Mr. Goldman smirked. “Give your brother my best regards.”
He got back into his car and I watched as it drove away.
Standing there, watching his car disappear into the fading sun, I didn’t know what to think. So much had happened since I returned to the Golden Skulls. Shit that made no sense. The man had to be fucking crazy. It was the only thing that made sense.
I had just started walking again when the sounds of a Harley revved off in the distance.
“That’s it. I fucking give up.” I screamed bloody murder, plopping my ass down on the pavement. If they wanted me, they could have me. I was done. I said nothing as a man in a black shirt and jeans slowed to a stop next to me.
“Jessica?”
“What’s it to you?”
“Just wanted to say thank you for taking care of me.”
My head snapped up and really looked at the man. He was as I remembered and more. He’d changed a lot since I last saw him in the hospital after his surgery. Though he desperately needed a shave, the man looked even more dangerous than I remembered. Getting to my feet, I stood rooted to my spot and said, “You’re welcome, Mr. Franks.”
Reaching into his back pocket pulling out his wallet, he produced a small card and handed it to me. “If you need anything, ever…you call me.” Nodding, I took the card from him and looked at it. It was solid black with just a telephone number on it.
Nothing more.
Simple. Just like him.
Nothing more was said as he rode off into the setting sun. I always knew that I would meet Mr. Franks again someday. I couldn’t explain it. Some patients just stood out and Mr. Franks was one of those patients. I didn’t know where he was headed and I didn’t want to know. Just seeing him alive and breathing was good enough for me.
Putting his card in my back pocket, I started walking again and only got a few feet when another bike came barreling down the road. Only this time the bike didn’t stop. I did however see who was riding and I shouted at him as he rode passed. “God Damnit Solomon! Your supposed to stop for stranded females!”
But he didn’t stop.
However, he did smile and wave at me like I was a spectator out for a Sunday walk.
“You big bastard! I didn’t want to ride with you anyway!”
“Wanna ride with me, baby?”
Turning, I smiled as Savage leaned against his handlebars grinning at me. My heart skipped a beat and started pounding furiously in my chest.
He was alive.
Not a scratch on him.
“I don’t know. I’ve had a lot of offers lately.” I smiled playfully.
“Really?” Savage asked. “Well, I can’t have that.”
“You kill him?”
“Nope. But he’s dead.”
“Good enough for me,” I hopped on behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist. “Get me the fuck out of this state.”
“My pleasure baby. My pleasure.”
We drove nonstop for three days to get back to California. Savage wanted to stop several times to let me rest but I said no. I wanted Florida in my rearview as far as possible. If I ever returned to this fucking state it would be too soon.
We pulled into the Golden Skulls compound early in the morning. Exhausted, sore and hungry I was careful getting off Savage’s bike. My legs felt like jelly as it took me a few minutes to get my footing straight so I could walk.
When I could I headed into the clubhouse, with Savage behind me. The place was quiet. Several brothers were sleeping, some were still up drinking but I didn’t give a fuck. I wanted a shower and a warm bed. Making my way to the stairs, I cringed, closing my eyes when I heard, “Well, if it ain’t the fucking whore’s daughter back for more.”