remembered that Eva’s husband was one himself. She knocked instead of ringing the doorbell, and it was answered immediately. “Karen, hi. Come on in.”

Eva Lawson had to be the lov
eliest pregnant woman on the planet. Unlike those reality show housewives who caked on the makeup, false eyelashes, sky high heels and a spandex mini to show off their baby bump, Eva looked as if the last thing she did was fuss. Her blue eyes negated the need for any other makeup while her dark hair was piled loosely on top of her head. She wore a pair of silver hoop earrings, a pale peach strapless maxi dress and tan flip-flops. A silver charm bracelet hung from her wrist. She looked effortlessly put together, yet fresh and stylish for working at home. “Thanks. Your house is so charming.”

Ev
a smiled, a hand casually rubbing her baby bump. “I’ll give you a quick tour before you leave. You, um….want something to drink? I have water, iced tea…..”

“Iced tea is
fine.”

Eva walked away while Karen looked aro
und. Old houses had lots of character and were reflective of the people who live in them. She wondered about this Eva and her ‘big biker’ – and hoped the woman would see Karen’s own character and not the person internally struggling with the recent uprising in her life.

“Here you go.”
Eva walked back in and handed Karen a glass. “My office is upstairs. Follow me.”

Karen did,
taking a much needed sip of her cool drink. There was a room facing the top of the stairs that was clearly an office. It was quite a nice setup, with a desk/work station cornering two walls, filing cabinet, computer, printer and shelving containing what looked like store samples, catalogs and store supplies. On the table end of the desk were two frames – both containing Eva, but with different men. One was older, possibly her dad. The other was stupidly handsome, rugged looking and……the size of Mt. Rushmore. He had Eva in a romantic, yet provocative clinch. Most likely her husband - the ‘big biker’. Holy shit, big indeed.

“S
it.” Karen, still looking around as the noise outside grew. “Sorry about that. My husband and a friend are playing with a new toy. They’re taking down some small trees in the back yard to get more sun.” Eva pulled her chair in and pointedly looked at Karen. “So, tell me about yourself, Karen.”

Karen kept it general
- born and raised in Cincinnati, business degree from Case Western Reserve Business College, then went into her work history which was pretty simple. “Right out of school I landed a job at Huntington National Bank. I started entry level, even with a degree. Was a teller until I was 26, then got promoted to loan manager four years ago.”

Eva looked semi-satisfied.
“And how did you wind up here, if you don’t mind me asking?”

Of course Karen minded, but she had no choice.
Someone uprooting from a big city with a management position to an unknown little town without a job to her name warranted some kind of explanation. “Change. That’s the only way I can put it. I needed a change and…..to start over.”

Eva still didn’t look convinced.
“I’m going to come right out and ask, Karen. Is there anything you’re not telling me that I should know?”

“
No.” She barely hesitated before realizing she needed to offer more than a one word answer. “Listen, I went through a personal matter back home. It had nothing to do with me, but it affected me.” Karen spun her glass of iced tea around. “I never took chances or experienced anything outside of the life I grew up in. I made a choice I didn’t realize was bad, and I’m just trying to put some separation between me and it.” She then sat up straight and looked dead serious. “I give you my word that whatever happened is done and I’m not carrying it with me, nor will I to any job I have.”

“Okay,” Eva replied, after letting it sink in.
“I understand. And I appreciate your honesty. I do need someone at the store a couple of days, but now I have to be honest, Karen. You’re way over-qualified. It doesn’t require a degree. When Cyndi took off, I moved my manager’s daughter, Jen, up so you’ll be basically entry level again. Stock work, organizing, register – at minimum wage. Nothing glamorous.”

“I’m not looking for glamorous, Eva.
I’m looking for work – plain and simple. If you need someone, I’m available on the days the bank doesn’t need me. I’ll leave it up to you whether you want me or not.

Again, Eva looked thoughtful.
“Where are you staying?”

“Right now, at
a Super 8 in Wheeling. I just arrived Friday and spent all day Monday job hunting from there on up. I wound up in Tippitt on a recommendation and got offered a teller position before running into you.” Karen smiled then shrugged. “I think there’s something in the water in these little towns.”

Eva raised her brows.
“Oh, there’s something in here, alright.” Karen wasn’t sure if Eva was being humorous or serious. “I can start you Tuesdays and Thursdays. One p.m. until closing, which is six. July’s almost over and August and September are pretty slow, so it’s a good time to show you the ropes, get to know the stock, seasonal items, etc. You’ll either be under my manager, Marie’s, supervision or Jen’s. I’m there four mornings, then leave around one or so to work from home. That’s all I can offer for now, until Halloween kicks in.”

“I’ll take it.”
Karen didn’t have to think. She’d secured herself three full days at the bank and an additional ten hours a week at the card shop. She’d calculate what her gross would be based upon what the bank offered and current minimum wage, then figure out deductions so she’d know what to expect for take-home. It was a start. Which was all she needed right now.

Eva cocked her head.
“Honest question?”

“Go ahead?”
Karen braced herself.

“With your creden
tials, if you decide to go rabbiting off on me like Cyndi did for something better, you’ll give me proper notice?”

Karen let
out the breath she was holding, glad it wasn’t a question about her past. “You have my word.”

“That’s all I need to know.
Well,” Eva stood up, “how about next Tuesday? It’ll give me time to talk to Marie, rework the schedule and come up with a plan.”

K
aren stood, too. “Perfect. Eva, thank you so much.”

“Come on.
I promised you a tour,” They left the room and Eva pointed towards the right. “Our bedroom’s down there, other end is a bathroom, linen closet and another small room. But, my favorite,” Eva grinned and crooked her finger as Karen followed her to a set of three steps, which led to another door. When Eva pushed it open, Karen’s heart jumped. It was the turret, which was slowly being morphed into a nursery for the inhabitant of Eva’s little belly bump. Still unfurnished, it was painted a pale toast color topped with a yellow, green and white border. Built in shelves were starting to be filled with ‘baby stuff.’ “Ben did everything – the paint, the border and finished the floors. Now we just have to pick out furniture.”

‘Ben’ was obviously the ‘big biker’ husband
in that photo. “It’s lovely, Eva.”

“Thanks.
Let’s head down.”

The two women descended the stairs and Karen followed Eva through the living room.
“Mini tour. This is the dining room. It had an ugly ass mural on the wall when I first bought it. And,” they crossed through a threshold, “kitchen. Painted the cabinets, got new counters and my husband did the hardwood floors and butcher block counter. Replaced the harvest gold fridge, but still have to do the stove. Sliders lead to the backyard where all the noise is coming from. Can I get you some more iced tea?”

Karen held her empty glass
before putting it on the counter. “Oh, no thank you. I should get going.”

“Okay.
Oh, hey. You mentioned you wound up in Tippitt ‘on a recommendation.’ Who was it?”

Before Karen could answer the slider open and she almost fell backwards.
The man in the photo with Eva walked in and practically swallowed up what space was left in the kitchen. This had to be Ben, the man who was lovingly preparing a room for their child. But right now, he looked prepared to give Karen a heart attack as he stood there. He was shirtless, sweaty and mountainously huge, with a depiction of barbed wire tattooed around his collarbone. His head was shaved on both sides above his ears while the remainder of his dark blonde hair was pulled back in a ponytail. “Hello,” he cautiously said.