Page 27 of Wheelie's Challenge
Wheelie spun around and saw Animal throw his phone down on his lap. “I gotta go, Mom. I’ve got a lot of work to do. I’ll call soon.”
“Just don’t do anything that’ll break my heart.”
“Thanks for calling. Say hi to Al.” Wheelie slipped the phone into his pocket. “The fucker’s out.” As he said the words, the shock of them still reverberated through him.
“No shit. That’s not good. If you need help with this, I’m in.” Animal grabbed his phone and stood up. “I hate playing these fuckin’ games, especially when I lose.”
“Thanks, bro. I’ll let you know. Right now we got inventory to do.”
The two men went to the room down the hall, and Animal took down the first box of several and opened it with his hunting knife. Pulling out a pink leather steering wheel cover encrusted with rhinestones, he read, “A-169 PSWR,” and Wheelie plugged the number into his laptop. Item after item, Animal recited the codes as Wheelie typed them in; the whole time, the blackness surrounding his soul grew darker. His hatred for Russ Elmore was like an abscess on his soul that had been festering for years, and the only cure for it was the sharp steel point of revenge.I let you down in life but I’m gonna make it up to you.He intended on avenging Kendra’s death, and nothing or no one was going to stop him.
***
The following morning,Wheelie went into Banger’s office. The president sat with his feet propped up on the desk and his head resting against the back of the chair.
“What can I do for you?” He motioned for Wheelie to sit down.
Wheelie sank down on one of the leather chairs. “I’d like to go to San Diego to lend a hand with setting up the new charter. Breaker and I go way back, and it seems fitting that I’m part of helping him out.”
“That sounds good. We got about ten brothers heading there. Animal came in last night and asked to go. I was surprised about that. He’s the last member who I’d figure would volunteer. The only place he’ll go is Sturgis.” Banger chuckled. “Maybe he heard the way Panther and the other charter members were talking about all the women and their skimpy bikinis. But I’ll admit, it surprised the hell outta me.”
“When do we leave?” Wheelie knew why Animal had volunteered, and his loyalty and love hit Wheelie right in the gut.
“In a couple of weeks. I wanna make sure everyone’s back from the different poker runs and bike rallies. I need the rest of the members here while we’re in California.”
Wheelie tilted his head back then stood up.
“You going to the family picnic tonight?”
“Maybe. I have a lot of work to do, but if I finish in time, I’ll stop by. See you around.”
“Later.”
Not in the mood for beer or talking, Wheelie went out the back way and walked down to the river. Under the bright sun, the water sparkled as it wended it way between banks dotted in colorful wildflowers and tall evergreens. The gentle breeze whispered through the trees while the whistle of birds echoed. There was something about the quiet busyness of nature that comforted and calmed him. He pulled out his phone and called Sofia, well aware that Tigger had left early that morning.
“Hi.” Her voice was warm and sweet like melting honey.
“Hey. Are you going to Clermont Park for the club picnic tonight?”
“Yes. Are you going to be there?” He could hear bubbles dancing in her words and see the sparkling in her eyes.
“I am now. You need a ride?”
“Banger and Belle are going to pick me up. Bones is going to be there. I’m pretty sure Tigger told him to keep an eye on me. He didn’t want me to go tonight, but Banger told him to basically fuck off.” She giggled.
“Is Bones supposed to spy on you while Tigger’s gone?”
“Just for tonight. I think he thought I’d drive myself. I don’t know why he asked Bones to make sure I don’t because Tigger wrote down all the mileage on both cars before he left this morning.” A short pause. “He does that a lot.”
“Fuckin’ bastard. We gotta figure this shit out about Bones. I don’t want him watching us. I’ll ask one of my buddies to keep him occupied when we go to Hanging Lake.”
“When are we going?”
“Tomorrow. There’s no rain in the forecast.”
“I’m looking forward to it, especially trying out your Harley. It’s wicked looking and I heard it’s really powerful and smooth.”
“Yeah, huh? Well, I’m looking forward to you pressed up against me.” Wheelie picked up a flat stone and threw it in the river, watching large drops of water jump then fall back into the river. “I’ll see you tonight. I need to get back to the car wash.”
