Locked On

Chapter 7

Bluebell
Pulling myself out of bed I tried to leave the memories from the night before there under the covers. I looked in the mirror only to find lifeless eyes staring back at me. Plastering a smile on my face I left my room and found Dylan eating cereal at the kitchen bench.

'Hey sweetheart,' I greeted him placing a kiss on top of his head.

'Good morning mum!'

After getting myself some breakfast and making sure Dylan was ready for school we headed out. I walked Dylan all the way to school. We didn't chat along the way like we normally do. Dylan must have realised I was lost in thought. I decided that I would go to Mr Montarrio this morning and beg for my job back. I couldn't make ends meet any other way and I figured the devil I knew was much better then the devil I didn't. I had no idea what Hawks intentions were but I was sure being under their 'protection' meant that the club would own me and that seemed like a much worse situation to me that working for Mr Montarrio.

'Vennnnnus,' Montarrio purred my name as I walked into the Lounge. He was leaning against the bar that Darius the daytime bar tender was behind polishing glasses.

'I've come to ask for my job back,' I said as I approached him. 'I did not ask or want that Son to interfere with my employment here.'

'Welllll you are a good money maker,' Montarrio stroked his chin as his eyes assessed me. 'Tell you what... you can have your job back for half your tips. You will work every night from now on and I want you to start doing daytime shows too. We are slow through the day but I'm sure you'll bring in more business.'

My jaw dropped slightly. Half my tips. I needed those tips to survive. I would have to work twice as much for half the money to stay on top of things.

Mr Montarrio raised an eyebrow at me, 'Do you want the job or not?'

'Yes,' I muttered quietly.

'Then we have a deal. You start at 9 tonight and I'll get a new contract drawn up for you to sign when you come in.' His smile was so sinister and I regretted being back here but what else could I do.

After I left the lounge I called Joe to let him know I wouldn't be able to take any more hours at the cafe. I started to walk home planning on getting some sleep before I had to work tonight. When I was about half way there the sound of motorbikes approaching brought me out of my thoughts. I looked up as five of them thundered past. The patches on theirs vests identified them as Sons. Shit are they keeping an eye on me... no you're being paranoid Bell.
I reached my apartment building and heading inside and up the stairs. I knocked on Martha's door and to my surprise a young woman opened the door.

'Hi sorry I'm looking for Martha?'

'Yeah hi I'm Mel, I'm Martha's great niece. I'm staying with her for a bit. Come in, come in,' the girl beamed at me.

'Bell, what can I do for you sweetie?' Martha asked as I walked into the lounge room.

'Umm I've picked up some extra work and was hoping you'd have Dylan for me.' I noticed the girl, Mel frowned slightly at my request.

'Of course he's no trouble. Why don't you have a seat,' Martha replied putting the space beside her on the green couch. I sat down next to Martha and Mel sat in the armchair across from us. 'How much extra work do you have?' Martha asked.

'Oh well it's every night now. Is that too much for you?'

Before Martha could replied Mel interrupted, 'Where is it that you work?'

Her question sounded innocent enough but her narrowed eyes seemed a bit hostile.

'Bell works very hard at a bar to provide for her beautiful boy,' Martha answered for me when I hesitated. I felt a twinge if guilt that I had lied to Martha when she does so much for me but I didn't know how she would react if she knew I was actually a stripper. 'Now don't you worry Bell. I'll happily look after Dylan. Just bring him over when you're ready. I've got Mel here for a while so that will be a help too.'

'Thank you so much Martha! I would be lost without you,' I hugged her before saying my goodbyes and heading back across the hall to my place.

Once I was home I collapsed on my bed and cried myself to sleep.