“You want a house, sweetness? It’s all yours. Dog is a fantastic idea, and I’ve a housekeeper who does that shit. You wanna cook? Fine, I can, but be fun to share cooking duties. And some of my brothers will visit my home. They’re like me, wanting a clean club. I’ll give you names. If anyone knocks and it ain’t them, you don’t answer the fucking door. We’ll build you somewhere to hide that’s re-enforced.”
“Will I be in danger?” I demanded.
“Not as much as on the streets. And my brothers, my real brothers, will protect you, Tati. Once I’ve given you my official protection, they’ll lay their lives down to save you. You’ll grow to recognise good from bad, genuine from scum. But get used to having them around.”
“Fine, but if one touches me, I’ll cut his fuckin’ cock off and shove it down his throat,” I warned.
“Baby, I’ll hold the cunt down while you do that!” Big Al agreed. “I want your foster parents’ address.”
An hour later, Big Al pulled up outside my old house. I’d not lived there for six months. Behind him, three further bikers arrived. They climbed off their bikes, and I saw their names were Chance, Bear and Rooster. I instantly hid behind Big Al’s back, and he grunted and yanked me forward.
“What’s this shit?” Bear growled.
“Girl’s under my protection,” Big Al said.
Rooster raised an eyebrow.
“Didn’t you slit Dodge’s throat for that?”
“Brother, you did not just say that bullshit to me?” Big Al thundered, and Rooster had the grace to look ashamed. Big Al explained what had happened to me in a few short sentences and what was next. The men’s expressions turned pissed off and then migrated into downright terrifying.
“Six months? Bitch is lucky she’s a virgin still,” Rooster grunted, and I sent him a scowl. Screw you!
“Why are we here?” Bear asked.
“To collect any shit of Tati’s they kept. And their money. They owe Tati six months’ cash as the kid was on the streets, not in their home. Check the condition of any other kids. You note something is wrong. Tell me,” Big Al replied.
Three sharp nods were offered, and then Big Al stormed up the neat garden path and banged on the door.
The house was set at the end of a street in a fairly decent neighbourhood. Not a great one, but not one that suffered drug dealers and whores. Women could walk carefree at night and not be terrified for their lives here. Big Al didn’t look concerned as his Harley pipes echoed, but not a single curtain twitched. They’d parked, had their conversation, and now were tackling the Brookes head-on.
Mr Brookes opened the door, dressed in jeans and a button-down shirt. He worked construction somewhere; I’d informed Big Al. Mrs Brookes was a stay-at-home mom who looked after the foster kids and their own. Mr Brookes stared, startled, as Big Al loomed into his view.
“Remember her?” Big Al asked, throwing a thumb in my direction.
Mr Brookes paled as Big Al shouldered past, holding my hand, and Bear and Rooster followed on his heels. They split off in different directions as Mrs Brookes came from the kitchen, wiping her hands.
“What’s going on here?” she shrieked.
“Justice. You been collecting for Tati while she’s been missing?” Bear demanded.
Mr Brookes paled even more, but Mrs Brookes shouldered past her husband and opened her mouth on the attack.
“Who are you? What do you think you’re doing here? Why have you returned with that whore?”
“Shut your fuckin’ mouth, woman. First, I’m a real man, not some henpecked version of your husband. Second, you called in that the girl disappeared? That you had an underage kid missing? Nah? Collected money for her though, didn’t ya’s?” Big Al thundered, and I felt anger coming off him in waves.
“Why would I call in about her? She wanted to fuck my husband!” Mrs Brookes squealed.
“Girl’s a virgin,” Big Al stated, and Mrs Brookes huffed in disbelief. “Bitch, it’s been confirmed by a doc. Your partner tried to rape her, and Tati ran. This place ain’t safe for teenage girls.”
“That’s a lie,” Mrs Brookes stuttered.
Mr Brookes was not only losing colour now but looked like he would collapse under the smallest of breezes.
“Not so,” Rooster spoke, appearing with a girl. She looked frightened to death but clung to Rooster’s cut. “He’s been touching her.”
“That’s bullshit!” Mrs Brookes yelled.