Moving On (Dominant Devils Mc Book 1) Page 4

  He then gave me a quick run-down on the mornings events before he spit out the cell number he was calling from. He reassured me that he would touch base with me if he didn't hear back within the hour. I held the message paper in my hand with the number on it and moved to the commander’s office door. I banged on the door harder than I ever had before hoping that it would give a clue that this was an urgent matter and excuse my disruption of his meeting with his son.

  "Come in! This better be important Sargent Young," he boomed as I made my way to the door.

  "Yes, sir. I do apologize for the interruption but I know you would want the news as soon as possible," I said straining to keep the tears at bay. I mean come on I was a fucking marine. Crying was not an option, especially before the commander.

  The commander's eyes went to his son signaling him to step out of the office when I spoke, "Excuse me, sir, if I seem out of line but I'm sure Aiden will want to know this as well".

  Both men turned to look at me in utter confusion. "Okay well let's have it Young. I don't have all day," the commander sprouted.

  "I just received a phone call from someone in Great Falls. He was calling on behalf of a family member". This got their attention. I could tell by the look in their eyes that they both knew what family it had to deal with. The commander began to smile and it was then I realized he thought I was delivering news about the birth of Brookes' baby, the baby he and his wife promised to be the fill in grand-parents for in place of Brookes’ deceased parents. I hurriedly spit out the rest.

  "There was an accident this morning sir. Brookes and his wife were involved in a head-on collision. Carrin and the baby are doing fine. They took the baby by C-section when she arrived at the hospital". I stopped for a moment to catch my breath, for these were probably going to be some of the hardest words to get out. "Brookes injuries were severe from what I gathered. Right now the doctors are keeping him alive by the aid of machines. The doctor thought he was doing the right thing, being that Carrin was unconscious, giving her the chance to tell him good-bye. Jacoby, Carrin's brother, told me that Brookes' time is limited and anyone who would like to see him would need to get there fast. Being roughly a three-hour drive without traffic I wanted to let you know as soon as possible and to inform you that I'll be headed out as soon as I finish explaining the situation. I also ask that you understand my need to take some leave given these events".

  The commander picked up his phone and called who I assume was his wife. Within minutes, he had quickly explained what was going on and told her to get them packed in a hurry as he would be home in thirty minutes flat. From there they would be headed to Great Falls to see a man they both thought of as a son. He looked at his son to say, "I know you and Brookes were very close. I expect you to handle any affairs pressing at this very moment and get your ass to Great Falls. I know how you drive so I'll expect you there before me son".

  As Aiden made his way out the door the commander then spoke to me. "Athena I know that you and Brookes were close and you think of him as a family. I will approve whatever leave you need. If there's anything I can do for Brookes' family prior to arriving let me know. I'll see you in Great Falls this evening. Now get your ass out of here and get moving".

  "Yes sir," I said as I was already walking out the door going straight to my desk grabbing my belongings and flying out of the building. Once in my truck, I used my Bluetooth to make the phone call to Jacoby, or as he referred to himself, Wall, as I pulled off the base onto the highway.

  "Jacoby, the commander and myself will be there by eight o'clock this evening if all goes well. We're already on the move".

  "Okay, I'll let the rest of them know. If anything happens and if you guys can't make it down be sure to call. I'll have this number for the rest of the day".

  Not sure what "have this number for the rest of the day" meant but I wasn't about to strike up that conversation. I just told him okay and goodbye then hung up abruptly. I needed to call in reinforcements if I was going to make it through this. With tears flowing freely now, I made the call to my brother. Hopefully, Hart wouldn't have an issue with dropping everything and, at the least, taking the drive with me to Great Falls.

  Hart

  They say everything happens for a reason. I guess there's truth to that, given the way my day was going. It started with the asshole of a shop foreman we had a work. He started riding my ass as soon as I walked into the shop this morning. He's had it out for me over the last few months and I haven’t been able to put my finger on why that is. He’s never agreed with my tattoo’s, which stay “covered at work”, or the fact that I ride a motorcycle. Fuck his uptight ass.

  Today was like any other day. I tried to ignore the little prick the best I could. It always amazed me how someone got to be promoted to foreman when they had no mechanical sense at all. He made himself look good by taking credit for everything the rest of us did. As long as the shop was cranking out the work and the numbers stayed out of the red we never saw the owner or the general manager of the dealership.

  Being a parts manager at a very large Ford dealership can be downright frustrating and stressful at times. It was days like today I wished I had just jumped at Hyde's offer. After meeting Hyde at the ASE testing forum two years ago we stayed in touch. The woman was ballsy and knew her shit. I remember sitting in shock when the pretty blonde walked into the meeting room surrounded by a bunch of disbelieving men. We were all called to ASE headquarters to help develop the new test for the heavy duty parts certification. Needless to say that well put together woman left her mark. By the last day not only had she proven herself but she had every one of those men eating out of the palm of her hand. And for the first time since Athena came into my life I had a purely platonic relationship with a woman. We kept in touch over the last two years however I needed to give her a call. It had been almost a month since I had heard from her when she called to see if I would be interested in a position opening up at her family’s parts store. Hyde thought I’d be a good fit. The store has had issues keeping help. Apparently her family and the club she calls family, working so closely have made other employees tuck their tails and run. I was the opposite though. I’d kill to be around more people like myself, not these uptight boring assholes I’m stuck dealing with every day. Maybe it was time to start thinking about her offer. Athena would finally be out of the military soon and we plan on moving somewhere to put down roots. Roots neither of us had growing up and Hyde’s offer might be something that could work for my sister and me.

  She knew that I would never be too far away from the woman I considered my sister but I agreed to think it over and let her know. I had been so caught up in work I had completely forgotten. I made a mental note to talk it over with Athena after work and touch base with Hyde later this evening. I had to get the fuck out of this place or I would not be held accountable for what would happen to that sad excuse of a shop foreman we had.

  Just as I was making my mental note, my cell phone began to ring. Looking down seeing the picture of the other blonde in my life light up the screen. I quickly grabbed my phone and made my way out back to take her call. Part of me was worrying why she would be calling me at three forty-five in the afternoon. The marine in her stuck by the books and personal phone calls while on uncle Sam's dime were frowned upon.

  "I was just thinking of you sis. To what do I owe the pleasure of this call," I asked before putting a cigarette to my lips and lighting up?

  Other than the sound of her taking a few deep breathes, there was complete silence. I could tell she had me on Bluetooth, which meant she was driving. This was already starting to get me unnerved. Even if she was butt dialing me I could tell by her breathing something was not right with her.

  "Athena, if you're there answer me, girl," I yelled into my phone hoping to get her attention.

  "I'm here Hart. I'm sorry I was trying to get myself together before having to ask you a favor."

  "It's alright sis. You can ask me anything. You kno
w that. So why don't ya just lay it out for me? Your starting to make me worried dammit".

  I sat silently listening to Athena explain the events of the day to me. My heart broke for her just as much as it did for Brookes and his family. At first, when I was introduced to Brookes I was a dick. I thought he had alternative motives for helping my sister through one of the toughest times in her life. If I'm honest with myself, it was a little bit of jealousy. Not boy girl jealousy, I just didn't like being on the fence when it came to getting her through boot camp. I eventually manned up and went as far as apologizing to Brookes for being such a douche. After that, we remained friends in passing. I knew that Athena stayed in touch with Brookes and his family. I'm also aware that she hadn't been to visit him since he retired from the military and settled down in some little town a few hours from here. It was her longing to have what he had that kept her at bay. Athena had longed for years to have a husband and a couple of kids. Even though she would never breathe the words, I knew it for a fact.

  "So is there any way you would be able to get the time off to go with me? I can't do this alone Hart," my sister pleaded with me.

  "How long do I have before you get here? I'm gonna have to let my superiors know that I'll be taking some of that vacation time I have socked away," I said sarcastically hoping to lighten the mood.

  "Thank you so so much Hart. I don't know what I have done in this life to deserve you. I'm jumping off of 95 now, so I should be there in less than ten," she said into her Bluetooth.

  "I'll be ready; I'll grab the ramps in the shop so I can just load my bike up in the back of the truck. That's my only condition, my bike comes with me whether we load it in your truck or I follow behind".

  "Gotcha, I’ll pull up in front of your bike so we can get the fucker loaded quickly. Then we can both swing by the house to pack a bag. I've got to be in Great Falls no later than eight o'clock tonight.”

  "Did you just say, Great Falls"?

  "Well yeah, does it mean something to you? If it holds memories of the past, then I can try to get through this on my own," she quickly said, no doubt worried of the possibility it would hold memories of my messed up childhood.

  "No darling no past there but maybe an opportunity. I'll explain on the way there. I'll see you in a bit little warrior."

  "See you soon Zeus. Good-bye," she said as she disconnected. Putting away the cigarette butt I turned to open the door squaring my shoulders and moved like I was headed into war. War is probably what will happen when I head to the tower to let them know I would be gone for a few weeks and if they didn't like it they could kiss my white ass.

  After speaking to the manager, he begrudgingly agreed to my request. I made my way outside with the ramp just as I caught sight of Athena's Chevy backing up in front of my bike. Time to get this show on the road and support my sister.

  Chapter 6

  Wall

  To say the day was wearing on my damn nerves was the understatement of the year. I needed a bottle of Jack and one of the club bunnies riding on my dick. Then maybe I might be able to breathe without having to be so close to Madison. I shook my head at the thought. Normal people would think that I was an asshole to even think that way. Thank the gods I'm not surrounded by normal people. I know for a fact as I look at the sea of faces around the room, that I wasn't the only one feeling that way. I knew that before this night was through most of the brothers would be dealing with it in a similar fashion.

  I stood nodding to Tank and Throttle letting them know I was headed outside for a smoke. It was to no surprise when both of them followed me out the door. We stood in silence while each of us lit up. Tank, was the first one to speak.

  "It's getting close to eight. Do you think his military buddies are coming"?

  "The girl, Athena, said they would be here no later than eight. Don't know them personally but I'm sure they’re similar to us in a way. I'm sure it's like an underlying oath for them as they give someone their word," I said as my eyes watched a newer K2500 Chevy with what looked to be a late model Harley FXR loaded in the back pull through the parking lot.

  I watched as a tall muscular blonde woman climbed out of the driver’s side with a well-built man on her footsteps. As they approached I nodded my head in acknowledgment as I spoke. "You Athena?"

  "The one and only. This is Hart Redding or as I call him Zeus. You must be Wall I presume," the foxy little blonde asked?

  "That be me. This here is Throttle and Tank. Is the commander on his way too? I assumed you would be traveling together".

  "I spoke with his wife when we stopped for fuel about an hour ago. They’re only about ten minutes behind us. His son should be here by now, though," she said just as the loud sound of pipes, that only a set of ground pounders could produce, caught our attention. We all turned towards the sound to see the blacked out Dyna glide cruise into an open spot. When the man got off and hung his helmet over the apes, I noticed a nice limp in his step as he made his way towards us.

  Before I could even ask Athena explained just who the stranger was.

  "Wall this is Aiden Quin or as we like to call him Hawk. He is Commander Quin's son although he doesn't like that to be known by many," she said with a slight grin. The look she was giving him led me to believe there was history between the two of them. Being the asshole I am, I normally would have made a joke about it but today wasn’t the day. Instead I figured a change in subject was needed.

  I stuck my hand out to shake Hawk's hand as I asked, "Hawk huh? How'd ya end up with a name like that and don't tell me it's family ancestry". I knew by looking at this man and hearing his last name that there was definitely some native American blood there.

  "Nah man they call me Hawk because of what used to be my profession before the Army decided that I was a little too broken to fly and gave me an honorable discharge". Well damn, what the fuck am I supposed to say to that. I guess I should of just made a crack about him and the blonde. Too late now. This is why I just go with being the asshole that everyone knows me to be. Even when I try not to I still end up being a fucking asshole.

  I noticed the limp as he walked over but didn't read too much into it. I see no reason why this man shouldn't be able to fly. As if the mother fucker could read my mind he lifted the pant leg on his right leg showing a titanium rod where human flesh should be.

  "I'm not showing you this for any type of pity or sympathy. I'm showing you this to prove a point. I was shot down while flying a group of marines to a drop off point in enemy territory four years ago. It was with the help of Sargent Manning and Sargent Young that I was able to rehab my body and mind. Brookes had a huge influence on me striving to overcome this fucking thing. He was determined to prove to me that I didn't have a disability regardless of what the army told me. As you can see I'm walking, talking and even riding my preferred way of transportation, next to flying that is. I'm living proof that you can come back from your lowest place in life and move forward," he said. I got the feeling he’s said that very same speech many times before.

  I sat in silence as Throttle spoke up. "I take it you were at the controls of the beast, the black hawk helicopter right"?

  Hawk had a grin spread wide across his face. "You know your birds man. Yeah, that's how I got my name. They gave it to me in flight school and it sorta stuck. Enough about me, though. I think we should go and say our peace to the man to whom I owe my life".

  Without words, the six of us began making our way in the hospital. The screeching of tires made me stop in my tracks. I laid eyes on a black suburban trying to frantically find a place to park. I nodded to the rest of the crew to proceed to the hospital. I had a feeling this was someone I needed to greet.

  I lit up another cigarette while I patiently waited for the occupants of the suburban to emerge. When the doors opened, I saw an older native American man dressed in a tee shirt and jeans step out of the vehicle with such a commanding presence I had to stand still and wait for the man to address me. He and the woman, I presu
med to be his wife, approached me as I stood completely silent.

  The man looked down at my cut then back at my eyes before he spoke. "From the little bit Brookes has spoken of your club to me I assume you were appointed as the welcoming committee for my wife and me". He stuck out his hand, "Commander Martin Quin and this is my wife Rosales Quin".

  "Nice to meet your sir, mam. I wish it was under different circumstances. If you’d follow me, I’ll take you to Brookes' room".

  Madison

  When the three strangers made their way into the room the rest of us took that as a cue to leave for a few minutes, giving them some time by themselves. As always I was the last one to leave but I had Octavia in my hands and I knew Carrin specifically requested she stay in the room at all times with Brookes for the day. The problem was I knew neither of these people. I assume the girl was Athena, the one Wall spoke to earlier. She was the one I decided to address.

  "I hate to do this but Carrin wanted Octavia in this room at all times with Brookes today. I would like to step out and give you all a few minutes alone with him but to be honest, I don't know you. I made a promise to Carrin that I would watch over her as she was able to grieve in solitude today. I hope the three of you can see my dilemma".

  The woman spoke first, "You must be Madison". The shock on my face must have said enough because she continued. "You might not know me but I do know some about you. Brookes has actually complained to me sometimes about how close you and Carrin are".

  I stared at this woman edging her to explain the meaning of complaining as she put it. "I hope that Brookes jokingly complained about Carrin and me," I said defensively.

  "In actuality, I think it was more in admiration. I think he knew no matter what life brought, Carrin would always have you in her corner, just as he was for me and Aiden". She pointed to the darker skinned man next to her.

  "Please know that I plan on honoring Brookes by looking out for Octavia and Carrin the same as you. You’re going to have to trust me on that. I will not let any harm come to her if you would like to step out for a few".