Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Sixteen

Annabell

HEADING TO HOUND'S with Valor, Chrome, Red, and Crab, my heart is still pounding in my chest and I want to be at the clubhouse with Vault to make sure he's okay. I always hate it when the guys get hurt and there's nothing we can do to help them. No matter what's happened between Vault and myself, I will always want to take care of him and make sure he's okay. Valor promised me when we got to the garage that he'd call Doc in a little while to check on his brother and he'd let me know what was said. The only reason he can call is because Vault has given Doc permission to discuss his health with Valor and they're blood brothers.

When we got to Hound's, Valor led me through the entire place. I'm truly amazed at all the small attention to detail and everything that makes up this shop. The bays where the guys work are kept in immaculate condition. All the tools that aren't being used are kept in the many tool boxes lining the walls and there are several cleaning stations so the guys can wash their hands immediately after working on a vehicle before they take it for a test drive to ensure there's nothing else wrong they missed or the customer didn't inform them about. Instead of grease and oil coating every inch of the shop, the floors shine and there isn't a single stain anywhere in sight. I don't honestly know how the guys keep this place so clean with all the work they do on a daily basis.

The main office where I'm working is large and filled with sunlight from the huge windows that take up the entire front wall of the place. There are comfortable looking chairs in front of the windows with a table sitting in front of them holding various magazines for cars and bikes, a few parts manuals, and shit like that. There's a wall with parts and merchandise customers can buy to support the garage. I buy two of the shirts and one of the hoodies despite Valor telling me I'm not going to pay for things.

Behind the office I'm in, there's a bathroom for customers, a store room where all the parts they keep in stock are kept, and a large break room. It's got a full size refrigerator in there, a table that will easily hold four people, and a microwave. The refrigerator is stocked with bottles of water, soda, and some tea. There's not a drop of alcohol in sight like I've found back home in Benton Falls. No, the guys don't drink while they're working. It's for when they're hanging out after hours and aren't ready to head back to the clubhouse just yet. They'll sit around and have a drink while shooting the shit before they head out.

What really broke my heart and healed it all at the same time are seeing the pictures of Hound all over the place. There's one of him in every room and two in Vault's office. The one in the main room of the shop is of Hound with his sons as they sit on his bike with the largest smiles on their faces. There's a second one that's got Hound, Slim, and more of the original members of the Phantom Bastards. It's one I've seen countless times in Benton Falls because it's in the common room of the clubhouse. My dad and Hound look so young in this picture. Both of them are smiling and have their arms around one another. The rest of the men surround them as they remain at the very front. In the background is the clubhouse and their bikes all lined up like you see every single day now.

Chrome and Vault are the only two who work at Hound's. They're overbooked and are doing the best they can, but are so far behind with the work they've taken on. I've already taken numerous calls from customers wondering where their vehicles are and how much longer it will be before they get them back. I let them know they're being worked on as quickly as possible, but there's been a delay due to unforeseen circumstances of the owner being in an accident and only two men working there currently. Everyone seems to be okay once they learn of the reason for the delay and wish Vault a speedy recovery. Yeah, I'm not above using his accident to ensure the customers will continue to wait for the work to be completed and then come back in the future once Vault and Chrome have a better way to work figured out. Or they hire someone else to work with them.

I've gotten myself acquainted with the system Fox installed on the computer for the guys to use for everything and cleaned the entire half of the building I'll be spending most of my time with. I need something to do so my mind isn't on Vault and what's going on with him back at the clubhouse. It's taken me hours as I make my way back to the front when I hear the bell above the door ring to let me know a customer has entered the shop. Plastering a smile on my face, I see an older gentleman standing in front of the counter with a scowl on his face. Just from one look I can tell he's a man that's here to bitch about something. You learn the signs of those customers really quick and I've dealt with it all over the years.

"Welcome to Hound's. How can I help you?" I greet the customer, moving the stool I was sitting on earlier to the side so I can face the man and have access to the computer at the same time.

"I was overcharged for the work done on my car," he states, slamming the receipt and work order down on the counter in front of me. "I want a refund plus a percentage back for being overcharged to begin with."

"I'm so sorry to hear that," I tell him, using my ‘customer service' voice as Slim always calls it. "Let me take a look at your work order so I can figure out where you were overcharged."

I take the paperwork from the counter and fold the receipt back so I can see what's going on with this customer. He had an oil change done, his tires rotated and an alignment completed after Vault put on brand-new tires, there was also an issue with the timing belt. A note was entered that the customer was alerted about the timing belt and he agreed to the repair so he could get his car back running properly and wouldn't break down on the side of the road or something. Looking at the cost of each part and the cost of labor, I don't see an issue with the bill at all. If anything, Vault and Chrome are charging under what they should for labor.

"Sir, there's nothing wrong with your bill. You were charged the correct amount for the work completed on your car. And, if you're talking about the timing belt, you were talked to about that issue and agreed to the repair by the mechanic who did the work. Can you show me where the issue is?" I ask him, sliding the work order back over to him once again.

"The labor is the problem, little girl," he states, anger filling me at being called a little girl.

"Sir, I've worked in a garage for years. I've handled billing, customers, and everything in between. You and I both know the labor cost isn't the issue here. You're trying to take advantage of a woman being in the office here now and a new garage in town. If we're being completely honest here, you were given a deal. The labor being charged here at Hound's is less than most other garages in the area. That's a guarantee I can make right now. Even the garage I work in back home isn't as low as this is," I state, keeping my voice calm and collected when I want to yell at this prick. "Now, you have two options here. You can continue taking your vehicle to another garage and pay far more than you will here and be lied to on a regular basis. Or, you can shut the hell up, pay your bill like you should when you did need a vehicle serviced here, and know that the men working on your vehicle aren't going to fuck you over and diagnose things as being wrong when that's not the truth. The choice is yours to make because Hound's will remain open and thrive with or without your business."

For a minute, the man doesn't say a word in response. He looks at me as if he can't believe what I've just said to him when I feel a presence at my back. Turning my head, I find Valor at my back. He doesn't say a word and lets me deal with the situation on my own as usual. Valor knows that I'll chew him a new ass in front of everyone if he tries to step in on my behalf.

"I'm sorry, miss. You're right. It's just hard with the economy the way it is right now. I'll keep coming back here. I hope you both have a good day," the older gentleman says, hanging his head in shame as he turns and leaves the shop with the paperwork in hand.

"You have a nice day as well," I call out, my voice losing every drop of anger as I feel sorry for the guy.

"You're way too fuckin' nice, Pretty Girl. I would've chewed him a new ass and sent him on his way," Valor says, laying down two work orders that he's completed.

Putting all the information in the computer to print out the work orders for the customer along with the bill, I set them aside to call and let them know their vehicles are ready to be picked up.

"How's your brother? Have you talked to Doc yet?" I ask him, needing to know what's going on with him.

"I just talked to Doc. Vault is gonna be okay. He's got road rash on his leg and arm and his shoulder was dislocated. Doc got it put back in place and he's in a sling for now. Vault refused any pain medicine as he's done since he started drinkin' and then stopped. He doesn't want to ever feel that way again or lose control like that. Doc cleaned up the areas with the road rash and put antibiotic ointment on it before wrapping it in a bandage. As you know he's gotta keep the area clean and dry. Doc's gonna return in a few days to make sure there's no infection even though he's put him on antibiotics and has left the ointment behind for him to keep usin'. If it all looks good at that point, Vault can stop usin' the bandages and just let it continue to heal. He's really lucky but will be down for a while now," Valor tells me, relief filling his body with the knowledge it wasn't worse for Vault after sliding across the road with his bike on top of him.

"Good," I whisper, relief filling me as the tension that's overwhelmed me since I watched him go down fills me. "I'm gonna head out and grab some lunch for everyone. Any suggestions?"

"Nope. There's a ton of places right on the same road as us. Please, don't walk to any of them. None of us will care what you bring back. Be careful, Pretty Girl. Vault asked me to promise that I'd watch over you and make sure nothin' happened while you were here," Valor says, making my heart stall in my chest with the thought of Vault asking that of his brother. "We've got Vault's bike here. I'm gonna go over it in the next day or two so I can figure out how this shit happened. I'm sure he'll want to know as soon as possible so it doesn't happen again."

Leaving Hound's, I make my way to my car and drive slowly down the road since there's hardly any traffic. Seeing a place called Crazy Aunties BBQ, I pull over and head inside. The place is like a blast from the past with the décor and style of counter and tables filling the dining area. I immediately feel at home as I make my way to the counter and look at the board above the window to the kitchen. Everything sounds amazing and I order enough to feed myself and the guys at the garage for lunch. I will definitely be making a return trip just based on the waitress and the amazing smells filling the place.

After a long afternoon at the shop, the guys finally close and we head back to the clubhouse. Parking my car as close to the door as I can get, I don't wait for Valor to head straight inside so I can put eyes on Vault and make sure he's okay for myself. Despite the work and everything I did today, every single second my mind was filled with thoughts of him. It's impossible not to think of him when it's something I've done for so long now. To know he's been here all day after an accident only makes things even worse.

I don't have to go very far as I spot him on the couch in the common room. Vault's sitting up, facing the door with a sling on his arm and his leg propped up on a pillow. No one's in here with him and I wonder if he's been alone all day long.

"Angel, you're here," he says, trying to sit up further on the couch while grimacing in pain.

"Don't move, Vault. If you need help, one of us will help you. Have you been alone here all day?" I ask him, needing to know if these skanks are gonna get my foot up their asses or not.

"No. Martin has been in here with me. He just went out to the gate house so George can come inside. He's helped me get to the bathroom and whatever else I've needed to do. Martin's made sure I had lunch. And bottles of water. He got my medicine while I was sleepin' and I take that again tonight. Right now, I have to call church when all the guys are outta work," he informs me as if he wasn't in a motorcycle accident a few hours ago.

"Do you really need to call church, Vault? I think you should be resting and not worried about club business. Does Slim or anyone back home know what happened?" I question him, needing to know if I have to get my dad down here to make him see reason.

"Doc assured me it was okay that I go to church. I can be here in the common room on the couch, in church, or in bed. That's it. No ridin' or work for me right now," he informs me as if this Doc person really knows what they're talking about. I don't think they do.

"I think I need to call my dad. If church needs to be held, then your VP should be holding it. Not you," I state, my voice filled with the worry I've had for him all day long.

"Angel, I promise I'm okay. Doc said he's seen worse. I'll let your dad know later on. He doesn't need to know right now," he says, reaching out with his good hand and latching onto mine.

For the first time in years, I'm holding Vault's hand and he's the one who made the first contact of our skin touching. Fear, pain, and hope all war within me because I don't know why he'd touch me after so long. The longing wins out as I link our fingers together and sit on the table across from him. It's awkward as fuck, but I'm not about to let go of his hand. I need this contact after the fear of losing him has filled me all day long.

"Vault, how ya feelin'?" Chrome asks, walking up to us with a beer in hand.

"Been better. How's things at Hound's?" he returns, proving he's like every other damn man in my life.

"We got a lot of orders done today. Annabell worked her ass off cleanin', dealin' with customers, and puttin' an old man in his place when he tried bitchin' about his bill that was already paid. He apologized and walked out with his head hangin'. Never seen anythin' like it. I don't even know what you said, Annabell, but I can tell you were nice as fuck and still had the man feelin' like shit," Chrome says, laughter filling his voice as I look up at Valor who's making his way over to us.

"Brother, are you sure you're okay?" Valor asks, leaning over the couch and taking a good look at his brother from head to toe and back again.

"I promise I'm okay. A little banged up and I'll be sore as fuck for a while. We all know tomorrow I'll barely be able to get out of bed. So, I'm not gonna push it and that's where I'll stay. I'm gonna need to take my medicine later tonight and then I'll need someone to clean and re-bandage my leg. It's gotta happen a few times a day to make sure it stays clean. Ointment has to be put on it a few times every day to make sure no infection sets in," Vault says, trying to reassure all of us surrounding him right now.

"I'll take care of cleaning your leg and arm before putting the ointment back on and re-bandaging it for you," I volunteer knowing I need to help him for my own sanity.

If I'm the one helping to take care of him, then I'll know it's done properly and hopefully nothing will go wrong. I don't want to see him in any pain that's not necessary and if that means I play his nurse then that's what I'll do. I can already see the jokes about a naughty nurse outfit filling his eyes as he looks at me and everyone else in the common room seem to vanish. Vault and I are the only two here and we're locked in a world of our own. We stare at one another and it's as if no time at all has passed. I feel Vault rubbing his thumb on my hand and it sends tremors through me. Goosebumps cover my hand and lead up my arm from one simple gesture from him.

"Um, guys," Valor calls, shattering the world around the two of us. "Do you want help to your room?"

"No. We need to have church," Vault answers, turning his attention to the men surrounding us. They have some kind of silent communication that the guys from the MC have mastered. I hate it.

"I'm gonna get started on dinner. Anything in particular you want?" I ask, needing to have something to do while the guys meet in their room for all the secret club business.

"Anythin' will be fine, Angel. You don't have to cook for us. That's not why you're here," Vault states as the three Phantom girls make their way into the common room.

"It's okay. I need something to do. You know I've always enjoyed cooking and baking. You go do your man things and I'll be in the kitchen. Valor, don't let him do too much or I'll hand you your ass," I warn the men while glaring at each one of them.

With reluctance, I let go of Vault's hand and make my way to the kitchen as the Phantom girls make their way in there behind me. They help me make baked chicken, mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, and homemade biscuits. The four of us work in silence and I'm not about to end that. I have nothing to say to these women as long as they pull their weight around the clubhouse. If not, then I'll make sure they're dealt with. Vault and the guys don't need to deal with the bullshit they typically bring. And these three should know better considering I'm younger than they are. They're not super old, but they aren't young girls that normally come in the clubhouse to become club girls. For now, I just focus on what I'm trying to do as we cook, bake some brownies and cookies for after dinner, and then clean up the kitchen so it's less work after dinner is eaten.

The guys have church while everything cooks and I hope Vault calls my dad to fill him in on what happened today. For some reason, deep in my gut, I know this isn't as simple as Vault crashing his bike. He's been riding for most of his life and there's no way he'd go down the way he did without something happening to cause it. Considering I watched the entire thing take place from my rearview mirror, I know he did everything he could to save himself as my heart lodged in my throat and I almost lost control of my car because I was watching him go down. Worse minutes of my life and I hope to never experience anything like that ever again.