Safe House Read online

  Safe House

  By: Marie Dixon

  Prologue

  Different people are asked to walk different paths in life. Some call it fate and some call it luck. To those people I guess they would call me severely unlucky. Ha. More like a victim to the world's sickest joke.

  I remember being full of life and dreams. What I would do to go back to the girl I had once been. The girl that saw the good in the world instead of heartache and pain. Not the kind of pain you experience from breaking up with your high school boyfriend, or the kind of pain you feel when you flunk a class that is needed to get your degree. No, not that kind at all.

  This pain was the kind that lurked in the back of your mind and heart until you took your last breath. The pain that put you on edge with every move you made through this forsaken life. The kind that wouldn't allow you to ever see good in the world again and to never trust another human to get close to you emotionally.

  I knew I would never feel love for another because that would mean putting down my guard and allowing them to become a target of the pain that I now carried through my life. I don't think I could ever let anther's shoulders carry the pain that I was damned to carry. No one deserved to live in this hell with me. The hell of not knowing what was in the dark corners of my life and in my mind. The only life I knew now was a lonely one where my heart was stoned in to never feel again.

  Brandy

  Two more hours and I could head home. Home... to the small apartment where I tried to find sleep the last few weeks. I looked around the crowded diner and couldn't help but sigh because it had been a longer shift than expected and my feet were killing me. Even though I was in my mid twenties I felt as though I was knocking on fifty's door. I felt and looked like a zombie.

  My apron was covered in the days spills and messes and my hair was a hot mess at this point on top of my head in a ratty bun. I was certain there wasn't a trace of makeup left on my face except some bleeding mascara that had been long been due for a touch up. I looked as rough as I felt. How had I ended up here?

  The last six months of my life had been a hurricane, no, more like a tornado because nothing could have prepared me for it. There was no warning, alarms or signs that my overall cookie cutter perfect life was about to be turned upside down. Everything I once knew to be true was stripped from me and nothing was as it seemed. None of the walls of my life were still standing after the monstrous storm leveled my old existence.

  I remember the day that everything changed, even down to the scent of the candle that was burning in my parent's living room when the front door was kicked in by Satan's demons. I'd been living in hell on earth every since that day. No matter how far I ran or tried to escape it, I couldn't seem to move forward.

  My mind had become my worst enemy, always bringing up images of the vicious men that had attacked me and my family that awful day. It didn't matter how many hundreds of miles away I was now it was always right there in the back of my mind to remind me that I cant run from these demons.

  Bringing me back to the present and pulling me out of my painful memories I heard the chime that an order was ready. Scooping the plate of food up I dropped it off to it's owners, an older couple smiling and whispering back and forth. Would I ever be like them? Would I ever smile again or find someone to love me past the darkness that ruled my existence now? No, I was better off alone.

  The bell chimed again and off I went to do the mundane task that kept me busy all day. I didn't mind being busy, in fact I preferred it. The busier I was the less time my mind had to reflect on the horrible excuse of a life I was now living. Not living, surviving. I was just going through the motions of life, not actually living it.

  The next two hours went by quickly as families, couples, and loners all came and went. Around ten there was only one person left at the register paying their bill. Nancy was rambling behind the register about some town gossip while I was cleaning the tables. No matter my mood Nancy always could pull a smile out of me.

  Nancy was the owner of the little diner I had ended up at and even though she was in her sixties she had as much spit fire in her as a hormonal teenager. I had never met a woman so fierce and with such a dirty mouth. I couldn't help but smile at the crazy lady I had grown so fond of. I had no doubt she could handle her own and just in the short two weeks that I had worked at her diner I had grown to really admire her.

  She was shorter and much more plump than me but we shared the same brunette hair and hazel eyes. I could easily pass as her daughter or family. Nancy had dragged me with her to her hair dresser just a few days back. She talked me into adding some caramel streaks to give my hair some definition. They say when a woman changes her hair she is about to change her life and that was exactly what I was planning. She helped me to feel somewhat whole again even if it was only on the outside.

  Nancy had been like an angel sent to me from God himself and in just the right time. After the attack I had just wanted to die. Dying would have been easier than battling every day just to function and not remember the awful pain that had become my reality.

  Even sleep wouldn't save me as my nightmares had become darker than any horror movie I had ever seen. After attempting to overdose on sleeping pills and ending up in the hospital a couple months ago I finally started seeking the help I needed to not necessarily move on but to survive.

  I remember the night I almost overdosed after the attack and I recalled all of the medical staff that assisted in getting me better thinking I was just this sad pitiful case. Everyone felt bad for me because of what had happen to me and my family. I was tired of the whispers and the looks all over town.

  I know most of the people in my hometown were trying to help but the truth was I needed to start over somewhere new and fresh where no one knew who I was or what I was trying to escape. A place where I wasn't constantly reminded of what had happen. That week was the week I drove and drove until I stopped at Nancy's diner in small town North Carolina.

  After talking for a solid two hours with her she asked if I was interested in helping her with the diner since she was low on good help. Not only did she give me a job but she offered to let me stay in the studio apartment above her garage for dirt cheap rent. She had become my guardian angel. And was trying to help me feel whole again.

  Nancy was like family to me and since she had no children of her own she had welcomed me with wide arms. The best part was that she didn't pressure me into revisiting my past even though I had shared a few things with her. She didn't judge me or feel sorry for me over the small details I shared and I was thankful.

  I didn't know if I would stick around the little town for good but it was a nice place to put my feet up for a while and let myself heal. Somewhere deep down I didn't think I really would ever heal from what happen. But at least I finally had the drive to survive instead of die.

  Snapping me out of my thoughts I hear Nancy behind the counter, “I am expecting someone in a few minutes. Going to look at getting a security system put in. Why don't you hit that time card and head home sugar? I don't want you here when he arrives.”

  I put my hand on my hip and sassy like responded, “You don't want me here when HEEE arrives huh? You didn't tell me you had a man in your life Nancy!” I couldn't help but laugh and she wrinkled her cute little nose. “You know damn well I don't have a man. I like variety too much to be putting all my quarters in one jar missy. It's not a love interest, if you must know!” I laughed at her but didn't waste any time clocking out so I could get home and off my feet.

  “Alright then I guess I will see you tomorrow Mrs. Variety, be safe and call me if you need anything.” I purred back to her as I headed for the door. Before I could get out the door my smile was frozen in place as brutally handsome man all but plowed into
me, and not in a good way.

  He was the ideal cover of a GQ magazine with dark messy hair and piercing green eyes that were way to bright to be natural. He was wearing a snug white t shirt with a black leather vest over it. A patch read 'Steel' and the one under it said 'Prez'. Not exactly the date I was expecting for Nancy but if he was, that woman had some explaining to do.

  One of his arms was decorated in tattoos and I couldn't help but wonder where else he had them. I could barely see the one on his chest that was poking out of the top of his shirt when I realized I was staring. I am just staring like an idiot standing in his way. Smooth Brandy, really smooth.

  “Excuse me, I didn't mean to try and take you out but, we are closed . Is there something I can do for yo.. you? I mean we aren't serving food this late if you're here for food.” Did I really just say that? Of course he is hungry for food, this is a diner Brandy! No God please tell me I am not sitting here rambling like some giddy teenager to this perfectly sculpted man who is looking at me probably wondering why I am still breathing up his oxygen. Good Lord, what was wrong with me??

  He didn't respond, just stared at me like he could see right through me all the way into my soul with a sexy smirk on his lips. Before I could say anything else or move, his hand comes up and brushes my cheek. The skin on cheek burned under his touch and for a moment I forgot that he is a stranger and in my personal space.

  “You have something on your cheek sweetie. And I'm not hungry now but maybe you could cook me breakfast in the morning at my place when I am.” His voice was primal and just as sexy as his exterior. Snap out of it, I mean where are the stranger danger uh oh alarms when you need them!

  Nancy's voice breaks the trance this man has put me in. “Stop trying to fluster my help Jesse! Let the poor girl go home. Go home Brandy! I guess you see now why I wanted you gone before he got here. Thinks he is God's gift to women!”

  He smiles at me with the sexiest smile I think I have ever seen then moves past me toward Nancy. “Good to see you too Aunt Nan. Come on, you know I'm just having a good time and for the most part I'm completely harmless.” Aunt Nan? This hunk of a man is Nancy's nephew? She raises and eyebrow and laughs, “Right, harmless.”

  I watch as they hug and feeling like the third wheel I take my cue to leave. I walk out the door and start down the sidewalk to my car in my own world thinking about the gorgous man I had just seen. Maybe in a different life I would have flirted with him and who knows, maybe I would have cooked him breakfast. Grabbing my attention, I hear someone whistling at me. Great, just what I need as if I wasn't already out of my comfort zone. What was this, make Brandy uncomfortable night?

  I turn my head and see a group of men standing around parked motorcycles all gawking at me as if I'm a piece of meat and they are starving. They must be some pretty hungry dogs to want a piece of me with how I look and feel. Their standards obviously weren't very high by the looks of me. I quickly turn my head back toward my car and pick up my pace.

  I hear one of the men shouting, “Aww come on baby we wont bite... not too hard at least.” A roar of laughter erupted after. Disgusting. Do they really think that will get a woman to go home with them? I know I probably look desperate but I certainly wasn't interested.

  Once I am safe inside my car with the doors locked I notice my hands are shaking. Six months ago something so simple and stupid wouldn't affect me at all but I'm not the same person I was six months ago. I don't even know the person I am now. I needed to get myself together.

  I used to be the life of the party and always up for a good time and a good thrill. The old Brandy would have shouted back something smart and winked at them even if she had no intention of giving them a chance in hell. Who knows she probably would have even asked for a ride! I always wanted to ride a motorcycle but I never had any friends that owned one. I missed the girl I use to be before everything changed. I vaguely remember that girl now but wish I could get back there. That wasn't possible though.

  All I am now is broken and constantly looking over my shoulder scared that my attacker will come back to finish the job he didn't complete. It was a sick sinking feeling knowing that the men who killed my family and wanted to kill me were still out there somewhere.

  Before pulling out of the parking lot I look back over to the group of men through my tinted windows and notice they are all wearing leather vest with a patch on the back I couldn't quite make out. The same type of vest the guy, Jesse or Steel, in the diner had on. They must be all together a part of some little motorcycle club I assume. I roll my eyes and head home lost in thought about my past and where my future lies.

  Steel

  “Nan you look good, how is business? Things must be pretty rocky for you to ask me to come to town.” I knew that Aunt Nan's business had seen better days and that if she called me then things must be bad. She grunted at me, “Business is fine Jesse, but I need some help getting a security system in place. Someone tried to break in last night and messed the back door all up. Little punks now days would rather steal than earn an honest dollar! Pisses me off!”

  Knowing that someone was trying to take advantage of aunt Nan and the hard work she had put into this place ticked me off. I didn't have much family left but my aunt and my grandmother were still here in Monroe holding down the old family fort.

  Nan's diner was not a huge money maker but it was hers and she loved it. Why someone would try to break in made no sense to me none the less. “You said they tried to break in? What stopped them?” I asked her. She cocked her eyebrow at me and pulled a 38 pistol out her apron and responded, “I had just closed shop and was around the building putting the trash in the dumpster and saw them. I shot a round in the air and they scampered off. Little punks are going to get a bullet in their ass next time around.” I couldn't help but laugh at the feisty broad. “Damn aunt Nan when did you start packing?” She smiled back at me. “Son you aren't the only one who knows their way around a handgun. I just don't want to see one of my employees get hurt because they aren't as prepared as I was.”

  Nan knew that I had plenty of experience with a handgun and she respected me enough to never ask many questions about club business. She protected me and I protected her. There was a silent understanding that had always lingered in the air.

  I couldn't help but remember the sexy little thing that had just left. “Speaking of employees, who is the new chick?” I asked her with my eyebrows up and a smirk on my face. With a quick finger pointing at me like I was a kid again she responded, “You don't worry about my new girl. Brandy has been through a lot and doesn't need the attention from you or the club. Just pretend you never met her Jesse. She is a good girl and I don't want to lose her because you cant keep your tally wacker in your pants. Forget about her.” Oh I couldn't forget that fine piece if I tried.

  She had almost taken me out when I walked in the diner just a few moments ago. She was nothing short of gorgeous even with flour on her cheek. Something was different about her compared to most of the women I surrounded myself with. She had an air about her and something deep behind her eyes that I couldn't explain but had seen before in my own reflection.

  I didn't tend to keep very classy women in my presence as most of them just wanted to a ride on my bike among other things if you get my drift. Being the president of the Outlaws MC local chapter had its benefits, including all the women you could ever want. They all looked good but most were stupid and couldn't carry on an intelligent conversation. But, I never had to worry about being lonely at night if I didn't want to be.

  Even though she wasn't like the skanks I tend to keep around, Brandy was about 5'6 with long brunette hair and a rocking body that I couldn't help but want to see more of. There was something in those eyes that I wanted to explore. I wanted to find out what her darkest desires were and make them come true.

  “So tell me Nan, this new girl, she married?” I couldn't help but wink at her while grinning. Slapping me with a dish towel she piped back, “No she isn't mar
ried but I'm Serious Jesse! You stay away from that girl. She is putting in all the hours she can and needs the money to pay rent so don't scare her off! She has also been through a lot. Poor thing, I cant help but feel bad for her even though the last thing she wants is pity. Anyway enough about her. I need you to get a security system in this place that will keep intruders out.”

  After taking some notes and measurements of Nan's diner I planned to come the next day to set up a security and surveillance system so we could help keep an eye on her place. One of the club's businesses was a surveillance company with hired security personnel if needed.

  The club also had some other businesses and most were legal like our mechanic shop, club bar, and our gun store. Of course we had a few other dealings that were under the radar that brought in a lot more cash flow but we kept that as quiet as possible.

  The drive back to the clubhouse didn't take long, about twenty minuets. Our clubhouse was located about halfway between the town of Monroe, where Nan's diner and my hometown were, and Charlotte. It was a happy medium for me since I could still keep in touch with the little family I had left in Monroe but still be close to my main businesses in Charlotte. The clubhouse was secluded off the road a good bit and surrounded by a chain length security fence with surveillance. Two prospects guarded the gates at all times.

  I was pretty proud of the clubhouse since it was a team effort to build it and customize it when we started the charter ten years ago. From the outside it looked just like a metal pole barn style building, nothing fancy. We splurged on the inside though with stained concrete floors, custom cedar walls, three pool tables scattered around, a long bar that covered almost one entire side of the building, a private chambers where we held church, reclining couches facing large TV's mounted on the walls, and a upstairs living quarters for anyone wanting to crash at the clubhouse. There were enough beds to sleep twenty five people comfortably even though we had over twenty five members. Most of the guys including myself had our own places but crashed here at the clubhouse a few nights a week at least because of club business or because we didn't like driving after partying our asses off.