Page 104 of Sangre
“You need to call that doctor right now.”
“I need to get you back to the clubhouse. Go grab some clothes and let’s get outta here.” Isla brushed her lips across his then went upstairs. He took out his phone and called DR. He knew he was cut bad and the pain seared through him. The doctor told Sangre he’d meet him at the clubhouse, and he ended the call just as Isla came over to him, wheeling a small suitcase.
When they walked outside, Faith sat hunched over on a folding chair, staring at Isla. “Should I say something?” Isla said.
“I’d leave it alone. I saw Wexler talking to her. She’s gotta be in shock, Finding out someone you trusted betrayed you like that is damn hard.”
Isla sniffled. “Poor Faith. And Carly and Letty. How could he destroy his family that way?” She leaned against him as they walked up the driveway.
He glanced over again and saw Faith holding her face between her hands. “It’ll drive you crazy if you try and find some reason to the fucker’s madness. He didn’t give a shit about his family or anyone. Just himself.”
“He said he was going to come to LA and kill me.” Sangre felt her shudder and he tightened his grasp around her. “He was after me because I didn’t show up thirteen years ago to have a milkshake with him. How fuckin’ sick is that? He killed all those women because he thought they made fun of him. He seemed so normal when he was my neighbor.”
“Seemedis the operative word. He’s a sick sonofabitch, but it’s done and you don’t have to be afraid anymore.”
“I can’t keep the house. Not after all that happened here today. I don’t want to spend any more nights in it. How could I?” She opened the passenger door and looked at him. “I’m driving. I’ll help you in.”
Sangre let her play nurse as she helped him slide into the seat. His arm throbbed like hell and he was glad she’d offered to drive. He wanted to ask her to stay in Alina with him, but after what she’d just gone through, it wasn’t the right time.
Later that night, after ten stitches and a long shower, Sangre stood by the window looking at raccoons as they scurried across the yard in search of food.
“How’s your arm?” Isla said as she wrapped hers around his waist.
The scent of her wisped around him. “Fine. How’re you doing?” He placed a kiss on her forehead.
“Better. A hot shower does it for me all the time. I still can’t believe all of this. It’s so damn surreal. It’s like it didn’t happen but then I remember that it did. Too crazy.”
“It’ll take time. Now you can breathe. It’s over.”
“I know. I feel so free. I don’t have to be scared by every noise or strange look someone gives me.”
“Are you going to take a break from recording?”
“No way. We have to be in the studio tomorrow morning. It’s going to feel so strange not having Mark, Keith, or Jeff tailing me. Anyway, we have to finish our album before we head out to Sturgis.”
Sangre jerked his head back. “You’re going there?”
Isla’s eyes widened. “I forgot to tell you about it. I meant to, but then all the craziness happened. Anyway, we’re playing two shows in Sturgis at the Buffalo Chip. We’ve been trying to get a gig there for five years. It finally happened, and it’s exciting. I bet you’ve been to Sturgis.”
“I try to go every year or so. The club’s going this summer. That’s cool. You can ride with me.”
She moved over to the bed and sat on the edge of it. “I should go with the band. We can definitely hook up once you get there.”
Hook up? What the fuck?“Sure. How long are you gonna be there?”
“A few days. What about you?”
“A week or so. Some of the brothers will stay the two weeks, but I have to get back. We don’t like leaving the club shut down for too long.”
“I love that we’ll be there at the same time. Do you stay in a RV or tent?”
“RV. Eagle, Shotgun, and I went together on one. Where’re you staying?”
“Kent booked a hotel for us. I have my own room. I want you to stay with me while I’m there.”
“Damn straight. Are you coming back to Alina afterward?”
Isla broke eye contact and lowered her head, and he knew the answer was no. A sharp pain socked him in the gut. “Very soon after our show, we start a five week tour in California, Oregon, and Washington. The label’s most probably going to sign the band on.”
