Chapter 20

CHAPTER TWENTY

Grace

Knowing probably the entire club is impatiently waiting on word about Bullet's condition, I leave Momma Molly and Bubba with him, as the staff readies him for his pending emergency surgery on his shattered arm. Seeing the concern and obvious love for this young man in the faces of these two adults amazes me. It also goes to the old saying of, Don't judge a book by its cover. Momma Molly and Bubba look like what they are, hard-core bikers. But they are also amazing folks who have taken a young person into their home and hearts unconditionally. And their concern is written all over their faces.

I glance at the physician who nods my way, and I give him a responding acknowledgement prior to leaving the ER to go talk to Bullet's club family. As I walk through the emergency room, I see we are at full capacity; so guessing the waiting room is packed with all the overflow. I walk out of the mechanical doors, turn the corner, and come to an abrupt stop.

Half of the waiting area has each and everyone of the Grimm Wolves MC standing, sitting, and lounging against walls. As soon as Francis looks up, he's on his feet with Brick, Fury, and Chains up front; the remainder of members, prospects, and family members following close behind. Francis reaches out, pulling me close, and giving me a quick kiss on the lips, adjusting me to his side for support.

"Grace, how is the kid doing? What's his prognosis? Is Bullet gonna be okay? Come on, woman, don't hold back our lil' brother is back there."

"Chains, for fuck's sake, give her a moment and quit barking at my woman, you twat. She's been working to get information on Bullet since we got here. Let her get her bearings and she'll share with us what she's got. There is something called PHI that she can't violate, dude, she can lose her job for Christ's sake."

I glance at Francis, realizing yet again he always has my back. How he would know that I was concerned about revealing PHI is beyond me but I can guess. I smile at him and then turn to the MC that is crowding around us.

"Bullet is being prepped to go to surgery as we speak. I can speak to you as he and Bubba signed paperwork allowing me to release his results etc. His CT came back good, no brain bleeds or hemorrhaging so they are good to go to get him into surgery. Already received some stitches and his ribs are going to be sore but not much we can do. The arm is another issue entirely. His ulna is fractured in three places and the orthopedic is going to go in and place a rod and pins to put it back together. He is unsure if he will require a plate also. He will be in a cast with an immobilizing external rod for at least four to six weeks, then a regular cast for another four weeks.

"Bullet will have to work through some intense physical therapy. This is going to be a long road but he is young and strong, so we don't expect any further complications at this time. The only thing the orthopedist is concerned about is infection, so the first forty-eight to seventy-two hours will be critical. If anyone wants to see him before he is taken down to surgery, let me know and I'll try to get you back there. He should be on his way in less than thirty minutes. Any questions?"

"How much is this shit gonna cost? I don't even know if the kid has health insurance and how does that affect his outcome? Grace, he needs his arm fixed to get through life. Son of a bitch, he is just a fuckin' kid. How the hell did this happen and why to him? He doesn't have the life experiences each of us has, and we would have had a better chance to fight back. Goddamn it, he should have never gone alone. Always trying to prove his worth, which of course we, his brothers, know already."

Everyone stares at Beast, as that is the most I've ever heard him speak without causing a ruckus. Personally didn't know he had it in him to be so caring. From what Francis has shared on his current treatment of his woman, Cathy, and their child, Rider, makes me think he's a total asshole.

"Beast, the kid has been on Bubba's plan since they became his guardians. And he can stay on ‘til he is like twenty-six so that is taken care of. Grace, I'm not only concerned for Bullet but also for Momma Molly and Bubba. They aren't getting any younger and I think this is gonna hit them hard. We all need to take a vested interest in making sure they are hanging in. For Bullet let's get some shit together to keep his mind working while he is recovering. We don't want him to lose his ever-lovin' fucking mind. So who volunteers to pick up a new iPad, gaming unit, and some junk food for the kid? As we all know junk food and gaming is the way to this kid's heart.

"Also get a couple sweet butts to clean and disinfect his room at Momma's house. I know Momma is clean but the kid is a pig, to say the least. I want it cleaned from top to bottom. If we need to get some prospects involved grab Tiny, Velvet, and Iron to get their asses over. Maybe paint the room and get some new furniture in there, including new mattress, a reclining chair, and side table so he can have options to relax. If ya'll remember his room is pretty bare right now with all the club's secondhand shit.

Another thing someone go pick up a flat-screen TV with the gaming unit and stereo shit too. Take it out of the petty cash. If there isn't enough let me know. Also send some sweet butts to coordinate with Momma and get their asses to the grocery store. Momma and Bubba are gonna need our help. So let's give it to them."

Everyone is starring at Brick with their mouths open. How the fuck did he know all that needed to be done? Francis and Fury are shaking their heads with huge smiles on their faces. Before anyone can say a word, Fury clears his throat and smiles at Brick.

"Welcome back, Prez, welcome the fuck back."

Surgery went a lot longer than the surgeon anticipated, as the bone was so severely fractured so they had to try to rebuild Bullet's ulna with a plate, pins, and a rod. He is being transferred to the recovery unit and eventually will be transferred to a room. Brick was adamant that he has his own room and also that one of the brother's stay with him at all times.

This recent action is provoking a war between two MCs and the Grimm Wolves are not taking any chances. I spoke to admittance and thank God most rooms are now private. They were able to get a room with a couch that has a pullout bed. First watch is going to Chains, which in my opinion is the best one to be present. Not only does he not have the family responsibilities as many others do, as far as I know; plus he is truly scary. I know I wouldn't want to walk in a room with bad intentions and see him sitting there waiting.

I feel arms circle me, pulling me close. Knowing instantly it is Francis I relax against him. He nibbles my neck and then turns me. I gaze at his face, seeing the concern in his eyes for his friend.

"It was a long surgery but everything looks good. With time and patience Bullet should heal fine. You guys are going to have to ride his young ass to stay still and listen to what his physician orders. He can't push it or all this will be for nothing. Probably won't ride this season and next season will depend on how he gets through physical therapy. But he will have use of his hand."

Francis gives me a hug. I know he is relieved the kid made it through the surgery. I also grasp how this situation with the Marauders is driving him crazy.

"Honey, I'm so sorry this is happening because of Wrecker. I never wanted to bring this crap to you and the club. I didn't think he would continue to be such a pain in my ass. What are you going to do? Please don't do anything dangerous that will put any of you in harm's way. Promise me."

"Darlin', I will never lie to you but some things are better not said. The situation with these ass-clowns has been going on for a while, even before we met. We won't do anythin' until we take a vote, but this calls for retribution. We can't allow them to hurt one of our own and get away with it. Thank God Bullet's injuries have been repaired and we aren't planning his funeral because of those sons of bitches.

"Let me make myself perfectly clear, you have nothin' to do with this situation. What we have together has nothin' to do with that crazy-ass MC club. This is just their way to cause havoc with our club. This has been going on for ages, darlin'. No worries, we got this. We aren't dumb and we have the law on our side. Especially after the Marauders beat the kid. A police report has been made during Bullet's surgery. The detectives will need to talk to him when he is available and able to. All I can say to you, Grace, is to please trust me. The club won't allow anythin' to happen to either you or Damien."

Studying my man, I know he is telling the truth. Life is full of ups and downs. We just got to keep pushing on. I reach for his hand and give it a squeeze. As he walks me to the waiting area, I try to form the words in my head correctly so I can relay Bullet's condition after surgery. Francis must feel my apprehension as he pulls me closer while we walk together.

"Grace, just give them the facts as best you can. Answer their questions and that's all you can do, darlin'."

Before we even reach the family waiting room door, it opens as Brick, Fury, and Chains storm through it spitting question after question. I move closer to Francis as he pulls us to a stop.

"Goddamn it, guys, give her a minute. Let's get back in there so Grace only has to go through this shit once. Come on, get the lead out for Christ's sake."

As we follow them, Francis gives me a squeeze and I look up to him. He winks and gives me a quick kiss for support, which immediately calms my nerves.

Once everyone is situated Francis gives me the floor.

"Bullet's surgery was a complete success. His arm has been repaired with an internal rod, plate, and screws. He has a fixator on the outside. He is in recovery with Momma Molly and Bubba waiting to see him. He will pretty much be out of it the rest of today. His recovery is going to be long and intense. Any motivation you as his brothers can provide will go a long way. One of the nurses said Bullet told her he let his club down by getting, his words, 'His ass kicked like a pussy.' Remember, guys, he is just practically a kid. Yeah, I know he is called a prospect but the little Francis has explained he is like a was taken on as a pre-prospect. Bullet needs to know each of you guys still believes in him and you don't think he let down the club in any way."

Many swear words can be heard as the guys let out their thoughts of where Bullet's mind is, but it is Brick who, as usual, leads the brothers back to the present situation.

"Thanks, Grace, for all your help getting him the best care. We will make sure he gets his head straight. I don't know many of us who wouldn't get our ass kicked when the fight is totally fucked up with three or four to one. Right now we work to make sure someone is with the kid at all times. Prospects or brothers are gonna take turns to give him the emotional and physical support he is gonna need. We can't have him taking a turn for the worse or even getting in his own head. Emmie is on the mend, so I can start getting back to club business for a couple hours a day at least. Lots of shit is hittin' the fan and we can't let anything get by or bring us down. This is the time we all have to step up, brothers."

As I watch the guys give chin lifts or nods to Brick. I can feel the tension coming off of Francis. I glance up at him to see he is glaring at someone. I follow his eyes to where Beast is on his phone texting frantically. It was like he didn't hear a word Brick just said. As I watch Fury comes up behind him, cracking him literally up side the head.

"Asshole, put it down before I throw it against the wall. Our lil' brother needs us now. Anything else can wait. You get me?"

Fury waits staring Beast down. Finally he puts the phone in his back pocket and walks toward Brick to see what needs to get done. Immediately I feel Francis' body relax. As Fury walks past us, he gives a chin lift to Francis and leans in. Not sure what he said to my man but whatever brings an unexpected burst of laughter from his lips.

I have to remember to give my gratitude to Fury.