Freedom to Ride (Ravens MC) Read online

  At first the questions were quite sympathetic, even bordering on making her feel like a weak female victim, but the sleazy lawyer soon changed his questioning. He had the nerve to suggest that she’d driven Lee mad, even accusing her of having constant affairs that broke Lee’s heart. She got angry at this but managed to fight back by pointing out that she would not have been able to have affairs as she and her daughter were locked in the house on a daily basis by Lee, forced to live like prisoners.

  His defence team quickly changed tactics by claiming that due to a traumatic childhood, Lee’s dearly beloved mother committing suicide had left him heartbroken, making out that Lee was the victim and not her. She replied calmly that if that was true then it gave Lee motive for revenge against her family, as Lee blamed Deanna’s dad for the suicide. His lawyer talked over her speech as he continued, portraying her as a nagging girlfriend who drove her boyfriend to madness, claiming that as Lee was already broken from his childhood and with her constant cheating all of it drove him to extremes.

  When she paused to control her emotions she spotted movement out the corner of her eye and looked to the back of the courtroom. She saw Nate with a murderous expression, overwhelming anger consuming him at the things these men were saying about her. Both Ethan and Cameron were restraining him, Cameron whispering desperately in his ear trying to calm him down. Obviously Nate wanted to get to Lee because of the lies he had his lawyers spouting against Deanna. She looked back to the lawyer and saw Lee smirking in glee at Nate’s reaction, wanting him to cause problems for her. Deanna looked to Nate with pleading in her eyes to show him that she could do this. Nate finally got himself under control as Deanna calmly answered the lawyers’ accusations, asking why, when she had a small child, would she have run and hidden from a man if she wasn’t scared of him. She also made the point against the lawyer that no one was justified to beat, stalk and make anyone else’s life a misery just because they’d had a traumatic past. Backing up her statement Deanna went on to explain details of her own childhood, the disappearance of her dad and death of her mum, pointing out none of her equally traumatic childhood had made her a violent thug like Lee.

  As she finished with Lee admitting to her that he had killed her dad in a jealous rage, his lawyer quickly defended him stating that it had never been proven. The video of Cameron interviewing Lee regarding Deanna’s father’s disappearance was played in court, where Lee had smugly answered as he sneered at the camera, “even if I did kill that bitch’s father, you can’t prove it.”

  Finally seeing that they couldn’t sway her from her testimony the defence lawyers had to admit defeat and let their questions rest.

  Deanna felt numb as she left the courtroom, Nate meeting her outside the doors as he engulfed her in his arms.

  “I’m sorry babe. I lost it. That fucker making you out to be a slag who cheated on him which then drove him to beat you. What a load of shite,” he said loudly, catching the attention of a few people standing close by.

  “It’s fine Nate. I know all this is hard on you, but we know the truth,” she said cupping his cheeks as she smiled gratefully up at him, appreciative of his fierce protectiveness of her.

  “You did brilliantly baby. I’m so proud of you. Come on, let’s go back inside,” he said after he’d finally calmed down.

  Deanna was thankful that her part was over and she could now watch the rest of the trial from the back of the courtroom. She walked through the main door and slid across to sit next to Megan, who grabbed her into a hug, mumbling curses about Lee and his slimy team, her comments making Deanna laugh.

  Nate came and sat by her, pulling her into him and she relaxed into his chest as she listened to both sides complete the proceedings with their closing speeches. The jury then left to consider their judgement, Lee being led out a side door in handcuffs. The prosecution team came to speak to Deanna and the others, thanking them and explaining they would be contacted once the verdict was in.

  The wait was excruciating but eventually Cameron contacted them to tell them to return to court as a verdict had been reached.

  Deanna was completely shocked, but thrilled, when Nate actually closed up the compound, all the members climbing on their bikes, Nate demanding Deanna ride with him. Alice rode in the club’s vehicle refusing to be left behind, Holly happily being left with Bruce’s wife. Deanna couldn’t believe the line of bikes travelling to the clubhouse, the whole club coming out to support her.

  The faces of the court officials was comical when all the bikers piled inside the courtroom, the turnout filling the room, as members shook hands with some of the MC regulars who had turned up to show their support.

  As they all took their seats, Alice and Nate on each side of Deanna holding her hands, silence fell as the judge and then the jury entered the courtroom. Deanna looked at Lee standing in the dock waiting for the verdict wearing a smug expression on his face, contrasting with the defeated looks of his defence team.

  Finally, they all listened intently as the jury nominee began their speech. Deanna closed her eyes waiting for the dreaded moment.

  “Guilty,” was the only thing she heard as she felt a weight lift from her shoulders, Nate pulling her into a fierce hug as cheering broke out around the court.

  “You fucking bitch. This isn’t over. You watch your fucking back. Your days are numbered. You have no idea who . . ,” but Lee was suddenly cut off as a stern older looking gentleman sat behind his bench stood up and addressed him in a cold booming voice.

  “Quiet, you stupid boy. Know when to keep your mouth shut. You’re still a disappointment after all these years. Get him out of my sight.”

  Deanna sat shocked, unsure about what was happening, as Lee’s face turned pained at being chastised, whispering “sorry father” as he was led dejectedly from the courtroom by Court Police with his head bowed in shame.

  “What the fuck? That man is his father? I should go have a word with him on how to raise kids.”

  “No Nate, leave it. It’s strange why he’s here. Lee never spoke of him, only making out that he was a tyrant.” Deanna continued to watch the man as he glared at his son’s retreating back, only relaxing his stance when he saw him finally leave the room.

  The awkward scene was soon blocked out as she was surrounded and pulled into hugs by everyone around, shouting their approval. Deanna went and thanked the prosecution team who were all beaming, thankful they’d got the nutter locked up.

  Cameron gave the woman he’d come to respect a hug of congratulations as she thanked him for everything he had done and he promised that he wouldn’t give up trying to find her dad.

  Nate announced that they were all invited back to the clubhouse for a celebration party, which brought on another round of cheering.

  The courtroom was nearly empty as Deanna stood with Nate, whose arms were wrapped possessively around her as she leaned against him. She was about to walk down the aisle when Lee’s father blocked her path, walking in front of her. As he neared the door he stopped and looked back over his shoulder looking directly at Deanna, staring at her for a few moments in a way that Deanna didn’t understand. Just as Nate tensed, ready to interfere, Lee’s father turned and walked silently out of the courtroom.

  “That was strange.”

  “Hmm,” replied Nate, not taking his eyes of the man and making a note to ask Ethan to investigate him.

  “Let’s go home babe,” Nate said, as he wrapped his arms around her. Deanna couldn’t agree more.

  CHAPTER 25

  Deanna snuggled into Nate’s warm chest, full of happiness and excessive whisky and food, but she didn’t feel too bad about it knowing everyone overdid it at this time of year.

  They’d spent a fabulous Christmas Eve at the children’s hospital in the city centre the day before. The club donated lots of toys for the children, who were thrilled and slightly awed as the ward was swamped with bikers.

  As Deanna had looked around the ward seeing some seriously ill children, w
hich broke her heart, she really did feel she was blessed. She had a beautiful healthy child and even though Deanna had suffered in her life, at least she wasn’t going through what some of these unfortunate families were.

  Nate was exceptional with the children, most of the boys wanting to try to climb and wrestle with the giant. She couldn’t wait to start a family with Nate, he was a wonderful daddy to Holly and Deanna knew he would be with his own children as well. Nate and Deanna had already started proceedings for Nate to adopt Holly, hopeful of their success now that Lee was locked up.

  On Christmas morning Deanna, Nate and Holly were joined by Alice and Ethan as they exchanged presents, Holly being spoilt rotten. Before they’d got out of bed Nate had given Deanna a secret present which contained new leathers, sexy lingerie and even a couple of sex toys. When Deanna had stared at the presents in shock Nate gave her his wolfish smile and pounced on her, wanting to give her another present.

  Deanna had got lots of her favourite MC programme merchandise, including the new season DVD and fabulous clothing. She’d bought Nate some motorbike accessories he had wanted and also a special present she had spotted in a shop when they’d gone to Stirling. It was a unique silver and leather chained necklace with a fabulous motorbike charm that she’d had engraved with the MC motto “Freedom to Ride”. When she’d given the present to Nate he had stared at her speechless and Deanna had felt a little unsure. However he’d then launched himself at her, thanking her with a deep passionate kiss and hadn’t taken it off all day.

  They then spent Christmas afternoon over at the clubhouse as a group of ‘old ladies’, Deanna included, pulled together and created a fabulous Christmas feast for the whole club. It had been chaotic with all the kids running around crazily and most of the adults happily descending into an alcoholic bliss as the screaming and noise rose to deafening levels.

  Deanna had pulled Megan aside, sincerely thanking her best friend for what she’d done for her, knowing that without Megan’s help in the first place Deanna and Holly wouldn’t have had this perfect life.

  Now Nate and Deanna were curled up together on a couch back at their house. After the attack Nate had offered to buy out Logan’s share of the house, Logan more than happy as he wanted to move in with Heather. The house now belonged to Nate and Deanna and she was happy settling into their peaceful life in Scotland. Alice and Ethan were sat on the other couch, all sleepily watching the new DVD’s Ethan had bought Deanna. Alice had been horrified at some of the scenes and gave the lads a strong lecture about how they should not follow that MC’s example, which had the brothers and Deanna chuckling. Holly was snuggled fast asleep in Nate’s lap, she was now a very lively toddler with an inquisitive mind and Alice spent most of her time babysitting chasing after the wee terror.

  “You alright babe?” Nate whispered to her, his fingers twisting in her hair which had grown back quickly and was now back to the style he loved.

  “Yeah honey. God, I’m so full. I shouldn’t have eaten all that food. I’m going to get fat.”

  Nate snorted. “I couldn’t care less how big you are, you’ll always be gorgeous to me. I’m actually lookin’ forward to see you grow round with my child. You’re gonna be so stunning with the lives we create being protected inside you.”

  Deanna leaned up with wide eyes as she stared at Nate speechless. He really did say the most surprisingly beautiful things.

  “What’ve you said to her Nate? She looks like she’s gonna bawl her eyes out.” Deanna scowled playfully at Ethan’s comment, who laughed at her.

  “Actually, I’ve got a last Christmas present for you,” Nate said as he wiggled and pulled something from his jeans pocket.

  “Nate you didn’t have to . . .”

  “I really wanted to do this for you. I know we agreed to start planning our wedding in the New Year but I’ve gone ahead and booked the venue. I hope you like it,” he added, looking a little apprehensive as he handed her a brochure.

  Deanna was shocked when she saw what he’d done. It was everything she could ever want. Nate had remembered just how important their run to the city of Stirling had been to her, not yet having had the chance to take Deanna back. But he had actually booked the Great Hall of Stirling Castle to be the venue for their wedding in June. Deanna couldn’t stop herself as she broke down crying, throwing her arms around Nate’s neck.

  “Baby. I’m sorry if you’re not happy about it but . . .”

  “Don’t be a numpty. This is perfect. I would never think of booking it, but I’ve always dreamed of getting married in a castle. I’m so happy. Thank you Nate, this is wonderful.”

  He smiled in relief at his woman who he worshipped, Alice and Ethan congratulating them wholeheartedly.

  Deanna snuggled back into Nate as she read through the brochure, excitement and anticipation having her squirming in her seat.

  The only worry she had that still bothered her was that Cameron had kept Deanna informed on his investigations. Unfortunately he wasn’t getting anywhere trying to find any evidence on her father’s disappearance. He apparently visited Lee in prison to try and get more information out of him, but had been shocked at his mental deterioration. Lee was serving his twelve year sentence for attempted murder that the judge had set after taking into consideration his previous assaults and resisting arrest. His mental stability had worsened as he rocked and muttered to himself, his hair long and greasy with a thick unkempt beard. Cameron did wonder if the insanity plea might have been correct.

  Deanna sat wrapped in Nate’s arms lost in thought of her happy future. She wasn’t going to let Lee interfere with her life anymore or think about him ever again. It was finally over, she thought with a happy contented smile.

  _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

  He watched Deanna as she sat with the Neanderthal reading some sort of magazine. They had no fucking clue they were being watched. He crept quietly away from the window, keeping to the shadows as he made his way to his bike hidden at the bottom of the street.

  After all the weeks of planning everything had worked out perfectly. Everyone believed Lee was the one stalking and watching Deanna, but they had no clue about him. Lee was too psychotic to do any of the planning and would make the perfect pawn in prison.

  He’d allowed Lee to have his revenge against Deanna these past couple of years, but now it was his turn. His reasons for vengeance were far more important.

  After all, they were family. . . . .

  _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

  THE END