After finishing off some leftovers, I packed a bag, took a much-needed shower, and called it a night. By the next morning, I’d gotten caught up on my sleep and was feeling like a new man. I grabbed a quick cup of coffee and then, I was on my way. When I arrived at the clubhouse, I wasn’t surprised to find Hawk and Menace already there and waiting with Rafe. I’d barely pulled into the parking lot when Hawk asked, “You all set?”
“I reckon,” I answered. “You know where we’re headed?”
“Yeah, we’re good.” Hawk gave me a quick nod. “I got the address yesterday at the meet.”
He motioned for us to follow, and moments later, we were on our way. I hadn’t been there to listen in on the meet, so I had no clue where we were headed when Menace took Route 70 towards Murfreesboro. Again, I didn’t ask questions. I figured it wouldn’t be long before I knew everything there was about Billy’s daughter and her little business proposition.
We’d been riding for about forty-five minutes when Menace led us off the highway towards a small town between Nashville and Murfreesboro. There were a few houses here and there, but for the most part, it was one winter wheat field after the next until we came upon a town. With its country square, old-fashioned light posts, and dated stores, the place reminded me of fucking Mayberry. The only thing missing was a Ford Galaxy 500 cop car with Andy Griffith behind the wheel.
We continued riding through the small town and out of its limits. Soon after, Hawk took a turn down what looked to be an abandoned road. After ten or so more miles, we came up to a metal gate and searched around for some semblance of a guard, but there was none to be found. Having no other choice, Hawk got off his bike and pushed it open.
Once Hawk was back on his Harley, we continued down the road, winding up in the middle of what looked to be a religious community. A large church stood in the center with several small houses surrounding it, as well as a mid-sized school with a gymnasium and a barn in the back.
Hawk pulled up to the large parking lot in front of the school and turned off his engine. As soon as we got off our bikes, I looked around at the odd-shaped houses and the hundred or so acres of land that surrounded us. “What the hell is this place?”
“The sign back at the gate said it’s the Langford Nature Preserve.”
“Well, I’m not feeling the whole nature preserve vibe.” I nodded my head towards the old church house. “I mean, look at this fucking place. I’m just waiting for David Koresh to show up with his ‘Army of God’.”
The words had barely left my mouth when two guys came out of the old school to greet us. There was nothing all that menacing about either of them. They were just two regular guys dressed in camo cargo pants and t-shirts. The older of the two with the military-style haircut walked straight up to Hawk and extended his hand as he said, “Hey, you guys must be the Ruthless Sinners.”
“We are.”
“Great. Welcome to Langford Manor.” He shook Hawk’s hand. “I’m Braylon.”
“Good to meet ya, Braylon. I’m Hawk, and these are my brothers, Menace, Country, and Rafe.” Hawk sounded displeased as he said, “We were expecting to meet with Kiersten.”
“Of course. She’s waiting for you inside.”
Hawk nodded, and as we followed the two men towards the schoolhouse, I kept expecting to see armed guards or, at the very least, some high-tech security system but found neither as we approached the front door. I followed Hawk, Rafe, and Menace inside and was surprised that the place looked nothing like a school.
The floor had been redone with marbled concrete, and the walls were drywalled and freshly painted. There was an oversized sectional sofa with end tables and lamps and a colorful rug positioned in the center of the room, making it look more like an office or a home than an old school building.
Once the door closed behind us, Braylon turned to Hawk and said, “I’ll let Kiersten know you’re waiting.”
Before any of us could respond, he vanished through two large wooden doors. I took a quick glance around, making sure we were alone before leaning over to Hawk and Menace and whispering, “Is it just me, or is this some crazy shit?”
“It’s different. That’s for sure.”
“Maybe we should just get the fuck out of here and be done with this shit.”
“As tempting as that might be, we can’t.” A look of distress crossed Menace’s face as he reminded us, “She’s kind of got us by the balls with—”
Before Menace could finish his sentence, the wooden doors swept open, and I felt like I’d been knocked on my ass when I saw the beautiful brunette from the bar sauntering towards us. She was wearing a long-sleeved, vintage AC/DC t-shirt with jeans and black boots, and she looked fucking incredible. Unable to hide my surprise, I grumbled, “Fuck.”