J’s nostrils flared, and he was about to say something when my father spoke, “That’s enough, Sharon.  This is between J and Madison.  It has nothing to do with us.”

My mother’s head spun to face my father and she snapped at him, “Well, it will have something to do with us if Madison isn’t ready for it yet.  I worry what will happen if she can’t handle it again.”

Oh, fuck me!  They were talking about my drinking, and it pissed me off that none of them could just come out and say that to start with.  I slammed my chair back and stood.  “Just an FYI for you all, you know, because you never actually asked me, my drinking is under control.  I haven’t touched a drop of alcohol in nearly two fucking years.  Mum, I am moving in with J,” I fixed my glare on him, “Even though he never took the time to ask me.  I do appreciate the concern, but I’m working through stuff in my head, and I think I’m going to be okay.  I think I’m finally getting my shit together.”

J’s anger had dissipated and he was calm as he said to my mother, “We’re working it out together, and no, I’m not making all the decisions. I know I’m a bossy asshole but I’ll do anything to make this work.”

Mum appraised him and then nodded, “I hope so, J, for both your sakes.  I love you like a son, and when I say I’m worried, it’s not just for Madison.  I saw what you went through last time too.”

I sat back down and put my hand on J’s arm, gently rubbing it.  We held each other’s gaze for a moment and then I turned to look at Mum.  “Thanks, Mum.  It means a lot to me that you feel that way about J.”  J just grunted in response; if it had been anyone other than my mother bringing this up, he would have told them to fuck off and mind their own business.  I loved that, for me, he showed her respect and answered her questions.

We were all saved from this conversation when Dad’s phone started ringing.  He stood and took the call in another room and Mum started clearing the table.

I murmured to J, “You are a bossy motherfucker.  When were you going to have that discussion with me?  The one about me moving in?”

He grinned.  “I wasn’t, babe.  It was a fucking given.”

I rolled my eyes.  “Of course it was.”

Dad came back, hard eyes fixed on J.  “You and me. Now.” He indicated with his head that they were to leave and J was straight up, concern visible on his face.

He leant down, took my face with both his hands and kissed my forehead.  “You stay with your Mum till we’re back.”

I fought the need to ask what was going on and simply nodded in agreement.  “Okay, baby,” I replied.

Mum and I watched in silence as they left, neither of us sure what was happening, both of us being guided by faith and trust.  I had come a long way in the last few days.

Jason

Marcus and I entered the bar, scanning the room for Scott.  He was keeping an eye out and saw us straight away.  Seated next to him was Nash, and across from them were Bullet and one of his boys.  They made room for us to sit as we approached; I was nervous about what this meeting meant and sat with some trepidation.

Marcus spoke first, “What the fuck’s so important to drag me away from a family dinner?”  He glared at Bullet; there wasn’t much love lost between these two.  They had come to blows over club dealings in the past and Marcus didn’t trust him at all.

Bullet’s jaw clenched.  “Got word that Nix’s crazy sister is out for blood. Thought you should know.”

“What are we talking here?” Marcus asked.

“She’s threatened your family.  Madison especially.”

“Fuck!” I roared, and slammed my hand down on the table.  “When the fuck does all this shit end?”

Bullet threw his hands up in a defensive stance.  “Got nothing to do with me.  I’m just showing some courtesy by letting you know what I’ve heard.  I figure it’s the least I can do after what Nix put your club through.”

Scott leaned forward, a menacing tone to his voice, “Where the fuck is this bitch?”

“We’ve lost her.  After we heard she’d made threats I sent some of the boys around to see her.  Seems they scared her off and she’s done a runner, but I’ve still got concerns she means business.”  He pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and slid it across the table to Marcus.  “This is a list of places to try first.  We’ll be out of town on a run the next few days but when we get back I’ll contact you, see if you’ve located her.  Trust me; I want this shit dealt with once and for all too.”  He pushed his chair back and stood to leave.

“Once this is dealt with, we need a sit down.  Nix fucked our club’s relations and I want us to fix that, Bullet,” Marcus said.

Bullet stopped mid-stride, and contemplated Marcus for a moment before replying, “Yeah, seems he did.”

After they left, I looked at Marcus and ranted, “This is fucked up.  I want to find that bitch and deal with her.  No fucking loose ends this time, no fucking holding back.”

“We find her first and see what she’s playing at, J.  No need to start a war where one’s not needed,” Marcus countered, and then continued, “Tomorrow, first thing, you, Scott and Nash follow these leads up.”