The Bridge - Ch 23 - Biker Funeral

The Bridge - Chapter Twenty-Three - Funeral of Quay Wilkes

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. This work is copy written by the author. All characters involved in sexual activity are eighteen years of age or older at the time of portrayal.

This work will, at times, contain instances of lesbian sex, pregnancy, interracial sex, chastity, group sex, Dominance and submission, tattoos and piercings, slavery, drugs, intrigue, action, Funerals, romance and affection. There are also threats of violence and a fair amount of heroism and family love and fun.

I have put this into the Romance category because this chapter is more romantic than sexual. Your positive ratings and comments, either positive or negative, are welcome and appreciated. If you have read this story from the beginning, I would like to thank you. I hope someone is enjoying reading this as much as I enjoy writing it.

Chapter 23 - Funeral of Quay Wilkes

Thursday morning, and today is supposed to be about Becky Gaffney, who got her first experience with the turmoil that is the Todd-Bernstein home in the morning. Celeste accidentally woke Becky when she snuck in to get her school clothes. She was very cordial when Becky said, "Hi, I'm Becky. You must be the swimmer." Celeste puffed her chest out and spouted, "That's right. Best in my class."

"Why does that not surprise me? What smells so delicious?"

"That's Bertha. She makes the food delicious and taste great. You'll see. Why are you here, Becky?"

"Miss Todd is helping me with something. She is a wonderful person."

"I know. Mamma Hannah is amazing. She can do anything. She delivered Bertha's baby. Right in front of us."

"Well, I bet that's some story."

"Ask Mamma Hannah."

"I think I will."

Celeste pulled her into her little bathroom and pulled a wrapped toothbrush from the medicine cabinet. "Here, you can use my toothpaste, but you have to use your own toothbrush."

"Can I keep this one?"

"It's yours. Now hurry and brush so we can get downstairs and have breakfast."

As Becky and Celeste were coming out of the young swimmer's room, I bumped into them as I was on the way to the nursery. Becky, who wasn't that much taller than Celeste, asked if she could come too. Who am I to deny her that? So, we went in and Becca was changing Dina, while Aggie was keeping Duane and Ellie calm and quiet, awaiting their turns. I quickly got bottles warmed up and ready. When Becca was done with Dina, I grabbed her up and stuck a bottle in her mouth.

"Could I try?" Becky asked.

"You could certainly try, but this little man is tough, like his father. Sit down in one of the lounge chairs. He's heavy for someone as little as you to be carrying around."

So, she sat, and I put Duanee on her lap and she stuck that bottle in his mouth and he took it. As he sucked that bottle down, she cooed at him and stroked his cheek. He did not make a sound except that of his lips sucking down that formula. Praise the Lord. I'm really going to have breasts that do not ache every day. And Becky, she's doing great, and tomorrow, when the rubber hits the road, I think she'll do just fine.

Once the kids were fed, burped and changed, we put them down and Becca took over. The rest of us went down to find out what smelled so good.

"Bertha, this is Becky. She is a new friend who we are helping out. She has all house privileges and will be given the respect of an honored guest."

"'Round here, missy, we don't treat folks no other way."

"Ain't that the truth? Becky, this is Bertha. She runs our world. If it comes into this house or goes out and Bertha doesn't know about it everyone goes on alert. Bertha is virtually the only employee of mine I cannot fire. She's just that valuable."

"Boy, I wish someone felt that way about me."

"Quay did."

Her eyes teared up and she nodded her head. "Can I have some coffee?"

"How do you like it?"

"Cream and sugar, please."

Bertha was busy cooking up breakfast as the kids came down and sat at the island kitchen table. So, I went and poured her a cup and brought it to her with the little creamer and the sugar bowl. She quickly stirred in the cream and sugar and put it to her lips.

"Mmmmm. This is the best coffee I have ever had. I haven't had any since the clubhouse. Master Malcolm never let us have coffee unless he had a reason."

"You are a skinny little thing. For you today the full breakfast." Bertha said in her inimitable tone.

"What's the full breakfast?"

Still in her pajamas, Holly stepped into the kitchen with Celeste and said, "Bertha's full breakfast is two eggs, two slices of bacon, two sausages, hash browns and toast. What kind of toast did you whip up for us today, Bertha?"

"Today it's Sourdough. I got some starter from Mrs. Tuttlehill's cook. It toasts up real nice."

"You had me at bacon. I don't think I've had bacon in five years, when a whole unsliced bacon fell off the back of a truck."

"Oh, Holly said. "And you were around to collect it?"

"Of course. We made it fall off the truck. It's a eupha something."

"Euphemism, Becky." I corrected.

"Yeah. One of them."

By the time Becky's breakfast was ready, we were running the kids out to the cars to go to school. After hugs and kisses, we were back in the kitchen. Duane came down, dressed to the nines, and loaded for bear. As soon as he hit the kitchen, I was on him and wrapped myself around him and gave him a big kiss. He kissed me back but gave me a look like I had alternative motives. That's because I did. I wanted in his pants, but knew that wasn't happening just now. I was just priming the pump for tonight, when I was hoping to get a pre-trip tune-up.

Duane wanted to get to the city early, so he just took a coffee to go and a scone for the road. He let me know he would finalize the plans for tomorrow and we should chat in the early afternoon before I address the troops.

"And Hannah."

"Yes, my love."

"Please don't harass Tilly. She's got enough on her plate. You showing up in person could just put her over the edge."

"Say no more. Before you know it, she'll be eating out of my hands."

"Hannah!"

"Yes, my Lord."

"Stop it and go easy with the staff today. I don't need a line of guys out my door looking to resign."

"Not gonna happen. You'll see, they'll love me."

"Everyone does," Holly said, as Bertha nodded her head.

I told him I'd see him noonish and he can buy me lunch if he was of a mind. He was outta there in a flash, and I needed someone to take me to the Navy Yard. If I didn't take two guys, Duane would give me a tongue lashing and not the kind I like.

When I sat back down at the table, I talked to Holly and Becky about holding the fort while I am downtown. There will be at least six bodyguards on the premises and Mac will be about as well. He is finishing a job for a customer in Bertha's garage, which he is using half to park in and half as an adjunct to his Downingtown shop, where he did most of the heavy lifting. At Bertha's, he just did the finishing and coating. We always stopped by when he was working on a piece on our way to The Farm. He does beautiful work and I am on his list for a couple more pieces myself.

Once the kids and Duane were gone, it was just me, Holly, Bertha and Becky in the kitchen. The other two girls were watching the three little kids upstairs. It was time to get cleaned up and ready to go downtown to face the troops. So, I took a stab at something, just for the hell of it."

"Becky. Would you feel uncomfortable showering with me?"

"No. The girls at the club do it all the time. It helped us to tame down some of that jungle fever that we are so driven by."

"I don't think I've ever heard it put that way. I think I've got a minor case of that myself."

"Please forgive me for saying this, but it looks like you have a big case."

"Yeah, all six foot four of him. Come on. Breakfast is done. Let's hit the shower."

And we did. Had a ball in my shower. She'd never seen a shower with two heads before, or one so big. It was a real giggle fest. I was getting the feeling our little Becky was gonna be alright. But first we had a couple of hills to climb. The first being tomorrow, Quay's funeral.

Flora, my designer and two of her people showed up in a maxi van around ten. I had them pull it into the garage and it was as if they had brought the store with them. I gave Flora a big hug. She loved me. Whenever she came to my house, she went home with thousands. And if she was lucky, something baked from Bertha's kitchen. So, Becky and I went shopping in my garage and trying things on in the sunroom. Holly helped gleefully. Holly loves a good shopping experience. Even now. Flora brought everything from pantyhose to panties, from stilettos to women's dress suits.

"Flora, I'm going to leave Becky in your expert hands. I have a meeting downtown today that I must attend. Holly is here and will make sure you have everything you need. Becky, let Flora be your guide. She's brilliant, but don't blame her for the way I dress every day. What I walk out of here wearing today, you can give her the credit for."

"Thanks, Hannah. You are such a joy to work with."

"As are you, dear. Flor, I want her to have half a dozen dresses. If there aren't enough of the right ones here, order a couple. Sit down with Becky on the Web and..."

"Now don't you worry Hannah Todd. This is what you pay me for. Just tell me what you want and it will be done."

"See, Becky, this is the kind of people I work with. Only the best. And if you want to be the best, you absolutely have to work with the best."

"Hannah, that's so kind of you to say."

"Just the truth. Flor, add a couple of pants, suits and some jeans. In time she's going to be spending a lot of time in relax mode so I want lounge wear and lots of jammies and sweats. You selected a beautiful black dress for me last year that I am just able to get into and I am wearing that to the funeral. Becky here is going to be the de facto widow at tomorrow's funeral. I want her to look like it. Make sure the skirt is long enough to not be revealing, but short enough that she could sit on a motorcycle."

"A motorcycle?"

"Yeah, it's a biker funeral. That reminds me, I want a pair of those chunky platform ankle boots. How about you, Beck?"

"Just my style."

"Good, try to get them to match. Do you think you can get them here sometime today?"

Instead of answering the question, she put her finger up and jumped on the internet. "I know your size, Hannah. Becky, what's your shoe size?"

"I'm a five with socks. I have tiny feet."

"Girl, you have tiny everything."

Flora found what she was looking for and showed us a couple of possibilities from Lamoda and we picked their New Mission's. A matching pair. Flora promised delivery today by dinner time. They would be the perfect biker boots for this occasion and would go great with the leather dress I planned on wearing. It's short, it's tight, and I'm actually looking pretty good in it.

Today I was dressed about as formal as I get. I had a charcoal and black pants suit and two-inch heels. Flora, being the doll she is, helped me to put my hair up in a French Twist to give me that business woman look.

"Flora. Make sure you keep a record of Becky's measurements in case we need to beef up the order. Do you have any pajamas to leave for her?"

"Do I have pajamas? I got all four seasons worth. Don't you worry. Just give me a budget and I'll take it from there. Oh, the girls are set to be here tomorrow at seven."

"Seven's good. We have to be out of here at nine-thirty."

"Have I ever failed you?"

"Not even close. Let's say up to ten grand to start. That should give us the basic wardrobe and we'll augment from there."

Becky ran over to me and threw herself on the ground in front of me, and started kissing my feet. "You get up now, Becky Gaffney, or I'm sending it all back. There is no groveling in this house." To which Bertha and Holly broke out laughing.

"You two are on my naughty list. I've got business to do. Don't make it more difficult."

"Yes, sir. Aye Aye, sir." Holly said,

"Don't you mock me, wife. I'll take you over my lap, I will."

Now everyone was laughing, including me.

Domingo and Alec wound up taking me to the Navy Yard. My squad was watching the house and kids. They didn't need to see me perform. They'd seen plenty. This appearance was for the new guys, and the guys who have been with us from the beginning, but we just don't get to see often. I would do my best to build up Duane, but let everyone know who the Queen Bee is. When we got to the office building, the first thing I did was go to Recovery and give Les a big hug. "So, you owe me a story. How did the other night go?"

"Awesome. And last night too."

"Tell me."

"Like you said, I went home early, got the kids taken care of, and in bed. I fed him a nice, hot dinner and flirted with him the whole time. But he just didn't seem interested. So, while he was finishing up his dinner, I went upstairs to my bedroom and got out the.45. unloaded it, cleared the chamber, and put in an empty clip. I went downstairs, walked up to him at the table and put the gun to his temple. He didn't move, but his eyes looked over at me. And baby, there was fear in those eyes."

"But, I never..."

"Wait. I told him if he did not take me upstairs and fuck me, I was going to leave his brains on the kitchen wall."

"And?"

"Best sex ever. Three times, Hannah."

"Is that how many times you came?"

"Oh, hell no. It's how many he came. I must have orgasmed two dozen times. I was wondering who this man was. Then last night, after banjo, he came home alone. When in an almost panic I asked him where the boys were, he said that he left them at his sister's house for the night. Then he picked me up, carried me upstairs and fucked me another three times."

"Great, Les."

"That sounds great. But the best part is that last night, after he finished plowing me into oblivion, he stood up, pointed his finger at me and said, 'Woman, you better get used to this.' Praise the Lord. Is there anything you can't do, Hannah Todd?"

"So far, I'm doing alright. But you get the credit on this one."

"I never thought of that," Lizzie said. "A gun for foreplay. Brilliant."

"Alright, ladies. Alec and Domingo are waiting for me. I gotta go face the Royce crowd."

"Good luck with that," Lizzie said. "Too much testosterone for me."

So, I walked next door to RFS and when I opened the door, you could hear a pin drop. Nobody was there except two secretaries and Tilly. I was sure she was shaking when I walked through the door, so I walked right up to her and embraced her. Gave her a big kiss on the cheek. "Tilly, is Mr. Royce with the troops or in his office?"

"He's in his office, ma'am. Waiting for you."

"Do you mind if I go right back?"

"No ma'am. Do you need me to escort you, ma'am?"

"No, Tilly. I helped design the place. I can find my way."

"There you go, Hannah. Pickin' on poor Tillie."

"Fine, give her a ten thousand dollar raise and get her enrolled in a cybercrimes course. I want to see her rise through the ranks. She's got a family to support, and I have big plans for her."

"Yes, ma'am. Right away, ma'am. Could I kiss your ass before I do it, ma'am?"

"C'mon, Duane. It's gonna be hard enough for me to get up in front of all those swinging dicks and let them know who's boss."

"And who is that, Hannah?"

"You, of course."

"Yeah, if only."

"Then why do you put up with it?"

"Because I love you too much to lose you. And I won't do anything that will cause that."

"Look at you there, waxing all romantic. You just better remember how much you love me when you take me to bed tonight. I've been literally working my ass off to get back to my fighting weight, and I'm here. And I'm lookin' for a little appreciation."

"Come here, you." And he held out his arms. Like I was magnetically attracted, I found myself in those arms. My favorite place. I looked up at him, trying to give him my best pair of loving eyes, and he looked back, grabbed my face, and pulled my lips to his. Boy, that man can kiss. I told him to save the rest for later and we went out, fetched Tilly, and went off to the big conference room where Lizzie and Les joined us.

You could almost smell the testosterone when we entered the conference room. Thirty-two sets of eyes were glued on me as I walked into the room. Every one of them, man and woman, stood up when I entered.

"Please, everybody, as you were. Relax. I'm just here for a visit, not to be a stick up anybody's ass. Alright. For those of you who don't know me, my name is Hannah Todd, and I am the CEO of Todd-Bernstein Enterprises. Make no mistake. Duane Royce is your boss. Don't let anyone tell you any different. I am a large investor that Mr. Royce wants to keep satisfied." Then there was a giggle here and there in the crowd.

"Is that you, Domingo?" I asked. Then the entire room cracked up. I think I captured the room. Now what? Domingo flushed red. Head to toe, I'm certain.

"Domingo is one of you. He is one of the best of you. He is a member of my personal protective squad. The top of the top. Army Ranger, Airborne. Both Europe and the Middle East. He won't talk about the purple hearts or the bronze star, but he has them. And more. Every day Domingo is at my side I feel safe. I have no fear. And even though I wear this thing on my hip." And I smacked my holster housing my Glock. "I know that the first shot and the last will come from his gun. I know that if I am dead, he died first. And a whole lot of other people. I know Domingo is a family man. Domingo's wife and children have been to my home several times. They are like family. Domingo has been with us at my home pretty much since I got there. He was one of a core group we were lucky enough to inherit. I hope you will all meet him and some of you may even get to work with him. You be like Domingo and not only will you be the finest at what you do, you will serve this company well. And maybe, like Domingo, one day you may have the opportunity to save the boss's ass."

And there were little titters around the room. Duane looked at me like I'd better get on with it.

"But I didn't come here to talk about my friend Domingo, although I could for hours. I came to talk about you and me." And I pointed at each and every one as I walked around the room, making eye contact and even shaking a couple of hands.

"RFS is designed to be the best in the business. The outfit that can do what the others can't; that does things other outfits wouldn't even think of. The Elite. Don't you ever doubt that my finger is on the pulse. We are growing, gentlemen and ladies, not just in technology, but in numbers. I want fifty agents on the street by the first of the year, and I'd like to double in size by the end of the following year. That is, at the very least, a sizeable undertaking. The hardest part will be finding experienced, capable people. We will probably have to interview a thousand people to get the hundred we want, despite that, we may only get fifty. That's where you come in. Right now, we have more work than we can handle. And there's more coming."

"Don't I know it." Came a groan from the back.

"We just won a big account up in Chester County that will bring in plenty of bucks. We have tons of work, but we need the people to do the job. And I won't just settle for anyone. The people I work with have to be the best. And that's you. No matter how long you have been working for me, you have been through RFS's vetting process and field testing. I look at reports and see the kind of work you do and how you do it. It's what I want. It's what I expect. You are what I want, just more of you."

"You can have all of me, Miss T." rang out from a cheeky young agent named Manny Innocenco. I pointed at him and looked right at him and said, "So you're Manny. Somehow, I knew I'd meet you today. Your Bio picture is so much better looking than you." Everyone around him broke up and the less courageous laughed in a quiet way.

"Sorry, Miss Todd. I didn't mean..."

"Save it Manny. If we can't kibbitz around now and then what does that say about us? Alright. I called a three-hour meeting, but I'm only going to hold you for one. At the end of that hour, the caterer is bringing in lunch for all, and it's gonna be a good one. I approved it myself. But I'm not going to stand up here and talk for an hour."

"Although she could." Duane said. Bringing more chuckles.

More than half the agents were sitting, but the rest were standing around, listening intently.

"RFS is growing troops, and you are going to help make that happen. I have found that birds of a feather flock together. If that is true, at least some of you know someone with skill similar to yours, or different, but could be used for our purposes. Maybe you served together and have kept in touch. Maybe you're just old friends. Let us know of the person you have in mind. We will vet that person very quietly and very privately, then tell you to welcome them to interview. If they are the right person, they will love the idea of coming to work for us. If they do and they were your referral, after they have been with us for six months, you will receive a bonus of ten thousand dollars."

There was a hum across the room.

"That's ten large for each of your referrals who joins us. I also have openings for Recovery, next door. I could probably use, what Les, maybe half a dozen?"

"We can make that work. Or even if we can get an RFS agent or two on loan on occasion, it would help. Anyone with a search and rescue background or a background as a detective may be best."

The guys were looking at one another and nodding their heads. I think they are sold on the idea. But we shall see. Can we really grow to two hundred strong? It truly is up to these guys.

"Alright, it's Q&A time. If you have any questions for me or Mr. Royce, send them our way."

A burly young man stood up and raised his hand. I recognized his face because I spent an hour reviewing the faces and bios of all of our agents.

"Yes. You. You're Cary Whetting, aren't you."

"Yes, ma'am. How did you know..."

"Homework Cary. I do mine and I expect my people to do theirs. What do you have on your mind, Cary?"

"Beggin' your pardon, ma'am, but why do you open carry? I would think that closed carry would put you less in harm's way."

There was a mumble that came over the crowd like they were getting ready to enshrine Cary's remains once the question was answered. Nothing could be further from the truth.

"That's a great question, Cary, and the kind of observation I expect my people to make. I am open carrying today because I came here to let everyone know the boss is a badass."

Everyone cracked up. Even Duane laughed.

"If I'm on a mission, or undercover, I will usually leave the Glock at home and carry my little.38 snubby. That little boy has surprised a few folks."

Again laughter. I continued to answer questions for another fifteen minutes and then sent Tilly out to bring the caterer in. While they were setting up, I walked around talking to the guys. All in all, I thought it went well. Even Duane did.

"Enjoy lunch guys. I'm out." And I walked out that conference room door to the applause of all and the chants of "Badass, Badass, Badass." Success.

I was planning on meeting with Lizzie and Les in Recovery, but Duane wasn't done with me. "Hannah, come to my office. There is someone I think is special who I want you to meet." I told Tilly to hold the fort, and she looked at me with a look that said, "Who, me?"

Duane approached one of the men. A tall African American man who I remembered from his bio as Rapper Malone. He stood six-two, probably two-twenty. Good lookin'. He had a handsome face, dreamy brown eyes and a short Afro. He was an ex-Army Green Beret who left the service after six years and couldn't find a good job, so he went into the bodyguard business with GuardCorp, where he did well. Despite his outstanding performance, he found himself passed over for a promotion he expected. That happened at the same time we were advertising for agents.

When he came in for his initial appointment, Duane knew he wanted to hire him, but was unsure of where to place him until his deep vetting report came through. Then Duane knew exactly what he wanted.

"Rapper, how long have you been with us?" I asked.

"A little over a month, ma'am."

"What kind of work have you been doing.:

"I started out guarding Dr. Chu and his family, but mostly the doctor. I go downtown with him and make sure he gets home. He's a delightful man and smart beyond reason."

"That I know, Rapper. He's a good friend. Tell me, Duane, why have we singled Mr. Malone out?"

"I have him working with the Tuttlehills right now and I'm thinking he may be the right man for our special project."

"Well, he certainly fits the physical profile. If I may say so, Rapper, you are a good- looking man."

"Thank you, ma'am. Never had any complaints."

Duane sat back in his chair and looked right at the bodyguard. "Rapper, we did a deep vetting of you, much deeper than GC did. We have found that you have a background as a Dominant to several women, and are currently enslaving at least two women, one of which is your wife."

"Oh no, are you going to fire me? Am I gonna get arrested?"

Both Duane and I chuckled a bit. I shook my head.

"No, Rapper. We are going to put you on more or less permanent duty at the Tuttlehills. And you're getting a raise. A good one. There is something going on in their family's life that I am trying to fix. You could be the solution I am seeking. How long have you been with them?"

"I've done a couple twelve-hour shifts so far. Seems like pretty easy duty."

"Well, it's gonna get tougher and you are going to earn your money. As soon as we are done here, I want you to tell Tilly you will be at the Tuttlehills until further notice. I want you to attach yourself to Mrs. Tuttlehill. She is my dear friend and I think you have something she needs."

"Yes, ma'am. Sounds great."

"Now, Rapper, I'm going to tell you something that's not so great."

I looked over at Duane and said, "So? Do we spill the beans?"

"Before long, he'll know everything, anyway."

"Alright, Rapper. My friend Gloria Tuttlehill is being held as a consensual slave to a man named Clyde Makoo. A man she knows only as Master Malcolm. One thing you can't help noticing about Gloria is that she is quite pregnant."

"Very." He said.

"Well, it's Makoo's baby. And she will do anything he asks her to. There is a very special group of people, a group I'm thinking you may have the ability to join in time. Their job is to make Makoo's life miserable until such a time as they end it."

He looked at me with wide eyes and a mouth that was ready to ask a question, but I held up my hand.

"There are people in and around my organizations that have a special Need to Know. You're familiar with that protocol?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Well, now you've got it. When it comes to Gloria Tuttlehill and her family, you report to Duane and I only. I will be visiting her more and more as her due date gets closer. So, you will see more of me. Don't hesitate to acknowledge me. You are one of my people and the Tuttlehills will be happy to see that we have the same warm relationship I have with all my people."

"You're gonna kill this guy?" he said.

"I didn't say that, Rapper. Let's just say I was talking in the abstract."

"Of course, ma'am."

"I'm hoping that when she hears of her master's demise, she will have a place to fall, and I want that place to be you. In time, you will serve as her full-time master, until she no longer feels the need for one. I understand you know what you are doing in the dungeon, and I want you to do it to her. But in a more controlled manner. I want her to feel the pain and pleasure she wishes but not the damages, both mental and physical, that Makoo has brought down on her. You know he made her go six months without sex and is talking about a year after the baby is born. I will not have it. Makoo will be dead within the month, so we have to move quickly."

"Tell me what to do and I'll do it. But do I have to kill this guy?"

"Good. Start getting closer to her, touching when you can, even innocently. Let her know, as innocently as you can, that you have an interest in her. Make sure she is taken care of. There won't be any sex at first because of her condition and how long it will take her to recover from her C-section. After that, are you willing to have sex with her?"

"My wife allows me to have sex with whoever I wish. I am her Master and she must."

"I like the sound of that three different ways. Good. Get your ass up to Tuttlehills. And keep your schedule flexible. When she has that baby, I want you right next to her, holding her hand. Go. Get close."

"Roger that, ma'am." And off he went.

"So?" Duane asked. "What do you think?"

"From his looks, he's perfect. Now all we have to do is get him close to Gloria."

"Somehow, I get the feeling you are going to grease those wheels."

"You betcha. This weekend I'm spending some time with her. Right after you know what."

"Hush, woman, and mind your own orders."

"You're right, as usual. Okay lover, give me a kiss. I have to see Lizzie and Les and then tonight the guys."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, I want the squad and I want you there. Friday. we lock up Makoo's dick for a while. And of course there's the funeral. Is the chopper ready?"

"Yes, I'll pick it up in the morning. You are sure squeezing a lot into a little bit of time, Hannah."

"Don't worry. Once we get it done, we can back off a little and concentrate on building RFS. Just be home on time tonight. We have a double meeting, you and I."

"Would I ever miss one of your meetings, Hannah?"

"You fuckin' better not." And I patted my Glock. As usual, he just shook his head and embraced me. Ahhh. My happy place.

Les and Lizzie were running around Recovery with Shelly, our other girl. It looked a little bit like the other guys when we were on a mission. Chinese fire drill. Once I calmed them down, they dragged me into Les's office and begged for help. I let them know whatever they have to do to meet their needs to just do it. Les talked about her oldest friend, who was living in Delaware County now. She said that she was great and that she hated her job. I told her to bring her in. And then she told me that, growing up, her friend Colleen was the only one who ever stuck up for her, the 'Jew Girl.'

"Call her up get her vetted, and hire her, Les. If she doesn't want to come, let me know. I can be very persuasive. And if Rhee isn't getting her processed quickly enough, let me know."

"Persuasive? Ain't that the truth?"

It was getting late, and I was hoping to get home before dinner. Lizzie was coming with us and I apologized to Les for leaving her in a lurch.

"You bitch!" she said. "Like I'm not backed up enough here. I got field agents up my ass screaming for resources."

"Granted. Let me know what they need and let them know we are working on it. Our European contacts are not that strong yet. We need to find some people out there who will dedicate to us."

"I got two dozen resumes sitting on my desk if you'd like to read them and make suggestions. Lizzie said.

"Grab 'em and bring 'em home with you and we can look them over together."

"Sitting in the hot tub, I hope."

"That can work. Are they downloaded to my tablet?"

"They will be. Shelly."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Are the resumes scanned in?"

"As they come in ma'am. They are all ready to go."

"Good. Send a copy to Ms. Todd, Ms. McKelly and Mr. Royce. And, of course to me."

"Yes ma'am. It will be done before I leave today."

"Excellent, Shelley. Les?"

"Yes, Lizzie."

"Five o'clock. Everyone leaves at five. Right?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Good job, Lizzie, let's go."

Dom and Alec were waiting for us at the front door and off we went. Destination, Romansville. Lizzie and I jumped in the back seat of the Navigator and Alec took the wheel. And when Domingo sits shotgun, there's never one more than a foot away from him.

When we got into the car the first thing I did was kick my heels off. "God, I hate heels. My feet are killing me." Then Domingo handed a bag back to me and I opened it up and there were my fuzzy moccasins. "Domingo, I just never tell you enough how much I love you. I hope I didn't embarrass you too much today.

"No, ma'am. Just enough." We all got a good laugh out of that. Made the trip home easier.

When we got home and walked into the kitchen, we were greeted with the most adorable scene. Bertha was cooking up her soup and little baby Ellie was in her brand-new high chair and Becky was feeding her cereal with a spoon. And she was doing a great job. Ellie just loved her. And Becky was over the moon. Becky turned when I entered the room and smiled at me. Then she mouthed the words, "I love you." That gave me more than enough reason to smile back.

"You're doing great, Beck. Looks like babies just may be your thing."

"Oh, Hannah, I would love one, just like this pretty little girl."

"Then I wish that for you, Becky. Are you ready for tomorrow?"

"I am, are you?"

"That's a great question, Beck, but I'm confident and ready. Logistics is good, the weather is supposed to be fine and my dress fits, so it's all good. What are you wearing?"

She looked over to Bertha and was shooed away when the cook took the cereal bowl and continued feeding her little girl. She ran to me and wrapped her arms around me and kissed me square on the lips. Then she whispered to me, "For what you have done for me,, I should lick your pussy every day for the rest of my life."

I hugged her back and told her that would not be necessary. That my pussy is being well taken care of. "Show me what you're wearing."

She grabbed my hand and dragged me up the stairs. She showed me what she would be wearing, and it was adorable. It had been a knee length long sleeved dress and, at Becky's request, Flora had her seamstress cut about three inches off the length. Making it just about appropriate. Then she said something I'd been waiting for.

"The only thing missing, Hannah, is my club colors. I hate to show up without them."

While Rhee's people were rescuing her, the only thing she kept babbling about was her colors. So, when they dropped her off at Caroline, they went back to the house and looked for them. She told them they were in Malcolm's office, and that's where they were. We'd later learn that Makoo used them to make her do unspeakable things to save them or have time with her colors. Well, we had them now, and I was going to give my new friend the biggest gift of the day.

"Becky, come into my office with me." She followed me in and I bade her sit. And she did.

"Becky, I can't take credit for this. Rhee Spanner's people did this of their own volition and at your request."

I reached down into my big bottom desk drawer and pulled out a plastic bag with an article of clothing. I stood up and threw the bag over to her and she looked at it. As soon as she did, she knew what it was. The little thing looked over at me and the waterworks started. She ripped into that bag and pulled out her colors. Becky held it to her face and just bawled. She didn't even try to collect herself, and I just let her go.

I walked over to her and took her hand. I took her colors from her and put one arm in and then the other. She looked down and over her left breast said a single word, "Tiny." I grabbed her up, and she buried her little face in my chest. She felt like a child, but she was a twenty-two-year-old woman. Tonight, we girls would spend time together to get her ready for tomorrow. But first, I had a meeting with my squad.

After Becky and I took turns dealing with the twins, we went downstairs to join the family for dinner. Mulligatawny soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. I told the kids that we had some business out-of-town tomorrow and that we had business on Friday afternoon and night as well. But the weekend would be theirs. They've learned to be cool with a very busy mommy. Fortunately, Holly was there to fill the void, and she was back to doing a pretty good job of it.

When Becky showed up at the kitchen table with her colors on, Celeste, the most inquisitive one, asked what they were and what they meant. Becky looked over at me as if to ask permission to answer. "Tell her honestly, Beck. She's very bright and can handle it."

So, Becky told the kids that she belonged to what is called an outlaw motorcycle club called the Soul Riders and that she was kidnapped from her man. "I had a good life with the Riders, and I hope I can return to that someday."

"First things first Becky."

"Yes, ma'am. After tomorrow, I'm going somewhere to get better."

"Are you sick?" Georgia asked.

"It's a sick you can't see, Peach. Someday your mommy will tell you about it. When you are old enough to understand."

The kids were fine with that, and so was Becky. I was thrilled.

Becky could read, but she hadn't in years. So, Cee Cee told her to come with her and Peach and they would read with her before bedtime. She smiled the whole time until we put the kids to bed. Then she cried. But just a little.

I was beat and feeling gross from a long day. So, I jumped into the shower, put on my jeans and a RFS sweat shirt, threw on my sneaks and headed downstairs where Duane and Domingo were waiting for me. We walked to the Greenhouse and there they were. My best and boldest. Duane would outline the plan with them, but I got to speak first.

"Alright gang. This is the operation Caroline has been looking for. Training for. Right, Car?"

"You bet, boss."

"Tomorrow some of us are attending a funeral, but Friday you are all mine, all of you."

A big, collective 'yes ma'am' came from the crew.

"Just like Caroline, I expect to get a lot of satisfaction from this operation. So, its success is vital. Tell us what we know, Caroline."

"Well, boss. We've been keeping an eye and ear on him in the Pottstown location. But they are talking about leaving and heading to the Poconos, where he has another property."

"I know, I've been there, but I don't know its location."

"Oh, don't worry about that. We'll have that soon enough, not that it matters. He's never gonna make it to the mountains."

"Fuckin' right he ain't. Do we have a departure time for these guys?"

"Apparently, they are waiting for two more guys to ride with them. He's only got four guys with him and there are no women currently at the Pottstown property."

"Then why don't we go in there tonight and do this while he is at his weakest?"

"Analytics tells us that even with the two extra guys, he will be weaker when he is traveling and we've devised a way for it to be amazingly embarrassing. Besides that, if we do and those two they are expecting show up, that's a wild card I don't want to have to deal with."

"Do tell."

"It goes like this. As they are going down the back-road coming from his house, we will hit the lead vehicle's tires and bring their little parade to a halt. Then, we'll hit the follow vehicle. When they get out of the cars to see what the hell was going on, we'll leap out of the bushes and stick guns in their faces. That's when I install the CockMate on Makoo and we have his compadres strip naked and cut off their supercells and throw them in the car and lock it. I also have a device that when inserted where a key would go, will put the car in electronic lock down, so that they would have to break the windows to get out of the car. Or into it. So, what we have is five naked guys and Makoo hanging on the highway trying to get into the car with all their stuff. Then we will just evaporate and they will never know what hit them."

"I love it. I want visuals. Body cams for all and I want some snaps of Makoo with his pants on the ground and his stuff locked up."

"You have my word," Caroline said. Special thanks to Domingo and Ronnie for being my crash test dummies."

"Yeah, please, Miss Hannah, don't ask me to do this again."

"I promise, Domingo."

"I don't know," Caroline said. "Domingo has nothing to be embarrassed about. Let's just say that his Mrs. is a very lucky woman. Very lucky."

Everybody laughed but Domingo, who turned red as a beet. But then he laughed too when it occurred to him that if size matters, he's doing pretty well.

"Alright," Duane said. "Does everyone know what we are doing and what their job is? Friday morning, I want everyone here to meet at the Greenhouse to prepare. Talk about it with each other and tighten up any loose ends. Herman, this is your operation, but Caroline is your point person. Understand?"

"Crystal clear."

"Excellent. Duane, Ronnie and I have a funeral tomorrow. We expect to be home tomorrow night and I will see you on Friday morning here. Any questions or concerns bring them to either Herman or Caroline through tomorrow. We good?"

"Hoo-Rah!" they all called out. I guess we're good.

"Good. Then I think I'm going to take Mr. Royce inside and see if I can convince him to fuck his boss." I thought Duane was going to kill me when not one soul laughed. "Lighten up, guys. Don't you want a happy boss?"

Chuckles, but no big belly laughs. Duane dismissed the troops, and I told Lizzie to go as well. I hugged all the gang as they left and sat at the patio table waiting for my punishment for being a bad girl. But the only punishment I got was when he threw me over his shoulder and spanked me all the way to the house. Sorry, but I loved it. Then he carried me upstairs and gave me a superb railing. Looks like I'm attending a funeral with a sore pussy tomorrow. Hoo rah!

------------------------------------------

I was up at six and the beauty team was already there and set up. I woke up Becky, and she was lying there with a brand-new set of pajamas on and, of course, her colors. She would take them off to shower and dress and then right back on they went. We showered together at my insistence, and she liked it. Said she could get used to it. Flora was with her people when they arrived. She never fails to give me that special service I pay for.

We didn't do our hair because the hairdresser would wash and dry and do any cutting or setting necessary. It would not be a difficult time for them. Becky said she wanted her hair like I had mine yesterday, in a Classic French Twist. Very sophisticated. She will impress with that big red crown on top of her head. I went for a simple bun in the back. A tight one, like a ballerina would wear. Got to get a helmet on that head.

While our hair was being done, so were our nails. Both in fire engine red. Mani and pedi. I just got a refill; Becky got the whole nine yards. On her right thumbnail in black was written 'Soul Riders,' and on her left thumbnail it said 'Quay.' On my right thumbnail, in black, she painted a Queen of Spades.

While our nails were drying, they started our makeup. I insisted that they put waterproof mascara on and they said they will compromise and put on something that is semi-waterproof. It's gonna run, but not as easily and not as much. Then Flora made a point.

"Let it run a little, Han. She's gonna be damned sad and she'll want to show the world that." That's why my people get the big bucks.

When we were done, we stood in front of the full-length mirror Flora brought with her and we looked great. I'd do me. Frankly, I'd do her too. But she looks so young. I'd feel like a child molester. Then Lizzie handed me a box. I told her to fetch for me. I opened the box, standing in front of Becky, and pulled out a necklace. It was a fine, but sturdy, gold chain that had a pendent. The pendent was a golden Spade with the letter Q cut out of the center. It was a piece George Barry had given me and I never got rid of it. "Think of the Q standing for Quay." And she nodded her head and smiled. And then she looked up at the clock and she said, "Nine-thirty. We'll never make it to Monroeville in time. No car can do it and no bike can do it."

"I can do it." And then I heard it. Whup, whup, whup.

"What do you have, a jet?"

"Actually, I have two, but today we're taking the chopper."

"Chopper?"

"Yeah, the helicopter. She's a beaut. Ever fly in a helicopter before?"

"I never flew in nothin'"

"Well then get yourself ready. You are about to go on an adventure. Here, take one of these."

"After all this are you druggin' me?"

"Cute, Becky. It's Dramamine. It will keep you from getting airsick."

She grabbed that pill and the glass of water and shot it right down. Then she looked out the kitchen window and out in the field on the east side of our driveway. The chopper was landing. Smooth as silk, as always. We wrapped up in the leather jackets I ordered for all of us and I put a fluffy coat over it on Becky and one for myself. The copter has comfort controls, but it still gets cold up there sometimes.

Lizzie walked us up to where the copter was sitting, idle for now. We all kissed her, and I gave Duane a big one too for doing this for me. The promise of more is there. It would come later, just when he wants it. After making sure everyone was buckled in properly and had their headsets on, he went to the front and got the ball rolling. The captain of our ship. The captain of my life.

I don't get to Western Pennsylvania at all. So, it's my first time flying over the Allegheny Mountains, but the flight was beautiful. Winter was coming, but the Pine trees and a few deciduous trees kept their color for now. Becky was scared to death the minute we ascended. She was clutching my arm so tight she was cutting off the circulation, even under the puffy coat. By the time we got half an hour away, though, she was more fascinated than anything else. And when we went over the mountains, her face was pressed against the window. All fear gone; she was enjoying the ride. "It's kind of like going down the road on the back of a big bike."

"A huge bike." I said.

We landed at a small local airport/heliport that Duane had connected with. Two of our newer guys were there to greet us. Their job was to drive the bikes to Monroeville, meet us at the airport, guard the chopper while it is being refueled and checked. One of our guards had been a chopper repairman in the service and it was his job that nobody fooled around with our equipment. He was certified in the machine we were flying. When we were finished, we'd drop the bikes off to the guys, jump in the chopper, and off we'd go.

This was it. We left our puffy coats at the helicopter and in just our leather coats we headed to the funeral home. Before we got on the bikes, though, I asked Duane if he's ever ridden before.

"Fine time to ask, Hannah Todd. But yes, I know my way around a Harley. In fact, the one we're going on is mine. My own personal bike."

"Good to know."

We drove for about five minutes. After that, we didn't need a road map. Haymaker Road was closed off by the police and motorcycles were parked everywhere. It was tight, but we got as close as we could. We could see where the road opened up, but there were two enormous guys standing there turning people away, and they walked toward us. One had a baseball bat he was pounding against his other hand. I'm sure Duane could feel my heart beating out of my chest. And then the heavens opened. Becky took her helmet off, and the two men stopped in their tracks and took a second look. You cannot miss that bright red hair.

"Tiny. Tiny, you're home. Toothy's holding your seats." And they both dropped everything and gave her big hugs. Then the bigger of the two turned to Duane and said, "Follow us. Here, nobody will disrespect you." And nobody did. And then one of them spoke into his supercell. "Widow has arrived. We're coming up now."

They started up their two bikes and we fell in line behind them. They gave Duane the two fingers down salute, letting him know that all is safe here. Becky took her helmet and rested it on the back bar.

Slowly we moved to the driveway of the funeral home to the applause of all we passed, to the front door where we were dropped. They would watch our bikes. We would have an honored place in the procession to the cemetery. But the moment Becky Gaffney, Tiny to her friends, got off that bike and walked up to the front door, there was a hush until she fell into Toothy's arms at the front door, and then a big collective sigh. Queen Cass was there too and wrapped her big old self around poor little Becky so much she kind of got lost in there. Big girl, that Cass.

After we were introduced to Toothy, who insisted that we come to the cemetery and back to the clubhouse afterwards, he held his arm out and Becky took it and he walked her down the aisle. Cass grabbed onto Ronnie and walked him down as well, followed by Duane and I. When we got down to the first row it was empty and Toothy assigned everyone places. I would be on one side of Becky and he would be on the other. Respect. That's what it's all about.

Duane and Ronnie got to sit on the other side of Cassie and next to them would be Hanger, Quay's best friend in life and partner in a business fixing gas powered engines. So not in vogue, but still in demand. Since Hanger was number four on the totem pole until Quay's passing. The number three club member retired and took his old lady to Florida. And the guy who had been VP for the past eight years just didn't want it anymore. So, Hanger was elected by the club, unanimously. He accepted. As the VP, he would also get up and speak at the funeral, but first would come the reverend, and then Toothy.

The reverend did a nice job, but he was very generic, and everyone knew it. He was merely a warmup for the big show, and he knew that. So, he wasted little time. He hit all the religious notes Toothy had asked for, but with no pizzazz. When Toothy came up to speak you could have heard a pin drop six blocks away. I admired his presence, his charisma. Frankly, I think I got a little moist. Me and big black men. It's like an algorithm for me. Just watching him walk up to the dais, I could feel the raw sex appeal of the man and I looked over at Cassie and she looked at me and gave me a wink. 'Oh, don't worry, Cassie. I know who's getting that stuff.'

There was a little murmur in the crowd as Toothy shuffled his papers.

"Alright. Shut the fuck up. My name is Toothy Grimm and I'm the president of the Soul Riders. And if you don't know that, well fuck you. I'm here to talk to you about some remarkable people. Friends of mine. Brothers."

And he went on for forty-five minutes, about six of the seven deceased Riders. It was like a warmup, for him and for everyone else. It was heartwarming. And a bit of a shock to me that these soft, kind words were coming out of the mouth of an outlaw biker. I held Becky close and Cassie, on her other side, had her other hand.

"I love all of my brothers. I wish I could have the government award them all bronze stars. But I can't. There's one of my brothers I have not yet talked about yet and I saved him for last. Not just because of his place in the club, but his place in my heart. Quay Wilkes was the best of us. Great Rider, talented mechanic, amazing friend and brother, and a man who only got to find love for a short time. But she was the love of his life. His widow, Tiny, is here with us today and I hope you will all have the chance to wish her well. I think it will bring her comfort. She's little, but she's easy to spot."

Toothy then went on for another fifteen minutes about his exploits with Quay and about how far back they go and all the secrets between them that died with Quay. I think he could have gone on for another hour, but I think he thought the best of it and cut it off. And he had a very special way of doing that.

"Ladies," he said.

And two of the Soul Rider old ladies came out of the crowd carrying something. And they approached Becky. When they unfurled what they carried, it was a set of colors. The name on the badge said Quay. Becky went buck and just bawled. Cassie and I held her up as the girls took off her colors and put on Quay's. They hung to her knees. Everyone was crying. From little old ladies to the baddest ass biker had tears in their eyes.

When we all sat down and settled, Toothy went on. "Tiny, you always have a place in our house, 'cause you always have a place in our hearts. You will always be a Soul Rider, subject to your own rules and following your own destiny. Every night I pray to God that my people will be okay and that the ones who rest in heaven are doing it peacefully. But I also wish I could bring them back. See them again. Hold their hands and hear their voices. But that's my weakness, not theirs. We will continue at the New Duncan Heights Cemetery and then club members only are invited back to the clubhouse. If you are not a club member and try to get into the house without a special invite, you will be shot on sight. Soul Riders will lead the procession; the caskets will follow and friends and affiliates who wish can follow behind and join us the cemetery. Everyone, ride safely."

Our row went out first and Toothy asked if he could have the honor of Tiny riding on his bike. Absolutely. And Cass jumped on the back with Ronnie. I don't think he expected that. She's a bit of a zoftig girl, the opposite of little Becky. We headed up Route 76 to the north part of Pittsburgh. We were headed to Allison Park.

I felt like a true Queen sitting on the back of that bike, holding Duane tight. Looking ahead and seeing tiny little Becky with her arms wrapped around Toothy was truly a comical sight. And in that dress; with Quay's colors flapping in the wind. But we rode like the biker bitches we are.

Toothy and Becky were the lone lead bike. Duane and I rode beside Ronnie and Cassie. Everyone else behind rode in threes or fours. I looked back now and then and behind the hearses there were bikes as far as the eye could see. But in front and alongside of the caskets, only Soul Riders.

We were riding slow for any number of reasons, but I was fine with that. I'm holding my man tight and sitting on a one-ton vibrator. And it's his. This will NOT be the last time we do this. In fact, if she decides to go back to the Soul Riders after she feels well, I will recommend we make a road trip out of it. Enough, Hannah, enjoy the ride. Mmmmm.

With the roughly two hundred bikes with us, it took a minute to get everything situated, but we again got the best seats in the house. Toothy, again, led things and although it was the internment of seven men, we were all in front of Quay's grave. There were three rows of seating and we took up most of the front row. Toothy's words were even more touching at the graveside than at the funeral home. Maybe because his dear Quay was slipping that much farther from him. When the speaking was finished and we all threw a spade of dirt on each of the graves, it was time to go. But Becky was having a hard time letting go and did not want to leave Quay's graveside. Quay's best friend in life, Hanger Stake, came to her aid and threw his arms around her and pulled her into him. She seemed to like that, and she hung on. She wound up on the back of Hangar's Hog on the way to the clubhouse. I could see the beginnings of a connection.

We all hung around the cemetery for a while to let the other clubs disperse. There were members of the Soul Riders at the exits to wish all the attendees well and a safe ride home. We were all chatting and Toothy sent a couple of bikes ahead to get ready for us. Guys and Dolls. When it was time, Toothy led with Casandra on the back and Hanger and Becky at his side, with us next to them. Duane did well keeping up. We rode together and Ronnie went as a lone rider. By the time we arrived at the clubhouse I was wet. I wished I had brought a pair of backup panties.

Everyone went into the clubhouse and immediately assumed their positions. Everyone had some kind of job. The guys were setting up the big dining room, and the gals were cooking up a storm, and whatever it is it smelled great. I mean Bertha-grade great. Most of the gals came in with men, but when they entered the house, the first thing they did, if dinner wasn't their next job, was go into the back bedroom, where the single ladies hung out. Those are the gals who are associated with the club, but not attached to a male club member. They still aren't enlightened enough to have a lesbian in the club. Bisexuals? Plenty, but no lesbians. So, when we go into the house Becky detached herself from Hanger, grabbed my hand and pulled me into the back room.

When I got there, about five women were present and two more followed us in. A tall, skinny, long-legged bleach bottle blonde, named Doreen, was the last in and said everyone else was working on dinner, which should be in about an hour. So, we talked a bunch and did their version of what we called 'Circle' at the Bridge. As we chatted, I couldn't help notice Doreen scratching away at her crotch. It was pretty noticeable, but nobody made a comment. I couldn't help but explore, in my own inimitable way.

"How's the state healthcare system treating you all?"

Groans everywhere. "Oh please, it's impossible to get an appointment and when you do, they treat you like shit because you're biker trash."

"I'm sorry, but I'm not seeing any trash. In fact, I'm going to make a confession to you girls. I didn't know what to expect when I was invited to the clubhouse. And when I walked in the door, I was pleasantly surprised that it's well kept and cared for. You gals really take pride in your domestic skills. And you should."

"But there's nothing we can do about it. We're fucked because of who we are."

"Well, ladies, you are friends of Hannah Todd, and I don't let this kind of shit happen to my friends. Who amongst you feel you need a physician's card?" All but one raised their hands.

"When was the last time any of you saw a physician or nurse practitioner?

The most recent was six months ago for a last post-delivery appointment for her last baby. Some as long ago as two years. They did manage to get their kids pediatric care, which the state always prioritized. If only for political reasons.

"Alright ladies, I've heard enough. For those of you that don't know, and I guess that's all of you, I am, among many things, a registered nurse with several years of experience. Mostly in women and children. Here's how it's gonna go. I'm gonna give every one of you bitches a quick check-up and make some recommendations. Then we are going to find a doctor who will take care of my girls here."

I walked to the door and stuck my head out. "Ronnie?"

"Yes, Miss T."

"Ronnie, do me a favor and go out to Duane's bike. On the starboard side my medical bag is in the saddlebag. Can you bring it to me."

"Yes, ma'am." And he tore out the door.

"Boy," Cassie said, "I'd like to find out how you control men like that." And all the girls nodded their heads.

"It's easy, Cass. I pay him a shit ton of money."

"Nah. It ain't that. It's a lot more than that. That's a man who would die for you. I can see it in his eyes. You could just feel his loyalty. How do you get that?"

"Ya gotta give it, Cass. Ya gotta earn it. That's the proper way to instill loyalty. That man has saved my ass and my life on more than one occasion. If someone is chasing me, he's the one I want behind the wheel."

"Is it only black men in your life, or do you mix it up?"

"Ronnie? Nah. He's not a love interest, just a special employee and a good friend. There's no man for me but Duane. So, I guess, you could say I am all in on black men. I'm even black bred through and through. Four of the five children I have given birth to are biracial. And ain't nobody prettier."

I clicked on the video app on my supercell and projected several pictures of the family onto the wall to lots of oohs and ahhs. That's when Ronnie returned with my medical bag. I have this wonderful machine that I take with me in my medical bag that I can talk into and it creates charts and allows me to document vitals and make notes to the chart. I did that with everyone still in the room as we talked about what I wanted to do next, which is inquire about their recent and past health. By the time we were called to dinner I had done all but two of the girls and, of course, the kitchen staff. Cass said that after dinner there is a full staff switch over from cooking staff to cleaning crew. So, I'd be able to get them too if Duane will give me the time.

We talked about what I wanted to do at dinner and Duane said that would be fine as we were not going into the city tomorrow. He was also qualified for night flight and he had been taking hourly readings of the atmospheric conditions and it looked good for tonight and of all things we'd have a full moon. I couldn't wait.

Just as it smelled, dinner was amazing. And I let them know it. Go know that some of the best food in Pittsburgh is at the clubhouse of an outlaw biker gang. While we ate, Toothy tried his best to dispel the opinion that they were outlaws. He said that in the beginning it was true, and for some years after that. Guns and drugs paid the bills. But never girls. Toothy's rules: trafficking is out and no sex with girls under eighteen. And nobody broke Toothy's rules. Toothy was one bright guy for a dumb old biker, and I found out why when Cassie puffed up and decided to be proud of her man.

"Ya know, Hannah, my Toothy is not just some dumb shmo. He has an engineering degree from Drexel. Class of '35, I think. He went corporate when he got out of school, then went into smaller startups after a couple of years that he just couldn't stand. Then he found out he just couldn't stand any of it and said fuck it. He went to work as a mechanic for a friend on some of the unhappier vehicles manufactured in the thirties and forties and learned to make them smile. Then he found Solar. And he's been doing that ever since. For that, he's been getting paid pretty well. The day he walked out of corporate was the day that he decided not to walk around in anything else but biker boots. That's when we found each other and I fell in love for the first and last time in my life."

"Howdja know, Cass? What made you know he was the one?"

"It's that smile, Hannah. It's Toothy. He's famous for it, and I get to have it every day."

"Don't you allow kids around the clubhouse? I haven't seen a kid since I got here."

"Well, you better batten down the fuckin' hatches. After dinner, the bus will come around and you'll get to see the kids. Be careful with that bunch, you may need that Glock of yours." And she pointed to the gun on my hip. Everyone laughed.

"Well, if anyone calls Toothy a dumb shmo around me." And I patted my hip. "I've got something that travels around with me that would love a trip up their ass." The entire table cracked up. They couldn't get over me, and I was looking at Becky, who was sitting with Hanger and he was stroking her hand and it looked like they were making eyes at each other.

Dinner was pretty much over at this point and I was about to call the ladies. I hadn't checked into the back room when the front door flung open and this flood of children filled the room. My oh my, what a fertile bunch we have here. And two more are pregnant.

After I got done checking all the girls, I wrapped up and told them I would be sending each of them a copy of the chart I made and that they can take it to the doctor with them, as it would have my recommendations as a Pennsylvania certified RN, BSN. I have an entirely different phone number I have dedicated to anything I do in medicine, and when I do a chart, I always put that number down so I can be contacted if necessary. Like everything else in my life, it rings into my supercell.

Well, it was dark now, and the moon was just coming up. We pulled ourselves together to leave, and Toothy told us to wait and he collected eleven riders plus himself to escort us to the airport. Who are we to refuse service like that? It wasn't so far away, so we didn't think twice about it. We hugged and kissed everyone and promised to return soon, maybe with the kids. Everyone took turns embracing Becky and she shed a little tear with each of them. It took a lot longer getting out of there than it did to get to the airport. We bid our new friends farewell and all the bikers, especially Hanger, who said goodbye last, hugged and kissed her.

Once Duane had done his flight check and strapped us all in, he jumped into the pilot's seat and off we went, all with our headsets on. Becky asked Duane if he was concerned about flying at night and he said that he has over a thousand night hours flying helicopters and probably four or five hundred of those on the little Bell we're in now.

"He also flies fixed wing airplanes."

"Wow. Is there anything you people don't do?

"Whatever it is we do, Becky, we do the best we can."

"Boy, that's for sure. Would ya look at that moon? Oh my God. Is it always that big?"

"It just looks that way 'cause we've got a grand point of view." She spent the next forty-five minutes staring at the moon until she just fell asleep from sheer exhaustion. I was knocked out myself and slept the last half hour of the trip. Boy, was I glad the airport was fifteen minutes from the house and Domingo would be waiting for us with the Lincoln.

Apparently, Duane and Ronnie never woke us when we landed. They just carried us to the car and took us home. Duane woke me at home and carried the still sleeping Becky up to bed. During the chopper ride home, I undid her French Twist, and did my best to comb it out No mean feat with headphones on. But it was still a bit unruly when we put her to bed. The damned headphones and all. I changed her into her pajamas and tucked her in. I did not dress her in Quay's colors, but they were right there next to her on the bed for when she woke up.