Page 52 of Devil's Queen
Tex looks it over before he nods. “Looks like it. Where’d you get it?”
“A friend. Found it under some stolen merchandise of theirs.”
“I mean, it’s pretty old-school, but it’s ours, no doubt.”
“Old-school?” I ask, trying to keep my voice even and less accusatory.
“Yeah, like the one Pike and the old guys wear,” he says, gesturing toward their leather jackets. The sun glints off the silver zippers and studs, making them stand out against the dark material. “The newer cuts don’t have the green thread. It’s all gold and purple.”
As I study my jacket, I see that he’s right. The intricate stitching lining the edges is made up of swirling patterns in shades of gold, green, and purple.
“Change was made after Wolff took over,” he continues, his voice tinged with bitterness. “Anyone who came in as a prospect after that wouldn’t have the green thread.”
Shit. That would incriminate most of the patched members. At least a baker’s dozen of guys still active in our ranks.
“You think someone took your friend’s shit?”
“Seems to look that way. Any ideas?”
“No.” Tex shrugs. “But, if this is missing from their cut, it would be pretty obvious. We have a meeting today, don’t we? Those new patches you had me order for the charity ride coming up came in this morning. I could ask the club girls to sew them on during the meeting.”
“Do you think we can trust them?”
“Probably not, but I can be subtle about it.”
I lean back in my chair, considering Tex’s suggestion. The club girls may not be the most trustworthy bunch, but if we play our cards right, we might be able to uncover who’s behind the bike theft.
“All right,” I say, nodding. “Let’s do it. But we need to be careful. We can’t let anyone suspect what we’re really looking for.”
Tex smirks, his eyes glinting with mischief. “I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve, Prez. Remember, I know things.”
REMY
As I sitin this dimly lit room, grappling with the weight of my actions, the sound of rain tapping against the windowpane seems to amplify my inner turmoil. Sleep evaded me last night, my mind too busy with my fight with Rex. His harsh words hit closer to home than I would care to admit.
Those words echo in my mind, piercing through my defenses like a jagged knife. I never wanted it to come to this, but circumstances forced my hand.
Beaux is my world, my everything. Every decision I make is with his best interest at heart. Yet, now I question if I have unknowingly exposed him to the same danger I sought to protect him from. The irony is suffocating.
I’ve tried so hard to shield Beaux from the harsh realities of my life as a club member. Mama has played her part flawlessly, acting as the buffer between those two worlds. But, in fostering these relationships with my club sisters, am I inadvertently blurring the line that separates them from our lives?
The room feels colder as if even the air around me condemns my choices. The weight of motherhood settles heavily on my shoulders, each breath becoming more labored than the last. What kind of mother am I?
A sudden gust of wind rattles the window, causing me to shudder involuntarily. It’s as if nature itself is urging me to confront the truth that lies hidden beneath layers of denial. If I want to find redemption and salvage what remains of my fractured life, I must face the consequences head-on.
With a heavy heart, I rise from the worn-out armchair and make my way toward the window. The rain continues to pour relentlessly, the droplets tapping against the glass like a haunting melody. I press my palm against the cold surface, feeling the chill seep through my skin, a reminder of the reality I’ve been trying so desperately to ignore.
Outside, the city streets are glistening with rainwater, reflecting the dim glow of streetlights. It’s a stark contrast to the darkness that plagues my mind. How did I let it come to this? The club was supposed to be my sanctuary—a place where I found camaraderie and belonging. But now, it has become an abyss of secrets and lies, threatening to consume everything I hold dear.
Beaux’s laughter echoes in my thoughts, a sound that used to bring me immeasurable joy. How long before he realizes the truth? That his mother is tangled in a web of danger and deceit if he hasn’t already.
Will he love me any less if he knows what I’ve done and have to do to keep us safe? Will he understand the decisions I had to make for him? The decisions that kept him fatherless.
My resolve strengthens with each passing moment. I cannot continue living this double life—one foot in darkness and one in light. For Beaux’s sake and my own sanity, I have to tell him about Rex.
But how? How do I explain to my innocent child the truth about his father, the man who never knew he existed? The weight of this revelation feels like a boulder pressing on my chest, threatening to suffocate me.
I turn away from the window, feeling the heaviness of my burden, and walk toward Beaux’s room. The soft glow of his nightlight peeks through the open door, casting a warm and comforting aura in the hallway. This is where I find solace in the chaos of my life—in the innocence and unconditional love of my son.