Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Seventeen

Vault

I FORGOT HOW truly boring it is not to do a fucking thing when you're injured. Staying at the clubhouse all day long for the last two weeks has reminded me that I can't stand sitting on the sidelines and do nothing. Every day I get up when everyone else does to have breakfast with them before they all head out to work for the day. Once the guys and Annabell leave, I hang out in the common room for a while watching TV before going in my office to work on paperwork that Annabell will put into the computer system once she gets back from Hound's in the afternoon. I'm actually completely caught up on the paperwork and there's nothing more for me to do during the day. So, I've just been wandering around the clubhouse in a daze and thinking about everything that's happened over the years. I'm going out of my mind and want to head to the garage just to have something different to look at. But, I don't know what the hell I'd do there because Annabell's been working on the paperwork there and I'm not allowed to work on the vehicles yet. Fucking shit sucks!

The guys looked at my bike and found that the back tire was hit by a bullet. That's the reason why I lost control to begin with. They all know I've got a graze wound on my arm, but Annabell doesn't know. I've managed to keep that one bandaged and taken care of by Valor instead of her. The first time she went to change the bandage I acted as if it was sticking to the wound and she was almost in tears. So, I told her to leave it and Valor came in to clean my wound after she left to take care of everything else. He agrees with me not saying anything to Bell about it because she'd be even more upset than she already is. There's so much damage to the bike and they've already started taking it apart so they know exactly what parts need to be ordered so we can fix it. By the time everything gets ordered and shipped here, I'll hopefully be able to start working again.

Doc should be here today or tomorrow to check on my injuries and make sure nothing is going on that needs further medical attention. So far none of us have noticed any kind of infection and Annabell is very thorough when she takes care of me. She's done it for most of the guys at one point or another over the years and definitely knows what she's doing. Her touch is light and she hasn't caused me a single ounce of pain when she's taking care of everything. She makes sure her hands are clean and her work is efficient and quick so I'm not exposed for longer than necessary. Yeah, I have to take that leg out of my sweatpants and with how high the road rash goes, it's too uncomfortable to wear underwear of any kind. So, I always make sure I'm ready before she enters my room and cover up with my sheet so she doesn't see my cock. It doesn't stop me from getting hard as fuck every time she's near me, but that's not something I can help because I want this woman more than I've ever wanted anyone else.

Valor, Crab, and Red have been going to Hound's every day since I got taken out of work. They're there to help keep an eye on Annabell so nothing happens to her while also giving Chrome a hand so we don't get even further behind than what we currently are. Or were I guess I should say. The four of them have managed to get the backlog of vehicles taken care of and returned to their owners. Now they work on the vehicles brought in daily for appointments or that are towed to the garage. When they have nothing else to do, Valor and Chrome have been helping Annabell move some things in the waiting area where she works and put out more of the merchandise I had designed for the garage. Bell's making sure it's all on display and has sold more of it since whatever changes she's made have been implemented. That makes me happy to hear because I want the name of the garage out there so it brings more work in for us.

Walking into the common room, I see the Phantom girls working to clean it up despite them doing it every day since Annabell got here. None of them have been sitting on their asses and doing nothing after I went off on them. They know I'm serious and won't hesitate to kick them the fuck out. I don't want to, but I won't have them doing nothing and talking shit to my girl either. Annabell deserves to be treated with the same respect she shows everyone around her and I know she's done nothing to the girls since the second she showed up here in Pine View. As usual, I ignore the girls even though they still try to get my attention because they don't have anything I want.

Annabell and I still need to have a talk about everything that happened after my dad was killed. We both know it and are dancing around one another as if getting too close will create chaos or something will explode between us. Other than when she's changing my bandages, Bell doesn't get close to me. She comes in the clubhouse each day after working at the garage and heads straight into the office I gave her here. Annabell always locks herself away until someone gets her for dinner and she comes out long enough to grab a plate of food before heading right back in there so she can get more work done. When she exhausts herself, she leaves the office and heads straight for her room to go to bed. We'll never be able to work through things and put the past behind us if we don't have the conversation that's long overdue.

"Vault, do you need me to grab you anythin' before I head out to the gate?" George asks me, handing me over a bottle of water.

"No, I'm good. It's gettin' easier to walk around and be on my feet. Thank you, George," I answer him, grabbing the remote for one of the TVs so I can find something to watch again today.

I've watched so many movies and caught up on TV shows I used to watch on a regular basis over the last two weeks. I'm honestly tired of trying to find something to watch because nothing ever changes and it's all the same shit. One day bleeds into the next and I need to find a way to break the routine I'm finding myself in.

The guys haven't been able to find anyone dealing the drugs in Pine View. It's like they know we're looking for them and have gone underground even though we know the drugs are still getting sold. Officer Monroe let me know about the latest person ending up in the hospital from an overdose yesterday. This person didn't make it and she was a single mom of a baby. Now that baby is going to grow up in foster care and probably not get the treatment they need because they were born addicted to drugs thanks to this woman. I can't stand that fucking shit and it pissed me off when Ted was telling me about her. He'll keep an eye on the baby though. Ted is a good guy and always looks out for those who need him to. Even when he's not at work, I've caught him out driving around and protecting his city. It's one of the reasons we get along with him so well.

"Vault, this just got dropped off for you at the gate," Martin says, walking in the clubhouse after George relieved him from the gate where he's been all night.

He makes his way over to me and hands over one of those manilla envelopes with nothing more than my name on the front of it. Dread immediately fills my stomach and I know whatever's inside is going to piss me off.

"Do you know who dropped it off?" I ask Martin, getting off the couch so I can open this in the privacy of my office.

"No. It was a girl in her early twenties. Looked like a junkie based on the track marks covering her arms. She walked up, got our attention and handed the envelope through the bars of the gate to me. Told me to make sure it got to you and only you," he informs me as a huge yawn escapes him.

"Thank you, Martin. Go get some sleep and I'll find out what this is about," I tell him as he gives me a nod and makes his way to the hallway where his room is.

The Prospects and Phantom girls have rooms in the same hallway of the clubhouse. There's more than enough rooms for them all to have their own and that won't change for now. We plan on bringing in more girls when the boys from home patch in and move here. They won't touch the three we have here now because they're older and not their taste. Others have tried to gain entrance to the clubhouse, but we turn them away because they're not necessary right now.

Closing my door behind me, I sit down at my desk and rip the envelope open. Pictures fall out and land all over my desk and lap as I slip the piece of paper out. Opening it up, I take in the words and rage consumes me.

You've brought a club princess into your ranks. Didn't think you had the balls to do something like that. She was mine before she was ever yours and I will have her back before too long. For now, you're going to stop looking into who's pushing the drugs into Pine View and discontinue looking for the dealers around town. If you don't, I'll reunite with Annabell sooner than anticipated and you won't ever stop me. It's not like you can stop me now. I'm better than your club in every way and you're doing nothing but making yourselves look stupid as fuck. Annabell is mine. Pine View is mine. Get the fuck out of town before I make her suffer for your disobedience.

If you do not cease searching for the drugs, I will make sure Annabell suffers every day I keep her alive. When I'm done using her for my own pleasure, I'll cut her up into the smallest of pieces and send them back to you one at a time. I'm not fucking around and this will happen. Be smart about your decision because you can't protect her from me. You don't even know who I am.

Someone has the balls to not only claim that Annabell was theirs before she was mine, but to also threaten her. This shit isn't gonna fucking happen. Not when I'm alive and here to keep her safe. I pick up the pictures and look through them. Someone has been following her around Pine View from the second she drove into town. That's not what really pisses me off though. Someone was fucking stalking her when she was in Benton Falls. There's pictures of her at the compound, walking on campus when she was at school, and driving through town. They've also included a few pictures of her changing her clothes. One of them shows her completely naked and I fucking almost lose my shit. The only thing stopping me is the overwhelming need to make sure she's okay and someone has eyes on her right this second. Grabbing my phone, I call my brother.

"Vault, what's up?" he answers on the first ring.

"Get somewhere away from Annabell," I order him as I listen to him moving around somewhere at Hound's.

"Okay. I'm in the storage room. What's goin' on?" he questions, on high alert because he can hear the fear and rage in my voice.

"Just got a note delivered to stop searchin' for the dealers around the city. This fucker knows about Annabell and that she's a club princess. Sent me a ton of fuckin' pictures of her from not only here in Pine View but from Benton Falls as well. This asshole has been stalkin' her and managed to get pictures of her fuckin' naked, Valor. I want the garage closed now and you get her the fuck back here to the clubhouse. I'm callin' church immediately and all the businesses will have to close for a while today at least. We're not gonna let anythin' happen to Bell and she's gonna have to get used to havin' me shadow her until we figure this shit out," I tell him as he inhales sharply and I know it's taking everything in him to control his own rage so he doesn't destroy everything surrounding him.

"I'll let the guys know and tell her to close everythin' down. We'll be there as soon as we can. I'll let you know when we leave along with George so he can be ready to open the gate for us when we get there," Valor answers before hanging up.

I send out a message to the rest of the guys to stop whatever they're doing and make their way back here so we can meet. Before setting my phone down, I call Slim to find out if he's gotten anything there about Annabell. I'll need every single piece of information I can get if we're gonna start to figure this shit out and keep Bell safe.

The guys got here in record time from each of our businesses around the city. Annabell is confused as hell, but she simply walks in the clubhouse and shuts herself in the office to get back to work. We all head into church and I don't hesitate to call the meeting to order by slamming the gavel on the table in front of me harder than necessary.

"Meetin' in session," I bark, setting the gavel down once again and looking around the table at everyone. "Martin brought me in an envelope today when George relieved him from gate duty. No address or anythin' on the fucker, just my name. when I opened it, a ton of pictures fell out and I didn't look at them until after I read the note that was inside. I'm gonna hand that around so you can all see what it says. The pictures I'll allow you to see are in the center of the table. Take a few minutes to look at it all and then I'll speak again."

The men all take turns reading the note I was sent and as each man gets his hands on it, the tension and rage filling the room only increases until it's almost suffocating me. Valor is staring at me and I can see his rage simmering beneath the surface. We've known Annabell the longest and this is killing us more than the others. To know that some fucking asshole has threatened her life is eating away at me and I know it's just a matter of time before I lose my shit and destroy everything in my path.

"How the fuck do they know her name?" Valor shouts once the note has been given back to me and the men are going through the pictures I've put out.

"I don't fuckin' know. What I do know is this person obviously knows her from somewhere and now he's here in Pine View. I already called Slim and they've gotten nothin' from this fucker. This is only here in our city. Slim is pissed as fuck as you can imagine. He's ready to come down here and fuck some assholes up because they're goin' after his daughter. No one will stop Playboy once he learns about this shit. So, I'm gonna say it now to be prepared for him to show up," I state, looking around the table because I have no clue how to proceed now that she's been threatened. I won't do anything to risk her.

"What are we gonna do? The call is yours to make, Vault," Chrome says, leaning back in his chair as I grab a cigarette and light it before taking a deep inhale of nicotine.

"I don't fuckin' know. If we continue searchin' for the assholes, I'm sayin' we don't give a fuck about her and that it doesn't matter what happens to Annabell. By stoppin' our search for these fuckers, we're admittin' defeat and admittin' how much Annabell means to the club. Not just here, but to all chapters of the Phantom Bastards. We're stuck behind a rock and a fuckin' hard place right now. No matter what we do, Annabell is gonna be caught in the crosshairs. I have a feelin' this twatwaffle is gonna go after her no matter what decision we make," I tell the men surrounding me.

"I'm thinkin' you're right about that. We should bring her in here and see what she wants us to do. This is Annabell's life and not ours. The decision should come from her and not us just dictatin' what she does and doesn't do," Valor says, thinking the same thing I am. "What did Slim say to do?"

"He told me we'd have their full support no matter what decision we make. As long as his daughter is protected, Slim isn't gonna give a fuck what we do. Valor, you wanna get her and bring her in here?" I ask my brother knowing my leg is bothering me and it will be quicker for him to get her and return to church.

With a nod, Valor leaves church and goes to get Annabell. None of us say a word as I lean forward and grab the pictures because Annabell doesn't need to see those right now. I'll show her eventually and let her see them because this is about her life. She deserves to know that someone has been following her around for a long time. Hell, she might know who the fuck this person is.

Valor walks back into church with Annabell. This isn't the first time she's been in a meeting room and I hope it's the last because it's never good when we have to bring a woman or Prospect into church. She takes Valor's seat as he stands behind her and rests a hand on her shoulder.

"What's going on?" she asks, fear filling her voice even though she has no clue why we want her in here with us.

"I got a note delivered today and you were threatened, Bell. I'm gonna let you read the note so you can see what it says before I say anythin' else. You know to keep this to yourself and not say a word to anyone. Slim already knows about it and I'm sure once Playboy finds out, he'll be makin' a trip down here. You know how your brother is. Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if he calls Tank and your brother-in-law shows up with him. Those men are protective as fuck of you and they're not gonna take this shit lyin' down. None of us are," I tell her, handing over the note as Valor's fingers tighten slightly on her shoulder.

Annabell's face goes completely white with every word she reads. Her body starts shaking and she curls in on herself as much as she can while remaining in Valor's chair.

"We got you, Pretty Girl," he tells her, his voice almost a whisper as his own body shakes with the rage filling him at her reaction.

I'm honestly not doing any better sitting a few seats down from her. My eyes don't leave her for a second as she sets the note on the table before her with trembling hands. I want to go to her and pull her into my arms and hold her close to me as I would've done in the past. That's not something I can do anymore though. So, I will myself to remain in my seat and keep my eyes on her for a minute as no one says a word.

"What happens next?" she finally asks, her wobbling voice hoarse as she holds in her emotions. Annabell won't allow herself to break down in front of everyone in this room.

"That's up to you, Angel. We can either stop lookin' for the dealers in Pine View who are puttin' drugs into the hands of kids, or we can continue lookin' and tell them that you mean nothin' to us. None of the men at this table will make this decision because it's your life and not ours that's on the line. Yes, we will protect you with our lives, but you're the one bein' threatened," I tell her, my voice breaking as she looks up at me, her eyes filled with pain and anger.

"I don't want you to stop looking for them, Vault. It's no secret what's going on here with the drugs. Everyone is talking about it no matter where I go. I've heard about the overdoses and kids being rushed to the hospital. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if this continues on because you guys stopped looking for them," she states, stealing her voice and backbone as she looks around the table at each man surrounding her. "If Playboy and any others want to come here, it only means more men are out searching for these assholes. The more men there are, the easier it will hopefully be for you to find them and get to the man in charge."

"Okay. For now, I'm gonna become your shadow. I'll have Doc come check me out today to make sure I can go to the garage to sit with you and move around more here at the clubhouse. You're never to be alone for any reason. If I'm tied up with somethin', I want other men on you. You'll always know who it will be. I'd like you to remain at the clubhouse as much as possible and only go to the garage with the guys. You won't be the one goin' to get lunch anymore either. Let one of the guys make the trip instead. There's one more thing you have to know. I was sent pictures of you, Bell. Not just from here in Pine View, but from Benton Falls as well. Slim hasn't gotten anythin' sent to him. That was the first question I asked. Do you know anyone who would've know you in Benton Falls that would stalk you and take all kind of pictures of you?" I question her, watching as her face pales even more and the shaking only gets worse.

"No. I mean, I dated one guy in school and he knew where I was from, but I never talked about the club or being Slim's daughter. Our relationship didn't last very long and Hunter took me away from him one night," she answers and I see red.

I'm not pissed because Annabell dated some douchebag. It's because Hunter had to take her away from the fucker. That means one thing happened—some cock sucker put his hands on her and she called home to get help. I'll find out who it is and make sure he suffers for ever thinking he could put his hands on Annabell. Looking over her shoulder at my brother, I know he's thinking the same thing. Even if we aren't close, I can still read my twin better than anyone else can. That aspect of us will never change.

"Okay, Angel. You go back in the office or do what you need to do to calm down. I'll come find you as soon as we're done here," I tell her as Valor helps her out of his chair and walks her to the door. He whispers something in her ear before she nods in response and leaves us alone to continue the meeting.

"So, we're gonna keep searchin' for these assholes?" Chrome asks me, as Valor retakes his seat.

"Yeah, we are. You heard Annabell. I feel the same as her and I'm sure the rest of you do as well. The longer it takes us to find them, the more drugs are circulated and everyone is in danger of not survivin' the hit they take. This is a problem that's spiralin' out of control and we need to end it now," I state emphatically as the men nod in agreement. "I want you all out searchin' for them durin' the day and night. We've got our contact at the school, but they haven't seen anythin' out of the ordinary. I'm beginnin' to think it's one of the students bringin' this shit in the school and that's why no one's gettin' noticed by the staff, resource officer, or anyone else. It's the only thing that makes sense to me right now and I've had nothin' but time to think since gettin' shot off my bike."

"I'll get a rotation set up so you and Annabell are never left alone," Red says as he leans forward in his chair and stubs his cigarette out in the ashtray in front of him.

"Appreciate it. I'm gonna get Doc here and talk to him about this shit so I can go to the garage with her durin' the day. I want you all on high alert. Anyone who shouldn't be around here, I want to know immediately. Someone let George and Martin know what's goin' on so they can watch even better at the gate for anyone lurkin' in the shadows. Valor, talk to the girls and make sure they get the empty rooms ready. If Playboy and a few guys show up from Benton Falls, I want shit ready for them. Also want them to make a run to the store and stock up on shit we'll need. Actually send one of the Prospects. They'll actually get what we need and want instead of only gettin' what the girls want. If you hear or see anythin', let me know immediately."

Slamming the gavel on the table in front of me again, I call church and everyone leaves the room. Valor stays back with me as I call Doc and he informs me he's already on his way here. For the most part, the road rash has healed. There's hardly any scarring on my leg and arm from it, but there are some marks that I'll carry with me for the rest of my life. Right now, it's mainly my shoulder that's keeping me on the sidelines and not able to do what I want to do. Hanging up the phone, I wait for my brother to say what's on his mind.

"I'm gonna be with the two of you as often as possible. Nothin' is gonna happen to either one of you, Alex," Valor swears to me, slamming his hand on the table in front of him. "This has gone too fuckin' far. It was too far when someone tried to kill you. Now they're threatenin' Annabell when she has nothin' to do with this shit. It's gonna end one way or another and I don't give a fuck if we gotta rip this city apart."

"I'm not gonna rip the city apart, Zach. I'll burn it to the fuckin' ground just to ensure no one gets close to my Angel. There's nothin' I won't do to protect her. Even if it means givin' my life so that she can continue to live. You need to prepare yourself for that because I'll jump in front of a bullet for her and nothin' will stop me from doin' it," I state, letting my brother see the truth of my words as he lets his head fall forward.

No, I don't have a death wish. I want to live my life with Annabell at my side. However, if I have to die to make sure no one gets close to her, that's what I'll do. Annabell deserves to live her life until she's old and gray with her children and grandchildren surrounding her. I want her to be happy, live a long life, get married, and find a man who loves her as much as I do if I can't be at her side. Valor and I leave the meeting room because there's nothing more to say. We've both made our stances clear when it comes to Annabell. I have to wait for Doc so I can go up and see my girl. Today is gonna be a long fucking day and I'm not looking forward to the coming weeks at all. Until we find the dealers and then the person in charge, I won't be able to rest or relax. Not until I know for sure that Annabell is safe from anyone wanting to get their hands on her.