Freedom to Ride (Ravens MC) Read online

  Deanna was pleased with his reaction and smiled as she picked up the phone, knowing what her friend’s answer would be.

  Work quickly got underway to build a small unit next to the office that would be turned into the shop. All the members had agreed on the idea and they’d put together a list of things they knew would sell. It included a long list of Harley merchandise, toys for the kids and a range of Harley motorbike collectables. The men, being men, were all excited about those.

  Deanna had searched online and found a craftsman based in the Highlands who created magnificent black metal sculptures. On his website Deanna had seen an amazing figure of a raven in flight, the detail on the bird was extraordinary. Deanna had shown it to Nate and they had both spoken to the man who agreed that his creation could become the Ravens MC emblem that they would sell in the shop. When Deanna had received the first sculpture she loved it, Nate immediately agreeing and along with the other club members they planned orders for more. She proudly displayed it in pride of place on her desk and as other ‘old ladies’ came by each of them wanted their own. She just knew it was going to fly off the shelves. She spoke to the supplier regularly and he was already making more in different sizes, happy his business was going to become famous linked with the renowned motorcycle club.

  Megan had jumped at the chance to work for the club, the two women worked as a team as they put everything into making the shop a success. The small building was finally finished and they decorated it in the Harley Davidson black and orange colours, which delighted the members.

  Opening day was unbelievable. It had been well publicised throughout the media and bikers flooded in, happy to find a local supplier. Deanna knew the raven sculpture was her best idea, they were selling so fast she couldn’t wait to tell the craftsman who made them that he was going to be kept very busy. A plaque on the base of the statuette had ‘Ravens Motorcycle Club, Glasgow’ engraved on it.

  Nate and the rest of the members were pleasantly surprised by how quickly the shop caught on, bringing even more funds and business to the club.

  Deanna looked happily around her as everything was going so well, but she couldn’t shake the awful feeling that things couldn’t stay that way for much longer.

  CHAPTER 17

  Ha, fucking got you now bitch.

  He knew he’d find something important if he stayed in Leeds, it had only been a matter of time before someone accidentally mentioned how to find her.

  Deanna thought she was so clever, hiding secrets as she planned her escape. But he would show her.

  She wasn’t going to be safe for much longer. Enjoy what life you have left slag. He was coming for her.

  _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

  Deanna yawned, absolutely shattered after another busy day at work. Most of the members had already gone home and Holly was happily playing in her playpen in the corner, Alice just leaving to go to her Bingo night.

  As she stretched and looked out the open office door she could see a few of the men, including Nate, finishing up. The club and garage were so busy these days that everyone was rushed off their feet, especially now with the popularity of the shop, which was a huge success.

  She looked up when she heard men’s voices greeting someone who’d just arrived and her stomach dropped when she spotted Cameron talking seriously with Nate. Getting up from her chair she walked out the office towards the pair, noticing some of the other’s watching their exchange.

  Suddenly Nate bellowed a curse as he turned and threw the tool he had been holding in his hand against the garage wall.

  “Nate? Hi Cameron. Is everything okay?” she said, knowing that it obviously wasn’t. She watched as Nate stormed inside the garage cursing loudly before hearing a loud crash from inside. Logan and Bruce ran into the garage to try and calm him down.

  “Hi Deanna. Is there somewhere we can talk? It’s really important,” said Cameron.

  “Yeah sure. If you want to come into the office,” she replied as she glanced around, but all the men had disappeared to deal with Nate. Deanna walked back into the office as Cameron followed her and she checked to see Holly looking curiously at the newcomer.

  “She’s a real cutie. Hi Holly,” Cameron said as he crouched in front of her playpen as Holly stood up and greeted him with her adorable smile.

  Deanna turned when she sensed someone enter the office and saw Nate, his gaze fixed on her, his eyes filled with an expression she hadn’t seen on him before. She recognised it as fear.

  He walked straight to her and engulfed her in his large arms and as she hugged him back she felt his shaky breath on her neck. Looking up, a little frightened at his actions, she saw his eyes widen as they desperately searched her face.

  “I will not lose you. Everythin’ is gonna be alright Deanna,” he tried to soothe her but she wanted to know what was going on. Logan and Bruce stood in the doorway with a couple of the others standing behind, also looking confused. Once Nate recovered, he addressed them.

  “Come in lads. You’ll need to hear this too.”

  Deanna picked up Holly, needing her comfort as she sat in her chair, Nate crouching at her side facing Cameron. Finally he began to explain.

  “I’ve been keeping an eye on things in Leeds like I said I would. Not long ago a man contacted me. Deanna, I don’t know if you remember Jim but he was your manager at the restaurant where you and Megan worked. I told him to keep me updated in case anyone came in looking for you, as I had briefly explained what had happened and why you’d left so suddenly. You may be surprised to know but he’d guessed that something wasn’t right with your boyfriend. He’d seen some of your injuries. However, there was a girl working at the restaurant with you, her name is Sylvia. Do you remember her?” Cameron asked Deanna.

  “Yes, but I didn’t know her well. I was really only friends with Megan. Sylvia was always abrupt and she didn’t seem to like me.”

  Cameron sighed. “Well, it appears that someone matching Lee’s description approached her to ask if she knew you. She explained that she didn’t but you had been best friends with another waitress, Megan Craig, and that you were inseparable. This Sylvia accidentally mentioned that you both quit your jobs at exactly the same time. Your old manager Jim came across Sylvia talking to the man he recognised as your ex and asked him to leave. Jim heard him say that he could find you now he knew who’d helped you. It’ll be easy for your ex to trace Megan to the club, what with her brother being a member and vice president. Plus as it’s based in Glasgow Lee knows this is where you’ll be, thanks to Vanessa. There’s a chance he’ll find you now. I’m sorry Deanna,” Cameron finished, feeling that he should have done more.

  Deanna was frozen. She was tired of all the crying she’d done over her psycho ex and she refused to break down again.

  She calmly asked. “What do we do now?”

  “At the moment, not much. I’ll be putting in a call for units to look out for Lee’s car. Also, I’ve updated Ethan and he’s going to put a couple of his men on it as well as himself. He’s obviously got a vested interest as you’re family. If you could all be on alert and keep your eyes open. Where the MC is situated you could spot anyone lurking or a car coming from a distance. I just ask that you, Deanna, don’t wander too far and always try to be surrounded by people. I need to build a case against this psycho so you and Holly remain safe. I’ll keep in contact with you.” Cameron finished as he got up to leave, Deanna and the others thanking him.

  Deanna felt Holly wriggle in her arms and sensing her mum’s distress the little girl wrapped her body into her mum’s, trying to offer her comfort. Nate finally looked at Deanna and reached up to cup her cheek. He hadn’t moved for several moments as he was desperately trying to contain his emotions.

  “You okay babe?” he said.

  She looked at him as resolve filled her eyes. “Yes. I need to warn Megan. But I’m not going to let that bast . . . oops, sorry baby, prat ruin my life any more than he has already. He’d better stay away from Holly
or I’ll cut his balls off.”

  Her threat broke the tension and the men laughed, but they knew that she was being serious as she fiercely protected her wee girl.

  “Come on, let’s go home,” Nate said as he helped her up and took Holly in his arms. Deanna shut her computer down and wrapped her arms around him as they walked across to their home.

  CHAPTER 18

  Things were tense over the next few days. Cameron did eventually confirm that Lee’s car had been spotted back in Glasgow, but he hadn’t come near the area where the MC was located.

  Deanna was beginning to feel suffocated not being allowed to leave the house or compound. Nate was very understanding, simply laughing at her when she grumbled she wanted to go out. She desperately wanted to go shopping in Glasgow with Alice - they’d started to do that regularly, the retail therapy drawing the women even closer.

  Thankfully there was happiness on the horizon. Tomorrow was the planned ride for the whole club visiting Glencoe. Nate and the members had agreed she would be safe surrounded by all the riders, and Ethan offered to stay with Alice to look after Holly just as a precaution.

  Deanna woke to a hot July summer morning filled with excitement. It was utter chaos as everyone rushed around, packing what they needed for the day onto the sides of the bikes, the whole compound being closed for the day.

  Deanna dressed in her favourite leather jacket with a white t-shirt underneath, black jeans and knee length black boots which were decorated with lots of silver and buckles. Nate, as usual, looking hunky in blue jeans, white t-shirt and club vest.

  Deanna and Nate cuddled Holly goodbye as Alice held her in her arms, both stood waiting outside to wave the group off, Holly clapping and smiling in glee as she watched everyone.

  Finally they were all ready. All the gleaming members’ bikes were lined up, Nate straddling his gigantic bike at the front as Deanna climbed on and wrapped herself around him. They both waved to Holly and Alice as Nate started the thundering engine, vibrations running through Deanna’s body, making her excitement go into overdrive.

  The sound of the all the other waiting bikes roaring to life as each member started their engine was deafening but thrilling. Nate signalled and, pulling away, he led the rest of the club out of the compound.

  The weather was warm and sunny and perfect for a ride. Deanna cuddled up to Nate, breathing in the scent of his leather vest, smiling as she heard the rumble of bikes behind them. They drove over the Erskine Bridge, the River Clyde running underneath, making their way through the town of Dumbarton towards Loch Lomond. Passing the cars, Deanna waved to the beaming children who watched the convoy in awe.

  Following the bending road along the shores around Loch Lomond was truly beautiful, the sun reflecting brightly off the water as they passed tour boats, pleasure boats and canoeists on the water.

  The roads were fairly clear, thankfully not getting stuck behind any slow moving vehicles, the large group of bikes riding close together. Deanna looked around at the spectacular views as they headed towards the mountains in the distance, showing them the way to the Highlands.

  Over an hour later, before reaching Glencoe, they decided to stop at a popular rest which was more than able to accommodate the group of bikers. They all climbed off, stretching and admiring the surrounding mountains as they enjoyed a much needed drink and food.

  The group sat around picnic tables on the roadside laughing and joking good-naturedly, passing motorbike’s honking their horns in greeting, adding to the friendly atmosphere of the day.

  Eventually getting back on their bikes they made their way to the gateway of the Highlands – Etive Mor which towered over the great expanse of Rannoch Moor. Deanna had never been here before and the landscape was truly stunning.

  As they rose over the summit the road wound down towards a spectacular sight, Nate pointing out The Three Sisters of Glencoe in front, three spectacular ridges sitting side by side.

  The bikes all pulled into the popular Piper’s layby, which was already filled with tourist buses, people busily taking photos. As the whole group rumbled to a stop they attracted a lot of attention and ended up being the subject of a lot of the tourists’ photographs themselves. Nate especially being in demand.

  Deanna stood in awe as she took in the surroundings, listening to the piper nearby playing a beautiful haunting melody. Nate walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, both stood peacefully enjoying a perfect moment.

  “This is so beautiful Nate. It feels almost magical.”

  “Aye, it does.”

  After relaxing, most of the members happily mixing with the curious tourists, showing off their motorbikes or generally just exchanging greetings, the members all climbed back onto their bikes and roared away, heading to the famous Glencoe Village nearby with its devastating history.

  Walking around the small village they visited the Glencoe monument and the museum that contained all the details and artifacts relating to the cruel Glencoe Massacre in 1692.

  Loch Leven was shimmering in the distance where some of the clan chiefs were buried, but they didn’t have time to visit, Nate promising to bring her back another time. It truly was a special place.

  Deanna had never felt so alive, but unfortunately the day had to come to an end and as it was late afternoon they needed to get back. Deanna regretfully climbed back on the bike, muscles stiff after a full day on the back of a motorbike.

  She took in all the beautiful scenery again, holding on to the memories of a very happy day. She especially treasured the feeling of closeness holding on to Nate as they returned the same way, everyone knowing the whole day had been an enjoyable success.

  CHAPTER 19

  A couple of weeks had passed since the club’s memorable run to Glencoe, the day being one of Deanna’s most treasured memories.

  Work at the garage was even busier as it was now the height of summer. Deanna had finally come to understand just what the difference in workload there was from when they’d first arrived in the winter to the summer months. Some days it felt like they could hardly draw breath, but she wouldn’t change any of it for the world.

  The bond between the members shone through as they helped each other and worked together. Most days some of the other ‘old ladies’ came in to help out around the clubhouse with tasks the men just didn’t have time for anymore. She found that being the President’s woman meant she was treated with respect and consideration.

  Megan and Deanna worked as a perfect team ensuring the new shop was a continued success. Deanna had especially come to love and appreciate listening to the roar of the constant stream of different bikes every day. It was one of the best sounds ever.

  There had been no further news of Lee’s whereabouts but everyone was keeping an eye out now they were all aware of her past and present situation and the possibility of there being a psycho on the loose looking for her. Not only was Nate overly protective, more so now than ever before, but the lads were always surrounding her making her feel that she was safe with them around.

  Holly also spent a lot of time in the office, Nate having set up a proper play area for her now she was toddling and moving around more, Alice not always able to babysit with the lengthy hours they were working.

  The previous weekend had been a charity run, this time the whole club rode to the historical city of Stirling. Deanna hadn’t been to the city since she was a little girl and her memories of the place didn’t do it justice.

  They stayed the weekend in a comfortable city centre hotel that allowed the group of bikers to stay there, knowing that the gathering was for a charity event and there wouldn’t be any trouble.

  The members had spent most of the weekend travelling around the city, visiting the famous haunting battle ground of Bannockburn. They’d also seen the Wallace monument, erected in memory of the legendary Scottish war hero William Wallace, and then spent a fabulous afternoon wandering around the magnificent Stirling Castle.

  Touring t
he bars at night had resulted in a raucous evening, eventually ending in one of the popular pubs where too many drams of whisky were drunk into the wee hours of the morning with locals and tourists.

  The large group of biker’s attracted a lot of attention as they toured the city, contributing to more success for the charity. The whole experience had been wonderful and Nate promised they would come back and bring Holly when she was older because Deanna had loved the city so much, especially the majestic castle.

  Deanna was sat at her desk in the office late one night, hoping to be finished soon so they could go home to their waiting daughter. Holly was now properly up on her feet and proving to be a little tearaway. As Deanna listened to the different bike engines outside she suddenly heard a louder engine as it tore into the compound, obviously at speed.

  When she heard yelling outside and someone shout her name she jumped up and ran to the door. Seeing Nate standing talking to a rider, who Deanna recognised as Shorty, one of the younger members, she saw Shorty’s bike had been roughly abandoned and guessed he was the one who had ridden in so erratically. However what concerned her was that he was talking and gesturing rapidly to Nate whose face had completely frozen.

  She began to make her way over to them, her heels clicking on the tarmac, when Nate swung towards her as he heard her approaching. He moved quickly, signalled to Logan and Bruce, and grabbed hold of her arm gently as he pulled her back into the office.

  “What is it?” she asked fearfully. She heard the rumble of numerous motorbikes as they tore out of the compound. Her body started trembling, not knowing what was happening.

  “Deanna, I’m so sorry. Shorty just came in to say that he’d spotted someone hanging around down the road from the compound. He swears it’s Lee,” Nate said. His anger and fear were making him breathless, his mind so filled with conflicting thoughts he was finding it hard to concentrate.