my mouth, planting a kiss on the back. “You won’t have to do anything alone again, babe. Promise. Come on.” I lead her toward the entrance.
We go through all the security steps, and I feel more claustrophobic with each minute I’m in the place. I don’t know how Tess has stood coming in here, and I understand better the dark moods she would emerge with coming out of each visit. I admire her strength all over again.
Soon we’re sitting at a table in the visitor’s room waiting for my ex-president to be brought in. I take a deep breath and blow it slowly out of my mouth, reminding myself he’s got no power over me any longer. Tables are turned. Still it’s nerve-wracking as hell in this place.
I rub my jaw, and my knee bounces a mile a minute. There are no windows in this room, and I try to chill by visualizing walking out of here, hand-in-hand with Tess, and crossing the parking lot under the bright sunshine to my bike. Then I visualize blasting down the interstate on my Harley headed toward Sturgis, the wind rolling over me, the roar of the bikes of my brothers beside me, and the freedom of the road—something I know Growler will never again experience.
The prisoners are finally brought in several at a time. Growler is one of the last. I spot him from across the room, surprised at how much he’s already changed. He looks more like a washed up janitor than the man who held the gavel at the head of one of the baddest MCs around.
His eyes meet mine as he moves to our table. Before he even sits, he asks his daughter, “Where are my snacks?”
I wouldn’t let Tess spend another dime on this piece of shit who has never been a father to her, much less let her get him treats from a fucking vending machine. I, on the other hand, slowly unwrap some beef jerky, then take a big bite and chew it in front of him. “Hey, Prez.”
Finally, he acknowledges me. His eyes on the food, he licks his lips. “Gypsy. How’s my club?”
“Ain’t your club anymore. Rusty’s got the gavel now, and everything’s changed. I suppose you know Rat’s dead. As for your buddy Reload and his pals, I wouldn’t count on seein’ them anymore. Oh, and you might want to find yourself a new girlfriend. Maybe one of those prison pen pals, ‘cause Sylvia won’t be coming round again. I hear she went home to take care of her sick mama in Jersey.” I chew another bite while he flexes his fist. I know he wants to drive it into my face. I smile and twist the knife some more. “And that sleazy ass lawyer you hired? You might want to find a new one. I hear he’s laid up with a couple of broken legs.”
“What the fuck are you taking about?” he snaps.
“Oh, and one more thing. I married your daughter, old man.”
His eyes flare. “Did you now?”
“That evidence your attorney had? It’s all gone. Get used to this place. You ain’t never leaving.”
He huffs a laugh. “That right?” His eyes cut to Tess. “You’ll never get that key now.”
“Yeah, about that…” She holds her hand up, the diamond ring sparkling in the fluorescent lighting. “Like my engagement ring, Daddy? It’s a family heirloom.”
Realization hits his eyes, and his face mottles red with his rage. “You bitch!” He lunges for Tess’s throat.
I surge to my feet and push her behind me, defending her from Growler. But I know better than to lay a hand on him. Not in here. Ain’t no fucking way I’m getting brought up on charges over this piece of shit.
Several guards rush over and drag Growler away screaming.
“You son-of-a-bitch. I’ll get you for this. If it’s the last thing I do, I’ll get you.”
“What’s going on?” one of the guards asks after they take him away.
“Guess he didn’t like my new husband,” Tess replies.
“Well, he’ll be going into solitary confinement for awhile for this little stunt, and he won’t be having visitors any time soon, so I’d call before you bother driving down here again.”
“Oh, that’s no problem, officer. I don’t think there’s anyone left to visit him.”
We walk out to my bike, and I take Tess’s hand in mine. “You okay?”
She smiles up at me. “More than okay. The look on his face. Priceless.”
We stop at the bike, and I look back at the prison. “You were