Murphy (The Skulls) Read online

  “I heard you telling them about me, Murphy. Laughing at how you got me to fall in love with you. I was just some sport for you to play with.”

  Murphy cupped her cheeks. “Stop, that wasn’t the real me. I did what I had to for the club. You think I liked doing that? Do you think I liked talking about you in that way?” He stroked her cheek. “I hated every second of my time with them. All I wanted to do was be with you.”

  “You chose the club.”

  “I chose to protect you, Tate. I didn’t choose the club.”

  “You left me all alone. I was confused, and you’d promised me forever. What do you want from me, Murphy? What more do you want to take? I can’t be the person you want. I’m not cut out to be an old lady.”

  He tilted her head back and claimed her lips. “I’m going to go for tonight. I need you to calm down, and I’ve got some thinking to do. I’ll be back.” Murphy kissed her again. “I love you.”

  Turning away, Murphy walked out of her apartment and went straight for his bike. He saw Killer’s bike was still there in the parking lot. Murphy didn’t bother going back to talk to him or seeing what the other guy was doing. It wasn’t his place, and he needed to get away from the shit that was going on in his own life.

  Straddling his bike, he drove toward the cabin. He’d not been back to this place since the shooting in Tiny’s place. With the wind in his face, Murphy remembered the look of fear on Tate’s face as she’d looked at him. She’d been terrified of him because she knew what he was capable of.

  “Are you happy now?” Tate asked.

  She’d stared at him the whole time. He’d wanted to tell her that he was on her side, but he couldn’t. The only thing he could do was keep his mouth shut and hope Tiny and his men got there in time.

  “Is this what you wanted, death? No wonder you wanted to go with the Lions, they’re just fucking pigs in a jacket,” Tate said.

  He’d kept his shit together when Jeff backhanded her, but it was he who ended that scum’s life. No one touched his woman and got away with it. During his years inside The Lions he’d taken out all the men who’d said a bad word. No one suspected it was him. Any who suggested kidnapping or hurting Tate in any way and Murphy made sure to put an end to them.

  There had been so many dead bodies, and he’d hidden them all. When it was safe he’d phoned Tiny letting him know what was happening.

  No one hurt Tate. She was the one thing that was good in his world, and he’d be damned if he was going to let someone destroy it. It was not happening, not on his watch.

  At the driveway of the cabin, he phoned Tiny to let him know where he was. His leader didn’t say a word and asked about Tate. Murphy gave an update, closed the cell phone, and turned it off. He didn’t want to be disturbed.

  He climbed off his bike and headed into the cabin. It wasn’t really a cabin, but his folks always spoke of it as a cabin as it was the place they used to go to in order to get away. Going to the fridge, he grabbed the six pack of beer and headed out. The chairs were all neatly folded. He unfolded one and sat down. The cool beer helped to parch his thirst. Staring out across the lake, Murphy remembered the night Tate was talking about. He knew what she’d seen. After the guys had trashed talked The Skulls, they’d turned on Tate, Tiny’s daughter. They joked about her infatuation. All the time, Murphy had been sick to his stomach as Tate was the one reason he was at The Lions.

  She didn’t know how big a threat they’d become to Fort Wills. His becoming a member had stopped it, and he’d helped to bring them down. Everything he’d done was to give him and Tate a future.

  Sipping his beer, he felt the bitter taste of failure fill him again.

  Tate, the one good thing in his life and he’d fucked it up.

  The sound of another bike coming in close filled the silence.

  Pulling the gun out of his resting place around his ankle, he released the safety and waited. The Lions were still out there. They were a threat that the Skulls were eliminating one by one.

  Lash and Nash appeared around the corner. Both looked somber as they headed toward him. He saw they each carried a six pack of beer.

  “What are you two doing here?” They were close brothers with Lash being the oldest.

  “Angel’s on her period and being a bitch,” Lash said, grabbing himself a chair.

  “Kate’s nowhere to be seen, and the sweet-butts are pissing me off.” Nash took a chair and sat off to the side of him.

  “Tiny told us where you were, and we figured you could use some company. Male company only.” Lash pulled the cap off the bottle and sat down.

  “What my brother doesn’t tell you is Eva’s moved out without a word and Tiny’s being an ass,” Nash said, doing the same as his brother with his beer.

  “It’s been a long couple of days,” Murphy said.

  “I haven’t been up here in years.” Lash sat back, sighing. “I love coming here.”

  “I’m in love with Tate, and I may or may not have gotten her pregnant,” Murphy said, needing to talk to someone.

  Nash spit out the beer he’d been drinking as Lash glared at him.

  “Tiny’s going to kick your ass.”

  “She won’t give me the time of day. Tate talks about my time with The Lions. The shit I had to do and she’s got no idea at all.” He sipped his bottle, wishing it was something stronger.

  “You’re going to accept the beating her father’s going to give you?” Nash asked.

  “Yeah, I’ll do anything for Tate. She’s always been my number one priority.”

  “Even though you fucked a load of women when you decided to be a spy?” Nash was the only one talking.

  Glancing over at Lash, Murphy saw the other man deep in thought. “You didn’t become a spy for The Skulls. You became a spy for Tate.”

  “They were the threat of the town and to The Skulls. Tate never deserved to live in fear. She always deserved happiness and love. I always wanted that for her.”

  “You sound like a pussy,” Nash said. “Actually, you sound like my brother, Nigel.” He smirked at Lash. Murphy rolled his eyes. These two were fucking idiots when they started.

  “Forget I ever said anything,” Murphy said.

  “No, we’re men here. Hey, Edward, why don’t you tell Dillon that you’ve got a hard on for Kate’s younger sister?”

  The smile on Nash’s face disappeared. “You’re an asshole.”

  “Yeah, I’m your asshole brother.”

  “You’ve got the hots for Kate’s younger sister?” Murphy asked. “I didn’t even realize Kate had a sister.”

  “She doesn’t come to the club. Getting into the pants of a Skull is not her main priority.”

  Murphy didn’t push it. He was in love with the daughter of a man who could kill him and dispose of his body easily.

  “Tate will come around. She just needs to know what you did and why you did it.”

  “Also, don’t fuck any more pussy. Tate’s not the kind of girl to share.” Nash added the last bit.

  None of their advice helped.

  A cell phone went off. Murphy ignored it. He’d shut his cell phone off so he wouldn’t be disturbed.

  “Fuck, we’ve got to round the troops together,” Lash said.

  “What? Why?” Nash asked.

  “Tomorrow we’re on lockdown. Two of the finest and brightest have just been killed on the outskirts of Fort Wills. The Lions have been sighted. Tiny wants us to put out the word.”

  ****

  Tate rubbed at her temple. The phones were ringing constantly, and she was getting tired of saying the same old crap to the same people. That morning she had to deal with a phone call from her father and then an appearance from Murphy. The whole club was going on lockdown, and they wanted her to report to the club. She didn’t have anything to do with The Skulls. They didn’t need her for lockdown.

  “You seem a little distracted today,” Kelsey said, sitting in the only available reception chair.

 
“It’s these phones. Everyone’s got an issue, and I’m bored.” She picked up the phone, holding her finger and asking Kelsey to wait. After booking an appointment for a missing filling, Tate looked back at Kelsey. “The club’s on lockdown,” she said.

  “Lockdown? Oh you mean The Skulls?”

  “Yeah, the club. The club my dad runs. You know, the one that keeps this town running smoothly,” Tate said. The beginning of a headache began.

  “Killer told me a little about it last night,” Kelsey said.

  “What’s going on with you and the newest member of the club?” Tate sat back, looking at her friend. Kelsey’s cheeks were a bright red, and she was stuttering as she talked.

  “He’s, erm, just really nice. I mean, his name is a little terrifying, but everything else about him is kind of awesome. I mean, don’t you think?” Kelsey asked.

  “I don’t know. I’ve not met Killer. He must be a new guy.” Tate stared until Kelsey jumped up out of her seat.

  “I need to help with suction.”

  “I’m sure you do,” Tate said, teasing.

  “You’re not helping me at all.”

  Tate laughed as Kelsey walked off to go and deal with the suction. She really liked her friend and was pleased she relaxed enough to enjoy her. Glancing at the clock, she saw it was a little after ten.

  Several of the women muttered as they walked past. She’d grown used to it and ignored them. Ignoring people was a lot easier and quieter way for her to get through her day. Half an hour later a woman sat in front of her desk, folded her arms and cleared her throat. Looking up, Tate saw Rose, Hardy’s wife, the sexy redhead who drove most of the men crazy, all of the men apart from Murphy.

  She remembered Murphy didn’t attend any of the parties once he’d gotten to know her. He’d stayed with her and Eva at the house. Why was she suddenly remembering all these sweet facts about him?

  Focus on the pain. The pain and the hurt and the fact he fucked other women.

  “Are you going to ignore me as well?” Rose asked.

  “I’m not ignoring you.”

  “No? Well, you’re ignoring Angel, and she’s a sweet girl. She doesn’t deserve to be ignored by anyone, which just pisses me off.” Rose was a hard nut, and the woman knew it.

  Closing her eyes, Tate groaned. “I’m working, Rose. Don’t you have things to deal with, like Hardy?”

  “Oi, bitch, she free to take a break, or do I have to sit here getting my clothes off for her to get out of here?” Rose asked, directing the question at the guy behind her. Tate turned to see one of her bosses.

  Dropping her head in her hands, Tate waited to see what he’d say.

  “Yes, she can go.”

  “And she still has a job afterwards?” Rose asked.

  “Yeah, sure.”

  “Good. Get your coat and meet me out front. Don’t keep me waiting.” Rose stood and walked away. Tate watched the older woman leave. Rose was in her early thirties but had a figure of a woman ten years younger. She liked Rose a lot.

  Getting up from her seat, she grabbed her purse and jacket then left. She found Rose leaning up against the building, waiting.

  “I thought I was going to have to call Hardy, so I can get all naked. Those uptight assholes looked like they could use a show.”

  Laughing, Tate looked down at the ground. “I’m pleased you didn’t.”

  “Now that’s a shame. The Tate I remember was up for a lot of shit that got interesting.” Rose grabbed her arm, and they headed out toward one of the restaurants Fort Wills had. It was a little Italian place that served breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

  The maître d’ escorted them to their chair. She saw how the man panted after Rose. It must be all that red hair Rose had. A lot of men panted after the other woman.

  Taking a seat, Tate looked over the menu, wondering why Rose was coming after her.

  “So, let’s cut the crap and all the introductions. I’ve known you a long time. I’ve known you since you were little. I was with the club since I was eighteen. Hardy was always my guy. He was only my guy at the club. Tell me what shit is happening.” Rose opened the menu, but her gaze was focused on Tate.

  Swallowing past the lump in her throat, Tate glanced down in front of her.

  “Look, you can lie and dodge all you want. I’m not going anywhere, and I don’t think you want me to.” Rose folded her arms.

  “You’re six years older than me,” Tate said.

  “Actually I’m eight years older than you. I’m thirty-two. You’ve got something going on with Murphy?” Rose asked.

  “What? How did you know that?”

  “I’m a woman, honey. I’m a woman, and I see the way he looks at you. We all knew you had a thing for him way back then. I don’t imagine something like that goes away,” Rose said.

  They were silent for several moments. Tate took the time to look through the menu. She couldn’t find anything she wanted to eat.

  “Just get the pancakes or the muffins.”

  “It’s an Italian place. It’s a little rude to only order that,” Tate said.

  “So, order a coffee then.”

  Laughing, Tate waited for Rose to signal the waiter. They each ordered a coffee and muffin. No one questioned them, but that probably had something to do with the fact Rose had removed her jacket. Hardy’s name and The Skulls were inked on Rose’s arm, and also she was wearing one of Hardy’s jackets.

  “Anyone else they’d have complained,” Tate said.

  “It’s one of the perks to being an old lady for a Skull. No one back chats. The club helps everyone in town, even these places.”

  “I guess.”

  Rose stared at her for long moments. The older woman’s blue eyes made her nervous.

  “Why are you staring at me?”

  “I’m trying to see what the problem is.”

  “What do you mean?” Tate asked, confused.

  “I need to know what the club did to you for you to turn your back on it.” Rose sat back, looking at her.

  “The club didn’t do anything.”

  “Really? Look at it from my perspective. You left your father’s house, that’s fine. You’re working in a dental practice, Tate. My God, how boring could you fucking get? Then let’s talk about your trip to Vegas and not inviting Angel. Bitch move if ever I heard one. Then the fact you’re refusing to have anything to do with the club, your family.”

  “It’s my decision to make,” Tate said. “I’m tired of being second best. Everyone picks the club over me. There, I’ve said it.”

  Rose groaned, and Tate looked up to see the other woman glaring at her. “Is this some pampered princess shit? Because I’m not in the mood for that. I thought you were better than that.”

  “Tiny and Murphy all chose the club before me. My mother died with Tiny loving the club more than her.”

  “You’re fucking wrong. That man loved his wife. He loved her so much that he’s not even thought of replacing her,” Rose said.

  “He’s fucking everything in sight.”

  “Men do that a lot, Tate. They deal with their feelings in different ways from us, but he’s not replacing her with a wife. Eva’s got everything he’s looking for, and yet she’s gone and left him.”

  Tate frowned. “Murphy—”

  “They’re all making our town safer, Tate. Murphy left and spied for The Skulls to make this place safer for you. That man is in love with you, and you’re too blind to see it.”

  “He fucked other women.”

  “You didn’t have any claim over him at all. He did what he had to do before anything progressed between the two of you.”

  “Is that how you deal with Hardy? When he’s going on his long trips with temptation waiting for him on the open road?” Tate asked. She was being a bitch, but she needed Rose to stop.

  “Hardy wouldn’t dream of fucking another woman,” Rose said, leaning forward.

  “How can you be so certain?”

  “Because I
make sure I’m everything he needs. Hardy doesn’t want for anything. I’m every fantasy, every desire, and I make sure he feels that every time we’re together.” Rose leaned back accepting the cup of coffee the waiter brought. “You’re club royalty, Tate. The guys love you, and the girls hate you. The old ladies accept you because of who you are. I like you, Tate, but I think you’re being stupid.” Rose stopped to drink her coffee. “All the guys will be looking out for you. Murphy’s got a lot of shit to get through to be with you. Think about that when you’re wondering if Murphy loves you.”

  “Shit, I’m sorry. I really shouldn’t be acting like this,” Tate said. Rose was one of the few women Tate respected. She couldn’t believe she was being such a bitch to her.

  “It’s about time you realized what a bitch you’re being. There’s a time and a place to get the claws out, honey. Now is not that time.

  “What do you want me to do?” Tate asked, hating how right the other woman was being.

  “Come to lockdown. Bring your new friend, and make it right with Angel. While you’re there, think about everything Murphy’s risking just to be with you.”

  They finished off their lunch without another word.

  Chapter Nine

  Murphy sat at the bar in the club waiting for Rose to return. Hardy had sent him a text letting him know Tate and Rose were in the Italian place talking. Tiny had been beside himself with worry since he couldn’t get Tate into the club for lockdown. Mikey handed him a beer, but he shook his head. “I’m waiting to see if Tate calls to be collected.”

  Killer sat beside him. “Do you think we should bring her friend?”

  “I don’t know. If she calls you can follow to bring Kelsey back with you,” Murphy said.

  “I can’t ever recall Tate being like this. She was always so sensible, like her mother. Patricia knew lockdown was not something to joke about. Her mother would be embarrassed by her girl,” Mikey said.

  The older man looked scared. It was strange to see considering how much Mikey had lived through. The guy had more battle scars than he and Killer combined.

  “Tate means a lot to all of us.” Murphy reached out, putting a hand on Mikey’s.