CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

-:- DESTINY -:-

Standing and watching Jessica run into school, I can’t help but softly smile. She’s such a joy to have around. She is what I would love to have as a daughter, but I’m honored to have her as a niece.

“Are you happy now?”

I turn to see who’s snarling, and seeing it's Mrs. Philpott, I can’t stop the eyeroll that happens. “Happy about what?”

“Getting Acton put into the naughty room. All because your kid is a pain in the ass. A blabbermouth.” Spittle flies out of her mouth as she’s talking and it is disgusting, to say the least.

“Your spoiled brat of a son is in the ‘naughty room’, ” said with air-quotes, “because he is a bully, just like his mother.”

Now, we must have attracted a bit of attention because two teachers plus the principal rush out of the school and try to calm the situation. With no success, I may add.

“I’m going to make sure your business comes crashing down. Your reputation must mean a lot to you.”

Yeah, the bitch smirks. The onlookers are shaking their heads in disgust. My red hair must look like it’s on fire at this point as my temper has risen at her threat, and if I’m going to get a reputation, at least earn it, I’m thinking. So, with that thought in my mind, I haul my arm back and let it fly, I hit her square on the jaw and she flies backwards, trips and lands on her skinny ass. The gasps from people watching brings my temper back under control, but what I don’t expect is to see the Sheriff walking over to us.

You guessed it! We are both hauled off to the Sheriff’s Office where I give Gemmy a finger wave and a weak smile. She looks shocked to see me, but I notice she covers her smile with her hand as she picks up her phone.

Forest has me with him, while Mrs. Philpott is with one of the deputies. I remain quiet because I’ve never been arrested before, and I’m not sure punching someone once is an offense that will end up in court. First offense and all that!

“Now, what have you to say for yourself?” Forest asks, and I have nothing to say, so I shrug my shoulders as though I don’t have a care in the world. I’m not going to tell him I could piss my pants if he mentions charging me.

Gemmy walks into the office and gives me a wink and a smile. “Rock is on his way, Dest. Everything will be okay.”

“Well, I’m not sure about that Gemmy. After all, it is assault.” I'm receiving a look from Forest that lacks any trace of emotion.

“Come on, Forest.” Plopping herself into the seat next to mine, Gemmy grasps my hand and gives it a squeeze.

“Never mind ‘come on’ . Destiny assaulted a woman outside of the school. She punched her in the jaw and knocked her down. There were witnesses.”

“I’m sorry, but she has been goading me, her son has been bullying Jessica for weeks and I just lost it. I’m not a violent person, but when she threatened my reputation falsely, I thought fuck it. You know, like a true biker babe, I let her have it.” I blink a few times at my own comment, because where the hell have I come up with that bullshit?

Tapping lightly on the door has us all turning to see a deputy standing in the doorway, and I’m sure he has a sparkle of laughter in his eyes. Either I mistook what I saw or he recovered quickly when he spoke to Forest. “I got statements, and it seems Destiny here was standing up for herself after being pushed too far by Mrs. Philpott. Also, the school principal informed me that things have been tense of late, with the Philpott woman trying to get her son taken out of the bullying room. It seems Destiny should get a verbal warning Sheriff, and let it go.”

“Thank you, Francis,” Forest responds, but stops when the deputy speaks again.

“Oh, Rock is on his way to pick up Destiny, and he said to tell you if you charge her he’ll make sure Heather has glitter to pick up in every room of the clubhouse, every day for months, and he’ll let it be known it’s because of you!”

Not waiting for a reply from a shocked Forest, the deputy dashes out of the office and we all hear him laugh, then say, ‘biker babe,’ before laughing some more.

Gemmy bursts out laughing, but I’m not sure why the mention of glitter is so funny, but I even see a twitch of a smile on the sheriff’s lip.

“Red, where are you and what have you been up to?” We all three turn when Rock rushes through the door, and seeing me, he quickly steps in front of me and squats. “You okay?”

“I’m fine.” I want to roll my eyes, but think better of it. “It was that horrible Mrs. Philpott. She was calling Jessica names, and then threatened to ruin my reputation so all my authors would drop me like a hot potato. I just thought I’d shut her up.” I’m not giving the sheriff or Gemmy eye contact because I’m sure they’ll start laughing and bring up the ‘biker babe,’ comment.

“You done with my girl?” Rock asks the sheriff and when he gives a nod, I sigh, thankful to be getting out of here.

“Destiny, this is a one-time deal. If there is a next time, you’ll not be walking out so easily. I’ll be giving Philpott the same warning.”

Rock growls, which shocks me, but I give the sheriff a small nod of understanding and hightail it out of there with Rock right behind me.

Once home, I make a chamomile tea to settle my nerves, I look at Rock and give him a weak smile. “I’m sorry. It’s not how I usually solve an issue but that woman just pushes every button.”

Rock walks over to me, wrapping his arms around me, and kisses my forehead. “Never mind, just walk away from the bitch in the future. I have a feeling she’ll have more to think about than Acton’s behavior soon.”

“She is nothing but a menace, and Acton is going to grow up to be a horrible man if this keeps up. As it is, he thinks he can do what he likes with no consequences.”

“Come on, let’s sit because I want to have a talk with you about Jessica.”

Now that surprises me. “What about Jessica?”

“Pres spoke to me about how clever she is. Seems Mia has been telling him all about her knowledge of food, how she can define taste to the herb used. All that sort of thing. Anyway, Pres suggested she be tested for a high IQ, and if she has, then maybe she needs to be in a school for gifted children. Use her brain to its full potential, so to speak.” Rock is looking at me for some sort of reaction, but I’m not sure what to say, or make of what he’s said.

“It’s not something I can decide on. But I can speak to Garrett about it. He loves Jessica deeply and will do what’s best for her. I’m positive about that.”

Rock’s phone rings, and while he’s speaking I rinse our mugs before stepping out of the back door and after grabbing the watering can, give my potted plants water.

“That was Pres. It seems Jerica got herself into some mischief.” Rock smirks.

Placing the watering can down, I follow Rock back into the kitchen, rinse my hands, then take a seat at the table. “What has she been doing?”

“Well, it seems your sister is a bit of a skank. She was caught fuckin’ one of the prospects. That got him kicked out of the club, but as for her I don’t know what’s going to happen. She’s not doing the chores she has been set either, downright fuckin’ lazy is what she is.” Rock is searching my face for any reaction I may give.

“Well, I don’t think Garrett will keep the marriage going now. He’s already sick of her antics, and I’m going to tell him all that I’ve heard because I don’t want him stuck with her forever. I also don’t want Jessica to have to grow up with that happening around her.” I know this is going to cause trouble, but I’m not bothered about Jerica’s payback. I’m only concerned for Jessica, and Garrett is the better parent for her. “I’ll book a call with Garrett, and the sooner I speak to him, the better.”

“I’m sorry, it’s not great news…”

I interrupt Rock, “It’s not your problem, it’s always Jerica. She’s been like this most of her life. It’s one of the reasons we don’t get along. She was always bitchy that I kept my nose clean, did what I had to with no drama or fuss. I can’t say that I’m going to miss her in my life because she was never really in it. But when Garrett gets out and takes Jessica, it’s going to break my heart.”

“Yeah, I know. But we could have a parcel of rug rats ourselves?” Rock kisses me thoroughly, and for a few minutes I forget everything else. “I’ll get a call organized with Garrett. Specs can do that, you know, make it happen soon.”

Watching Rock on the phone with Specs, I’m amazed at how they are so confident they will get a call organized and not have to go through the usual channels. But the sooner Garrett knows what is going on, the better.

Once Rock has finished on the phone, he throws me over his shoulder and heads upstairs. Telling me it’s rug rat making time, but all the while laughing and tapping my ass. I’m not sure if I should remind him I’m on the pill.

Later, and I mean quite some time later, I’m on the phone speaking with Garrett. “Garrett, Jerica has caused trouble at the club where she’s staying. She is not doing the chores they gave her as payment for her upkeep. But the worst of it is she was caught having sex with one of the prospects. That young man lost his place with the club because of it, but she has no remorse. You need to decide, Garrett, what you want because if you stay married to Jerica, I’m going to fight you for Jessica’s custody. I cannot, with a clear conscience, have Jerica around her anymore.”

“I have a new lawyer sent to me by the club. He’s going to have my sentence thrown out. I’ll take Jessica, divorce Jerica and move. I love my daughter Dest, you know I do.” Garrett is livid. I can hear it in his voice, but he needs to remain calm or it could give them something to fight his release.

“You know Jessica is clever, but I think you should have her IQ tested. Garrett, she could be a gifted child and need to be in a school that helps them learn and grow.” I hear his sharp intake of breath, then he replies.

“Once I’m out of this shithole, I’ll do that. I’ll do whatever she needs. You know I’m more than thankful for all you’ve done, Dest. It means the world to me.”

“Thanks, Garrett. I love Jessica, and I love you as the brother that you are.” I say that because Rock is listening to every word of this conversation.

Taking the phone out of my hand, Rock has a conversation with Garrett. I hear him ask what he wants done with Jerica, and I walk away because I really don’t want to know. She is not my concern, Jessica is.

Later that afternoon, Rock came with me to get Jessica from school in the club’s SUV. We go to the clubhouse, where Jessica is dragged into the kitchen by Bitty and Sybil. I, however, am working with Amelia to fulfill Jo’s order for the merchandise she wants to take to the book signing next week.

“You’ve got the hang of doing all this now, Destiny. How much do you think she’ll need? Because this is a lot for her to pack in the SUV.” Amelia grins when she looks at the boxes against one wall with green labels, which show they are Jo’s.

“I think this is enough. When is Jo getting delivery of the hardback copies?” Closing up the box and taping the top closed.

“Jo said Monday, and the signing is now on Thursday. So, plenty of time for them to arrive.” Amelia closes the door behind us and rubs her hands together, showing it’s a job well done.

“I need to speak with Jo. Can you check Jessica for me please when you go into the kitchen? She was with Sybil and Bitty, helping prepare the meal for everyone. I can bet we will have a variety of desserts because she sure loves cakes and cookies.” I grin as Amelia rubs her stomach while grimacing.

“I’m going to put on even more weight. But I’m not missing any cakes or cookies either. Good thing is with most the brothers on this road trip we don’t have to make as much, and we don’t have to fight as hard to get what we want.”

Amelia has a huge smile on her face as she heads into the kitchen, and I walk over to Jo, who is working on her laptop in a corner of the common room.

Taking a seat next to Jo’s table, I lean back and close my eyes for a moment. Relaxing before I help in the kitchen. “Did the radio interview go okay, Jo?”

“Awesome, I enjoyed it. I didn’t let him veer into my personal life, which pissed him off, but hey I don’t care. I would never talk about the club to anyone, for any reason.”

“I’m sure you wouldn’t. But on the whole speaking about the new book, the plot, how you write, blah, blah. That should be more than enough for his interview. Did Star behave herself?” I giggle at the last because I’ve heard a lot about Star and her antics. Also, learned some of her English words that seem to pop out of everyone when they least expect it. What’s funny about that is, everyone follows it with, ‘ fuckin’ Star. ’

“Yeah, she was well-behaved. She did drop in a ‘knob’ under her breath when one of the staff asked me who the fuck I was when we were leaving. I just love her to death. She’s the best friend you could wish for and I’m very lucky to be able to call myself her friend.” Jo has tears in her eyes with the emotion she is feeling, and I lean over and squeeze her hand.

“Well, I hope we can be good friends, too. I’ve not had many friends because Jerica always pissed them off, so they left, or she stole their friendship from me to her.” I’m only saying this, so Jo understands that I fully know how she feels.

“You can’t steal friends, Dest. It just means they weren’t your friends, anyway.” Jo returns the squeeze and we give each other a smile.

“Come on, pack up the laptop and let’s go see what they all have cooking.”