16. ‘Wildcat’

SIXTEEN

‘WILDCAT'

FRANKIE

After all that's happened, it's almost refreshing to sit with my sisters and discuss breaking up not a human trafficking circuit but a domestic situation that has gotten out of hand. Raven was able to hack the records of the man in question, Jeffrey Walsh. He's a seven-time abuser but every single time he's been brought up on charges they are eventually dropped or the witnesses disappear. This time he's holed up in a cabin out in the woods and deputies have been out there a few times for wellness checks. From the police reports, there are multiple men with a handful of women and children. One main cabin then some smaller hut-like buildings and a few tents. One deputy said it reminded him of a commune. Early yesterday a couple was out camping when someone attacked them. When the man came to, his girlfriend was gone. He managed to get out of the woods so he could catch a cell signal and call 911.

Sheriff George is here along with Yoggie. Tank is also here because his daughter, Tink, called him. Apparently, the girl missing is the daughter of one of Tank's longtime friends. William and Tank go way back. William and his wife, Sherrie, are both here also. The boyfriend is in the hospital getting checked out. The sheriff starts with what they know and what the plan is.

"All right, William, Sherrie, you sure ya want to be in here? What I'm gonna say isn't going to be easy to hear."

With wide eyes filled with fear, they both nod. Sheriff George drops his head then sighs.

"Well, from what we can tell and what Kevin told us, he and Cici were hiking and were surprised by a bunch of men. While Kevin tried to fight, he was immediately beaten while Cici was ‘played' with, their term. Three men surrounded her, tearing and ripping her clothes off. Kevin tried to get to her but eventually his pain was too much. When he felt hands on his own belt, he went ballistic but that didn't stop the men. Both he and Cici were raped at the same time. That's the last thing Kevin remembers before he lost consciousness. I'm sorry, Sherrie, William, but I promise to find Cici. That's why we have Tank and the Devil's Handmaidens here. This is what the DHMC specialize in. Yoggie is not only an Intruder but also one of my deputies. He'll blend in until he needs to use his star to arrest whoever is in charge. I'm guessing this is part of that domestic thing you have going on, Tink. How do you want to do this?'

Tink looks around until her eyes fall on mine. She tilts her head like she does when she's planning on dropping a bomb.

"Sheriff George, I think it's high time you deputize Wildcat. She's passed all the necessary tests and we could use her going forward in a fuller capacity to bind our world with yours. Between her and Yoggie we'd have the law with us on these missions, and maybe that will alter the turnout of how this ends because they are the law working side by side with our clubs. Two deputies serving Timber-Ghost and its residents."

My head swings between Tink, Sheriff George, and Tink again. Finally, a huge sigh is heard just as Shadow goes to speak. The sheriff raises his hand, shaking his head, and for once Shadow shuts her mouth. My God, miracles do happen, I think to myself with a tiny grin.

"Well, Tink, get outta my head. My plan was to speak to Wildcat after this meeting but let's fast forward. If you still want the job, Wildcat, or should I say, Frankie, it's yours with a three-month probation period. You will be working with Yoggie as your partner. The rest we can figure out later. Let me go out to my SUV and grab your deputy bag, which includes a bulletproof vest, a star, and some other shit—I mean stuff—necessary or mandatory for the job."

We all kind of giggle or chuckle at George's slip. And hearing Shadow tell her ol' man that our club's bulletproof vests are probably better than what he's going to give me, adds to the laughter. He turns, gives her the stink eye, and walks out. We all wait until he comes back in with a duffel bag filled with stuff.

"Go through it with your new partner, Yoggie, around. Let me know what else you'll need, Wildcat. Eventually, to follow protocol, I'll need to run you through some tests but as far as I'm concerned, you are now a deputy of the Sheriff's Department of Timber-Ghost. Welcome, glad to have ya, Frankie."

He comes toward me, hand out. We shake hands as all my club sisters also surround me with congratulations being thrown out there. Off in the far corner I see my parents and Malcolm coming forward. Somehow, they knew about this. First Mom, then Dad, hugs me. Finally, Malcolm comes to me, pulling me close.

"I'm so proud of you, Frankie. You never gave up on yourself or your dreams. Be proud of yourself because you won. Wishing you only the very best life has to offer. You so deserve it, Beautiful."

When he pulls away, I grab his hand and squeeze.

"Malcolm, we need to take some time to talk, okay?"

He nods then moves with my parents, who are following Dani out of the huge conference room at the ranch. Malcolm seems different since he came back from his ride with Avalanche. Not sure why, and I haven't seen Avalanche since then to find out what exactly the two of them did together. I know that their stud ranch is very busy at this time of year so maybe he'll show up later, who knows. Was actually surprised to see him here at all.

"All right, hey, quiet down."

Glory is trying to get everyone's attention, though it isn't working. Finally, we hear something banging and when I look around it's Tink, lifting and slamming a travel mug on one of the tables. Well, it worked. Once she has everyone's attention, she looks my way.

"Congratulations, Wildcat. I know that has been one of your lifelong dreams to be a police officer. Also, after you brought this idea to us, it made sense to have a law enforcement person within our club so when we break up the circuits or domestic disputes, we have documentation and all the necessary legal documents, along with your vest camera."

Everyone once again claps and says congrats. Then Tink gets serious.

"We need to find Cici. The longer they have her, the more damage is being done. Sherrie, William, if you want to step out, I totally understand, but now we are getting down and dirty on all the details. We are shorthanded now with both Taz and Vixen pregnant. Obviously, they can't go with, so they will be holding down the mission from our home base while we tighten our approach. That means members and prospects are gearing up. Also, Tank is going to provide a few of his brothers to help out if needed."

As I listen to my prez, my mind goes to what Cici must be going through. My God, why do we have such monsters on this earth? It doesn't make sense to me. That poor girl will never be the same, and I can relate. My life's path was altered that day. Not that my life is bad but it isn't the one I was born to lead. Or maybe it is and I had to go through everything to become who I am now. I'll never know though, all I can do is keep pushing on to, as Malcolm said, find the best life possible. I know that we need to move fast because every minute that young woman is in the hands of those maniacs, they will continue to literally tear parts of her soul out with every action against her. Not just the sexual but the physical beating and berating does just as much damage. Hearing my name, I look up.

"Sorry, Tink, my mind was spinning. Can you repeat, please?"

"Yeah, Wildcat, we are going to need you with us for a couple of reasons. First, you're a deputy now so that will help if we need to go the legal route, which I doubt these fuckers are going to want to honor. Second, you've experienced what Cici is going through so you might be able to help her in that way. Now if what's going on is too much for you then tell me now before we get down to the particulars. Sorry what, Sherrie?"

We all look to Cici's mom. She's staring directly at me and I feel that look down to my bones. Not sure what she's going to ask, but I'll give it to her straight. She deserves at least that.

"Wildcat, right? What did Tink mean, you've been through what my daughter is experiencing? Do you know who these men are? Is it because of your club that they are here in Timber-Ghost?"

Before I can reply, Raven steps up, tablet in her hands.

"Actually, no, these assholes have been holed up for months. We have six young women who have been reported and there are missing persons cases on each from around the Timber-Ghost area."

"Sherrie, what Tink was talking about is a few years ago back home in New York City. My fiancé and I were enjoying a weekend in a cabin in the woods, until a bunch of men approached and eventually beat both Malcolm and me almost to death before they raped us both continually. Only reason I think we are alive is before they got a hold of me, I used a satellite phone, called 911, and they got rangers out to our location. I've been in and out of therapy since. Left my home and somehow ended up in your town. Then I met Glory and Tink. The rest, as they say, is history. Just remember, you've raised a very strong young woman. No matter what happens she's going to need both of you to be there for her, so if she has to fall or let loose, both of you will hold her up until she can do it on her own. With that said, not going to sugarcoat this, it can't get much worse. That's why we need to move as soon as possible. My main objective is going to be to get Cici out, and I'll do whatever I need to. This isn't our first rodeo. We've gone up against some of the most devious assholes and criminals. We've brought back the victims here to the ranch and helped them become survivors. I hope that helps and answers your question. Now, I've got some folks I need to speak to before we push off."

With that I stand and walk out of the room to find my mom and dad, along with Malcolm, sitting in the hallway. All three stand as I approach.

"Hey, can you guys follow me to my cabin please? Don't have a lot of time but need to explain what's going on."

I don't wait, just walk out and pass the main house to the lane behind it where most of the single sisters live. Mine is number nine, which is newer and larger. I totally love my little home and am so grateful to Tink for allowing me to live here. We don't pay rent, it's part of being a member of the Devil's Handmaidens and it keeps us all close. For those who have moved or gotten married or just found their soulmates, Tink sold them plots of land to build their forever homes on acreage still on her ranch.

Walking up my porch, I look back to see Dad looking around. Mom is right behind me and almost knocks into me when I stop. Malcolm's behind Dad. I lift my hand to the small computer screen under the Nest camera bell. It chimes four times then the door unlocks. Once inside, I again lean over and put in the code for the alarm. We learned the hard way when Tink was going through her shit that no matter how much you think you are safe, you never truly are. So with Panther and his group's assistance, all of the cabins, main house, and bunkhouses are now under surveillance with not only our club but with the Intruders too. Panther's men, Chicago and Jersey, are pretty amazing techies, not to mention some of Ollie's ex-military folks. We are set up for hopefully just about anything.

I put my new duffel bag down and walk to the open kitchen, grab four waters, and walk to the table off to the side. Everyone takes a seat. The quiet is too eerie. I open and drink a quarter of the bottle before I try to explain.

"I know all of you are worried. I do get that, but we have a situation that my club has to get behind now. Time is of the essence. A young woman has been taken by a few men. They first beat her and her boyfriend then raped them both. The boyfriend passed out and they took her. Her name is Cici and she's only twenty years old. They were hiking. Both are from the Timber-Ghost area. I need you to let me do what I do best. No, don't, please. Mom, if you could, go sit with Cici's parents. You too, Dad, I'm sure they'd appreciate it. Malcolm, I'm going to have you hang with Avalanche and Panther. They are our backup, so they aren't going in with us but won't be that far away. This right here is the difference between a one-percent club and a riding club. We don't follow the rules you all do. We follow our club rules, which lets us do what we do to save as many innocents as possible when a situation comes our way."

"But, Frankie, didn't you just become a deputy? How can you do both be a Devil's Handmaiden and a deputy? Is that even possible?"

I look to Malcolm and I get why he asked, but damn, time is wasting. So I give it to my family straight.

"The deputy thing, Malcolm, is so if a situation arises that having law enforcement there is needed, then I'm a go. Yoggie from the Intruders has been doing this since I came out here and it seems to work. It's going to be a fine line. Yoggie, he puts in his time in town and at events. It's good for townsfolk to see the clubs doing public service. Now I got to get ready. Wait here, I'll just be a few. Then I'll walk you guys to the meeting room and Malcolm we'll get you over to Panther and his team."

With that I get up, walk to my bedroom and directly into my closet. I lean in and switch out my worn jeans for a pair of my riding ones, which are heavier and thicker. I grab my biker boots, shoving my feet inside, and a long-sleeve Henley then my holster. Going to my safe, I put fingers on it and it opens. I snag my Springfield Amory Hellcat. Yeah, one of the reasons I carry it is because it's a Hellcat, just like me. The other and main reason is the accuracy of the gun, and I can handle it. Gun in the holster at my side, in my back holster I put my Sig Sauer. Grabbing my hunting knife, I shove it into the pouch in my boot. Last are my kutte and leather gloves, along with my Louisville Slugger. Going to have a word with Sheriff George to see what weapon is approved by the state of Montana for rural deputies. Hate to have to get used to yet another weapon when I'm able to handle these with ease.

As I walk down the hallway, I hear whispers but as soon as I get to the main open area everyone shuts up. Three sets of eyes bulge out at my appearance. Like I said, not going to hide what I've become. Mom jumps up and comes right to me, opening my kutte. She sees my gun and her face blanches. Dad stands but doesn't do a thing. Malcolm, on the other hand, is standing, fists at his sides.

"Frankie, maybe you should stay back this time. With everything going on…"

"Malcolm, I get how you're feeling, truly I do, but I've got to go. Need to be there for Cici. Let's move. Time is wasting and Cici is the one paying that price."

Without looking back, I grab my leather off the hook, reach down for the duffel, and head back to the main house—well—first the meeting room so Mom and Dad can comfort Sherrie and William. I see Avalanche approach and I hand off Malcolm to him. Though not before he pulls me close and whispers to me—no, begs me—to be careful and places a gentle kiss on my lips.

Seeing everyone going to the barn off to the side of Tink's ranch house, I follow. One of the prospects lined up all our bikes so they are ready. One of the club vans is also in line. I hear them first, but the Intruders make their way to where Panther and Avalanche are waiting. Tink pulls us in and we quickly go over what we are planning. Taz says a few of her prayers then Glory says a prayer to God for safety and everyone coming home whole, including Cici. Then we all get to our bikes and get ready. When Tink gives the hand signal, we all start up and the sound of pipes is what calms me down. We've done this so many times, hopefully, this one will go as smoothly as all the others. One by one, we leave the barn. I see my parents standing with Cici's folks and when I pass, I lift my hand to them. The fear in my folks' eyes I wish wasn't there, probably why I never shared exactly what I was doing out here. Now need to concentrate on one thing only…getting Cici back home to her family.