The Last Riders - First Four Votes (33 page)

Viper sat stunned, no one had even thought to question Sam’s grandmother, thinking she would have hidden it from her. It had been a stupid mistake. If not for Winter, it would have taken them much longer to figure out the truth.

“This won’t take away the punishment, but it will lessen the severity. You’re welcome to stay as long as you want. Thank you, Winter. It was eating me alive thinking that Gavin’s child was out there somewhere.”

Viper never had any intention of letting her leave, but this way he was able to relent without showing favoritism. Everyone in the club was held to the same rules, even himself. Winter had to learn that in public he was the President of The Last Riders. That only in their bedroom could she have more leeway.

“I know,” Winter said softly.

“Did she say who the father was?” Jewell asked.

“No, but I didn’t ask. I was afraid to push for too much information.”

“I’m going to call and tell Ton then the sheriff. Maybe now that we have a doctor’s name there is hope of finding the kid.”

“You’re going to keep looking even though the child isn’t Gavin’s?” Winter asked in surprise.

“It’s someone’s child and we have a responsibility to make sure that the child is safe and cared for,” Viper said.

“How is it your responsibility? The baby isn’t Gavin’s; you have no connection to the child.” Winter had planned on beginning to search for the child herself. However, distant the child was, it was a relative of hers.

“I do as a human being. There is a child out there who has disappeared and no one but a bitch of a mother and a murderous grandfather knows what happened. I think we all have a responsibility to make sure the kid’s in a safe environment.”

“Me, too.” Winter lowered her head in shame. She had misunderstood this group of people from the beginning. She deserved whatever punishment they gave her.

Winter went upstairs while Viper made his calls. She thought he might come upstairs when he was done, but he was conspicuously absent until dinner. Winter went downstairs to the kitchen and wasn’t surprised when the conversation quieted as she entered. Fixing a plate of food, she went to sit at the table with Evie and Knox, but they threw her a dirty look before taking their plates and moving to another table.

She sat down at the empty table, forcing the food down her throat so that she could escape, when she felt a chair pulled out beside her and someone sat down next to her. Winter looked up to find Beth staring back at her. A chair scraping had Razer sitting down in tight-lipped anger. Winter couldn’t blame him.

“I am so sorry, Beth. I was angry at Viper and took it out on the club, you in particular,” Winter apologized.

Beth picked up her fork. “Don’t worry about it, Winter. It was only a few months ago that I believed the same thing. I have become very close to The Last Riders and now I can’t imagine my life without them. When Razer and I get married, we still plan on going back and forth between my house and the club until Lily graduates. Then, I plan on giving her the house. Razer and I want to build a house for us behind this one. They are his family and they have become mine. If you let them in, they can be the very best thing that could happen to you,” Beth advised.

“I already know that, Beth. When I went out today, I didn’t even think of going by my house to check on it or consider moving back. Then when I came here and Viper said what he did, I lost my temper. It’s no excuse, but I just wanted you to know I didn’t mean to be a bitch,” Winter said miserably.

“You could never be a bitch,” Beth lied.

“You’re too nice for your own good.” They laughed and even Razer relaxed as they ate their dinner.

Afterwards she went back upstairs to find it still empty. Too early for bed, she turned the television on and watched a movie until she knew Viper wasn’t coming back that night.

Holding back hurt tears, she took a shower and climbed into the bed. Trying not to think about where he was sleeping or with whom, she slept restlessly until she felt the bed depress and Viper pull her close. A tiny sob escaped.

“Go to sleep,” he murmured.

She nodded her head while sinking into the soft mattress, finally letting a deep sleep take her.

T
he rest
of the week passed quickly.

Each night Viper didn’t come to bed until well after she had gone to sleep. Her eyes had circles underneath from imagining him with the different women. It was hurting her so much that she couldn’t sleep. She would have moved back home if not for the punishment the club would give her that night. Winter was determined to face the music and accept whatever punishment they gave her to make amends for her harsh words.

It was midday before she remembered that she needed to take her doctor’s release to the Administration office. Beth waited outside when she went inside; they were going to go to Winter’s house afterwards to pick up her own car.

The secretary took the paperwork from her before going into the Superintendent’s office next door. Seconds later, Tom Murphy came out. Winter had never liked him—he was the classic example of a pretentious prick—however he was technically her boss, so she had hidden her dislike and appeared respectful in his presence.

“Winter, I am glad to see you’re doing better,” Tom greeted her with his usual plastic smile.

“Thank you, I would like to get back to work. As you can see, I have the doctor’s release that states I am able to perform my job.” Winter nodded at the release form in his hand.

“Please come into my office.”

Holding the door open for her, Winter went in, sitting down reluctantly in the chair he offered. As he sat down behind his desk, she noticed he was no longer smiling.

“Winter, I think perhaps it would be better for everyone involved if instead of returning to work you turned in your resignation,” he intimidated.

Stunned, Winter didn’t know how to respond. She had missed months of work recuperating, but it had never entered her mind that she would not have a job to return to when the time came.

“Why? I am aware I have had to miss—”

“It has nothing to do with your injuries,” Mr. Murphy quickly interrupted.

“It doesn’t?” At his nod, she said, “Then I don’t understand. Exactly why am I being fired?”

“You’re not being fired; I wanted to give you the choice so that it wouldn’t go on your record. You can find another job in another more lenient school system.” Again the plastic smile was pasted on his face.

“Perhaps you need to explain exactly why the school system wants my resignation.”

“Very well, I didn’t want to embarrass you, but it has come to the attention of several of the school board members that you have not been acting in a professional manner that is required of those who work for our school system.”

“How have I been acting unprofessional? I have been in a wheelchair the last few months. It has only been the last few weeks that I was able to start walking again. I have certainly not been the party girl you are trying to insinuate that I am,” Winter argued.

“It has become common knowledge around town that you are living with one of The Last Riders. In fact, the president of the club. Is that true?” he asked.

Winter’s stomach sank. “Yes, but I lived there while I recuperated. I am moving back into my home tomorrow.” Winter’s flesh crawled at the look he gave her, barely hiding his contempt.

“You just admitted that you have been able to walk for a few weeks. Certainly there was no reason that you could not have maintained your own residence.” Winter remained silent. “Are you involved in a relationship with the one they call Viper?” This time he made no attempt to hide his contempt.

Winter remained silent. She didn’t even know the answer to that question herself anymore. Each morning Viper was gone before she woke and didn’t come to bed until she was asleep.

“Yes, well, the school board thinks it’s best that you resign and find a position elsewhere. We cannot have a high school principal over hundreds of children living with a motorcycle club.”

“I have a contract. I won’t resign. I have done nothing to be ashamed of.”

“That remains to be seen, Winter. You certainly are within your rights to try to save your job, just as we are to terminate you as an employee. I am sorry.” She could tell that he wasn’t in the least sorry.

Winter didn’t say another word as she left his office with her head held high. If Murphy and the school board thought she would slink into the background, well, they didn’t know her, not at all.

W
inter didn’t say
a word to Beth after briefly explaining she had been fired. Beth kept giving her concerned glances while Winter’s face remained impassive, not wanting her to know exactly how devastated she was. When Beth parked in her driveway it was with a feeling of relief that she would have some privacy.

“Thanks, Beth. I will be all right from here.”

“You sure? I can wait around for a while if you need me. I’m just taking Ton to the store for Viper then I am free for the day.”

“I’m sure,” Winter assured her hastily.

Getting out of the car with the use of her cane took a little time, though Beth waited until she had her front door open before pulling out.

The inside smelled of must and everything needed a good dusting. Winter sat on her couch and let everything that had happened over the last few months go through her mind. How her whole world had changed within the last months. She had gone from a professional to a woman living with a motorcycle club with no responsibilities other than to help with paperwork that no one had asked her to do anyway.

She had worked hard for her degree, had been proud of becoming a principal of the high school, more importantly, so had her mother. Now everything was gone. Even the house she had shared with her no longer seemed like a home.

Winter felt lost. Sighing, she got to her feet. She was never the type to feel sorry for herself and she was determined to take the life back she had lost since she had been attacked.

Jake was in prison for the arson of Carmen’s parents’ home and Winter’s attack. She wondered how Carmen was doing.

She was straightening her kitchen when she heard a knock on the door. Confused, as no one knew she was there, she went to open the door. Surprise filled her when she saw the women from the club waiting to be asked in. Winter opened the door wider for them to come inside.

“Whew, you need to open a window.” Dawn was already moving as she talked.

“Why is everyone here?” Winter looked at Evie as she was the one who usually spoke for the women.

“We got the big order out and were sitting around bored so we decided to come and see if there was anything to do here,” Evie answered as she moved around the room.

“Oh.” They were probably so excited to get rid of her that they would probably build her a new house to move into.

Evie’s eyes narrowed at her hurt expression. Sighing, she continued, “You and Beth have one thing in common. Your emotional baggage. We’re trying to be nice to help you, not because we want to get rid of you. Beth called me and told me you got fired. We wanted to cheer you up. There, are we good now?”

Winter nodded, relieved, and then went to Evie, giving her a hug.

“There is something you need to know about me,” she said, pulling away. “I don’t hug.”

Laughing, Winter turned away to see the rest of the women smiling at her.

“I do,” Natasha said, moving to put her arm around Winter’s shoulders.

“It sucks that asshole fired you,” Dawn said as she rolled her sleeves up.

“I should have seen it coming. Treepoint is a small town and they don’t want their children influenced by a bad example. My contract does have a clause about moral turpitude.”

“What in the fuck is that?” Ember asked.

“Basically, my morals aren’t up to the community’s standards.”

“Why in the hell would you sign a contract with that in it?” Evie asked.

“Some professions require them,” Winter said in defense.

All the women were giving her pitying looks.

“Anyway, the teachers’ union will give me a lawyer, but it will take several months to look into the case, which means I won’t be returning to school this year.” Winter was saddened by the thought.

“That means you can stay with us. No sense in moving back just to be by yourself,” Natasha said.

“I don’t think that’s what Winter wants,” Evie told Natasha, again the women turned to Winter.

She looked around the house. If she was honest with herself, no, she didn’t want to come back to the empty house. The clubhouse had become a home to her. The thought of coming back here to live by herself had her blinking back tears. The only thing holding her back was the distance Viper had put between them the last few days.

“I told you she doesn’t want to be here,” Natasha whispered to the other women. Each of the women had been in Winter’s position when it had come time to make the decision to become a member of The Last Rider’s. It wasn’t easy and it required a soul searching within oneself to find the decision that would be life altering.

“Well, she doesn’t have to decide today. Let’s get busy so we can get back to the club before the meeting,” Evie said decisively.

The women split up into groups. Winter and Evie did the kitchen, cleaning the refrigerator and freezer out, and then began tackling the cabinets, throwing away the items that had gone out of date. Winter made a box of food items to take to the church on Sunday for a food donation. The other women dusted and mopped the house for her. When Natasha was done vacuuming, the women packed the box of food and extra suitcase of clothes she had prepared to Winter’s car.

“You okay?” Evie asked.

“Yes.” Actually she was; the women’s camaraderie had made her feel better after the way Murphy had treated her. She didn’t deserve their help after the way she had put them down for the lifestyle they chose to live, especially since she was finally admitting to herself that she didn’t want to leave them.

“Let’s get back. I don’t want anyone thinking I’m dodging my punishment.” Winter’s car started with no problem When she looked at the window that Jake had smashed her face into, she paused for a second, remembering the pain and fear of that night.

Evie came to her side, opening the car door. “Let’s go.” Evie’s words dragged her from the nightmare of that night.

The women followed behind her, both cars pulling into the parking lot of the clubhouse at the same time. The women helped with her suitcase, putting it in her room for her while she waited tensely in the kitchen for the meeting to begin.

Bliss sat a beer in front of her before sitting down next to her.

Winter smiled at her. The woman really was beautiful. She was wearing a tiny purple top left unbuttoned and short, blue jean cutoffs. Whenever Winter sat next to the blond woman she felt plain and boyish. Bliss put out sexual vibes that a blind man would see. She no longer tried to hide her tattoo and it looked very pretty against the purple of her top. Winter would hate her if they hadn’t become friends, she was too freaking nice to dislike.

“You look pretty tonight,” Winter complimented Bliss.

“Thanks, I love the material of this top.”
I can see why
, she thought glumly. All the men coming in were giving lustful glances at her.

Winter swallowed, she didn’t know how she would take it when Viper saw her.

“Don’t look so worried, I have a punishment coming tonight, too. I was late three shifts this week. We’re not supposed to let our play affect our work, but…” Bliss leaned towards Winter, lowering her voice so no one could overhear.

“Trying to earn another punishment?” Razer sat down at the table, interrupting her words. Bliss closed her mouth on the rest of the sentence. Winter stared at the embarrassed woman, not sure what was going on. Obviously she was not supposed to talk about whomever was making her late for work, but why would that matter to Razer? A sick feeling hit Winter. Unless it was Viper or Razer himself. Winter truly didn’t believe that it was Razer.

Razer leaned across the table. “Don’t want to know what you’re thinking because it’s wrong whatever it is. I haven’t touched Bliss. I won’t have you getting Beth upset, so you need to get that straight in your head.” A clear warning was in his eyes.

Winter nodded, getting his message loud and clear.

“Cool it, Razer,” Viper said from behind her back. She hadn’t even seen him come in the door, too frightened at Razer’s reaction.

Razer leaned back in his chair. “We’re straight, aren’t we, Winter?”

Winter nodded her head, ignoring Viper. If Winter had any real concern that Razer was cheating, even badass as he was, Winter would still tell Beth. The fact was, though, Winter never saw him act any way other than in a friendly manner with the women.

Worried now more than ever that Viper was the reason Bliss had been late to work, Winter started to get angry. He was responsible for not one, but two women getting punishments. If he hadn’t been aggravating her, she wouldn’t have mouthed off, and now Bliss was getting in trouble for obviously letting him wear her out at night.

Bliss and everyone at the table could tell that Winter was ready to lose her temper, but before she could open her mouth, she was lifted from her chair and packed outside into the cold backyard.

“What are you doing? It’s freezing out here,” Winter asked angrily.

“I could tell you were about to bust my balls for something. I thought I would save you the hassle of another punishment. From now on, when you want to argue with me, do it in private,” Viper informed her.

“I can do that. This private enough for you?”

“Yes.” Viper folded his arms across his chest. He could tell she was about to rip into him about something.

“I don’t think it’s fair Bliss and I have to take a punishment when it’s your fault that we both got into trouble.”

“How in the fuck is it my fault Bliss got in trouble?” Viper’s confusion was obvious and truthfully, she didn’t know how she had jumped to that conclusion other than she had been worried sick about Viper messing around on her this last week.

“Well?”

“Give me a minute, I’m thinking,” she snapped.

“I am freezing my balls off and you’re thinking?” Viper asked, giving her a look that doubted her intelligence.