The Serpentine Syndicate MC: Manix

Chapter 26

Manix's POV.

Making contact with the firm leather, my knuckles were starting to sting. I'd stood here beating the sandbag for the past hour in an attempt to release some pent up anger.

Since Carina's room had been vandalised and her harrowing past revealed, my body would no longer settle. Long after Carina fell asleep from subsequent hours of passion, I would remain awake fixated on the ceiling. Trying to make sense of the pain my girl had been through and how I could make it better.

All news surrounding her scum of an ex had been insignificant, with no prevalent knowledge of where the abusive prick was. I was still waiting to hear back from our government connections within the region of Las Vegas, but evidence ascertained by Convoy did suggest he was apprehended on CCTV travelling en route to Colorado, or at least heading our way. Thankfully the unruly detour he seemed to be taking, suggested he had little knowledge of where Carina actually was, only a direction. But CCTV had become unreliable, his image not caught on camera for a number of days now.

If his slim physique ever did stand before my own, it was certain I would direct the same energy he granted Carina, upon himself. This club and its members were no saints, we'd had altercations with males, females and young teenagers, but the punishments were always made to fit the crime. Voted on by all patched members and never drawn out longer than necessary. I would be a fraud if I stood in this gym and claimed I'd never killed anyone but only in an effort to save another, more innocent life.

I take pride in the idea my club helps the locals, flourishes the town and provides support to local and national law enforcement. The connections we've build through three generations of hard work, has terminated various white collar crimes, international sex trafficking rings, gun and drugs trade, upon so much more. The sheer volume of crimes I'd encountered whilst running the club, led me to believe Carina was in the safest place possible. Thought my perturbation persisted.

Carina had been doing admirably, even compared to when we first met, her confidence and self image had grown tremendously. Yet on occasion certain events continued to provoked her distress. When she believed someone was watching her outside the bar on her break or the men shouting too loud at the sports, touching her shoulder on accident. All would cause her a slight tremor that took a number of hours to remove from her hands. Nonetheless, she continued to prevail over her emotions.

Her first shift at the library had began today. Dropping her off early this morning had been bittersweet. Happy that she was finally partaking in a job that utilised her knowledge and skill, though sad the hours of seeing her small form dancing around the compound were ultimately reduced. Although, waking up beside her most days certainly equilibrized this.

To celebrate her first day on the job, the three of us, in addition to my parents were heading over to one of the towns Italian restaurants, Aveva Abbastanza. Run by an Italian immigrant couple the Berlusconis. Their granddaughter being in the same school as Aldo, we regularly encountered one another in the school parking lot. Regardless their restaurant was one of the best in town for those seeking the authentic Italian delicacy, and an ideal choice to commemorate the first day of a new job.

'Dad, dad'. The short high pitch words of Aldo came travelling through the room. Grabbing the rag to remove the lasting substance of sweat, I picked him up spinning him around earning a giggle in response. Many a times he acted older than his age, so moments like this were a blessing to recollect the rascal child of mine.

'Whats up bud?'

'I finished my spelling homework and ate all my breakfast, except the watermelon. Can I join you in the garage now?'

His big eyes unblinking in the hopes of me saying yes. On further inspection, his body no longer remained dressed in his navy pyjamas. Instead his shirt stood buttoned incorrectly, half hanging out from his jeans. Only whilst tucking it in were my eyes drawn to the cowboy boots that sat on the incorrect feet.

'Next time eat your fruit, and put your shoes on the correct foot. But yes since you've done all your school work I don't see why you can't join me and Iron'.

'Yes! Thank you'.

'Go grab your tool kit from your bedroom and meet me out front in the garage'.

In a heartbeat he had left the gym running off across the field to grab his tool kit, a smaller lighter version of the typical kit we used to fix up the bikes. I'd purchased the kit for him last Christmas after watching him stare at all the boys for 3 hours straight each day, usually accompanied by multiple whys, whats that? Evidently proving motorbikes ran through the child's veins. Helped by his schools summer break, which providing an array of opportunities for Aldo to learn from the motor shop employees.

Flicking the faucet in the washroom on, I took comfort in the cold water making contact with my bloody hands. Flipping the tap to hot until the scalding water turned my creamy skin a bright pink, the increase in steam eventually causing me to switch the tap off and head out.

Jogging over to the garage out front. I found Aldo already sitting on top an old red bucket, legs swinging in wait for myself.

'So what are we doing today then?'

'Well kid I've got a few bikes we need to take a look at together and then I want to add a new seat to mine. But we've got to be done and cleaned up before Carina finishes her shift, if not I'm blaming you. Then were going out for pizza with Grandma and Grandpa'.

Hopping off the bucket, wrench in hand we got started on the Yamaha MT-07 which was written down as needing a new suspension system.

...

After many hours concluded the two of us grafting over the bikes, we both left the compound with a tinge of sunburn and the odd smudge of dirt decorating our bodies. Aldo had loved passing me the correct tool, the desire to feel wanted, fulfilled. In addition to any hyperactivity he may have displayed this morning, his tired form now remained upright by credit of the seat belt.

The two of us had been so engrossed with our conversation surrounding Finding Nemo, that I hadn't even registered Carina's form occupying the passengers seat.

'Hey boys, what yah discussing?' Her words a breath of fresh air against the heated discussion between me and Aldo.

'Dad says Finding Nemo is a good film, but its got so many things wrong with it. Like fish don't blink and how do fish in the sea even know humans call them clown fish, like he calls himself in the movie. See, its very flawed'.

'I think you might be right Alds, your dad here needs to go back to school', she sassed.

'I think so too'.

'Hey is this pick on dad day, I'll have you know I was top of my class'.

'Yeah 30 years ago'. She continued, earning a chuckle from Aldo.

Pulling the truck into the yellow lined parking spot, Aldo was already jumping out the vehicle and running off to where his grandparents stood. Before I could take my first steps forward, Carina pulled me back hesitant to ask me something.

'Whats up?'

'I just wanted to make sure your okay with me taking this job at the library, whilst I enjoyed it I feel bad that nobody's there to cook food for you guys'.

'First off, the guys will cope just fine with toast and cereal. They managed for years before you came along. Though honestly you didn't think I kept you around here to cook for us, I mean don't get me wrong your food is amazing. But haven't you noticed were always in the kitchen, often before you've even woken up'. I laughed reminiscing all the times Carina had walked in to cook us breakfast, only for me and the boys to already be eating.

'I only hired you as a way to keep you around. I knew you wouldn't stay if I asked you, or if you felt you hadn't earned your keep. So when Alice begged me to hire you, it felt the best excuse to keep you around. Truth is, I've admired you from the very moment you defended my son and I would have done anything to ensured you stayed'.

Hearing this, her dainty shoulder which had remained tense the entire talk had begun to deflate, a small smile eclipsing her face. With one final arched brow ensuing she believed every word I said, we headed into the restaurant ready to devour any and all cheesy goodness.