Chapter 11: Travelin' Men Part 2

It was well after two a.m., when the quiet of the night was disturbed by the low rumble. It grew louder and louder, then vanished all together, as Chico cut the engine out on the road and coasted into the parking lot and up to his unit. He helped Marietta off the back and then got off himself. He untied her suitcase that they used as a makeshift seat and walked to the door. Chico listened to hear if Otto was asleep, or awake and heard no noise. He tried the handle and Otto had left it unlocked for him. As stealthy as they could be, they crept in and closed the door, looking to see if Otto woke up. Chico was hoping the long ride had exhausted him and he was out like a light.

Marietta changed in the bathroom and brought her clothes out, dressed now in a cotton nightie. Chico just undressed at the end of the bed, leaving his boxers on and was waiting for her in bed, holding the sheets open for her to get in. She looked at him and fought against the thoughts of rape still consuming her mind, her body still feeling the violation and came to the bed. Chico's face showed all the compassion she needed to see, to allow her to lay with him. Chico let her have her way and stayed still, only allowing their sides touching, to be the only contact.

The hot air in the room, held the suspense around them, then Marietta reached with her hand for Chico's and felt the acceptance of it in his. After a deep exhaustive sigh, Marietta turned to Chico and lay her head on his chest, putting her arm around him and felt the solace of comfort in his presence. She felt his arms slowly wrapping around her and holding her to him, the love that they gave, made the world disappear and all that was wrong in it, too. She held back the need for tears, as they only added to the pain anyway. Every salty drop stung her lips and brought back the moment of pain, when Joe backhanded her face so many times, she lost count.

She lay her leg over his and felt the warmth of it against the bruises left by brutal fingers. She felt it ease the ache of mental and physical hurt, feeling the love from Chico, coming from every part of him. She turned her face and with as much pressure as her swollen lips would allow, she tenderly kissed Chico's chest and lay her head back down, closing her eyes and knowing somewhere deep inside her, things were going to be okay.

Neither of them saw Otto looking at them, then he closed his eyes, smiling to himself that Chico would have a story to tell about the woman in bed with him. Chico let out a long sigh of his own, releasing the tension and stress of reliving the act he had just committed. He held Marietta a little tighter and closed his eyes, hoping sleep came quick and deep.

Keith was laying in bed, the sun beaming in on his leg. The gash required seven stitches to close, but luckily, the shin bone was only badly bruised, with a small hairline fracture that would heal okay, the doctor said, but may come back to haunt him later in life. He was able to ride, but walking would require a cane or crutches for a few weeks. Keith remembered laughing at the doctor, when he asked about coming for a follow up visit, then remembered he would be coming back down and scheduled a tentative appointment for two weeks time. Lenny woke up and looked over at Keith staring out the window.

“Hey, how's the leg, man?”

“Hey, Lenny. Morning to you. The leg's no bad, aches to shite, though. Bloody pounding going on all the time, so it is. It's settled down some now. Christ, just my fucking luck, yeah. One little rock, led to me hitting the bigger rock. That trail is bloody dangerous. I get where Chico is coming from, keeping it secret and all, but it needs to be easier to ride than that.”

“Yeah, I agree. JT talked to Chico already about it, so next time we're down, we're bringing some tools, so we can make it safer to get in, but still keep it hidden. I almost hit that same rock you did. It just jumps out at you.”

“Aye, and bit me a good one as well.”

Keith and Lenny lit up cigarettes, while next door, JT and Piney were doing much the same, lying in their beds and talking over everything. So many things happened that needed talked about and decided on. The presence of other clubs that acted hostile towards them, meant a need to protect themselves and that meant the carrying of guns as well. With the danger of what they were getting into becoming greater and greater, JT was realizing more and more, as he told Piney, he had no idea that this was happening out there.

“I just wanted to start a club to ride around with the guys, Piney, not get into gun battles with other gangs over territory. I figured making these runs would be easy, just go down, load up and come back to drop it off. What if we're coming back and they come up behind us and want to let us know we're on their turf. Do we act friendly? Give them the dirty looks and give them the finger and just keep riding? Pull out guns and battle it out on the road like we saw them do before? Maybe do nothing and they waste us? We need to talk this out more, before we end up in over our heads. I just wanted to get money for the club, so we could build something for ourselves, we could be proud of. I had no intention of getting us into something this far outside the law. We're not talking a night or two visiting with Unser, shooting the shit about old days, we're talking Stockton, or somewhere else and long time, hard time, Piney.”

Piney took the last drag off his cigarette and put it out, then looked at JT.

“JT, ain't nothing we can do about things here. We can talk all day, until that fucking rooster starts crowing again tomorrow morning, but the fact remains, my friend, just get this over with now. We're in it all the way already, shit, I can smell the stuff under my bed. No matter where we are, as long as we got this shit on us, we have trouble. Now get us home and we can talk this out then. Right now, I'm real fucking hungry. I could even handle those burritos.”

JT made a face at the mention of eating that kind of food for breakfast. He was willing to wait it out, until a place served something he was familiar with and knew the ingredients. Piney laughed and agreed he would wait as well, then they got up and got ready.

Otto got out of bed very quietly and did what he had to, before getting dressed and sneaking out of the room. Chico stirred, hearing the click of the door and then the shutting of it. He rolled his head over and saw Otto had left him alone with Marietta, then turned his head back to look at her. The clock said it was nine forty three, so they had close to six hours sleep. She was still laying on his chest, never leaving him throughout the night. His arm felt like it was asleep, but he didn't want to disturb her from sleeping as long as she could. He tried to look at her face better, to see how she looked in the daylight. Even from the bad angle he was at, he could see the swelling and discolouration on her cheek and mouth, the blackened eye clearly defining the damage inflicted to her.

Chico felt her stir and awaken, as her hand moved from his chest and pushed the hair away from her eyes. She looked up at him and saw the look in his eyes he held for her. The instance of worry left her and she began smiling, until the pain hit. The trauma of last night was back to her, but Chico calmed her and held her, letting her know it was over and it was time to heal, inside and out. He leaned forward and kissed her head, then she laid it on his chest and caressed it as well.

Chico was happy she wasn't completely damaged mentally by it and knew it would only take time and love to heal the damage done. He wanted nothing more, than to have that moment last forever, but he knew he had to talk to JT and the others about her and make up an explanation about her injuries. Marietta's refusal to testify against them or bring any attention to herself, anymore than what had already happened, gave Chico the idea to blame it entirely on someone else, who would forever remain unknown. The ones who were guilty had been dealt with and nothing tied Chico to it. Marietta would back him on anything he said and he knew it, just by the way she held onto him.

She had smelled him when he came back to her last night, the stench of gasoline on his clothes. Chico had told her about the rider running out of gas and she bought that story, based on her belief in him, but riding to this motel and going past the diner, even from a distance, she knew that was what was lighting up the night sky, along with a multitude of flashing red lights. She decided never to question him about it, convincing herself, that a just vengeance was done in her honour and she owed it to the man who did it for her.

She got up and showered, taking the time to wash away the troubles in her soul, watching them all spin in the water, as it went down the drain. When she finished drying off and dressing, she came out brushing her wavy, black mane, the tips reaching to her waist. She was about to pull it back and bunch it up, then Chico stopped her and begged with his eyes for her to leave it down. She smiled and let her hair fall down, her dark, brown eyes dancing with a sign of happiness in them, as she looked at Chico admiring her.

Chico touched her hair gently, arranging it how he felt it should look to him. He finished and stood back a few steps and looked at her with great admiration in his eyes, as he looked at her from head to toe. Marietta showed great relief in her spirit, as she saw the look in Chico's eyes, telling her she was beautiful. She laid the good cheek against his chest and hugged him, making Chico happy in his heart, which translated to his noted smile.

“Baby, I got to see JT now. You can stay in here, or go for a little walk, but stay close, okay.”

“Si, Chico. I'll just stay here, till you come back.”

Marietta lifted her face to him and Chico kissed all the areas he knew wouldn't hurt. His smile assured her peace of mind to be alone in the room, as he walked out the door and up to JT and Piney's room. He knocked on the door and JT answered it, dressed to go, Piney the same and Otto sitting on the bed next to him, smoking a cigarette.

“Chico, made it back okay. Fun night with Marietta?”

JT's smile faded, as he saw the look on Chico's face, that something wasn't right and bad news was forthcoming.

“Some shit happened last night, man. Bad shit. Some dude in Bakersfield jumped Marietta, after work. He beat her bad, man, real bad and he raped her too.”

Chico saw the shock hit their faces, as he explained all he came up with for a cover story, even explaining about the gas smell on him. They sat in awe of hearing it happen and then Chico explained about Marietta being down in the room.

“Shit, Chico. I saw you guys come in last night and didn't want to disturb you. Fuck, man, I wish I'd known.”

“It's cool, Otto. Nothing you could do, man. I couldn't even do anything. She doesn't want the cops involved and just wants to forget it happened. I told her she could live with me up in Charming, at the motel for now and find her some work. I don't know what else to do, JT? I can't leave her here all alone.”

JT saw the desperation on Chico's face, trying to understand everything that happened and now how to deal with it. JT knew immediately, that there was no way to get Marietta back with them on the bikes. They had to come up with a way to get the pot back to Oakland and get Marietta back as well. JT knew he would be doing exactly the same thing, if it was Suzy.

“We need to make a call. We need Wally down here pronto and help us with this. Either him, or Jake will be here even faster. I'm leaning towards calling Jake. I know he'll say nothing, until we're back and that's all I want at this point, is everyone back in Charming and whole. I got some money I can give to the guy at the desk, if he'll let me use the phone to call long distance, won't he, Chico?”

“I'll go with you, JT, make sure he does.”

JT and Chico left and went up to the office and Chico persuaded the clerk to let JT use the phone and slapped a five dollar bill on the counter to cover it. The clerk gave JT the go ahead to make as long a call as he wanted. JT dialled the number he knew Jake would most likely be at and he picked up on the second ring. JT sighed in relief and began explaining what had happened and that they were okay, but needed him to come and transport someone back. True to his word, Jake never asked any more questions than he needed to and said he was on his way and to stay put. JT hung up with a great relief off his shoulders, knowing things were in progress to resolve the issues. JT and Chico thanked the clerk, who nodded and smiled, as he tucked the five note in his shirt pocket.

The rest of the guys were milling around a picnic table outside the office waiting for JT and Chico to come out. Chico was hit with so many questions at once, wanting to know why the change in plans was happening. Chico calmed them down and began explaining Marietta's plight and circumstances and the need to call Jake to come get her and her things. The ride was still going as planned, just Chico's share of the haul would need to be carried by the others, while he went with Jake and Marietta to her motel room to get the rest of her things. They would be less than an hour or so behind, so they would ride slower and let them catch up and ride back in a pack. If they made it as far as the diner, they were to pull over and gas up and wait for them. Chico never flinched or showed any reaction, at the mention of the diner, going along with everything like normal.

Chico went back to his room and brought Marietta out to meet them, now under better circumstances than before. Marietta was very shy and withdrawn, knowing the guys knew about her violations. JT was first to introduce himself to her and held out his hand to her. Marietta looked at it, waiting for her to take and looked in JT's eyes. His eyes held a warmth and friendliness that she could see and slowly took his hand.

“Very nice to meet you, Marietta. Chico explained what happened and I want you to know, you'll be safe with us. We're not going to let anything happen to you, I promise.”

Marietta could see the compassion in his eyes and heard it in his voice, as she squeezed her hand tighter around JT's, accepting his kindness. One after the other, the guys introduced themselves and did their best to assure Marietta, they would help her get settled in Charming and get the girls to show her around. By the time they finished, Marietta was smiling with real happiness, helping to drive the fear and apprehension she was feeling, far from her thoughts.

The need for food had everyone asking Chico where they could get some good food to eat. Marietta said she could cook breakfast in the efficiency unit, if they brought food back. There were many wishes of thanks and gratitude by the guys to her, making her feel closer to them. Chico had Marietta stay in the unit for now and enjoy the peace and quiet, while they went to the local grocers to get food for them all. JT had Piney and Keith stay behind to guard her, making Chico feel relieved and proud, he and his companion were treated with such accord and respect.

Chico led them out of the motel and along the main strip, to the area where the local growers gathered to sell their produce. They parked on the side of the street and walked through the stalls and wagons lining the dirt aisles, still offering a good selection to choose from. The guys weren't sure of what they were looking at sometimes, some of the local foods never making it out of the area. Chico started making suggestions of what Marietta could make, out of what was available and began doing the shopping. Lenny's eyes always seemed to spot the prettiest women and pointed them out to Otto and JT, as they walked along. Many had warm, friendly smiles to give to them, showing their interest in them.

They gathered enough for a good breakfast feast and headed back to their bikes. Walking up the aisle of carts, they spotted a group of bikers stopped in front of them, looking them over. They were patched members of a group, but no idea who yet.

Eyes met one another as they approached, a look of caution in every one. The leader of the group spoke out, ending the stalemate between them. JT could only guess at his weight, but it was close to three hundred pounds easily.

“Nice bikes. Saw them as we rode in. Didn't recognize them and wondered who they belonged to. Name's El Roca, I'm president of the Aztecs, this is part of our club with me.”

JT approached him and held his hand out as he introduced himself. The giant man took it and held it firmly, making it a possession, instead of a greeting. JT didn't flinch at the insult and instead, accepted it and left his hand there as he talked.

“How you doing, El Roca? I'm JT, I'm president of the Sons of Anarchy and this is a couple of my guys. We're based out of Charming, up by Stockton, what about you?”

“Hey JT, Stockton, shit man, long way from home. What brings you down to my territory?”

“My buddy, Chico here. Came down to get his girlfriend and bring her up there with him finally. He said we should check the place out, it was real friendly and the people were great, so was the food. Heading back up later today.”

“Yeah, nice place to visit, JT. So, no other plans for here?”

JT looked at El Roca, as he let his hand go and wondered what he meant. The Chicano president knew he didn't from his expression, so he asked again another way.

“Just want to know if we'll be seeing more of each other in the future?”

“Who knows, El Roca? We may come back in the winter and warm up in the nice weather you guys get here. Maybe you can let us know of some nice areas to ride in, pretty country from what I've seen so far.”

JT was laying the compliments on thick, knowing El Roca was pressing him for info on any trade, that might be going on behind their backs.

“Yeah, okay, JT. Maybe see you in the winter then, tell you some nice roads to ride on. Any sooner, you're gonna make me wonder why and I'll be looking for an answer. Adios, amigos.”

He never waited for an answer and ordered his guys to start up and move out, eyes looking back and forth at each other as they passed. Once the sight and sound of them faded, their friendly warning still hung over them. JT knew the best thing was to make themselves scarce and draw as little attention to themselves as they could. They started up and headed back to the motel, keeping a sharp eye out for any bikers of any kind. Chico was watching too, but his knowledge of the area told him to watch out for much more than just bikers.

They pulled into the motel lot and headed down to their rooms, relieved to see Piney and Keith relaxing with Marietta on the picnic table they had pulled closer to the unit. They parked and brought the food inside, letting Marietta unpack it and laughed, as she shooed them out of her small kitchen to get started. She hugged Chico with great love and affection, then with the most delicate of touches, kissed Chico and shooed him out as well. He smiled broadly and walked out to the other guys, as they heard pans and other things coming out to get started.

Otto came out with a joint and lit it up, taking a good haul and passed it to Lenny. JT told Piney and Keith about the Aztecs and their warning to not be seen around here for a long time. JT turned to Chico and asked him to come up with a new route to come down, so they would avoid any chance meetings with the Aztecs. Chico knew of some routes and would get a map and make sure which way was best. JT was curious about the Aztec leader and asked him about his name.

“Chico, what does El Roca mean?”

“The Rock. A very fitting name for him. He's good to have as a friend, not so good, as an enemy.”

“Let's try and stay on the good side of things with him then.”

“Si, JT, a very wise decision.”

With nothing else to do, but wait for breakfast and Jake, shirts and cuts were removed and the guys let the sun work its magic on them. Lenny brought up the subject of tattoos and that started a mutual conversation of what they would accept as club tats and what were personal. Most liked the idea of getting the Reaper somewhere, as well as SOA being shown at all times some where on them.

It wasn't long, before the smell of food cooking wafted out the window to them. Noses were sniffing the air and whetting appetites, as Marietta went about preparing the last of the meal. When stomachs began to get anxious to taste the tempting treats awaiting them, Marietta called for them to come and grab a plate and utensils and get their meals. Rank and file took over, as each lined up in accordance to their standing, JT standing happily at the head and enjoying the first serving. Marietta loaded his plate and gave his cheek a caress, smiling in thanks to him. JT smiled his broadest smile at her and gave her a kiss on her good cheek, then made his way to the table. Piney was equally affectionate to her and by the time Chico held his plate out to her, she hugged him instead, her happiness an outpouring of how she was treated.

“Chico, mi amor, estoy tan feliz. Tus amigos son tan maravilloso para mí.” (Chico, my love. I am so happy. Your friends are so wonderful to me)

“Te dije que eran hombres buenos, les confiaría mi vida y la tuya.” (I told you they were good men. I trust them with my life and with yours.)

Marietta kissed him firmly, despite the pain and thanked him, then happily served as much as his plate would hold. Marietta took what was left, but her plate was still covered with enough food to satisfy her appetite. The only words spoken, were words of praise and thanks for her efforts, making Marietta smile happily, then quickly toned it down and winced at the pain, but let them know she was grateful for it all.

With breakfast done and more than enough praise heaped on Marietta, the guys washed up the dishes and pans and cleaned the kitchen. Marietta went in after and tidied up the kitchen better, so it was a little neater and cleaner, then joined the guys and relaxed enough to talk about herself, mostly in generalities and her love of Chico. She was recalling their first real date, when Jake pulled in the lot and stopped, then saw them waving and drove down to them. The guys then noticed that Marlene was with him in the Riviera, sitting as close as she could beside him. Jake stopped and took his arm from around Marlene and turned it off. He got out and looked at everyone, making sure they were all okay, then spotted Marietta and her battered face.

Chico stood beside her and introduced her to Jake, but didn't remember Marlene's name. She spoke up and introduced herself.

“Hi Marietta, I'm Marlene, I own the motel where Chico is staying, so I guess we have a new guest there now. How are you, Sweetheart, are you okay? Nothing is broken is it?”

“Hello, Senora Marlene, a pleasure to meet you. I am so thankful to you, for letting me have a place to stay. I will do my best to find work and pay you the rent as soon as I can, won't I Chico?”

“Si, Senora Marlene, she is good to her word. I will cover the room and any costs for her until she does.”

Marlene looked at the couple, then more at Marietta, taking hold of her hands in hers, her eyes travelling from head to toe and back.

“You just come with Jake and me and we'll get you back to Charming, honey. My place isn't that much better than this, but you'll be safe and well taken care of. You'll need some time to heal and I'll see what I can do to help with the bruising and swelling. It's a bit tough to look for a job with your face all bruised and swollen, I know, so, come, let's get you there and there's a bunch of girls your age, I'm sure you'll get along just fine with.”

Marietta truly beamed with happiness at what was being given to her and couldn't help but hug Marlene in gratitude. Marlene felt the ripe, young body press against hers and as innocently as she could. held her to her and felt what she could. Jake finished his talk with the other guys and made the arrangements to meet up by a certain point, or wait for them. Marietta got her suitcase and thanked everyone with a hug, before getting in the back seat of the Riviera. Marlene got in and then Jake, waiting for Chico to follow them. JT and Otto had bags big enough to carry Chico's share of pot, so with a final goodbye, JT led the club out of the motel and on towards I-5 and the long ride back.

Chico led Jake back to Marietta's motel, on the outskirts of Bakersfield, while the club continued on 99 north. Chico was about to pull in the driveway, then spotted the patrol car at the office. He told Jake to follow him back to the far entrance and come in to the rear of Marietta's unit. Chico went over to the car and asked Marietta what she still needed from inside, then stripped off his cut and held it against the window and smashed it. He waited as he put his cut back on, looking around for any signs of being heard or noticed, then slid the window frame open and climbed inside. He was only in for a minute, then began tossing things outside as fast as he could. Jake popped the trunk button and began loading it into the trunk as fast as he could.

Chico told him it was all out and began climbing out the window, when the door was being knocked on. Chico went out the window as quietly as he could and told Jake to get out of there now. Chico started his bike after Jake was out of the lot and began riding away, as the officers came to the broken window and saw him leave. They ran back out and got in their cruiser and began chasing Chico. Chico kept to the speed limit and looked back, when he heard the siren approaching. He slowed and pulled over, then cut his engine and waited for the officers to approach.

“What's the problem officer? I wasn't speeding.”

“What were you doing back at the motel? The window is broken in a unit we were just in and you were right there when we looked out.”

Chico laughed and smirked at them, making them take a more aggressive stance towards him.

“Hey, hey, relax. I don't know nothing about any broken window. I was just leaving the room of a chick I slept with last night.”

“What's this woman's name and what unit is she in?”

“Shit, man. I didn't get her whole name, just her first name, you know? She told me her name was Consuela, but likes to be called Connie. She's in room fourteen, or fifteen, I think. One of those two, I don't really remember what room I was going into, just following some sweet ass through the door, you know?”

The cops looked at him and looked him over, wearing only his cut and nothing underneath, left little for him to hide anything. They had nothing else to tie him to Marietta that they knew of, so they told him he could go. Chico smiled broadly as they walked back and he started his bike, leaving a small patch of rubber, as he powered off the gravel, onto the pavement. The cops watched him go, then turned around and headed back to Marietta's now vacant unit. Once there, there was nothing to show who she was, or where she went. The only thing they could come away with, was that she worked at the diner, stayed at the motel and was now gone. The explosion and fire had razed the building to the ground and the charred remains of three males were found in the rubble. The only conclusion they could come up with, was that she showed up and saw the place demolished and went looking for a new job. Anyone they questioned had said she got along well with the owner and was well liked by many frequent customers, so they discounted her as a suspect. It would be months later, before someone came forward and mentioned a small incident with bikers, but no names could be remembered, or any details about any of them. Still, bikers and Chico made something click in one of the officers and he wrote it down in his notebook for referral later, to see if anything panned out.

Chico joined back up with Jake on 99 and headed north on the highway, where the rendezvous with JT and the others was planned at the junction. They came up to the club sitting on the side of the road, about a half mile after the burned out diner. Jake and Marlene never even noticed Marietta hiding her face as they went past the diner, then pulled in behind the club. Chico pulled up to the bikes and stopped, then got off and joined the others.

“Chico, the fucking station burned down last night. I told Jake to meet us here, so we could gas up for the trip back. We're heading up 99 the whole way, so where's the nearest station we can get gas at?”

“Not far, JT. Maybe twenty, thirty miles. We got lots of gas to make it there.”

“You know anything about the fire?”

“Not a thing, man. I was too busy looking after Marietta and her shit, you know. It did look kinda bright that way, when were coming back to the motel, but I didn't know it was the fire that was doing it.”

No one had any suspicions about Chico and the fire, so they got back on the bikes and they followed him towards the gas station. Jake looked in the rear view mirror and noticed how disturbed Marietta seemed since they left the scene. The diner had something to do with her, in one way or another, but he had no idea what. He kept an eye on her and noticed the further they went, the calmer she seemed to get.

Jake followed the club and watched their formation and how they rode. He saw how they followed everything JT did and didn't break from it and smiled, knowing they were listening to his guidance. He wondered what had gone on, on the ride down and what had happened since they arrived. From how he was reading JT, he was carrying a load of burden on his shoulders and hoped he understood what he was getting into now.

When they came to Modesto, JT led the club off the road and into a parking lot, the call of nature and a good stretch becoming necessities for them. Jake parked beside them and stopped. Marlene turned to ask Marietta if she needed to use the bathroom, then noticed she was fast asleep. She told Jake to get her a drink and a bite to eat, while she stayed with Marietta. Chico came over to see Marietta, but Jake steered him away, telling him she was asleep in the back seat and to let her rest. Marlene quietly got out and got in the back with Marietta, as the others headed inside the restaurant.

Sitting beside her sleeping form, Marlene began looking Marietta over, checking her out and assessing her assets. She could tell Marietta was in good shape, no signs of any fat on her. The hem of her dress had ridden up her legs and Marlene took every advantage to check them out. She began moving forward, so she could peer down the front of Marietta's dress, when she began to stir. Marlene sat back and moved away slightly, not wanting Marietta to get nervous. Marietta opened her eyes and looked about, seeing nothing of any familiarity. Marlene noticed her confusion and took her hand.

“We're not far now. The guys are just taking a rest and we'll be in Charming in less than an hour. How are you feeling? You had a good long nap back here.”

“Oh, Senora Marlene, I feel like I could sleep for a week. I'm no bad now, the face, it still gives me pain if I move it the wrong way.”

“You poor thing. It's really getting dark and nasty looking. Once we get back, I'll get an ice pack started on you and then see what that leaves us with. Not much you can do with black eyes and swollen lips, I'm afraid. Give it a few days and let it rest and it should stop looking so bad.”

“I saw my face in the mirror today and it looked as bad as it felt.”

Marlene saw the pain come to her face as she recalled it. She moved closer and put her arm around Marietta and held her to her, comforting her softly. Marietta responded to her need of caring affection and hugged herself to Marlene. Marlene enjoyed feeling the Latin lovely pressed into her and held her close. The guys came back out and looked relieved in many ways, as they sat on the bikes. Jake looked into the car and saw Marlene hugging Marietta and feared the worst. He quickly made it to the door and noticed the way Marietta was holding Marlene, then the comforting stroking of Marietta's hair. Marlene turned to Jake after seeing the shadow come over her and smiled at him. It softened the fear in his eyes and face and he smiled back, then opened the door.

“I got you girls a couple of sodas and a box of fries, for the last leg home. Not much, I know, but it'll tide you over till we can get to some good food tonight.”

“Gracias, Senor Jake. You are very kind to think of me like that. Senora Marlene is also very kind, she makes me feel very safe with her.”

Jake looked at Marlene and read her sentence of expressions, saying she was innocent, but she had a hot spot growing for her. Jake gave her a look of warning to back off and let her be. Marlene shrugged her shoulders slightly and nodded, Marietta never catching a single thing between them. Jake got in and started up the Riviera, the smooth purr and quietness impressing Marietta. Jake turned on the air conditioning and directed the cool air to the back, letting the girls get the most of it. Marlene and Marietta settled in together and began sharing the fries, sipping the Cokes through the bendable straws, as Jake pulled out behind the bikes and paced them at a safe distance.

Marietta began paying more attention to where she was, when Jake said they were coming to Charming in a few minutes. JT led the club to the clubhouse, while Chico waved and led Jake on towards the Starlight Motel. JT opened the gate and let everyone in, then brought his own bike in and closed and locked the gate again. Just the click of the lock, gave JT the peace of mind he needed, to know the worst was over. He rode down to the others and parked his bike, shutting it off and bringing a quiet to the compound again. They stood and looked at each other, realizing they had pulled off the first run and made it back whole.

Smiles appeared at first, then broadened and turned into laughter, then into hoots and hollers, as they celebrated their success. JT opened the door and they carried their bags inside and once again locked the world out and felt safer with their stash. The kilos were unloaded and stacked inside a large metal cabinet that was left over and now served the purpose of being their safe. They sat around the chairs and couch, some pulling up a box to sit on. Joints were lit and passed around, taking a moment to let them unwind and get the road out of them.

“We did it guys. First run done and we're back in one piece and whole, more or less. How's the leg holding up, Keith?”

“Aching to high heaven, but a few more beers and joints should work the trick.”

Keith put his leg up on the makeshift table and stretched out, taking advantage of his injuries and playing them for as much as he could get.

“We're going to need Chico to get cracking on figuring a new route, because I do not want to face down any of the clubs we saw and certainly, El Roca and his club, left a strong enough message, not to be seen there until winter. We're going to need to protect ourselves from them, should we end up dealing with them at some point. I mean, let's face it, it's as much their road, as it ours, except they have guns and muscle and we are short on both. I hate the thought of carrying guns, brothers, but if we're going to get this club off the ground, we need that run money and we need to make sure they leave us alone, to do it.”

Everyone knew JT was right about protection, but carrying a gun meant stepping up to a new level of violence they weren't prepared for. The vets knew about guns and getting them and ammunition, wasn't really a hard thing to achieve. What was difficult, was knowing when to use them and when not to. One wrong move, could set off a chain of events, that could leave brothers wounded, or dead. The debate carried on, as more joints were rolled and talk of money versus danger was hashed out.

Chico showed Marietta to their unit after they arrived, bringing her bags in and the assortment of knickknacks, but Marlene said she wanted to get some ice and ointment on Marietta, taking her to her own unit and attending to her. Chico was left standing with Jake outside, unsure of what he should do and Jake chuckled and clapped his hand on his back several times.

“She'll be fine, Chico. Marlene will get her attended to, seeing how she doesn't want to go to a hospital. There's no idea what really happened to her, until she's really looked at, you get my meaning?”

Chico thought of what Jake was saying to him, trying to get his meaning, then it began to dawn on him, what Marlene would be looking at. He smiled and nodded, as he pointed at his head, letting Jake know he understood.

“So, what now?”

“ The guys should be at the clubhouse still, so go see them. I'm going into Charming and see if there's any jobs that might be available for Marietta, once she's better of course. She do anything other than be a waitress, Chico?”

“Si, Senor Jake. She was studying in Mexico to be an accountant, but she had to come here to get better at it. She's been saving since she left and trying to make enough to get into Berkeley. I give her as much as I can to help her out, me, I don't need that much, you know. Just need to keep my bike running nice and sweet and everything is cool, Esai.”

Jake was impressed with both Marietta and Chico. Despite outward appearances, Chico was a very loving and devoted person to Marietta, giving her all he could, his flamboyant stunts and macho attitude, disguising that side of him. Marietta was obviously a gifted woman, one who was trying to overcome the adversity of life against her and was doing what she could, to eke out a piece of the good life. There was no doubt in Jake's mind, that anything Marietta achieved in life, Chico would benefit from her success in gratitude. He saw the devotion and the strength of their love for one another. While Chico stared off down the road towards the clubhouse, Jake looked at him and imagined him as a father, what he might be like as one, if he and Marietta had a child together. He could see a devoted father, one who would be protective and supportive of his child. If he was doing his best to help the woman he loved get ahead in life and better herself, he knew Chico would do the same and more for his child.

Chico turned back to Jake, his big smile coming out.

“Senor Jake, muchas gracias, mi amigo. You are truly a fine man I am proud to know. What you have done for me and my, Marietta, I am in your debt and will always be there for you, whenever you need me.”

“You're most welcome, Chico, my pleasure. No need to worry about being in debt with me, though, it wasn't that big a deal to get there and back. Marlene would appreciate a car wash and a tank of gas, so that won't set you back much, but make up for it all. That Riviera is a sweet ride for the long haul, I'll tell ya. Marietta was asleep in the back and Marlene was as relaxed, as if she was in her home. The radio in that car, now that would sound good in Wally's old thing. Damn, that '54 is solid still. He keeps it maintained and not drive the shit out of it and that thing will never die. Where is Wally, by the way? Haven't seen him around the last few days.”

“From what the guys told me, he's out looking for this guy named Tom and see if they can find some shit. Said they needed a truck with heavy duty stuff on it, for something.”

Jake smiled, knowing they had put a priority on finding a new wrecker chassis for him.

“That would be for me, Chico. I told them I needed a new truck to turn into a wrecker and get some tow jobs happening. I didn't think it would be at the top of the to do list. You met Tom yet? Hasn't come around as far as I know.”

“No, I been out of town mostly and haven't seen him yet. I'm supposed to vote this guy in as a member, but I need to see the guy, to know if I like him, or not, you know?”

“Yeah, have to agree with you there, amigo. Hard to judge a man by words, actions make the man who he is.”

“Yeah, yeah, exactly, Senor Jake, that's what I mean. You're a very smart man, I knew that right off with you. You know life very well.”

“Yeah, I have been around the block a few times. Kinda got it figured out some, on how it's all supposed to work, so that keeps me in line with things.”

Jake could see the admiration on Chico's face, as he talked with him, knowing he hadn't had the best chances in life, but was making up for it, as he went along in life. “I can learn a lot from a man like you, Senor Jake. My father was gone before I was three and my mama, she was working all the time to put food on the table for us. I had no time for school, but I knew I had to be smart and learn what I could. The Army helped me some, at least I know how to read and write pretty good now. But I know guys like you know shit, shit that makes a difference in things. I see how JT and Piney look up to you and I know why they do. It's because you're a spiritual father to them, to all of us. I remember how you looked after us before we left, only someone who really cares, in their heart, you know, does shit like that.”

Jake felt humbled by Chico's words. All his life he had doubted himself at being a good father and never wanted to have children of his own, ones he never wanted to let down, or disappoint. He looked at the young men who he had befriended and saw that each one was becoming like a son to him. He could see himself in each one, in one way or another. Each man seemed to come from a place of solitude in their lives, the forces of fate now bringing them together at this moment. Jake began to realize what he had desperately wanted all his life, was now his, a family. He had been blessed with boys who cared about him, looked up to him, admired him, counted on him, confided in him, maybe one day, even feel a love for him. He knew the feelings in his heart for them were strong. He realized how much he cared about them and wanted them to do well, even if it cost him in the long run. His life had always been half lived, no matter what he did, but now it seemed to be coming a full circle, like he was finally completing himself.

“Thanks, Chico, that's mighty nice of you to say that, I appreciate your words. They mean a lot to me, to hear them. Look, head off to the clubhouse and see the guys, I'm going to head into Charming and see some old friends and see if they can help me out. I'll see you guys later on at some point.”

“Okay, Senor Jake, sounds cool. She'll take good care of my Marietta, eh?”

“No worries, Chico, she'll be fine. Marlene knows what she's doing.”

“Okay, see you soon, amigo.”

Chico took Jake's hand, but hugged him affectionately, then strutted off to his bike proudly. One good kick to start it, then Chico backed it up and put it in gear. He snapped his head at Jake and let the clutch out, roaring off the lot and onto Euclid Ave. Jake looked at the office and thought about checking in, but decided what he didn't know, was better than knowing. He primed his bike and gave it a good kick, bringing it to life. A few twists of the throttle to smooth it out and he let it idle for a minute. He thought of who to go and see and made a mental route of where he was going. He put his bike in gear and let it coast out slowly, then headed into Charming.

Marietta was lying on Marlene's bed, a package of frozen corn wrapped with a tea towel, placed on her cheek. Marlene was applying small dabs of ointment to Marietta's lips, were they were split, doing her best to be as gentle as she could. Marietta made as little fuss about any pain she suffered, knowing Marlene was doing her best to take care of her. With all the visible damage attended to, she sat beside her and stroked her hair. Marietta accepted the caress and closed her eyes, letting the soft touch soothe her. Marlene looked down along her body and stopped at her crotch. She stared at it and wondered if Marietta had done anything about cleaning herself out.

“Have you flushed yourself, since it happened, Marietta?”

“Flushed Senora? What is flushed?”

“Have you rinsed yourself out inside, since the attack?”

“I don't know how to do that, Senora Marlene.”

“I have a douche bottle and some vinegar, I'll boil some water and let it cool, then add some vinegar and hopefully, it'll kill any sperm inside. I'd hate to see you become pregnant after it all..”

Marietta's eyes shot open wide at the mention of becoming pregnant.

“Dios mío, no permitas que eso suceda. (My God, don't let this happen) Oh, please Senora, I don't want to be pregnant, do this thing, this flush for me. I beg of you.”

Marlene patted her shoulder and got off the bed. She went and closed the bedroom door and locked it, then climbed back on the bed by Marietta's feet.

“I think we should get a look at you first, Sweetie. I imagine they weren't very nice when they did it and hurt you inside.”

“Si, they were brutal to me.”

“Lift up your dress and let's get these panties off and see what they did. If you're torn up too badly, it's going to sting something awful, if I squirt the douche inside you.”

“I don't care about that pain, I care about being pregnant with a child of that filth.”

Marietta raised her dress up to her waist and Marlene slid her fingers under the waistband of her white panties. Marietta raised her hips and felt her hips bared, exposed once more to a stranger. Her apprehensions weren't about her exposure in front of her caregiver anymore, but the sight of what had happened to her. Marlene had Marietta hold her knees up and spread her thighs wide apart, then gently began splaying the dark lips open, exposing the vibrant pink of her vaginal canal. Marlene eased her fingers in gently, prying open the slick walls and looked for tears in the lining.

Even with just the light of the twin sixty watt bulbs in the fixture overhead, Marlene could see the signs of tearing and knew she had been dry when they did it. She knew it must have been extremely painful to have undergone such a horrific experience.

“Sweetie, there's some very bad tears in there. They were so cruel to you, weren't they?”

Marietta's eyes filled with tears at the mention of it and Marlene knew it was still very fresh in her mind.

“If I use it, it will really sting badly and I don't want to cause you any more pain than you've been through already.”

“Please, the pain is nothing, compared to the shame and disgrace I will feel if I am pregnant. My Chico will never have anything to do with me, if I have it and I can not lose him.”

Marlene saw the determination to endure whatever it took to make sure whatever plans she had with Chico, were going to happen and nothing would come between her and fulfilling them. Knowing in her heart, the pain she was going to be feeling was going to be excruciating to bear, her heart went out to her, feeling the pain herself in empathy. She went to the kitchen and began boiling some water in the kettle and took the vinegar out. She went into the bathroom and retrieved her douche bottle and took it to the kitchen as well, then came back to bed. Marietta was still obediently holding her knees up, exposing herself to her view, so she took the opportunity to look at it for her own enjoyment, pretending to be examining her for anything else. Once she was satisfied with what she saw and smelled, she told Marietta to let go and relax, while she waited for the kettle to boil.

The whistle signalled the heat was reached and she went in and sterilized everything, then poured some water into the bottle and then added some vinegar. She screwed the top on and shook it, as she came back into the room and locked the door again. She went to Marietta and took her hand, leading her off the bed and into the bathroom. Sitting on the toilet, Marlene explained what she had to do with the slender tube and looked at the fear in Marietta's eyes. The young woman looked down at herself and spread her legs, sitting up to insert the tip inside herself. Slowly she pushed it in, until it was almost seated against her. Marietta looked at Marlene, the pain she imagined she was going to feel, already showing on her face, as she held the bottle in her hands. The agonizing screams could be heard outside, as Marietta began squeezing the bottle of warm, acidic water inside herself.

Marlene held Marietta's head to her breasts and let the screams be stifled by her. Marietta wailed at the assault to her exposed nerves, already inflamed by the defilement. Marlene softly stroked the soft, wavy tresses, soothing the hurt as best as she could. Marietta finished what she could of the water and pulled the tube out, letting it drop to the floor. Marlene waited until there was no more seepage coming from Marietta and helped her back to the bed. She went back in to the bathroom and rinsed a facecloth under cool water and wrung it out, then took it and a towel back to the bed and sat by Marietta's hips.

Marlene coaxed Marietta's legs open, as she held her cupped hands to herself, the agony of the vinegar still leaving her reeling from the stinging pain. Marlene moved her hands away and placed the cool cloth over her inflamed core and pressed it against it, letting the soothing cool of the cloth calm the hot flesh. Marietta felt the ease coming to her and let Marlene have more access, spreading her legs wider apart. Marlene gently splayed the dark lips open and let the cool seep deeper inside, helping to calm the irritation. Marietta's tears subsided to mewling and weeping softly, as the worst of it had passed, the relief from the stinging setting in, as well as the hope, she had stopped any chance of becoming pregnant.

Marlene gently pushed her finger in, letting it go deeper inside Marietta. The intrusion was accepted, the cooling relief welcomed, the trust in Marlene to provide for her aid, allowing her to let such an intimacy happen. Marlene wiggled her finger a bit deeper and held it, using her other fingers to gently splay the lips open wider.

“Si, gracias Senora Marlene, the cool of the cloth is taking away the sting. Do you really think it will kill their seed and stop me from getting pregnant?”

“Sweetheart, I can't give you any guarantees that it'll work. It all depends on how soon you do it afterwards, that counts. At this point, it's a fifty-fifty chance. I wish I had better news to tell you.”

Marlene took the cloth away but left Marietta's lips splayed open.

“We'll let the air get to it and keep it cool. How are you feeling now, any better?”

“Si, yes. The stinging is now almost gone and it feels good to know, whatever they left in me, is gone as well.”

“Yes, that must make you feel good. It doesn't look so bad now, either. The tears will heal in a day, or two and it would be a good idea to avoid any, you know, sex with Chico. Maybe give it a week to heal properly and if you want, I can have a look and see how well you've healed, before you do anything with him. I'd hate to see you re-tear it all and suffer that pain again.”

Marlene made sure she left a good enough reason in Marietta's mind, to warrant another visit between her legs.

“Si, I can not thank you enough, Senora Marlene. You have done so much to take care of me already. I will come to you in a week and you will let me know how healed I am. I love my Chico and wish to be with him, make him happy to be with me.”

“You love Chico very much, don't you?”

“Oh yes, with all my heart. He has always been so kind to me, since we first met. I had just come from Mexico and I was lost and didn't know where to go. He rode up on his motorcycle and asked where was I going. I told him I had a job in Bakersfield, but didn't know where to get the bus to go there. He took me on his motorcycle and took me right there and then took me to where I was living at the motel. I would still be standing there at the border, if it wasn't for him. He came often to the diner that I worked at and always made sure I served him. He would pay for his bill, but he would always give me a tip that was more than his bill.”

Marlene was amazed to see how comfortable Marietta was, talking about Chico and herself, all the while still holding her lips apart and exposing the pink core inside. Marlene let her middle finger rest between her other fingers, laying it lightly against the exposed flesh. As subtly as she could, she began moving it back and forth, looking in Marietta's eyes and smiling along with her. No matter what had happened to Marietta, Marlene couldn't put her own deviant needs aside. Marietta may not have noticed, but Marlene did, feeling her finger become wetter, as she continued the delicate stimulation.

Marietta broke away from talking about accounting, when she had a shiver of pleasure run through her and realized the difference in how she felt between her legs. She realized the delicate manipulations Marlene was doing and tried to imagine it was to help her somehow, but the stimulation was becoming more a feeling of arousal, than one of calm, soothing relief. She didn't want to stop Marlene, in fear of disrespecting her and her offer of assistance to her, but she was beginning to feel things she didn't want to feel, with another woman doing it.

Marlene noticed the change in Marietta's attitude and knew she was aware of what she was doing to her. She continued doing it, still pretending she had no idea she was stimulating her and was only trying to help her.

“You were saying you were saving for Berkeley. How much more do you need for tuition?”

Marietta swallowed and looked a little nervous about talking, but continued her discussion of herself. Marlene applied a bit more pressure to her finger, feeling it become slicker and easier to move around. Marietta stared off at the ceiling and then the far wall, as she tried to not focus on herself and just talk about her plans with Chico after graduating and getting a job. Marlene's knuckle began bumping against her clitoris lightly, adding to the discomforting pleasure Marietta was feeling. Marietta started to lose her train of thought, as the pleasure kept interrupting her concentration. Marlene inwardly smiled to herself, knowing she had accomplished what she wanted to do and insinuate herself intimately with her.

Marlene nonchalantly took her finger away and to Marietta's surprise, licked it clean. Marlene looked at the glistening wetness still exposed and let the tender lips go back to their normal position.

“I think you're on the mend, you seem to be lubricating okay and that'll keep it from drying out. That's a good sign that nothing is wrong, so you'll be fine if you have sex later.”

Marlene's explanation of the pleasure she felt, seemed to make sense to her and eased some of the agitation she was feeling. What wasn't eased, was the knowledge of pleasure being given to her by another woman, a pleasure she obviously had enjoyed. Marlene had her relax and get dressed again, acting like what she had done was a normal process. Marlene turned her back to Marietta and held her fingers to her nose and inhaled the fragrance Marietta imparted to them.

Chico pulled up to the gate and yelled out, blowing the horn as well, to get the guys attention. JT came around the corner and ran up to the gate, seeing Chico waiting. He let him in and locked it again, running back to the door, as Chico parked in the line up and shut his bike off. Several guys stood at the door waiting for him and once he came to them, back slapping congratulations and cheers were given, for pulling off the first run. Beers were opened and joints lit in celebration to their success, then talk of getting the haul to Luis in Oakland and the next run became priority. Chico was pressed for the new route to take and eventually, the protection of the club and the cargo they were hauling, came into focus again, the words guns and gangs, became ones used on everyone's lips.