Tangled Threats on the Nomad Highway Read online

  “Time to start lunch,” Vanna declared, stepping towards the door. “I’ll take any helpers you can find for me, Lane.”

  “You got it, Vanna Mom.” Gunny turned with a wink. “You wanna eat, you gonna help cook.” Leaning against the porch railing, he bellowed the instructions out across the crowd, and Marian was shocked to see friendly waves returned to him, along with a general movement towards the house.

  “There’s not that many men. I can take care of lunch if you want.”

  Vanna’s head was shaking as she entered the house. “Any help they offer is accepted, always. As is your offer.” The call over her shoulder was accompanied by a come-on motion of her hand. “Let’s get things started and see where it goes.”

  A couple of hours later, Marian’s stomach was still complaining about the quantity of food she’d eaten, and like many of the group, she had found a comfortable position lounging in a chair. She was in the kitchen, which was where the women and older men seemed to cluster. The younger men and kids all gravitated to the living room, where someone had put on an animated movie. She’d expected objections from the men, but everyone seemed engrossed in the cartoony drama, with Sharon’s and Gunny’s kids—Cade, Kitten, and Josh—perched on various laps around the room.

  She heard something and cocked her head slightly, listening closely. Another bike was approaching. Looking at Truck, she saw he’d heard it too, an anticipatory expression on his face. He stood and angled to look out a window, then called out, “They’re here.”

  It took her a moment longer than the other people in the kitchen to understand what he meant, so she was behind the first flood of people exiting the house. Still in time to see Bane assist Myrt off the motorcycle, watching as her sister’s face beamed a smile. Luke and Thad encircled her, and when Marian reached them, they immediately pulled her into the embrace.

  “You’re here.” Luke’s whisper communicated he’d been worried without saying anything, and Marian felt a pang of guilt at not reassuring him better. “All of us together. Here. It’s so good here, Myrtie. Everybody is nice. Truck showed me how to help him change his oil, and never once did I mess up. I did it right from the beginning. I never had that. It’s so good.”

  Thad snuffled wetly and pressed his head against Marian’s shoulder. “I’m glad to have you here with us. Lukie’s right. It’s good here. Can we stay? Do we get to stay here?” He angled his head to look up at Marian, tears streaking his face. “We don’t gotta leave, do we?”

  “No.” Myrtle’s reply was immediate and firm, convinced in her response. “We live here now. Nobody’s going to make us leave, Thad. We live here now.”

  Staring at her sister, the lines in Myrt’s face making her seem older than her years, Marian was struck by the reversal of their roles. Myrt had suddenly become the sister with all the answers, the leader of their little family. She felt a weight fall away, a burden she didn’t even know she’d been carrying leaving her reeling a little as it began to disappear.

  “Vanna said we’d have a place as long as we wanted.” Marian threw her tiny reassurance into the mix alongside Myrt’s confidence. “Gunny said we’re part of his found family. I don’t think he’ll let anything happen to us ever again.”

  “And Bane is the same.” Myrt returned Marian’s glance with a shy grin. “I’m with him.”

  “Like Bane’s your boyfriend?” Thad straightened as his expression threatened to turn from happiness into a glower. “Is he good enough? Man’s got to be good to be good enough for my sister. When did that happen? Is that why you didn’t come with us? Wanted to be alone with him?”

  Marian froze and waited to see how Myrt would react to the rapid-fire questions their brother had lobbed at her.

  Myrt lifted her hands and cupped Thad’s cheeks, pulling him in so she could kiss his forehead. “Bane’s a good, good man. I love him.” He deflated a little, the protector fleeing as hope returned to his features.

  I shouldn’t have worried.

  “Gunny’s good, too.” Luke’s interjection had Marian laughing aloud. “What? He is.”

  “Gunny’s also married.” Marian stepped back, grasping Myrt’s hand in hers. “Let’s get inside. You’ve been on the road for a while.” Myrt rolled her eyes and then froze in place with a groan.

  “Get me a chair with a pillow? I want to hear everything, but my bottom hurts like the devil.”

  “You heard her.” She tapped Luke’s shoulder and gave Thad a tiny shove in the direction of the house. “Get a cushion for one of the kitchen chairs.” The boys rattled up the steps and through the door as Marian turned back to her sister, giving her hand a tug. “Come on, you can lean on me.”

  They’d gotten to the top of the steps when Luke gave a cry. Myrt squeezed her hand before dropping their hold. “Go see what happened.”

  Marian left her behind and entered the living room. Luke held a bare pillow, the covering in Thad’s hands. “Boys.” The grin on her face belied the attempt at scolding, and they both knew it. She took the pillow and case, reassembling it as she made her way to the kitchen.

  The next hours flew by, talk interspersed with laughter followed by more food. Marian made herself useful when she could, keeping an eye on Myrt where she sat at the table, surrounded by women who’d ridden in with their men. The names were too many for Marian to keep track of, so she didn’t try, except for those Sharon specifically introduced her to, like Peaches, who was married to Blackie, who was Bane’s boss. Then the house was filled to the brim with men as they finished whatever business they’d had outside.

  When the cacophony of noise became too much, Marian would go upstairs to the room allotted her and the boys. Just having a closed door between her and the rest of the people helped, and she was never alone long. Sharon and Gunny took turns coming up to keep her company, their quiet acceptance of how overwhelmed she felt a solace in itself.

  One trip upstairs had Vanna come to find her, and they sat, listening to the shouts and laughter from downstairs.

  “It’ll be loud here all night.” Vanna’s smile said she didn’t mind, and Marian steeled herself to be okay with it too. “Truck owns the house just down the road. It’s been waiting for a family to claim it. I thought it might be Sharon and Gunny, but she’s found a bigger place just behind ours. Adjoining property lines. Bane’s moving down here to be with Myrt, and we sent them over to the empty house a while ago.”

  “I didn’t get to say goodnight.” Marian’s breathing grew choppy. “I’m sorry I haven’t been more help, Vanna Mom.”

  “You and the boys will be headed over in a bit.”

  “Oh.”

  Vanna’s lips curled in a knowing smile and she waggled her eyebrows. “The new couple needed a little alone time.”

  “Oh.” Marian’s cheeks were hot as fire, and she ducked her head, staring at her knees. “He’s a good man?”

  “One of the best. Truck wouldn’t stand for what’s happening between them if he didn’t think he could trust Bane with her life.” Neither of them spoke for a beat; then Vanna continued. “These men, they look rough on the outside, but you won’t find a more loyal and loving group if you tried. Gunny’s a fan of Bane’s. I’m sure you saw that up in Kentucky. You trust him, right?”

  “Yeah. A lot. More than I should, probably.”

  “No, girl. There’s no one I’d trust more than Lane.” She laughed softly. “Well, except for Truck, of course. But Lane? He’ll bend himself into a pretzel to help someone he considers family, and that’s how he sees you and Myrt and the boys. He’s said it, I’m sure, and it might take a while to completely understand what he means, but it boils down to the fact he’d die before he let someone hurt you. That’s not an exaggeration, either. I’ve seen the man throw himself into situations where the outcome wasn’t certain, to make sure his people, those he loves, were okay.”

  “I get it. We had a talk, and I listened to what he said and didn’t say. I know what he did for us.” She lifted her head a
nd stared at Vanna, watching for any consternation or condemnation, ready to stand up for Gunny if needed.

  “Oh, honey. Looks like you’ve got a protective side to you too.”

  “If I’d known what was happening—”

  “You don’t have to defend yourself here, Marian. Not against something that was out of your control. No one here will criticize you for that.” Vanna’s expression made Marian’s breath catch in her throat. “We all have guilt about things that happened where we could effect no change. Just gotta get past it and see the good in what’s happening today.” Slapping her palms against her thighs, Vanna pushed to her feet. “Ready to go see your new home?”

  “Home?” Standing, she turned to face Vanna, who was moving towards the closet. “We’re going to stay there? Not here?”

  “Honey, you’ll be less than a quarter of a mile away. I’m just a shout from the porch over there, and you can be here as much as you want.” She disappeared inside the closet, and Marian heard rustling, then a soft, “aha.” Backing out, Vanna had a suitcase in her hand. “Let’s get you packed up. Boys’ bags won’t take long. I’ll do those”—she tossed the suitcase on the bed—“and you can get your stuff gathered. The men are waiting downstairs to walk you all over.”

  Marian stepped over to the bed and stared down at the suitcase. Another example of the generosity of these people, this woman. We’re so lucky Vanna found Myrt. “I think I love you, Vanna Mom.”

  “Oh, Marian. It’s just an old suitcase. I don’t use it anymore. You’re doing me a favor, honestly. It’s just been cluttering up that closet. But I love you too.” The boys’ bags thumped against the floor in rapid order, one after the other. “Done here. You need some help?”

  “No. I’ve got it.” Marian had transferred her things from the garbage bag to a single drawer in the dresser along the wall, and it didn’t take long to retrieve and arrange them in the suitcase. She shook her head at Vanna’s attempt to reach for the boys’ bags and looped the straps over her shoulder. “Ready.”

  Downstairs, Gunny and Truck waited with Blackie and another man, each of them armed with a large flashlight. Marian glanced at the windows and realized she’d been upstairs long enough for night to fall. Clenching her teeth against the urge to apologize, for what she didn’t know, she forced a pleasant expression. That morphed into a true smile when the boys walked into the room, Thad his accustomed half a step behind his brother. He’s protecting him. She recognized that for what it was now, having seen it modeled by each of the men in the room.

  With only a modicum of conversation, they went out the back door of the kitchen and made their way through a field, coming to the other side and weaving between trees.

  “Should get my brush hog out here, clear a path.” Truck’s light flicked back and forth.

  “I can do that in the morning.” Gunny’s voice came from behind her.

  “Not too early, me and Peaches gonna be up late.” The drawled words were Blackie’s, and she realized his lewd meaning when the men around her laughed softly.

  “I got you, brother.” The beam from Gunny’s light kept a steady trail in front of Marian’s feet. “Watch that tangle, little sister. Careful now. Gimme that.” The suitcase slipped from her fingers. “Shoulda noticed it back at the house. Boys, get your own bags. Your sister shouldn’t be haulin’ your stuff around.”

  Every light in the woods zeroed in on Marian, and she froze. Thad stepped into the spotlight and took the bags from her, handing one behind him to who she assumed was Luke, but the lights were so brilliant she couldn’t see beyond the glowing circle. Chin down, she tried to escape scrutiny and knew she was unsuccessful when a hand landed on her shoulder.

  “Little sister.” Not Gunny, and the unfamiliar man touching her made every hair on her body stand on end. Marian stumbled sideways, out from under the light grip, lifting a hand to shade her eyes. “Hey now, it’s okay. It’s Blackie. I won’t hurt you.”

  Marian tripped over an unseen obstacle, her plunge to the ground halted painfully by a sudden grasp of her upper arm. Struggling futilely, she quickly subsided with her head down, elbows next to her sides as she gasped for air.

  “Let go of her.” Thad sounded too far away, and Marian struggled to stay in control. “I said let her go.”

  “It’s okay.” Crackling branches accompanied someone’s approach, the grip on her arm not easing. “I’m fine.” As she pushed those words out with a little more force, it seemed they’d heard her, because the footsteps stopped. “I just got turned around with the lights. I’m fine.”

  “Little sister.” That nearby repeat of Gunny’s name for her was not in his voice. “You don’t know me, but trust that if we’re this close to you, I don’t pose any threat. None at all. Sweet lady, I just didn’t want you to fall, that’s all.” The hand on her arm slipped down, cupping her elbow. “I’ll be your guide until your eyes readjust, if you’ll let me.”

  “Who are you?”

  “These reprobates call me Horse. I’m with Blackie, and as close to Bane’s best friend as he’d ever find. You’re safe with me.” She tried to take a step, finding herself still tangled with whatever had first tripped her. “Just a sec.” He came into view at her side as he knelt, one hand still anchoring her elbow, the other working at her ankle. “There, that should do it. Gunny, you need some help with the mowing, I’ll be up and at ’em early enough. Just give me a wave. This isn’t safe for folks walking back and forth.”

  “Well, I foresee that there’s going to be some traffic between the houses. We’ll get it done early, no matter what your president has to say.” Gunny’s snort expressed his attitude well.

  Laughter bubbled up from Horse as he walked next to Marian. “Watch who you piss off, man. I heard the plans.”

  “Yeah, but it ain’t in effect yet, so I’m safe.”

  “T-minus eight hours and counting.” Without the lights shining in her eyes, Marian could make out the faces of the men walking all around her and the boys. Blackie’s grin was broad and looked genuine, revealing that whatever they were all talking about, it made him happy. “Cannot fucking wait.”

  “You good, Marian?” She chanced a glance at Horse’s face, finding worried eyes turned her way. “That was a near tumble, but seemed to pack a punch even if you didn’t land.”

  “I’ve—” Her mouth wouldn’t cooperate with her mind’s intent of glossing over, and the fight with her tongue tied it into silence.

  “Her old man beat her black and blue. She’s got some fractured ribs, if not clear broke.” Flat in timbre, Gunny’s voice still conveyed the depths of his fury, at least to her ears, and Marian was surprised the trees didn’t go up in flames at the hotness of his rage.

  “Oh, shit.” Horse pulled her closer to his side, his hand slipping away and curling around her shoulders. “I’ve got you, little sister.” Fingers threaded between hers in a gentle hold that somehow steadied her more. “Won’t let you fall, promise.” His hold on her didn’t change, but his voice was rigid as steel as he asked Gunny, “You deal with the motherfucker?”

  “Aww, yeah. He’s dealt with, and I raised the stakes until he couldn’t pony up.”

  “Gunny.” She craned her neck to look over Horse’s shoulder, wanting Gunny to shut up before the boys overheard.

  “No worries, Maid Marian. They’re at the house already, well out of earshot. Far as I know, Myrt doesn’t know either. I knew you could handle it, but you want to hold it close, that’s fine with me.” The beam from his flashlight flicked up and traced the bodies already on the porch of the rapidly nearing house. “You wanna share, that’s also fine with me. I trust you, lady.”

  “Maid Marian.” The words flowed from Horse, his voice low and coarse, ruffling her nerves like a breeze would ruffle her hair. “I like that.”

  The open door shed light onto the porch and down the steps, illuminating the final distance to the house. She straightened and tugged discreetly, but Horse didn’t relax his hold, kee
ping her tucked against his side.

  “I’m good now, thank you.” Stopping in place seemed to trigger something for him, because his hands fell away immediately. “Gunny, I can take that.”

  “No you can’t. Not if I don’t let you.” He lifted his lip in a fake snarl as he moved past her and inside the house. His “Bane, brother, where’s Marian’s room?” filtered back outside.

  “That man.” She looked over as Horse ostentatiously cleared his throat. “Yes?”

  “He’s married.” Horse gestured back into the dark where they’d come from and Marian narrowed her eyes as she waited for him to elaborate. “In case you didn’t know.”

  “Oh, I know. Married to Sharon, and they have three kids that both Vanna and Truck claim as their own. I’m not sure what you’re implying.” Her ribs hurt badly enough she had to fight the urge to shuffle, not wanting to show this man any more weakness than he’d already seen from her. “He saved my life. Not for any kind of payment, but because it was the right thing to do. He and Bane rescued me, when I’d long ago thought any escape was impossible. What you’re not saying is something that would hurt him. What about me makes you think I’d do that?”

  “Firecracker. I just…” He scoffed and made a frustrated noise. “Way you looked at him, that’s how some of the girls look at a man they want. Thought you should know.”

  “Well, thanks for that grace, small as it is. I have no designs on Gunny.” Wrapping her arms around herself, she lost her struggle against a groan. “No designs on any man.” Turning, she made her slow way up the steps, taking them with an even stride. Through the open door, she saw Luke and Thad with their arms around Myrt, and Bane and Gunny standing to the side. Bane was looking at Myrt with that expression Marian had seen before, like something about Myrtle solved the world’s mysteries in his eyes.