Chapter Nine

Pops

Weeks turned into months. Months to a couple of years. Gracie had her baby and took in Liam as a second son. Liam took the role of big brother to little Abraham very seriously. Colonel Gill and the lawyer, Mama's half-brother Ian McGregor, had gotten Alex a sweet deal. I had no idea how they'd managed it, but I'm sure bullying and threatening were involved. Alex got sixteen months plus four years' probation for shooting up the airport. Well, that and community service. Which, surprisingly, he took to with gusto. Kid thrived on helping people. He'd joined us only a week ago and was still trying to adjust to his new life. But he was good for not only his own son, but Liam too.

Mama and I sat on the porch of the big clubhouse, watching as a couple of the guys worked on their bikes in front of the garage.

"Five bucks says Brutal's gettin' ready to kick somethin'," Mama muttered to me, never taking her eyes from the group.

"Nah. It'll be Mo." I took a pull from the beer I'd been nursing for the last fifteen minutes. The sun beat down on the group, likely making them sweat even though it had started out as a crisp, fall morning.

"Motherfuck!" Mo fell back on his ass and threw the wrench he'd been using at the bike. Unfortunately, his aim was too high and it sailed over the seat and hit Brutal in the back of the head. The other man stumbled forward with a sharp yelp, only to turn and throw the wrench he'd been using at Mo.

Aaaand the fight was on.

Without looking at me, Mama held out her beer in my direction and we clinked the glasses together before taking another pull.

"Tie?" I continued to watch the kids wrestling. Boys will be boys after all.

"Sure."

That was the moment Gracie stepped outside the small house she and Alex had been given. Abraham stayed with them, of course, but so did Liam. Did my heart good to see the kid find a sense of belonging I wasn't sure he'd had with just him and his father. Even though he'd lived here longer than me and Mama, it had taken the kid a couple months after his father left to relax and actually act like a kid.

"What on earth?" Gracie stopped, her hands going to her cheeks as she frantically scanned the crowd gathering to egg on the fight. "Alex?" When she didn't see him anywhere, she ran forward. "Alex!"

The big black man poked his head out from the shed near where the men were working outside and his gaze settled on Gracie and the boys. He raised his hand to his ear, like he was trying to hear whatever she wanted to say to him.

Gracie visibly relaxed but there was still tension in her body as she made sure she had a hand on each child, preventing them from running into the fray. She looked seconds away from bursting into tears. No doubt the fighting distressed her, given her background. The girl had known nothing but violence for a long time because of her relationship with Alex.

Alex gave her a crisp nod before hurrying over to the fight. I glanced at Mama who'd sat forward in her chair just that little bit, watching intently while trying to prevent herself from jumping up and going to the guys.

When Alex reached the group, he inserted himself between Brutal and Mo, shoving the two men apart. "That's enough!" His voice carried easily over the entire area, clear and strong. "No fightin' in front of the kids."

Mo and Brutal were winded and looked ready to do murder, but to each other. Not Alex.

"Come on, man!" Brutal pointed an accusing finger at Mo. "He started it!"

"And I'm finishin' it. No fightin' when the kids are in the compound."

"But they never leave the compound," Brutal complained.

"Then take it someplace else," Alex insisted, not backing down an inch. "Don't want my boys thinkin' it's OK to lose their tempers." He lifted his chin. "S'what got me in trouble. I don't want that for my kids."

Immediately, Mama sat back, a satisfied smile on her face. I chuckled, reaching over to grip Mama's hand. She didn't look over at me, only turned her hand so she could lace her fingers through mine. God, I loved this woman!

"Mama and Pops didn't say nothin' ‘bout it." Mo looked disgruntled as he glanced our way. "I say it's OK to fight."

Alex grabbed the other man's shirt front in one fist and jerked him closer. "No. Fuckin'. Fightin'. In. Front. Of. The. Kids." He spoke each word slowly and distinctly. It was so unlike Alex. He never brought attention to himself. If anything, he kept his head down and did whatever was asked of him, no matter the task and did it without complaining. He never half did anything either. Kid might be a little on the slow side, but he was a stickler for details.

Whatever Mo saw in Alex's face must have clued the man in to the fact he was very deadly serious. "Yeah, man. You're right. We should set a good example for the kids."

"They don't need to think violence is OK," Alex replied in a gruff voice. "It distresses their mother, and I won't have her upset."

All the men immediately looked around for Gracie. Once they spotted her, with the grip she had on the kids, they immediately settled.

"Sorry, man," Brutal said, sticking his hand out to Mo. There was no hesitation on either man's part. They immediately shook hands.

"Yeah. My fault. I got frustrated and meant to hit the bike."

"Don't take it out on the poor bike either." Brutal grinned. "Let me help. Then we'll do my bike together too." He shrugged. "Take half the time."

"Thanks, man. I owe you one."

Alex gave the men a nod, slapping Brutal on the shoulder as he left to go to Gracie. The young woman immediately threw herself into her man's arms.

"I thought they were beating on you," she whimpered. I could barely hear her. She was far enough away I couldn't hear whatever Alex said to her, but I could hear his deep voice as he tried to soothe her.

Liam looked at the group of men with a scowl. He marched over to the group and I started to intervene. Mama gripped my hand tighter, a signal to stay where I was. The kid went straight to Mo and Brutal, his little fists clenched tightly.

"Hey, buddy," Mo said by way of greeting, obviously trying to pretend nothing had happened.

"You upset my mom." That got a raised eyebrow from me. Gracie had same as adopted Liam, but the kid usually called her Gracie. This was the first time he'd referred to her as Mom. "Do it again and I'll hurt you."

Instead of scoffing at Liam or waving off the threat, Brutal crouched down to be on Liam's level. "You're right, Liam. I'm sorry. We shouldn't bring violence home to our women. I'll go apologize to Gracie."

"Yeah," Mo agreed. "Me too. I'm sorry I upset your mom, Liam."

The two big men hung their heads, appropriately chastised, and shuffled over to where Gracie was clinging to Alex and quietly crying. There was a soft, gentle exchange while they spoke to both Alex and Gracie. Alex had picked up little Abraham in one arm while he held Gracie with the other. Gracie looked up at the men while they spoke and nodded her head as she swiped her eyes with the back of her hand. Brutal then stuck out his hand to Alex. The other man hesitated but took his hand, then Mo's.

Mama let out a little sigh and sat back in her chair. I squeezed her hand and she looked over at me. We shared a satisfied smile. Our boys were definitely growing into themselves. They were going to make fine men. Already were fine men. But they were going to be better. The guys needed direction and a lot of structure, so Mama and I provided.

Then, almost three years to the day, Taz showed back up. Changed in ways I didn't want to think about. He was harder. Colder. It felt like death followed him. When he met us, we did so on neutral ground. Just me and Mama.

"Back just like you promised." Mama might have smiled at Taz, but it didn't reach her eyes and she didn't move to shake his hand.

"I am. You kept my son safe?"

"You know we did, and I'm trying not to take offense at the implication we might not have." Mama's expression never wavered. Her tone was congenial, but I could feel the underlying tension and a healthy dose of anger radiating from her.

"I meant no offense, Mama. I think you know that." Taz spoke slowly, using the name everyone had given Jo, not addressing her in a way that might seem familiar. He was dancing around us, being very careful about what he said. We were the ones who suggested a place away from the compound, but Taz hadn't balked or even tried to get in to see the men he'd taken in as family. Which sent up all kinds of red flags. I also noticed that, since the very first message when he contacted us to let us know he was back, he'd always used our club names, but hadn't thought anything of it. I was thinking about it now.

"What's going on?" I moved slightly in front of Mama. If she minded, she didn't let on. Which told me all I needed to know about what Jo thought of the situation. She would never go against anything I said or did in the presence of an enemy or someone who was questionable, no matter if she didn't like that I was taking the lead. Or protecting her when she was perfectly capable of protecting herself. Taz realized it too.

"Good." He nodded to both of us, a silent acknowledgment he knew we saw him as a threat. "I've come to take Liam with me."

"Not sure that's the best idea." Mama spoke but didn't try to move around me. "He's grown roots. He's happy."

"I know. I'm still going to take him."

"You're not staying?"

"No, Mama. You and Pops have done exactly what I'd hoped you'd do. Made Bones into a family."

"Keepin' tabs on us?" I wanted Taz's focus back on me. If he was here to take out either of us, I wanted to give Mama her best chance to take him out first. While I was a warrior through and through, she was just as skilled and even more cunning than I was.

"Always. Bones is family."

"Then come home," Mama said softly. "Liam's made a home here with Gracie, Alex, and their son. He's a bright child. Strong and skilled. He'll make a fine warrior one day."

"I know how special my son is." Taz leveled a look on Jo and I had to stop myself from stepping completely in front of her again. "That's why I need to take him with me."

"Where are you taking him?" This time, Jo wasn't playing nice. I could almost feel her protective instincts kicking in as she prepared to fight for the little boy in our care.

"I don't have to answer to you, Mama. Liam is my son. You'll give him to me willingly, or I'll take him from you."

The two must have faced off or something. I wasn't about to take my attention from Taz and couldn't see Jo, but the tension was so thick I could have cut it with a knife.

"He's a good kid, Taz. If you can't give him a safe, loving home you need to leave him here."

"I can. I will." Taz's expression didn't change but I trusted what he was saying.

"I have no doubt you'll keep him safe, but I'm having trouble believing the loving home part is something you're capable of now. You've changed."

Taz nodded slowly. "I have. But not so much I can't show my son how much I love him. I swear to you, he'll know."

"What have you gotten into, Taz?" Mama's voice was so soft it was nearly a whisper.

Taz shook his head before stepping closer. When he spoke next, it was so low I had to strain to hear him. "What I'm doing is for the greater good. I'll teach Liam to handle himself, how to fight and protect those weaker than him. But he has to sever all ties with you. It's for everyone's safety. His included."

"This has to do with them , doesn't it?" Jo kept her voice as low as Taz did. There was no doubt who she was referring to, but if she wasn't going to say anything more, I wasn't about to.

"It is. Trust me when I say, they'll need both myself and Liam to balance them out. I'll build that foundation, and it will be up to Liam to continue. He'll take my place when I no longer can. Until then, he'll train. Study. Go out into the world and prepare himself once he's reached an age he can do so on his own."

"That's a hell of a thing to put on a kid, Taz. Do you honestly think you can get the upper hand with them? Really, Taz?"

"No." There was no hesitation in his answer. "But the cost if I don't at least try is too great."

"That's fine. For you . But what about Liam? He doesn't deserve that life."

"No," Taz agreed. "He doesn't. Doesn't change the fact he's going to have it, though."

"I'll fight you for that child." Now the mama tiger I knew and loved was baring her fangs and claws.

"I know you will, Mama. It's how you got your name. Fighting for those who need help. But I'm asking you not to. Trust me to know what's best for my son."

"If they're holding his safety over you --"

"They're not. I've looked at the situation and all the possibilities I can imagine. This is the best solution for him."

"For him? Or for you?" Yeah. Mama wasn't pulling any punches. If Taz was going to do this, he'd answer to Mama first.

"For both of us."

There was a long pause. I wanted to look back at Mama but didn't dare take my eyes off Taz. He was always dangerous. Now, I got the feeling he was even more so. And, let's be honest, if he had formed any kind of tie with the Brotherhood, he was one of the most lethal men on the planet.

"Fine." Whatever Mama saw when they studied each other must have satisfied her. If not completely, enough to let Taz have his son. "But if you hurt that boy in any way, Taz, I will make you beg for death before I fuckin' kill you."

"I'd expect nothing less. Bring Liam back here. Don't tell anyone I'm here. Again, for everyone's safety."

"This is horseshit, Taz." Finally, Mama pushed past me. If I thought she was angry, I'd have been dead wrong. Mama was fucking furious . "You know it as well as I do."

"I do. Doesn't change my decision."

Without another word, Mama spun on her heel and went back to her bike. I backed away from Taz, not wanting to turn my back on the other man until Mama was safely away.

I took a tentative step toward Taz, looking at him hard and holding his gaze. I needed to know if we were being observed. If the conversation was private.

Taz nodded his head slowly before muttering softly. "Ask. Keep it down and don't move your mouth much."

So, observed, but not with a listening device. "They want Mama?"

"Yep."

"They know where she is?"

"No."

Fuck. I needed more, but how to ask without giving anything away…

Taz shook his head. "They don't know what she looks like since she left the service. Glad she had her hair up when you guys came here or they might have figured she was here. I have them looking for her in Nam. They think she's with an MC called Iron Tzars. Not a club that's off-limits to them, but one they leave alone."

"Tzars reached out to me when I first got out of the service, but I declined."

Taz nodded. "You'd be the kind of person they'd want."

"Were Mama and I on the plane together intentionally?"

He shrugged. "Might have thrown you together to see what happened, but I didn't set up the airport thing. That was a happy coincidence."

"Don't believe in them." The hair in the back of my neck was standing up now. "Don't like being manipulated either."

"You weren't. At least, not wholly. I wanted you with her, but I never dreamed she wouldn't kill you."

"You didn't know where I was going."

"Knew you were headed in the same general direction as Mama. Knew enough to know you were the only person who could pull off this job."

"What fuckin' job?" I was growing angrier by the second. In the years I'd been with Jo, I'd grown to love the woman, prickly personality and all. I wasn't sure I could take it if this was all some kind of setup. I thought she loved me too, but she wasn't a very demonstrative person.

"The job of keepin' Jo safe and away from… them ."

"Why me?"

"Because I knew you'd be protective without reining her in. You can't force her to your will, and you'd never try. Knew you'd let her make the decision, then deal with the fallout."

"Why does she need protecting?"

"They want her, Pops." Taz dropped his voice even lower, almost to a whisper. "She'll never be their puppet and they'd kill her. She's one of the very few people they believe can achieve their goal, whatever it is. Not only is she smart and cunning, she can get into places others can't. You've seen the connections she has. The people she knows. By themselves, those people might not be much, but each of them has skills and credentials that make them dangerous to someone willing to put them all together. They want those connections."

Again, we stared each other down. I got that he couldn't elaborate. Had probably said more than he should as it was.

I gave him a slow nod. "What do I need to do?" Because there was no way I was not going to protect Mama, no matter what.

"Disappear. Stay with the club if you want but stay under the radar. Disappear Jo and Mike and become Mama and Pops."

I thought about that until I heard the rumble of Mama's bike in the distance. She was back with the boy. "OK." I'd figure it out. It would be tricky, but I had an idea. Now, if only the man I needed would meet up with me.

The boy rode behind Mama. He had a backpack on his shoulders, his arms wound tightly around her middle, and a big smile on his face. The second Mama stopped the bike, the kid was off and running to his father. "Dad!"

"Hey, sport." Taz smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. Liam, already the most observant and intelligent kid I'd ever met, noticed.

He slowed just before he was close enough for Taz to reach out and grab him, actually taking a couple steps backward. "Dad?"

"It's OK, Liam. Remember I told you I'd be back and what would happen?"

"Yeah?" The kid looked wary.

"It's time."

Father and son seemed to communicate silently before Liam finally nodded, putting his shoulders back proudly. "All right. I'm ready."

"You don't have to go if you really don't want to," Mama said before Taz could reach for the boy. "You can stay with me and Pops."

Liam gave her a look so adult it gave me a pang in my chest. No kid his age should have that look. Like he was preparing for battle and had no doubt in his mind he was up for the task. And he knew it was to the death. "Yes I do, Mama. I have to go."

"Liam --"

"Let it go, Mama," Taz said gently. "I will protect him with my life. I swear it."

"You fuckin' better, you son of a bitch," she bit out.

"Taz, are you sure?" I asked. "Really fuckin' sure?"

"I am, Pops. And I'm no longer Taz. You can call me El Diablo."