Page 62 of Sweet Revenge for the Bikers

Joker’s expression darkens. “Bring me Clutch,” he yells.

One of their men jogs up from the back of the group. “One of the cars is gone.”

“Slippery fucker,” Joker spits out. “We can’t stand around here. I need to get back to the club before Rocco and Clutch’s men cause too much trouble.”

Eagle-eye twitches a finger and King moves.

Before anyone has time to react, King has a gun to Joker’s head. “Nothing personal, but we didn’t come here to help you with your little coup. We want what we’re owed.”

One of Joker’s men raises an arm, and a shot rings out. He hits the ground screaming, clutching his shoulder. Not much room for a sniper doesn’t mean no room for a sniper. Not if you’re Quickshot.

“We’re wasting time,” Joker growls. “You know I didn’t shoot your man.”

“Then who the fuck did?” Thunder yells.

Joker scowls. “I don’t fucking know, but Clutch is your best bet, and right now he’s who the fuck knows where with my daughter.”

I have to give Joker credit, carrying on a conversation with a gun to your head takes balls.

“We agreed to hand her over because she said she trusted Clutch. Was she right?” Mad Dog sounds like he already knows the answer, but asks anyway.

“I don’t know.” Joker actually looks conflicted when he says it. “He’s one of my oldest friends, but you saw what that was worth. He’s been too much of a pussy to push out Rocco himself so he’s been playing the loyal dog, waiting for him to slip up.”

“If he’s so much of a pussy, how’d you end up the sacrificial lamb?” Eagle-eye asks.

“Fuck you. He noticed I’ve been gathering people to my side and bet on the wrong horse. When you demanded an answer, he convinced Rocco I was working against him before I could point the finger at Clutch myself.”

“You were,” I point out.

Joker ignores me. “This was the perfect solution. Get rid of me, get you off their asses. He didn’t know we were already in contact. And the longer we stand here talking, the farther away he’s getting. You want your pound of flesh. Take it. Get Clutch. You can have the motherfucker, and I guarantee that he can tell you exactly what happened. You held up your end of our bargain and took care of Melody. Your deal was with Rocco and Clutch, but I’ll honor it and hand over whoever you ask for once you have the proof.”

“Wait,” Riptide interrupts. “What about Melody? You’re gonna prioritize a fucking coup over your own flesh and blood?”

Joker’s nod is grim. “This can’t wait, unless I wanna risk the whole fucking Brigade. Anyone who followed Rocco and Clutch is going to try to dig in back at the clubhouse. I need to go get what’s mine. With any luck, Clutch went back there. I’ll tie him up real pretty for you if I find him.” His smile is bloody.

“Just like that, huh?” Mad Dog doesn’t even try to hide his distaste.

He smirks and looks right at me. “I’m realizing that some of you boys have developed an attachment to my girl. I’m sure you’ll look into it.” Joker moves his attention away. “So how about it? Eagle-eye, am I free to go?”

“Prez?” King asks.

Eagle-eye glances at Shadow, Outlaw and Thunder. “Your call.”

After a moment, they nod.

“He’s not the man we’re after. Let him dig his own fucking hole.” Shadow sounds as disgusted as I feel.

“Go on, run home,” Eagle-eye says disdainfully. “I’ll hold you to your word. If you cover for Clutch or so much as fucking sneeze in our direction, we’ll be back, and we won’t bother negotiating.”

“Excellent. Hope we never meet again.”

32

MELODY

The freeway passes by, one light post at a time. Clutch and I are in the backseat while a driver takes us back to the clubhouse. Clutch isn’t talking, just looking really pleased with himself. Every time I look out the window, I half expect to see Rebel and the others coming to get me, but I know they’re not there.

I already checked.