Hadley Chapter 9

I had no idea exactly where we were going when Griffin gave me the flight plan. I knew the airport was a smaller regional one in eastern Tennessee, and I would be able to have the helicopter stored there. How far it was from our final destination, I didn’t have a clue. All he told me was when we got there, there would be more people to keep me safe. I tried to suggest he send Dad to this place and let me go to the cabin, but he refused. He said Undertaker and some of their men would be more than adequate to keep Dad safe. I hoped he was right.

After landing and taking care of the helo, he led me to the airport’s parking area. That’s when I found out who was helping him. To say it was a shock was an understatement. Sitting there was an SUV surrounded by several motorcycles. On those motorcycles were leather-clad bikers. As we approached, they came off their rides. One stepped ahead of the others. I could tell, even with their sunglasses on, that they were all studying me. I tried not to squirm.

Undertaker had been intimidating, and these men had the same vibe—not that Griffin didn’t—he did. It was just different. I couldn’t explain why. The one in the lead stopped a few feet in front of us.

“Griffin, it’s good to see you, man. It’s been a while. You said you were bringing a guest and that you’d need a place to lie low and help to protect her, but you didn’t tell me you were bringing an angel, and she was my future old lady.” His gruffness changed to a low chuckle at the end. He took off his sunglasses, and I was caught by the greenest eyes I’d ever seen.

I could see the mirth in those eyes. I automatically smiled back. He held out his hand to me. “Hello, gorgeous, I’m Jinx. Welcome to Tennessee and our neck of the woods. Who might you be?”

“Jinx, lay off the charm. She’s not here for you to play with. She’s here for us to keep her safe. This is Hadley Gerard. Hadley, Jinx is the president of the Ruthless Marauders motorcycle club, as if you couldn’t guess that. They’re friends with us and several others.”

“Oh, so you know the Warriors. Hello, it’s nice to meet you and thank you for helping us out. Sorry, we dropped in uninvited. Hopefully, we won’t have to impose for long,” I replied as I shook his hand. He gave it a nice squeeze and then held on to it.

“Hadley, you could never be an imposition. You’re welcome to stay as long as you want, with or without this one. In fact, is forever too long?”

I laughed at his flirtatiousness. It did my ego good to be admired by a good-looking man. Before I could hit him with a comeback, another biker stepped up and took off his sunglasses. He was smiling, too.

“Out of the way, she’s here to see me. Hello, Hadley. I’m Animal, the VP of this motley bunch.”

I had to tug to get Jinx to let go of my hand so I could shake Animal’s outstretched one. Damn, all of them were easy on the eyes. “It’s nice to meet you too, Animal. I like the name, by the way.”

He grinned wider. From there, the remaining ones came forward to introduce themselves. There were three more—Sinner, Rage, and, lastly, Sarge. He was introduced as the enforcer, whatever that was. I thought I had an idea, but I didn’t want to ask in case that was a no-no.

“If you’re done flirting, can we get on the road? I don’t like standing out here with her exposed. We can explain more once we’re at the compound,” Griffin said gruffly.

“Sure, we can do that. This is Tony. He’s one of our prospects, and he’ll drive you in the SUV,” Jinx explained as he pointed to a guy standing quietly beside the vehicle surrounded by the bikes. Tony gave us a chin lift, but he didn’t say anything.

“Prospect, stow their gear, then let’s go. I want to get home so I can start to get to know this lovely creature,” Jinx said.

Tony hurried over and took our bags, hauled them to the back of the vehicle, and loaded them. Animal opened one of the back doors for me. I was a little surprised by their manners, to be honest. I guess I had a lot to learn about bikers, or at least the ones the Patriots called friends. By the time we were ready to go, they were on their bikes with the engines running. The roar of them as they revved them made me long to be on one.

Griffin stared out the window with a slight scowl on his face and didn’t say a word, so I kept quiet. I wondered if he was regretting being the one to come along with me. I wasn’t sure why he didn’t send one of the others. Or he could’ve gone with Dad and let Undertaker come with me if he thought one of the bosses should be with us.

As we headed out into the countryside, I checked the scenery. There wasn’t much color to see, but that wasn’t unexpected in the dead of winter. Most of the plants were bare of leaves other than the evergreens. There were tracts of homes here and there, along with large open fields and plenty of woods. I wondered where this compound was. Did bikers have them in town or outside? I’d never been to an actual motorcycle club’s headquarters, compound, or whatever they called them, so I had no idea.

It didn’t take us long before we were pulling up to a large tract of land enclosed in a chain-link fence with a gate. A guy came running out to open the gate and move it out of the way so we could drive inside. My question was answered. The Marauders were outside of town. We followed the bikes in front of us to a large metal building that stood more than two stories tall. From the outside, it looked like a large garage, the kind you keep big semis in or like the metal hangars at the airport.

More bikes were parked out in front of it. Beyond it, I saw a few other buildings scattered around. They were much smaller than the first one. As Tony parked, I turned to Griffin. He was watching me.

“This place looks huge. Are most motorcycle clubs like this?”

“I don’t know about most. The ones we know, yeah. They’re mainly big ones when it comes to their property. I haven’t been to the Horsemen of Wrath’s compound in Florida or the one the Pagan Souls have in Lake Oconee, Georgia though. I recall Jinx telling us at one time that this used to be the property of a trucking company that went out of business. This big building is their clubhouse. They converted the two-story main garage into it.”

“It reminds me of a garage or even the hangar where we left the helo. How many guys are part of this club?”

Tony answered me as he glanced over his shoulder at us. “Right now, it’s average-sized. There are a dozen patched members, and counting me, there are two prospects. The other prospect is Micah. He’s the one who opened the gate for us.”

Tony hopped out and opened my door. Getting out, I looked around. The guys we followed were getting off their bikes. Suddenly, I felt a tad anxious about going inside. I had no idea why. I was usually someone who didn’t get nervous about meeting new people. The portion of the Marauders I had already met seemed nice, and I hadn’t been nervous with them. Jinx reached us as I was thinking. He took my hand and placed it on his extended forearm.

“Come with me, and let me introduce you to the rest of the club and show you around your future home,” he said with a wink.

“Lead on,” I said back with a wink of my own. His teasing set me at ease.

As he led me toward the clubhouse door, I heard a low growl from behind us. Glancing back, I found Griffin following us, and he didn’t look happy.

God, don’t tell me he thought I was trying to sleep with Jinx and his guys just because I teased him back. I honestly didn’t know why he thought so little of me. I quickly turned back around so he wouldn’t see the sheen of tears in my eyes. I wouldn’t let him see that his attitude was hurting me.

“What’s wrong, pretty girl? You went from smiling to looking like you might cry,” Jinx asked softly so no one but me could hear him.

“It’s nothing. I got something in my eye. I can’t wait to see your club. How long have you been a part of it? Has your clubhouse always been here?” I gave him my best fake smile.

He studied me intently without saying a word. I was getting more nervous. Suddenly, he nodded. “I know exactly what to do to help with that thing in your eye. While you’re here, you’re gonna smile, I promise. Now, as for how long I have been a part of the club, really, all my life. My dad was in it, so I grew up in this club. I patched in at nineteen. He was the president before me. I was voted in as the president at twenty-five when he was killed in a motorcycle accident. We acquired this land and moved the club here five years later.”

I gave his arm a squeeze. I couldn’t imagine losing my dad. It was hard enough not to have my mom. “I’m sorry you lost him. It’s tough, I know, no matter how old you are. My mom was killed when I was nine. I still miss her every day.”

“Sweetness, you’re so right. I do still miss him and that was almost twelve years ago. I’m sorry you lost your mom. You say she was killed. Do you mind if I ask how?”

I guess Griffin hadn’t told them our family story. I shouldn’t be surprised. He had a rather closed mouth. However, if they were trustworthy enough to help hide and protect me, they were trustworthy enough to know my history.

“Do you know who I am? I mean, other than some woman named Hadley Gerard? Did Griffin explain why I was here?”

“All he said was you needed protection and asked if we’d help. He did say he’d explain when you got here.”

“Then I think we should gather your men and explain. If, in the end, you don’t want to let me stay, I won’t take it personally. He should’ve told you what you were getting yourself into.”

Jinx laughed, which got the attention of those around us as if they hadn’t already been staring. “Babe, I don’t see us kicking you out, but if it makes you feel better, then let’s do it. First, though, let me introduce the rest of the guys. They’re salivating to meet you, can’t you tell? Bunch of damn beasts. They make Animal look tame.”

I laughed with him because Animal was far from tame-looking. I felt Griffin’s presence come up behind us. It was like his energy reached out to touch my body. I fought not to shiver. Jinx gave a sharp, piercing whistle to get everyone’s attention and settled down the chatter.

“I’m making introductions, then we’re gonna sit down and have a chat. Everyone out except members while we do,” he said, scanning the room. It registered that there were some women in here—very scantily, slightly trashy-looking women who were hanging on to a few of the guys or sitting at the bar having a drink. They gave me unhappy looks. Tony didn’t appear fazed by being told to get out. He headed for the door without a word.

The women, on the other hand, didn’t appear to be in a hurry to leave. They either remained where they were or were super slow to move. I jumped when Jinx shouted. “I said to get the fuck out in case you didn’t understand me being polite. If you women want to be allowed back, I suggest you move your asses. Now!”

This got them moving. They scrambled for the door like their asses were on fire. They had the room cleared within a minute. As the door shut, Jinx escorted me to a table and pulled out a chair for me. I sat down gingerly.

“What can I get you to drink, Hadley?” he asked.

“Any kind of soda if you have it, as long as it’s not a diet. If you don’t have that, water is fine.”

I was surprised when Sarge went behind the bar to get it. Jinx sat next to me. More guys came over with their drinks in hand and took seats at the table. I shouldn’t have been surprised when Griffin sat on the other side of me. He was still scowling. Sarge smiled at me as he sat a bottle of Dr Pepper in front of me.

“Thank you, Sarge.”

“You’re welcome, honey,” he said before he took a seat.

The room was quiet, and I was the center of attention. My nerves were flaring up again. There was no way I was letting that happen. I’d tackle this head-on. “Hello, thank you so much for opening your home to me. I’m Hadley Gerard for those I haven’t met. I understand from Jinx that you don’t know much about me or why I’m here.”

“I planned to fill them in once we got here. Why don’t we let her rest, and we can talk?” Griffin asked.

“I don’t need to rest, and I think I should be here for this. I don’t need to be coddled. Jinx, would you do the honors and introduce the rest of your guys?” I asked sweetly, ignoring Griffin. I was tired of his attitude.

“Of course I will. Starting on my right is King. Next is Mad Dog, Thrasher, Styx, Beast, Crow, and lastly, Cujo. These two are our newest members. You met Tony, so that only leaves Micah. He’s our other prospect who opened the gate. You’ll meet him later.”

“It’s great to meet all of you. Now, I think I should tell you about myself. As I told Jinx, if, after you know who I am and why I’m here, you don’t want us to stay, I’ll totally understand. You don’t know me, nor do you owe me anything.”

There were muttered grumbles from around the table as they exchanged glances with each other. “Hold on. You think we’d make you go? Honey, I don’t know what kind of people you’re used to being around, but we don’t abandon women to defend themselves. Griffin assured us you needed help. That’s enough for me,” Mad Dog said.

His irate tone made me want to smile, so I did. “Mad Dog, I thank you, but I still would like to explain.”

Jinx was relaxed in his chair, watching everyone. When I glanced over at him, he gave me a chin lift. “Go for it. The floor is yours.”

“How many of you have heard of Gerard Industries? They make weapons and other things mainly for the US government. In fact, they’re the biggest US defense contractor.”

“I have. Although it may be because I was in the military,” Sarge said.

“Me too. Same reason as Sarge,” Mad Dog added.

There were a few nods around the table, indicating more knowledge of our company. Beast sat forward. “Gerard, your name is Hadley Gerard. Shit, you’re related to the people who own that company.”

“Not just related to, she’s the daughter of the owner, Travis Gerard,” Griffin told them. A low whistle came out of Beast. There was more speculation in their eyes.

“It’s true. My father owns Gerard’s, and he’s always a target, as you can imagine. We’re in the middle of trying to complete something new for the government, and they want it yesterday. A couple of weeks ago, my father received threats, which resulted in him bringing in the Dark Patriots for our protection.”

“What kind of threats?” Styx asked.

“The kind that if he didn’t do as they asked, they’d take Hadley and make her wish for death before they gave it to her and sent her back in pieces. We’re not gonna let that happen. Can I finish telling them the rest?” Griffin asked me. I nodded.

“Travis has kept Hadley’s existence a secret for the most part. Very few people know she exists, so you can imagine getting a threat against her is a big concern. It had to be someone who knows about her, or they were told by someone who knows. It may’ve been purely by accident. We don’t know.”

“Why keep her a secret?” Animal asked.

“Because my mom was kidnapped and murdered when I was nine. After that happened, my dad was scared the same thing would happen to me. He made sure I was kept out of the media,” I explained.

“Christ,” someone muttered. There were a few more swear words uttered.

“Okay, I can understand why. You obviously haven’t figured out who. Since it’s been a few weeks, why the sudden move here? We’re not complaining at all, just curious,” Jinx asked as he drummed his fingers on the table.

“Last night, someone attempted to enter her bedroom at their estate. We had them secured there with not only their guards but extra from us. Beau, Ben, Heath, Justin, and I were there first, then we brought in Undertaker, Giovanni, Aryan, and Jae. It was because of Jae we knew about the attempt,” Griffin told them.

“How?” Beast asked. I noticed he had his phone out, and he seemed to be dividing his time between it and us.

“He rigged up a special alarm to her room and her dad’s, which only we and they knew about. They activated them before going to bed at night. When whoever it was opened the door, it triggered the alarm, and they ran. We know for sure it was someone with inside knowledge or help because they knew where the cameras were in the hallways, and they avoided them or turned them away. It’s too big with too many people there to keep them safe, so we decided to divide them up.

“Travis is in a cabin where no one knows he’s at. Undertaker is with him. I decided to bring Hadley here.”

“Why us? Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying we don’t want her, but you usually go to the Warriors,” Jinx asked.

“You’re right, and anyone digging into us would likely find that. They were too obvious. You guys are close, more than capable of helping, and I knew you’d do it. We can’t afford to let anything happen to her or her dad.”

“So are they hoping if they take her, he’ll stop working on whatever he’s developing? Is it likely that would be enough to stop him? What about a ransom? Maybe she’d be held for that,” Thrasher stated.

“The men who took my mom asked for a ransom, and my dad paid it. They killed her anyway and sent him her finger before they did. If something happens to me, my dad will lose his mind.”

“Could it be the same person or persons?” Sinner asked.

“No, because he made sure he had them found and taken care of,” I told them bluntly.

“Damn, okay, so back to the question. If you’re taken, will that cripple the project or at least slow it down?” Thrasher asked again.

“It would since she’s not just his daughter. She works for the company and is one of their lead inventors slash scientists. She’s the lead on the project, not Travis, as everyone thinks. She’s been doing it for years, and she has two doctorates to show for it,” Griffin admitted before I could.

This brought all eyes back to me, and they had gleams of respect and interest. I didn’t know how to react. A faint blush heated my cheeks.

“Well, hot damn, you’re not only beautiful and luscious, but you’re smart too. That’s even sexier. How would you like to get married and have a bunch of brainiac babies?” Beast asked out of the blue.

This got the guys’ attention. They began to protest loudly.

“Hell no, she’s not for you.”

“Over my dead body. We don’t need any kids with your computer smarts and hers taking over the world.”

“I already called dibs.”

“She doesn’t want you ugly bastards. She wants me.”

Their remarks made me laugh and then giggle. They were so outrageous, and it was funny. I could tell they were having fun with each other and me. I didn’t take them seriously, but it was a nice tension-breaker.

“Thank you, but how would I ever choose? I’ll have to admire you all from afar, I’m afraid,” I joked back.

“There won’t be time for admiration from either side. This is serious,” Griffin snapped. They all quickly sobered up.

“Chill, Grif, we’ve got this. She’ll be safe here. How well did you cover your tracks, getting them out of there? Is it likely someone followed them?” Jinx asked.

“Followed, no, because we took separate helicopters, but if they checked for a flight plan, they could get to the general area,” he told them.

“Not after I get done with it. Tell me where and when her dad landed. I know where she did. I can go in and totally change it so anyone trying to find them will think they went to the other side of the country,” Beast said with a smirk.

“You can do that?” I asked.

“Babe, I can do amazing things. Just remember, brainiac babies. I’ll be right back,” he told me with a wink.

“What about the pilots? Will they tell if asked?” Rage asked.

I smiled. “Nope. Since Dad and I flew the helicopters, they won’t. Can Beast hide where we stored the helos?”

“We won’t log the one at Patriots’ headquarters, but the one you had to leave at McGhee, we’ll have to ask him. I bet he can. If not, he’ll ask Smoke or Everly to do it,” Griffin said.

“What’re you asking Everly and Smoke to do?” Beast asked as he came back and retook his seat. He was frowning.

As Griffin explained, Beast shook his head. “I can do it. Don’t give my work away, or Jinx will think he can live without me.”

Jinx snorted. “Brother, there’s no way in hell that’ll ever happen. Don’t get me wrong, I love Everly and Smoke, but you’re still my favorite. Although, if you steal Hadley here to have those brainiacs, I might have to reconsider.”

“Oh my God, you’re all crazy. I do admit you’re good for a woman’s ego, but settle. As tempting as your offer is, Beast, I’m not sure I would want to release our spawn on the world. Not to sound prideful, but I’m considered a genius,” I told him with a flutter of my eyelashes.

“What ages were you when you got your doctorates that Grif mentioned?” he asked.

“Sixteen for the first one and nineteen for the second one. Why?”

“Goddamn, my dream woman! Nope, I can’t do it. I’ll have to change your mind. Since you probably have all the money and material things in the world, I’ll have to find ways to satisfy your other needs and wants.” He wiggled his eyebrows.

“Enough!” Griffin shouted as his hand came down on the table. I jumped. The guys, rather than appearing startled or upset, seemed amused.

“Griffin!” I admonished.

“We have shit to get in place and your protection figured out. We don’t have time to mess around. Do I need to take her to Dublin Falls or Hunters Creek?” he asked them.

Jinx gave him what I’d call a steely look. “No, you do not. We’re ready to protect her. Don’t let our easygoing and teasing attitudes fool you. We have shit in place, and we’ll kill anyone who comes looking for her. If you want, you can go back to Virginia. We’ll keep her safe, and you can work with the others to find out who’s doing this.”

“Like hell, I’ll leave. She goes nowhere without me, understand?” Griffin snarled back.

I was getting worried they might get into a fight, which was ridiculous. They were friends, and my being here shouldn’t have affected that. I had no idea why Griffin was acting like he was, other than he was afraid I’d sleep with them, and it would cause problems. I shouldn’t have flirted back with them like I had, but it was fun and a relief for my tension. Only it backfired on me, and now he felt like he couldn’t trust me with them. I doubted it was really due to him not trusting them with me. I got to my feet.

“There’s no need to argue. If no one minds, I’d like to rest for a bit. Also, is there a way I can talk to my dad? He’ll be worried, and I know hearing my voice will reassure him. I don’t know how long we’ll have to be here imposing on you. I thank you for offering your sanctuary to me. I’ll be sure you’re compensated accordingly. Now, can one of you show me to my room? I assume in a place this size, you have some extras. As long as it has a bed, I’m good.”

Griffin opened his mouth, but Jinx beat him to saying anything. “Yes, you can rest, and if Grif doesn’t have a secure phone, I know Beast can get you one. You’re not imposing, and we won’t take your money to help. It’s our pleasure. As for your room, there are several here in the clubhouse, but I don’t believe they’ll be quiet or private enough. My house is available, and I have rooms for both of you. If you’re ready, I’ll take you there and get you settled. The tour of this place can wait.”

“It’s not necessary for us to stay in your house. We can find rooms here,” Griffin told him.

“I insist. Come. We need to take a car since the houses are a bit of a walk. While you’re here, the SUV Tony brought you here in is at your disposal.”

“Thank you,” I told him sincerely.

The guys all got to their feet and told me they’d see me later. I followed Jinx out to the car. Griffin was the silent presence behind us. Tony came hurrying up, and he was told to drive us. We got in the car while Jinx got on his bike.

I understood why we drove as we followed him. Behind the clubhouse and the other buildings I saw were thick woods. The road from the gate ran through the middle of them. On the other side was a big open area. I was surprised not only to find Jinx’s house but also to find several more, eight in fact. Tony was nice enough to point out whose houses they were. The one dead center in the back was where we stopped.

I loved the layout. The houses were grouped in a loose circle, and in the middle of them was a huge, almost communal yard, which was the backyard for some and the front for others. A small building sat in the middle of it. We came to a stop in the driveway. I sat there admiring the peacefulness of it. What I wouldn’t give to sit here with my eyes closed and just be still and not hear anything.