Page 83 of Tank’s Weakness

“That’s exactly what happened,” I admit.

“Then they shouldn’t be able to fire you over this! You have to fight it. I’ll help you. I can round up the others and tell them the truth. They will be on your side.”

Disbelief fills me. “I…thank you.”

“Girl, did you really think we would side against you?” she asks, sounding appalled.

“I’m dating a biker. Some would think that this was deserved.”

“Which is a bunch of bullshit. Bikers are people too. Hell, we teach some of their children. This is discrimination, straight up, no questions asked. I’m serious, Delaney. You don’t deserve this, and we will back you, one hundred percent,” she rants.

“Lydia,” I say, but before I can say anything else, she cuts me off.

“I mean, come on! You are one of the top teachers in our district. The students and parents love you. Most people fight to get their kids into your classroom. People love you, really. No bullshit. If you weren’t so sweet, I’d kind of hate you for it, but I don’t. I mean, I get it. Your ex is bitter that he lost you, and honestly, I can’t blame him, but this is next level crazy. Tell me you reported him.”

I can’t help but smile despite the situation. “Yes, I reported him shortly after the first incident with the school. They encouraged me to keep a record of everything, so I have been. The issue we are coming up with right now is that I can’t prove it was my ex who’s behind this. The cops are trying to go through official channels, looking up IP addresses and whatnot. They are hitting a roadblock right now, though, because the site doesn’t want to give them the information.”

“You would think that would be the kind of thing they would want to hand over. This could be a scandal for them.”

“My best friend said the same thing,” I say, smiling as I remember Erica’s reaction when she found out.

She was ready to go to his place and light it on fire. She mentioned something about flaming dog poop and fish in vents. She even ranted about slashing three tires instead of four so that way insurance wouldn’t cover it. Where she comes up with half the shit she says, I don’t know, but I calmed her down. The last thing I need is for her to fly off the handle and for the cops to turn their attention onto her and away from Blaine. Not only that, but right now I really couldn’t afford having to pay her bail since I’m without a job.

God, how am I even going to pay for everything? I have some savings saved up, but it’s not enough. At least not enough for the long term, and especially not if I have to pay for a lawyer.

“And the club? Are you having them work on it? I’m assuming where your old man is part of it, they are going to try and deal with it in-house,” Lydia asks, pulling me back into the present.

“I don’t know what they are doing, but they are aware of the situation. They did set me up with a lawyer to sue the school district for wrongful termination.”

I honestly never even thought about having them step in or that it would be an option.

Should I?

“Ugh, someone’s calling my line. Probably a parent who’s not thrilled about the grades I just posted.”

“Go answer. Have fun and thanks for calling.” I chuckle.

“Of course. If you need me as a character witness, you let me know. I’m there.”

“Thanks.”

Hanging up, I smile. It’s nice to know that someone is on my side. That someone who isn’t close to me also realizes that this whole situation is bullshit.

Sighing, I look across the room at the soapy bucket, calling my name.

I guess I better get back to work.

Tank

It’s midday, and the shop is in full swing. Rock music blasts through the speakers but is drowned out over the sound of the air compressor constantly kicking on. I’m fighting with a nut underneath a Pontiac G6 when I hear the sound of a wrench hitting the cement floor.

“Kelly, what’s wrong?” Sloane demands, making my heart squeeze.

I slide out from under the car and move to join the women, just like the other guys. Gunner, Bear, and I share a look as we approach.

She’s crying.

Kelly is crying, which can only mean one of two things. They are happy tears, or someone hurt her.