"Redemption Riders: Passion and Power in the Shadows"

Chapter seven: Sky

The tension in the room was overwhelming, and I definitely need a break. I have to get out of this space as soon as possible and distance myself from him. It's incredible how he carries this aura, like a black hole pulling you into darkness. You know everything around him is so wrong, yet you can't deny how strangely alluring he can make you feel.

Sara's case is much more complex than I ever imagined. It's like a plot from a crime series, except it's real life with real threats. Brendon Collins, why does that name ring a bell? I can't put my finger on anyone I know who could be linked to that name, but I've definitely heard of him before. Perhaps I encountered him at one of the numerous social events my father drags me to, where he's busy expanding his network and showcasing our legacy and prestigious law firm that everyone aspires to join, or at least for us to work for them. I'll have to cross-check our company database to see if we have any records related to that name.

I can see that Sara is visibly shaken, and as I speak these words out loud, connecting her case, Brendon, and the criminal organization, it's as if it's hitting her all over again. Duke has been holding her hand or gently patting her shoulder the whole time, and I'm so glad she has his support. Despite his coarse language and rough edges, the way he looks at her with those affectionate boyish eyes is priceless.

All eyes are suddenly on me, as if expecting me to reveal the next steps or provide more details. I feel like I can't easily escape now and that I'll be trapped here with Jake in this space for who knows how much longer. I know this isn't about me and that I need to step up like a big girl. But I won't be of much help to Sara if I don't gather myself soon. That's why I spoke up, hoping you all agree that it's time for a break.

"Sara, don't worry, I'm not going anywhere until we have everything set up properly and establish a version of the plan we can further develop. Once we're back from the break, we'll review all the files again and finalize our action plan. How does that sound to you?"

"You're very welcome. You can't imagine how much your support and presence mean to me. I trust you above all else. I have no idea about Brendon's connections, so no other lawyer even crossed my mind." - Sara thanked me sincerely-"I believe that's a good plan, and everyone agrees, right?" She glanced around the room, and everyone nodded in agreement.
"Alright, let's reconvene here in about half an hour, okay?" Duke said.

I think as soon as he said that, Jake practically bolted out of the room, as if he'd been scalded. How did my life turn from mind-numbing boredom to a Spanish soap opera in just a few hours? When I turned around, Sara and Isabella were both standing beside me, one on each side.

"We thought we'd take a little walk outside, the three of us, show Sky around the complex, get some fresh air," Sara suggested to others.

I couldn't decipher their gazes; Sara must have sensed something and suspected that Jake and I had something going on between us. On the other hand, Isabella was always adept at concealing everything behind her enigmatic smile.

"Sure, I'd love that. Let's go outside; "fresh air" will do us all good!". I deliberately emphasized the "fresh air" part to let them know that I'm onto their scheme – it's over 30 degrees outside.

***

Outside, it was so warm that I had to take off my blazer. I always wear long sleeves, regardless of the weather – winter or summer. It adds to the professional image I want to project. I'm already under scrutiny because everyone assumes I got this job thanks to my dad founding the firm. The last thing I want is for them to think that I win cases in court just because of my looks. What I didn't anticipate was how exposed I'd feel in my strappy bodysuit, as if everyone in the courtyard complex is staring at me. Did I spill something on myself? They definitely can't be ogling my not-so-special cleavage.
As we strolled through the complex, I finally had the chance to take in the entirety of its surroundings. Sara and Isabella led the way, guiding me through the various corners of the place. It was an opportunity to truly understand the environment I had stepped into.

The biker complex revealed itself with a blend of rugged charm amidst the urban chaos. The gravel underfoot created a distinct crunching sound, accompanied by the revving engines and the distinct aroma of gasoline and leather in the air.

A row of formidable yet weathered motorcycles stood to the left, lined up like an intimidating cavalry ready for action. The sunlight glinted off their chrome accents, while the worn leather seats seemed to invite you to saddle up and embrace the thrill of the ride.
Spread along the perimeter were smaller buildings, possibly workshops or storage sheds, all unified by a consistent black-and-red aesthetic. The courtyard served as a hub of activity, a place where members congregated, sharing tales and hearty laughter. Amidst the rumble of engines and the lively conversations, I couldn't help but be mesmerized by the raw energy and the strong sense of camaraderie that defined this unique world.
As we continued our exploration, I caught sight of tattooed arms and determined expressions, characteristics that marked the faces of these rugged individuals. The atmosphere was charged with a blend of danger and exhilaration, making the complex feel like a sanctuary for those who sought adventures beyond the confines of everyday life.

At the heart of the complex loomed the clubhouse – a two-story structure that exuded an air of authority. Its walls featured murals depicting fierce flames and aggressive creatures, a visual testament to the intensity and unity of the brotherhood.

"And now that you've seen what we have here, well, that's the clubhouse we stepped out from a while ago, so... What the hell is going on between you and Jake? And don't you dare start a sentence with "nothing, you're imagining things," because all three of us here know that I never imagine things and that I see through everything." - Sara addressed me with a pointed tone.
After the tour, Sara immediately shifted her focus to what was on her mind, catching me off guard, probably hoping to catch me off balance and make me stumble with my response. The worst part was that both of them knew I couldn't lie convincingly, and they always managed to get everything out of me. But then again, I am an attorney, so when I don't want to lie, I can always find a clever way around it. "Of course, I would never lie to you two. Now is not the time for my story; I'm here to help you. So, let's stay focused! You know, I've been thinking a lot during our little stroll, and I believe it would be best..." I continued until Sara cut me off.
"Stop with the nonsense; now it's just the three of us, and you owe me a story, especially given the situation I'm in. I need any form of distraction right now, and you're depriving me of that," Sara pouted. "Yes, Sky, you're really not being fair. You have a chance to make Sara feel a little better, so you won't deny her that now, would you?" Isabella chimed in.

"Alright, I know the game you two are playing. You won't fool me. Seriously, now is not the time for you to worry about me," I interjected.

"To worry?" Sara interrupted. "Okay, now you definitely have to tell us! Oh, wrong choice of words always costs me dearly. There's really nothing for you two to worry about. I see you've figured out that Jake and I know each other. That's it. We've crossed paths before, he's pretending not to know me now, and I'm pretending not to know him. That's all."

"Ooh, no, that's definitely not all!" Isabella squealed. If a couple of people were watching us earlier, now all eyes were on us after Isabella's exclamation. It felt like we were back in high school. "I can tell I won't get out of this, so please find us a more private spot."

Sara and Isabella glanced around and laughed simultaneously. "Don't worry; we're used to people looking at us like this all the time. I guess we're still new to them, and you seem to be intriguing to them," Sara added as she led us to a more secluded area of the courtyard with benches and tables.

"Okay, no one's around. We're all ears," Sara eagerly prompted.
"Alright, does it strike you that this sounds like gossip rather than a conversation between mature, empowered women who should be discussing life's essence, ideas, projects, rather than 'which man looked at us or not'?" I tried to defend myself with a smile once again.

"What Duke would say now if he were here is, 'Quit your bullshit and get to the point.' We're listening to you," Isabella chimed in.

I shook my head and continued. "But I must warn you both, I'll share this story with you, but I don't want either of you getting involved in any way. If I see a change in the way you look at me or Jake now, or if you try to meddle, and this goes for you too, Isabella, I'll walk away right then and there, and you can deal with the aftermath.

"No, you wouldn't do that," Sara exclaimed dramatically through laughter. "I know you wouldn't abandon me at this moment, but I get the point you're emphasizing. No matchmaking."

"No more matchmaking, that ship has sailed. Anyway, do you remember that day when Duke, Dave, and Jake came to our campus, and Dave wanted to see Isabella?"
"Yes, we remember," Sara nudged Isabella with her elbow and winked at her.

"Alright, now I want to hear this story from you," I emphasized, indicating that I saw the nudging and winking.

"So, on that day, I had a huge fight with my boyfriend. You remember that I got a message from an unknown number with a picture of him in bed with another girl, along with the words: "He's always been mine, blondie." After that, as you know, I went straight to find him on campus to confront him. When I found him, he first denied everything, but when I showed him the picture, he started spinning a tale that it wasn't him. And when he realized I wasn't dumb or naive, he decided it was better to confess, but he blamed her, saying she got him drunk and seduced him into bed. Yeah, right."

"Darling, why didn't you ever tell us this before? We know about the argument, but not all the details," Sara said.

"Yes, we saw you running to your car, and he was yelling after you, and then you sped off angrily and he followed you. That's when we told the guys to follow you, but Jake said he'd handle it since we'd talked to Dave and Duke. However, when he returned after a few hours, he said he didn't find you anywhere and that he'd been driving around the campus hoping to spot you," Sara added, revealing pieces of the puzzle that had been missing for years.
"I always wondered how Jake happened to be on the road at that moment to help me when my car slid."

"Slid from what, where did it slide?" Isabella asked worriedly.

"Since It was raining lightly, at first, as I got into my car and rushed out of the campus onto the open road, the rain had intensified into a downpour. I noticed that my ex-boyfriend was following me in a car behind, trying to catch up or overtake me and block my path. I hit the gas harder than it was safe at that moment, as he attempted to pass me. I swerved to block him in the opposite lane and only then did I realize that a truck was heading towards me. I managed to get back into my lane safely, but a few meters later, probably because the road was slippery from the rain, I lost control and veered off the road into a shallow ditch. The next thing I remember is Jake yelling at someone, "You fucking idiot, human scum...somethinig". Then darkness, and then the next thing I knew when I opened my eyes again, Jake was holding me in his arms.

"Oh, that's so romantic!"- both of them exclaimed at the same time.

"Yes, it might sound like that, but later it wasn't as romantic."

"No, how could that be?! Jake didn't hurt you or anything, tell me please that he was a gentleman towards you, or I'll go right now to break both his legs" - Isabella protested.

"No, he was a real... Knight in shining armor. Well, more like on a motorcycle, and a black one, but you get the comparison. He was genuinely concerned about me and my condition. He wanted to call an ambulance, but I assured him that I was okay, just bumped my head a little, but I didn't want any fuss now – police, ambulance, and such. Not after everything I had been through with my ex before that."

"Okay, and then...?" - Sara was hurrying me.

"And then, nothing much. He didn't let me continue until I felt a bit better. I told him I was okay, but as the initial shock wore off, I was starting to feel a bit nervous being alone with him. Oh God, how handsome he looks, how good he looks now too, damn him. But his tough exterior, all those tattoos, and that gruff voice... It was giving me some unease. Not that I thought something would happen to me, in that sense, I felt so safe in his arms. I knew he wouldn't let that scumbag come near me. But on the other hand, he had this look like he didn't know what he'd do to me next... as if he was mad at himself for helping me at all, then mad at me for putting myself in such danger, and he wanted to punish me for it. Later, I realized he was Jake, Jake who came with Isabella's stepbrother. And that's it..."

"Oh no, that definitely isn't it, tell us the rest - demanded Sara, but just then Duke appeared behind us to call us back to the break room. You know, as they say, saved by the bell.