Hidden Melodies

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Copyright by Joelle Blue ©

Charlie

One month later

The lights above me blink as I'm trying to reconnect the catalytic converter back into the Camaro I've been working on lately. The thing needed a complete overhaul since it was fished out of an abandoned barn. Just as I'm wiping my hands, my uncle Jerrod stands next to me, looking at my work.

"Getting closer, huh?"

I grunt, but nod. "Yeah, the engine work is almost done, then we can get going on the interior. What do ya need?" I ask, knowing he came over for something.

"Yeah, the new client is in your office, he's waiting for you," he smirks. I groan, knowing who it is. "I can't believe you agreed to this," he laughs.

"Yeah, me neither," I tell him as I make my way to my office. When I step inside, Pinto is sitting in one of the chairs, giggling at cat videos on his phone.

"BOO!" I yell.

"Mother fucker!" He screams and his phone goes flying across the room, making me howl with laughter. "Oh, you son of a bitch!" He yells but laughs as well.

I sigh. "So, where is this thing?"

He hops up, excited. We both head out to the front of the shop, and sitting there is the ugliest fucking car I've ever seen. A baby shit green Pinto.

I breathe out heavily. "Alright, drive it around back and we'll get it inside."

When he has it parked in the bay and hops out, he stands next to me as I stare at it. "Isn't she beautiful?" He whispers like he truly believes it.

"You sure you don't want us to paint it?"

"Oh, hell no, you don't mess with perfection." I just roll my eyes. "So, I haven't seen you guys in a while, you and Oz. And Scar now that I think about it. You guys good?"

"I think you need to talk to Diesel about that."

"Well, shit. He's been a raging asshole lately, too. I don't ask since it's not my business, but it's becoming almost miserable at the clubhouse." Pinto sighs just as the rumble of a pickup sounds outside. "That's probably Cigs. Well, thanks Charlie! Say hi to Oz for me and stop by sometime. Everyone misses her, maybe even you," he laughs as he jogs off.

"Will do," I yell after him as I stare at this horrific car. What the fuck have I gotten myself into. It was definitely good to see Pinto, regardless of his history with Ellie. I know he cares about her, just as many of the club does. They care deeply for Scarlet too, but Scarlet is our friend, a very good friend, and we'll stand by her always. Going to the club that's virtually run by Diesel himself isn't the way to support her. Even when he stopped by to pick up the bike that he had in here for a custom paint job, it was hard to not give him a piece of my mind, maybe a fist. We'd go toe to toe, he'd probably kick my ass, but I'd sure try. Scarlet asked us, including Jameson and Rikky who looked like they had a woodchipper primed and ready to send him through, to leave it alone. That it was her battle. We've respected it.

As he was looking over it, gushing and praising Jerrod who did most of the work, I stood by like a sentinel to someone who wasn't even here. He knew why too. The minute he saw me, the regret and heartache was embedded into him. There was no hiding it. But I couldn't care less. Scarlet needs people to protect her, and even though I'm not necessarily a fighter, I will be a wall that needs broken down. Ozzie and I are watchguards while Rikky and Jameson are her soldiers.