Possession (16 page)

Vincent pulled into the parking lot of the downtown restaurant where Kline had attacked Tina. Part one of his cleanup job was complete. Kline would never harass her again, and he'd surely think twice about stalking another woman. Now for the second phase. He walked through the front door and veered left, toward the open bar. Several tables were occupied already, the big screens turned to the latest NBA game.

He claimed a seat at the long counter and waited on the bartender.

“What can I get you?” The bartender eyed his patches admiringly. “First one is on the house.”

“Corona, no lime.”

He placed a cocktail napkin on the counter in front of him, then walked to the closest cooler. He uncapped the bottle and returned to Vincent. “Here ya go.”

“Thanks.” Vincent dropped a five-dollar bill on the counter.

“Great day for riding.”

“Perfect,” Vincent agreed. Fall weather in Corpus was mixed. Some days it reached the 80s, but when a cold front blew through, the temperatures could drop into the 50s, even as low as 40 degrees. “Have a bike?”

“A Softail,” he answered.

“Nice choice.”

“Needs a tune-up, but I get out as much as I can. My wife is about to give birth to our first kid, so she's been on me to sell the thing.”

“Don't do it,” Vincent warned. “You'll kick yourself in the ass every day for the rest of your life.”

The bartender grinned. “Probably.”

Vincent punched a couple of buttons on his iPhone, then looked up at the bartender again. “Think you could help a Brother out?” His patches often won the respect and cooperation of people who worked in the bars. And right now, Vincent planned on taking advantage of it.

“Sure thing.”

“Were you working last Friday night?”

“Yeah, until closing time.”

“Did you see this woman?” Vincent showed him a couple of pictures of Tina.

The bartender shook his head. “Sorry, man. If I had, I'd remember her.”

“Shit.”

“Something wrong?”

“She's my old lady, got attacked in the bathroom. Two women broke it up. I hoped to find out who they were. I'd like to give them a proper thank-you.”

The bartender wiped his hands on a towel. “I heard something about that. One of the ladies is a regular, can't keep her mouth shut once she knocks back a couple drinks. She seemed genuinely concerned about her, said the girl ran out before she had a chance to offer her phone number.”

“Her name is Tina.”

“She all right?”

Vincent nodded and took a swig of beer.

The bartender looked around, then leaned across the counter. “Listen, I'm not supposed to give out information about our customers unless the cops have a search warrant. But I respect who you are. That regular has a tab, which means I have her name and phone number.”

Vincent slipped a fifty across the counter.

“Not necessary.” The bartender pushed it back. “My name is Calvin.” He offered his hand.

Vincent gladly shook it. “Vincent.”

“Let me write that info down for you. Hold on.”

He disappeared down a short hallway behind the bar, returning a couple of minutes later. A folded piece of paper was placed on the counter and Vincent picked it up nonchalantly and tucked it in his vest pocket, leaving the fifty-dollar bill on the counter. He finished his drink, thanked the bartender again, and left.

He waited until he got outside to check the name. Caroline Henley. Not wasting any time, he dialed her number.

“Hello?”

“Caroline?” he asked.

“Yes.”

“My name is Vincent Ramos. I believe you helped my girlfriend out the other night.”

“Oh my God. The pretty little thing at Lincoln's?”

“Yes.”

“I've been thinking about her all week. Did she get some help?”

“She has
me,
” Vincent said. “Are you available to meet me for a cup of coffee somewhere?”

“You're not a cop?”

“No, farthest thing from it. Why do you ask?” Women didn't usually worry about police.

“Let's just say I don't trust 'em.”

“I understand completely,” Vincent assured her.

“My afternoon is open. Do you know where Sarah's Café is?”

“I can be there in fifteen minutes.”

“Okay. I'm wearing a black sweater and jeans.”

“I'll find you.” Vincent hung up, pleased with his progress.

The pungent aroma of curry hit Vincent's nose the minute he entered the clubhouse. Tina and a couple of the old ladies were working away in the kitchen, the two dining room tables set for dinner, several Brothers already seated.

“What's going on in here?” Vincent asked J.T.

“Indian lamb curry and spiced rice, compliments of your
girlfriend.
” J.T. grabbed a piece of flatbread off a plate and shoved it in his mouth.

“Raised in a goddamned barn?” Vincent asked, dropping his saddlebags on the nearest chair. Then he headed to the kitchen, where he found Tina bent over in front of the oven. She was wearing a pink apron over her ass-hugging spandex pants. “No one should look that hot while they slave away in the kitchen.”

She whirled around, an oven mitt on her left hand, a joker's smile on her face. “Where have you been, Mr. Ramos? I was worried about you.”

“Me?” He leaned against the counter. “So what's all this? Thought you didn't cook.”

“Well…” She batted her eyelashes, which made his dick jump to life. “If I'm in the mood.”

“Oh yeah?” He pounced, pulling her in for a hug. “Are you in the mood for this?” He gyrated his hips.

“Get a room,” Suzanne, the president's old lady, chuckled. “When you're done molesting Tina, Arni wants to see you.”

Vincent rolled his eyes. “That lamb smells great.” He kissed Tina's cheek. “Be back soon.”

He walked to Arni's office at the back of the clubhouse and knocked on the door.

“Come in.”

Vincent stepped inside. “Wanted to see me?”

“Take a load off.” Arni pointed to the leather loveseat nearby. “Chez Castile called me today.”

Vincent had already explained everything to the other officers. Arni approved of his action plan and understood why J.T. had to take a life to protect the charter. “Should I be worried?”

“Paranoid, Brother?”

“Not at all.” Vincent cracked his knuckles, then folded his hands behind his head. “Did what I had to do while you were gone. And if I faced the same scenario again, I'd do it all over again. No question about it.”

“Good.” Arni studied his face for a second. “You demonstrated sound leadership. Saline is a welcome addition to the old ladies. She's a hard worker and respects the club. As for Dog Tag, that little shit hasn't even looked at another woman since I've been home. Whatever counsel you gave him, I can't thank you enough for straightening his ass out. I started to worry. John doesn't like him very much. Something we'll have to work on in the future.”

“Give it time.”

“As for Chez, he respects you. The Man-o-Wars have requested a formal sit-down. After the incident, Crash lost his patch. He's prospecting with Death Wish now.”

Vincent remembered that club from a rally a couple of years ago. Some assholes from a frat house decided to start a new club, more like a riding club masquerading as 1%ers. “How low can you go?”

“Keep your eyes open. Castile thinks he holds a grudge against you and Dog Tag.”

“I will. Joining us for dinner?” Vincent stood.

“Hold on.” Arni signaled for him to sit down again. “Business isn't concluded yet.”

“There's more?”

“I'd say so. She's cooking supper for the boys right now.”

Vincent knew he'd eventually have to explain Tina's continued presence. “I love her.”

“Good. She's a defense attorney?”

“For James and Bronte.”

“Impressive,” he said, rubbing his chin. “Might be able to use her expertise someday. But if she's going to stay here, patch her.”

Vincent didn't want to be forced into anything. That was a choice every member made for himself. “Didn't know Cupid fell under the duties of the president.”

Arni laughed, but his eyes were sharply focused on him. “Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't interfere. But she's associated with the court system, Vincent, works with the police. I need to know she's loyal to the club.”

He let out an exasperated sigh. Some things were better left alone. Tina didn't fit the mold of the typical old lady. In fact, he'd never met or heard of one who was a lawyer. The occasional Brother maybe. “She's loyal to me, which should be good enough.”

His president picked up a retractable pencil and started to click the lead out. “I have no doubt about her feelings for you. Whenever someone mentions your name, she lights up like a Christmas tree. But that feeling needs to extend beyond the bedroom, Brother. Too much has happened; the stakes are higher now. Either she's in, or you're out.”

It came down to that? Lang had fought so hard to recruit him, then patched him in early. And when he got elected as treasurer, he knew what he wanted to do with the rest of his life: be a Sons of Odin member until the day they put him six feet under. That feeling hadn't changed. And it never would.

“What's your hesitation?” Arni asked.

He met Arni's gaze. “I'm not sure she'll accept.”

“You're afraid of losing her over an old lady patch?”

Vincent scrubbed his face. “Yeah, I am.”

“Take a couple days to think it over.”

Vincent left the office feeling off-kilter. He'd thought about it a hundred times already. In his world, there was no better show of love and respect than offering that patch to the woman he loved. But Tina's world didn't intersect with his; in fact, they were as far apart as the North and South Poles.

After enjoying dinner with the club and Tina, Vincent took her to his bedroom. They needed to talk.

“You ate three servings of lamb,” she teased. “Never guessed a rough-'em-up guy like you appreciated international cuisine.”

He smiled at her. “I eat lots of things.” His gaze drifted between her legs.

She squirmed unintentionally, color flooding her cheeks. “That's not on the menu right now.”

“No?” He caught her in his arms and gave her a deep kiss. All that warmth and passion invaded his senses. God, he loved her.

She stepped out of reach, a little breathless. “My father called today.”

“Everything still set for Thanksgiving?”

“Of course.”

“Is Dustin hanging in there?” He couldn't take his eyes off her firm little body.

“Yes. It turned into a conference call about you.”

That forced him to focus on her face again. “What did you tell them?”

“Everything.” Tears pooled in the corners of her eyes.

“What's wrong, baby?” He instantly went to her and cupped her cheek.

“I've been a coward for a while now, Vincent, and didn't have the guts to tell you.”

“Tell me what?”

“I didn't know if my parents would accept you.”

“Because I'm a biker?”

“Yes.”

“That doesn't make you a coward, sweetheart, it makes you human. I don't appeal to most civilians for a reason. I chose to leave that life. And if your parents reject me because I wear patches, that won't change my feelings about you. Nothing ever will.”

She stared at the floor, sniffled, then reached for his hand. “They already love you. My mother said she'd be honored to meet you. You protected their only daughter.”

“While we're on the subject…” He pulled a paper from his vest pocket. “I lied about the meeting today and tracked down one of the women from the bar Friday night. Caroline Henley is eager to testify against Kline if you want to file charges. Here's a written statement and her contact information. Her best friend is Jenny Zimmerman; her phone number is there too.”

Tina unfolded the paper and read it slowly. “I don't know whether to be angry you lied to me or kiss you for doing this. Thank you.”

“Kiss me,” he decided for her.

She laid the paper on his dresser, then wrapped her arms around him. “Is this how love is supposed to feel?”

“Does it hurt right here?” He touched the spot over her heart.

“Yes.”

“And here?” His fingers slid between her legs.

“Every minute.”

He swept her off her feet and carried her to the bed. “I can make that better.”

Tina's cellphone rang at eight in the morning. She rolled over and reached for it on the nightstand. Alex James's name flashed on the ID and she jumped out of bed, a kernel of fear in the pit of her stomach. She answered.

“Mr. James?”

“Good morning, Valentina. I know I asked you to take a week off, but there's an emergency situation at the office. Can you be here in an hour?”

“I have plans today.” She refused to kiss his chauvinistic ass again.

“Nothing formal, just a quick chat and I promise you can be on your way.”

“Who is it?” Vincent groaned from the bed.

Tina muffled her phone with her hand. “My boss.”

Vincent sat up. “What's that asshole want?”

“He asked me to come to the office.”

“Get dressed, baby. This time, I'm going with you.”

Tina nodded, then returned to the conversation with her boss. “See you at nine, Mr. James.”

Dressed and ready to go within a half hour, Vincent drove her SUV to her downtown office. He escorted her upstairs, where the staff looked curiously at them both. Tina had decided to wear jeans, a T-shirt, and boots. Why dress up for another embarrassing conversation with her boss? And Vincent was sporting his usual black jeans, ribbed shirt, and cut. If anyone commented on their appearance, she knew Vincent would take care of it.

Alex's personal secretary appeared in the waiting area and directed them to the conference room. Tina's heart almost stopped when she spotted Kline and Mr. James sitting together.

She froze just outside the closed door.

“Tina?” Vincent gripped her shoulders. “What's wrong?”

“Kline is here.”

“What?” He stared through the glass pane on the door. “Son of a bitch…”

“Can we go?” She absolutely didn't want to see Kline again, especially paired with his spineless uncle.

“No. I think we need to find out what this is about. And just in case…” He handed her the letter from Caroline Henley. “Thought you might need this.”

She took it. “Thank God one of our minds is working properly. Thank you.”

“Ready?” he asked, opening the door.

She stepped inside first, meeting Kline's gaze. Dear Lord, a ring of blue dye rimmed his face, his eyes were fire red and swollen, and both of his arms were in casts. And if she wasn't mistaken, the usual arrogant smile was gone. If she didn't know him before, she'd have never recognized him now.

“Please.” Mr. James stood in welcome. “Take the chairs across from us.”

Once they were seated, Alex gave Tina a tight-lipped smile. “I invited you here today to officially apologize for the way I treated you before. My behavior was unprofessional and rude. Believe me when I say I have the utmost respect for your talent as an attorney and your record with this firm.”

“I appreciate your confidence in me, Alex,” Tina said. “But the problem isn't between us; it's about the man seated next to you.”

She peeked at Kline again, wondering what happened to him.
What finally silenced that smug bastard? Or who? That blue dye…From a swimming pool? No. Oh. My. God. A toilet?
She gaped at Vincent. He squeezed her hand under the table.

“Kline has admitted to everything. And if you're receptive to a resolution, we're prepared to make a generous offer to compensate you for time lost at work, and pain and suffering.”

“You think money can erase the fear and humiliation I endured for weeks?” She found the courage to look at Kline again, adrenaline and anger flooding her system. “You chased me out of my home. Forced me to alter my route to work. I still look in my rearview mirror, afraid you're following me. You vandalized my SUV. Threatened to rape me. Assaulted me in a fucking bathroom.”

Kline looked away, saying nothing.

“Look at me,” Tina demanded, her hands shaking.

“My nephew has been advised to remain silent,” Alex said. “Here.” He slid a folder toward her. “Take a look.”

Tina eyed Vincent, and he nodded in agreement. She opened the file. A letter of apology signed by Kline and a cashier's check for fifty thousand dollars awaited her. Then she found a nondisclosure statement hiding behind the letter. She reviewed it a dozen times, then offered it to Vincent.

“So the monetary value you assign to my peace of mind is fifty thousand?”

“It's a generous offer,” Mr. James pointed out.

“Maybe,” Tina said. “But I'm pissed beyond expression.”

“Understandable.” To his credit, Mr. James did sound genuinely sympathetic. “I've taken the liberty of promoting you to a full associate. Your belongings have already been moved to a corner office.”

She tried to take it all in. Wondered how twenty-four hours had made all the difference. In her heart she knew the answer. Her outlaw had taken control, paid a visit to Kline, threatened and beat him scared, then tracked down those guardian angels from the bathroom at the restaurant. No wonder he lied about an officers' meeting yesterday. Vincent Ramos was the perfect vigilante.

Most women would walk away, but not her. Although she abhorred violence, this one time she understood. She gazed at him with deep appreciation and more respect than she'd ever held for anyone. Even more than she had for her father.

She focused on the paperwork again. The language contained in the nondisclosure statement didn't raise any warning flags. She'd supervised the writing of dozens of these during her tenure at James and Bronte.

“I'm open to this arrangement if you agree to a couple of additions.”

“Such as?” Alex tapped his fingers on the table.

“Addendum one—Mr. Barnes must attend anger control management classes for the next year, then provide a certificate of completion to me, and a copy of the paperwork will be included in this file. Addendum two—Mr. Barnes will donate fifty thousand dollars to the Corpus Christi Women's Shelter.”

Kline made a strangled sound, but Alex hushed him by whispering something in his ear. “We accept.”

“Shall I wait while Christine types this up?” Tina asked.

Alex and his nephew cleared the room.

Tina turned to Vincent. “What did you do?”

“Have I told you I love you today?”

“Vincent.”

“Club business,” he said, crossing his arms over his chest.

That's when she knew he'd never say a word. She could badger and beg for answers, but he'd never break.

Mr. James returned fifteen minutes later, alone. “Please review the nondisclosure agreement again, then when you're ready to sign, Christine will act as a witness and the notary.”

The whole process was over quickly. Mr. James shook hands with Vincent, then her. “Do you want to see your new office before you go?” he asked.

Vincent draped his arm across her shoulders. “We have all week,” he said.

“Actually, Mr. James, I appreciate your efforts. Really I do. But after our meeting yesterday, I could never represent this firm again. My heart is invested elsewhere.” She met Vincent's dark eyes, pride radiating from her. “Please accept my immediate resignation.”

He looked stunned. “I understand, Ms. Bethel. Christine will prepare the paperwork, including a letter of reference and three months' salary; it will be ready for you tomorrow. But if you ever change your mind…”

“I won't,” Tina said, then pulled Vincent out of the conference room, ready to get away from all the bad memories.