Page 11 of Fury

“I picked these up for you. Thought they might cheer you up while you’re housebound.” He drops them on the table and begins to demolish my breakfast. Seeing my portion size plate before him looks pitiful, and the plate is empty in seconds.

“Thank you. Are they from you, or…”

“They are most definitely only from me. No ulterior motive, no hidden agenda. Just one-hundred percent concern for a good friend.”

“Is that what I am? A good friend?” I tilt my head to one side as I look at him.

“You saved my life, girl. It doesn’t get any better than that as far as I see it.”

“You never wanted it to be more?” God, what am I saying? I could be leading him right up the garden path here.

“You never once looked at me as anything more than a patient or a friend. I saw that right from the start. We weren’t meant to be romantically entangled, although I can’t say that it never entered my mind. None of the brothers would have run you out of Dodge if you’d shown them the slightest encouragement, Jamie. You are a stunning woman in both looks and personality.” Seeing how genuine he is, I feel a barb hit under my skin.

“Well, one of you did. Publicly and humiliatingly.”

“Fury is a fuckin’ idiot. He’s had the law laid down to him by so many of us for his blatant disregard for your feelings. Even Pres has had a turn ripping him a new one. That was unusual for Pres to get involved. You must know that you are held in high regard by all of us.” Bandit looks around me at the pan with the bacon sizzling, and I get the message.

We sit and enjoy our breakfast in silence, then I get us a coffee. I think Bandit’s right. We were never meant for romance. Thinking about it though, we have become good friends. We don’t live in each other's pockets, but when I’m at the clubhouse, I am always aware of his presence, and it makes me feel safe.

“So, what’s the plan for today? You’re going to be lost without your work.”

“I had the same thought as soon as I opened my eyes this morning. I don’t know what to do with myself. I drove the rental to a motel and back on my first night out of the hospital. It darn near killed me, so I won’t be venturing far.” As soon as the words are out of my mouth, I regret them.

“Fuck’s sake, Jamie! Are you for real? You’d have had my balls for a necklace if I’d done that. If you need out anywhere or for any reason, you tell me. There is always someone available to run you around. Maybe that’s not such a brilliant plan either. You’ve obviously had time to reflect on the accident, or you wouldn’t have asked who was at your door. That may have been subconscious, I don’t know, but it is certainly the right thing to do for the foreseeable future.” I see the same look of regret on his face that I had a moment ago. “I don’t mean to be scaremongering…”

“Bandit, you’re fine and probably correct. Keep this between us for the time being, but I don’t believe it was an accident either. I just don’t know anyone who would wish me harm.”

“It’s no secret at the clubhouse that we all think it was a deliberate attempt to cause you harm, or perhaps worse. We’re looking into every likely avenue for a reason or a suspect. If you remember or think of anything, you need to share it as soon as you can.”

“I have Breaker and Molly coming over later to talk things over. If there’s anything to pass on, Breaker will let you guys know.”

Bandit stands. “Okay. I need to make a move. Just wanted to let you know that I’m here for you if you need anything.”

“That’s something I’ve known since the first time we met. You’ve always made me feel safe, Bandit.”

“Oh, girl! That is not something a man wants to hear from a beautiful woman. That is harsh. A girlfriend, wife, or ol’ lady, yes.”

“You know what I meant. Now, begone before I think of something that needs doing around the place.” Laughing, he gives me a gentle hug that still has me wincing, and then, hands up in apology he leaves.

Cleaning the kitchen, I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed housework more. It passes an hour, and then I’m feeling worn out. The flowers I trimmed and arranged look divine in the vase on the table. Thinking about what to feed Molly and Breaker later, I prepare a simple meatloaf and then place it in the fridge for later. Crashing out in the chair by the living room window, I sit and watch the world go by and drift off to sleep.

Waking up from a nightmare about the accident, I try to remember any fresh details but, of course, it has to be one of those times where nothing remains clear. That sleep in the chair has left me surprisingly refreshed, and for the first time in a while, I have no headache.

Checking my cell for the time, I put the oven on and pop in the meatloaf. I’m going to do baked potatoes with it. Not my normal go-to for meatloaf, but I’m still hurting too much to do more.

A quick visit to the bathroom and a freshening up has me itching for Molly and Breaker to arrive. I wonder if talking with them will bring any memories to the forefront? I hope so.

Checking on the meatloaf, I pop the potatoes into the oven and then sit back down to wait. It doesn’t seem five minutes before there is a knock on the door. Once again, I ask who’s there before opening it. Molly gives me a frown as she walks in with Breaker close behind. This time I avoid any hugs and just give them a welcoming smile.

“Since when did you start asking who’s at your door?” Molly asks, and I see Breaker take notice of that.

“Well, it’s not rocket science! I’ve been around these guys long enough to pick up on some of their ways and thinking. I might get one of those peepholes for the door.” I think I’ve been clever thinking of that but Breaker soon bursts that bubble.

“You could do that, but I’ll get Bull to rig you up with some security cameras discreetly placed. While you put your eye to the peephole, some miscreant can stick you with a screwdriver. Cameras that a visitor isn’t aware of, that is the way to go.” Breaker takes out his cell and walks from the kitchen.

The oven pings, and Molly jumps up. “I’ll check that. You sit still.”

“Heavens above, Molly. That’s all I damn well do, sit around.”