Page 11 of Motown
“An anonymous tip,” the officer answers.
“Tell Bronson, nice try,” Motown says.“In the meantime, get a warrant.”
“Look—” Officer Coven starts.
“I’d think twice before you finish that, Coven,” says a voice from behind the police officers.“Bronson has buddies, but so do the Riders.You don’t want to push this.”
The cops spin around to see the shop crowded with men wearing Redemption Rider cuts.It’s a stare down between Officer Coven and the guy who spoke.I assume this is the man Motown calls Hawk, the president of the Redemption Riders.
Without another word, Officer Coven pushes through the crowd and out the door, leaving the other cop alone.In a soft voice, Office Danychuk says, “Sorry about this.”His expression changes to a gentle warning as he says, “Stay sharp,” then leaves to join his partner outside.
“What the hell was that all about?”I ask, glancing up at Motown, who still has his gaze fixed on the police car outside.
“Give us a minute, Tessa,” he replies, running a hand over my back.“I gotta have a word with Declan and my brothers.”
“This is about me,” I insist.
Motown looks down at his boots, shaking his head.“Babe?—”
“She’s right, brother.This concerns her,” another man, standing beside Hawk, cuts in.
“Drifter, brother, I want to check the shop out first,” Motown answers.
“Shooter, Flex, and Lee will do that.Declan will fill Drifter and me in on what he knows.You need to sit down with Tessa and let her know what we might be up against,” Hawk tells him.
“The delivery guy dropped off packages today, not once but three times.I checked the delivery company our and it’s legit, but something just felt wrong.I hid them in the dumpster out back,” Declan says when Hawk approaches him.“I ripped the labels off.”He reaches into his pocket and shows Hawk.
“Do you order from Dobson Inc.?”Hawk asks.
“I don’t think so.I have my purchase orders in this book.”I grab my binder and open it to the last few pages.“I don’t have anything with that name.”I look to Motown and see his jaw clenching.“What’s going on?”I grip his arm tightly, urging him to speak to me.
“Babe, Bronson is pissed that you chose me over him.He’s setting you up for a fall.Those cops were called by Bronson, and chances are, if Declan wasn’t here, you would have let them look around, and they’d find drugs somewhere in your shop.I’d bet my last buck that’s when Bronson would offer you a way out and try to look like the hero,” Motown says, pulling me closer and wrapping his arms around me.
“I never chose him,” I tell him.“Ever.I told Bronson from the start I wasn’t interested.Why would he pick on me?There are a million women out there much prettier than me.It makes no sense.”
“First, you outshine them all.Secondly, Bronson doesn’t like to hear the word no.And lastly, he fucking hates the club, and since you’re associated with me, hurting you is just a way of getting back at us.He’s tried for over a year to peddle his drugs on the streets around here, and we shut him down every single time.We made a pact that he can do whatever he wants outside this town, and we won’t get involved.Seems like he doesn’t like to play by the rules.Fucking with you is his way of saying just that.”
“Yo, we’re taking the packages back to the club.Hawk wants you to stick with Tessa until she closes, then meet us all at the club when you’re done,” Drifter tells us.He looks right at me, “Don’t worry, Tessa, the Redemption Riders have your back.”
“Thanks, Drifter,” I answer.“I find this completely insane.Maybe if I talk to Bronson and explain?—”
“Not a chance,” Motown says abruptly.
Drifter shakes his head.“Your heart is in the right place, but Sunderland doesn’t have a heart.Your good intentions would be a waste of time.”He looks at Motown.“She’s sweet, just like my Sasha.Keep your eyes peeled.Lee is with you.Hawk wants to go over the details one more time with Declan.”
Motown
The shop was fairly quiet for most of the afternoon.People came in to browse and were enchanted by Tessa, who has the ability to set everyone at ease.She doesn’t push for sales but rather invites shoppers to have a cup of tea and a chat.It works like a charm because not one person who walked in left without a purchase.
“That’s quite a technique, babe,” I say while she’s locking up for the night.
“What do you mean?”she asks, confused.
It hits me.It’s not a sales trick at all.Tessa is just being herself.She likes people and wants to get to know her customers.
“Nothing, Tess.”Instead of offering an explanation, I kiss her lightly on the mouth.“You’re perfect.”She blushes and slides her hand in mine.Tessa looks around for her car.“I had Declan pick it up and take it to your place.”I wait for her to get comfortable on the back of my bike, then motion for Lee to follow us as we make our way to the compound.
We barely reach the main room before Etain finds us.“Hi, I’m Etain, Hawk’s fiancée.Sasha is pouring us wine, and we can sit and chat for a while.”She looks up at me.“Hawk’s called church.He’s waiting for you and Lee to begin.I wouldn’t keep him waiting if I were you,” she says, jerking her head to the room off to the side.
