Chapter 7: The Homecoming

JT and Piney did their best to look presentable for Lester's homecoming. The flight was landing at Stockton, at two forty pm and they were sitting in Piney's parents living room just before noon. The bedroom door opened and Suzy came out looking the best she had in a week. Ann-Marie came out right after and the change was incredible. Till now, she had been wearing tight jeans and a jean vest, but taking them home to get clothes brought about a different side to them. Wally and Keith came in from the backyard, the remains of smoke still swirling about them, both of them, like JT and Piney, finding the best they had to put on.

The low rumble of bikes, had JT and Piney going to the window and seeing Jake on his bike, Lenny and Lorraine on his and Otto and Cindy on his, then Clay coming up at the rear. Keith and Piney both had the same thoughts in their heads, not seeing their partners show up. The guys went out to greet them and hugs were shared by everyone. Piney had to ask Cindy, when he greeted her, if Mary and Gloria were still coming.

“Oh yeah. They're coming. They had to wait for the cab to show up and they'll be here soon. They can't wait to see you guys, they really missed you.”

Piney and Keith both had smiles that grew and didn't seem to want to stop, as they heard that the lonely days of the past week were over and some loving was in order. The guys caught Otto up on what was happening in the clubhouse, leaving out the five finger discount shopping they did to get it, as well as telling them about the incident on the 205 junction. Otto and Lenny said they heard about it, but to know Jake, JT and Piney were a mere hundred yards from the action at best, had them concerned things could have been worse.

JT said he wanted to call a meeting and discuss some of the issues that had come up and let all the guys hear it at once. They had to wait for Chico to get from TJ and see what both ends said about joining up, so it would be during the week and they would let them know. Once the need for talk was over, the bikes became the focus again and Otto looked both over, then at Clay's Triumph. Keith was interested in it as well, having ridden one back home. Keith and Clay then began discussing the merits of the bike, despite any of its shortcomings, while JT got Otto thinking about painting his bike. The basic frame and engine would be black, instead of olive drab. Otto gave JT some ideas on how to do those and then looked at the tank and fenders.

“Man, those are some ugly fenders. The tank looks like a tank, too. Has no lines to it. Know what? You need to find some new ones, from a different model and put them on, or else cut them off shorter, so they don't look so, you know, ugly.”

“You know, you're right. That's exactly what's wrong with the look. It looks like something the Army would use and not something for the public. What kind of bike do you think would work? Another Harley, say newer?”

“Yeah, that would work. Might have to mess with it a bit to get it to fit right, but that's nothing. Might try some fenders like Jake's and I can bob them.”

“Bob them?”

“Yeah. That's when you cut it shorter. See, like this.”

Otto used Jake's fender as an example and showed with his hands where he would cut the fender off and trim the sides. JT liked the idea and said to check out where some wrecked bikes might be and he'd go have a look.

Lorelei called everyone in for cold drinks and cigarettes were put out, as they walked to the house. Piney held the door for everyone and noticed a car coming down the street and then a sign on top. He hesitated to smile, until it stopped in front of the house. He let it out and called to Keith to come to the door. Mary and Gloria got out and waved to him and Piney waved happily back. Keith came and saw it was the girls and his smile returned broadly, as he waved. Piney and Keith went out to them, ready to hug their long awaited partners. The guys became a bit confused, as Mary went to Piney and Gloria went to Keith.

“Guys, we need to talk to you about something and hope you understand.”

The guys listened to Mary intently, Piney trying hard not to show his happiness at the turn of events, while Keith was trying to be as accepting of it as he could, as Gloria put her arm around his waist.

“The real reason we didn't want to stay, is because we were with you guys and we wanted to be with the other guy. I like you, Keith, you're a really sweet guy, but I really like Piney more. Gloria likes Piney too, but she likes you just as much. So we talked about it and figured this was the only way it could work, or just not be with either of you at all. So we hope you guys like how it works out.”

Piney was quick to express how happy he was with it and looked to Keith, a pleading in his eyes to accept. Keith looked down at Gloria, feeling her breasts pressed into him and her hands holding him and couldn't find a reason it wasn't a fair exchange. With the agreement in place, they turned to their new partners with new feelings to express. Arms hugged and lips came together on the front lawn, the curtains wide open and everyone watching them. A dull cheer rose inside and several of the curtains across the street were opened and faces peered at the two couples embracing.

They came inside to share the news and even Stan and Lorelei were pleased.

“Isn't that funny. When you girls came by the other night and I was saying how Mary was like a daughter to me and all her friends were over, now here she's chosen my boy, how lovely.”

The moment seemed to capture everyone, the foretelling seeming to be happening before them. One thing that everyone was aware of, was the pleasure of smiles and holding back the sombre feelings until it was necessary. The time seemed to steal away from the moment, as Stan noticed it was time for everyone to get into the cars and head to Stockton. The girls went with Stan and Wally in their cars, while the guys got on their bikes and started them up. Dogs began barking uncontrollably and people came out this time, as most wished Stan and Lorelei well on their trip. Some were just plainly annoyed by the noise, no matter what the occasion. Like an orchestra warming up, each bike an instrument being tuned, the disharmony continued, until they played in unison on the main street and the air became alive with their sound.

The bikes led the procession through town and on towards Lodi, then down 99 and on to Stockton Metropolitan Airport. The faces didn't hold smiles the same, as the ride down just days earlier, their destination causing an ever-increasing reality of their mortality and how life could be ended, no matter what age, no matter what cause.

They pulled off 99 onto Arch Airport Road and went around the landing fields, following the steady left bends, until they saw the Army transport parked in front of the first hanger, soldiers gathered around informally. They pulled into the parking lot and then the roar died and eyes were upon them. They stayed together and Stan went over to a captain, standing by another family and talking to them. Stan approached and introduced himself and the captain removed his lid and shook his hand, acknowledging the loss of his son. He said he was his commanding officer over there and his loss was tragic to his whole unit. The booby trap that killed him, was instant in his death. Captain Geoffrey had him on point and he had just said the way was clear and took several steps, when the trap sprung.

No one understood what made Stan cringe and feel agony, when the captain clapped his hands together tight, but it brought tears to Stan's eyes and a comforting hand on his shoulder from the officer. Lorelei went to him, her own tears flowing, just from seeing her husband in pain. Piney went over as well, while JT held back with the others. He held onto Suzy tighter and she tightened her hold on him in response, sensing his own pain at seeing Stan.

Piney came back with tears in his eyes and took JT aside and explained what had happened. JT immediately slumped, shaken by how he died and knew the agony he did feel, as he bled out. The dozens of bamboo spikes were lethal, but death took an agonizing minute to come, as the body went into shock and succumbed to blood loss. Thankfully, any chance of an open casket was never possible, but the damage would have prevented it anyway, his face shredded beyond recognition, or repair.

JT went over and consoled Stan and Lorelei, along with Piney, then one by one, they all came over and joined in, sharing in their grief. The sound of turbine engines coming in, had heads turning to the skies, to see the transport plane coming in. The Army colour was ever-present, as well as the white star and bars on the sides. The soldiers that were milling about, immediately formed lines and stood at attention, squaring off lids and jackets to look parade smart. These were the same young men that Lester was tasked in protecting. They had come to thank Lester and let him know his loss would not be forgotten by them

The jet touched down and taxied around the ramp way, following the uniformed soldier's directions. The wheels stopped and the engines screaming whine began dropping fast, as the pilot shut the turbines off. An instance of quiet proceeded and then the colour guard marched to the plane. A ramp was driven over and raised to the right height of the door. The back hatch of the cargo area was opened and swung back, then the ramp moved closer. Two hearses slowly pulled up and stopped, the drivers opening the back door to load the coffins in, then stood solemnly in wait.

Both families stood in wait, their children coming home again, forever ending who they once were and now having to live with them in memory. The first coffin came out and the soldiers snapped to attention and saluted, as it made its down and came to a stop at the end. The honour guard came forward and six soldiers took a handle and as one, lifted it to their shoulders. The captain gave the order to move and they moved in unison towards the hearse, then stopped, lowered the flag-draped coffin onto the hearse floor and slid it in, always keeping hands in contact with the coffin, until it was at rest. They saluted and did an about face and returned to their position by the plane, for the second coffin.

Both families wept, regardless of who's son was inside them, both losses tragically felt by each. The last coffin was loaded and the lone bugler began playing Taps for them. When he finished, the doors to the hearses were closed, finalizing the moment. Lester was home.

The hearses waited, as the families readied themselves in their vehicles, waiting to lead them back to their respective funeral homes. Lester's hearse pulled away and the procession made its way back to 99 and north to home again. The ride was slow and hard to do for Piney, riding behind the hearse, knowing his brother was yards ahead, laying in the back.

Slowly through town, they made their way, heading to Dubrowski's funeral home. People turned and watched, many bowing heads and paying tribute to them, as they finally pulled into the driveway and up to the service doors. Everyone parked and came over, as the staff opened the door and brought Lester's coffin out and carried it into the viewing room, where it was readied with Lester's picture and some of his favourite things. The coffin was gently laid on the stand, then the staff bowed and quietly left the family to be with him.

So little could be said, only feelings being felt, as Lorelei placed her son's picture on the coffin and laid herself over it, weeping with the comfort of knowing her son was there with her, with her family, with those that cared about him. Only Stan and Lorelei stayed in the room, while the others went out and lit up cigarettes. There was no way to lighten the mood that existed among them, only comfort and ease the pain of loss.

“I can't wait to get back and smoke a big joint after this, man. I mean, a big one.”

Lenny used his hands to describe how big a joint he wanted and everyone nodded and agreed. To everyone's surprise, Jake piped up and agreed with them.

“I think I could do with some of that as well. If it calms you down like Wally says, that's just what I need about now. Lord knows I hate going to funerals.”

JT remembered what Jake had said earlier about his friends being killed and then one shot, trying to imagine how hard it must be to go to that many funerals, for fallen friends and brothers. Watching his own father be buried, had left him emptier inside than he had ever known. There was always a piece of him missing, no matter how long he looked at his pictures, or remembered things they had done together. Memories could never replace the moments and Jake was living with a lot of memories.

Stan and Lorelei finally came out and Piney offered to do the driving. Mary got in beside Lorelei in the back and held her hand, while Stan sat beside her holding her other one. The girls all found room in both cars and the guys broke the humbled silence, as one by one, engines were kicked into life and the procession moved out of the parking lot and back along the main street, eyes watching them pass.

Unser sat in the barber chair at Floyd's Barber Shop, his thick hair getting shaggy around the ears and neck, getting a notice by the Chief and told to neaten it up. The large glass panes of the windows began vibrating and then the low rumble came through to him. Floyd stopped cutting and they both turned and watched the bikes and two cars pass by them, both knowing a son of Charming was home and being laid to rest.

After dropping off his parents and everyone saying goodbye, Wally dropped Piney off to pick up his bike at the funeral home and everyone headed to the motel. It was a relief to the soul for everyone, just to let it go and relax, while Jake headed up to the main office and went to see Marlene. Baggies were unrolled and papers were soon filled and rolled, bringing about Zippo lighters. The room was engulfed in smoke in no time, so they opened the window to let it out.

Two minutes after they began airing out, a knock came and Jake was standing there.

“You know, there's so much smoke coming out from down here, it looks like there's a fire. Marlene was going to call the fire department, but I said it was everyone having a cigarette after the funeral home. I told her I'd tell you guys to slow it down, or take it outside, just to make her happy.”

They understood the warning and knew not to upset Marlene and began putting out cigarettes, as the joints were still going around. Jake reached in and intercepted one of them and took a few hits and blew the smoke out and then did it again.

“I sure hope this calms you down, like you say it does, Wally. I'm wound up tighter than a drum right now.”

They all assured him he would feel much mellower soon, as he waved and walked back up again. They all seemed to sigh in relief, happy it wasn't more of a hassle than that. Piney got up and held his hand out to Mary.

“I think we should go for a walk and talk about some things. What do you say?”

Mary looked at Piney and smiled, then took his hand. Keith looked out of place with his feelings, as he saw her with him, then felt Gloria's hand touch his, reminding him he was still wanted. Piney and Mary went for a walk down the side of the road, holding hands, talking animatedly and intimately about the changes.

Keith wasn't as concerned about emotions and spiritual connections, as much as a physical one with Gloria. He offered his hand to Gloria, who smiled as she took it, then Keith excused them to go to his room and discuss the issues at hand. That little bit of love and enjoyment of life, brought the others back to the reality of life as they lived it and the heartbreak of loss was being eased in their souls.

When talk turned to the clubhouse, bikes and going on runs, the girls took their leave and went next door to better discuss issues more interesting to them. Amidst heartbreak and sorrow, love and happiness always found a way to grow, their young hearts demanding it.

The girls were getting down to the serious business of bras and deeply into a discussion about them, when a knock came at the door. Cindy reached over and opened the door to see Marlene standing there.

“Can I help you?”

“No, sorry. I'd like to see Suzy and Ann-Marie though.”

Her tone entered the room and the girls looked at Suzy and Ann-Marie, as they got up and went outside, closing the door behind them. Marlene walked them away, so they were out of earshot, then turned to them. Suzy and Ann-Marie halted abruptly and looked at her.

“Tomorrow, I'm going to need one of you to dust and vacuum my room and one of you to come with me and do the shopping. I'll be getting my nails and hair done, so who would like to do what? Or do I have to choose?”

Suzy and Ann-Marie hesitated, looking at each other, then quickly decided on what they'd do.

“I'll stay and do the housework and Annie will do the shopping. What time do we start?”

Marlene seemed happy with the choice and looked away thinking animatedly.

“Let's start at ten, you come and start cleaning and I'll take the fairy princess with me and drop her off at the store. My appointment is at ten thirty, so that gives us lots of time.”

“Why did you call me a fairy princess?”

Marlene could see that she was hurt by it and smiled.

“Sweetie, with your looks and that white, blonde hair, just put a pair of wings on you and you're perfect.”

Ann-Marie smiled happily, enjoying the description of herself and Suzy noticed it, wondering why she cared so much about it in the first place. She saw the way she looked at Marlene and how she was looking back at her, that briefest of moments that spoke volumes of untold words of what they knew. Ann-Marie blushed slightly and her breathing gained in speed, showing some excitement at tomorrow's chores. Suzy couldn't put it all together yet, but something more was going on between Ann-Marie and Marlene, than met the eye.

The little pat on Ann-Marie's cheek before she left and the smile, left an indelible impression in her, as she looked at her friend, who was still watching Marlene walk back into the office. The tiny flickers up and down, let her know she was eyeing her boss from head to toe, a small smile still curling her lips.

“Alright, so what gives?”

Ann-Marie was startled from her thoughts, as Suzy turned her towards her. She looked at her friend and could tell instantly that she had been found out, or the suspicion was high enough to make her confront her this way. She looked into her eyes and saw that an answer had to come from her, or it would never stop, until it did.

“Nothing gives, what are you talking about?”

Suzy hoped her friend wouldn't take this route, so she forced her to deal with it.

“You know exactly what I'm talking about, Annie, don't bull shit me. I know there's something going on between you two, so what is it?”

Ann-Marie knew her avoidance of it would never satisfy Suzy and her reference to something going on, would never be put to rest, until she told all to her. Ann-Marie took Suzy's hand and walked her away from everyone and everything, not wanting anyone, but them, to know what she was going to say. The old bench at the far end of the lot afforded them a place to sit, as Ann-Marie looked about for anyone, then turned to Suzy.

“You remember that day that I got all fucked up over Marlene touching me?”

Suzy looked at her and saw the truth hiding behind her fear and did her best not to react, as she said she did.

“Later that day, when we came back after we had made out in the car, she told you to go and told me to put the laundry away.”

Suzy remembered and knew something had happened that day, but nothing was said.

“I was putting the towels away when she came in. She closed the door and took off her robe and she was like, naked under it.”

Suzy could see Ann-Marie was fighting to hold it together, the secret she was sharing, so dramatic a thing to confess. She held both her hands to assure her and urged her to go on.

“I didn't know what to do, so I just froze and she came to me. I stood there and she began undressing me and touching me, then she kissed me and I don't know, I just started kissing back and touching her. She..she...she did things to me, Suzy. Wonderful things, things I had no idea about doing. What we did was nothing, compared to what she did, what anyone has done.”

Suzy tried to fathom what Ann-Marie was describing and it seemed borderline to rape to her, but at the same time, another part of her found it sexually stimulating. They had sworn to keep their tryst a secret between them, but Ann-Marie was adding something more to it, something much more.

“Is that it? Is this why Wally has been acting so down and shitty this past week?”

“I, I'm so confused, Suzy. I like Wally, he's really nice, but Marlene made me feel so incredible. When I lay in bed and she put her mouth on me down there and used her tongue.”

Ann-Marie seemed to drift off into thought at the mere mention of it.

“Wally does nothing like that for me. It's like, I lay there and just let him do his thing to me and he gets off, but I get nothing.”

“Wait, wait, back up. When were you on the bed? You said you were in the store closet, when she came at you?”

Ann-Marie was instantly guilty with every look and gesture. Suzy saw it clearly and Ann-Marie was almost crying. Suzy pulled her to her and comforted her and Ann-Marie was grateful for the connection between them.

“The next morning. She sent you to go vacuum and dust. She said I was helping her, remember?”

Suzy knew the moment and looked at her, waiting for her to go on.

“She told me to come in early, so when the guys went to work, I went in to see her. I was lying in bed, when you came in.”

Suzy kept holding her hands, but looked at her from a new angle once again.

“You, you like girls, don't you?”

“Oh Suzy, what if I do? I mean, I want to have babies one day and have a family, but I really love what she does to me and...and...I.”

Suzy was hanging on every word and her head stuttered in time with Ann-Marie, then waited for her to continue.

“Okay, so you like making out with girls and, what?”

“I liked doing it with you, too. I know you liked it doing it with me. You know what I'm talking about. I made you orgasm better than JT can, you said so.”

Suzy could see that Ann-Marie was trying to justify her actions through her and she was inclined to understand it from her viewpoint, having the memories of them that day, still fresh in her mind, coming back at any time to haunt her thoughts and stir her emotions. Even when making love with JT, moments would creep in, to add to the thrill in her mind. Looking at her, she tried hard to let go of moral tradition of right and wrong, just a friend struggling with a monumental decision to make.

“You did and I liked everything you did to me and I did to you, I admit it, Annie. It was special, it was different in every way we can describe, I get it. What I want to know, no, what I want you to know, is if you like doing it with girls, more than guys?”

“I don't know. I like being with a guy, I like feeling him inside me. I like kissing and stuff, but another girl touching me, I get so hot and wet and stuff. Marlene made me shake so hard, I almost passed out. The feeling was so out of this world crazy, like I was on a trip. I know you don't know what I'm talking about, it's really hard to describe, but if you could feel it, like just once, you'd know what I mean.”

Suzy was beside herself morally. On one side, she was decidedly hetero-sexual, fully enjoying that side of herself and happy to be that way the rest of her life. On the other, she had an awakening, unlike any other awakening. A flower had taken seed in her and she nurtured its growth, one that had shown a beauty she enjoyed seeing, one she wanted to blossom. What Ann-Marie had described was not as unknown as she imagined of her friend, as Suzy was guilty in her own mind, laying in bed alone after JT left and fantasized about it, her hands those of her lover, those of a woman.

“How much better can it be than how a guy makes you feel? I know we made each other feel, like different, but it wasn't like, way better than how JT makes me feel, you know what I mean?”

Ann-Marie put on her best convincing expression and held Suzy's hands a bit tighter in hers.

“Has JT ever made you see stars, when he did something to you? Has he touched you inside your pussy and made you get so wet, you made a puddle on the bed? Can he play with your nipples and suck on them and make you almost orgasm from it? Has JT put his face between your legs and licked at you inside and stuff? If he can do that and make you orgasm better than ever, then he's one incredible guy. I'm just saying that Marlene knows things a guy doesn't. She knows what I'm feeling, when she touches me. She knows when to do things at the right time and one thing she never does...is leave me hanging there waiting to be finished myself.”

Suzy tried to digest the impact of what Marlene had done to her friend, imagining how it would be if she were in Ann-Marie's place. Her own body responded with an answer and she felt the ache in her nipples and the heat and moisture between her legs. Forbidden fruits were always sweeter to the taste, but always came with a price. Suzy knew that the price she had to pay for those fruits, was with her soul and how much more was she willing to spend, to taste the sweetest fruit on the tree.

“If we get a chance, I want you to do it to me, whatever it is she did to you, you do it to me. Okay?”

Ann-Marie was relieved to the point of an entire body sigh, hearing her say it. She had a look of yes, but a hesitancy to say it. Suzy could sense it too and wondered.

“I'll do it, it's just, I don't know if I can do it like she can. I know how it felt to me, but I don't know if it will feel the same to you?”

“I get you. So, how do I know what you got to feel?”

“Let her do it to you.”

Ann-Marie's response floored Suzy completely. On the one hand, she had agreed to continue this between them and carry it a bit further in their exploration, but now, she was being asked to have a stranger, one who had taken advantage of her friend, do things to her, in a quest to find taboo sexual pleasure.

“And I just walk up and say, 'Hey Marlene, how's it going? By the way, Annie tells me you're great at making girls orgasm, want to do me?', or how do you see that playing out?”

Ann-Marie sat there and looked about, making sure they were still alone.

“I'll talk to her tomorrow, when she takes me to go shopping. We'll be alone and I can ask her somehow, about you. I'll see if she like, wants to do you too. I can say we've done stuff, but I told you about what she did and you want to try it too. I bet she will, she seems to really like girls and she likes guys too, so maybe, I can have both, too.”

“I gotta hear how you intend on just somehow casually dropping this in her lap.”

“Easy. You saw how she looked at me just now. She's going to be all over me, before we get to town to do shopping. When she's got her hands and lips on me, I'll say how much better she kisses me, than you do. She'll want to know what else we do and I can tell her then.”

“That easy, huh?”

“Yeah. That easy, just watch. I'll ask her tomorrow and I'll tell you what we end up doing.”

Suzy's happiness was nervous emotion, roiling just below the surface. The desire to experience life's pleasure's, always overrode the need to remember society's code and values. The mind would come up with any number of reasons to justify experiencing that unknown pleasure, in hopes it brought them to an experience, far greater in bliss, than any other they had felt to date. Suzy slowly stood up, looking around for signs of anyone and sat down again, the wooden screens giving them two sides of privacy.

The pair looked at each other, sharing the journey into the unknown and smiled like kids getting away with something. When their eyes met and shared the emotional connection, other feelings took hold and they kissed passionately, enjoying what they knew to be good between them. Hands searched for soft mounds and massaged them from out side their clothes, as tongues battled for lustful dominance.

Walking back down the road, holding hands and smiling, Piney and Mary made their way back to the unit. Mary stopped talking, when she saw movement and noticed the girls. She motioned to Piney and kept him quiet, as they walked a bit further to see who it was. Both took a gasp of breath, when they saw it was Suzy and Ann-Marie engaged in a heated session of kissing and petting. Ann-Marie's hand had found it's way between Suzy's legs and she was rubbing it fervently.

Breaking out of the shock, they quietly walked away and went the long way around to the unit, leaving the pair to finish in private. Words were hard to come by, as they didn't know how to approach the subject matter, so they walked in silence and reflected on it in their minds. Their footsteps on the gravel, signalled the girls and they quickly broke apart and straightened themselves, before Piney and Mary walked around the tall hedge row in front. They stood and acted as though nothing happened and walked towards them, smiling and waving. Piney and Mary waved back, but their smiles were hard put to be there.

Little was said, as the girls went back into the unit where the others were and Piney stood outside with Mary, talking with her quietly. The girls could sense something was up with them and began wondering if they had been seen by them. Little looks flashed their way, let them know they had, or suspected it.

The girls walked in and were asked what the bitch from hell wanted them for. They acted with as little emotion as they could and downplayed what their orders were for their daily chores. Lorraine seemed happy about their plight, Suzy seeing her pleasure in it and asked.

“What? Like that we have shitty work to do tomorrow?”

“No, kiddo. I'm happy I didn't come and take the offer and stayed at the restaurant. I'd be screaming already and leaving.”

“Well, maybe, but when you don't have a job, it puts some cash in my pocket at least. Besides. I have a place to live, as well.”

Lorraine heard that and it sparked a thought in her head.

“Oh, Lenny was telling me that they have two rooms almost done at the clubhouse, so we can live there soon. Not sure I'm going to like all the construction going on, but hey, at least we're not on the street.”

Mary was next to have something remembered.

“Oh, you know what? When we were talking with Stan, I was saying how shitty it was that you guys got kicked out and he said he was going to look into that for us. He said it didn't sound right to him, that the notice was too short. He said the same thing, that it should be thirty days, before you have to leave, not a week. I bet the Hales are trying to pull a fast one again. They might have been here since Charming started, but that doesn't give them the right to boss people around, no matter how much money they have. He's just lucky his dad is a judge and pulls some strings, because I heard he got caught doing things that could have sent him to jail, but his dad got him off.”

That had the girls thinking more positively about Lorraine's situation and like magic, undergarments became the topic of interest again. Just feet away, on the other side of the wall from the girls, the guys were talking shop still and discussing the idea of more members. Wally said he knew a guy that might be a good member to have join, if the guys liked him. Wally told them of a contact he had, who got him pretty well anything he asked him to get. The guys started joking and asking if he could get some outlandish items and Wally said this guy would only ask when they wanted them and how much they were willing to pay.

They wanted to know more about him and where he was from. Wally said he had no idea where he was from, or anything about his past, really. He had met up through a mutual acquaintance for a buy and got to know him. He started buying off him and then started asking for things and he got anything Wally asked him to get and as much as he wanted. The guys were becoming more intrigued by this stranger and asked who he was.

“Tom Whitney, anyone heard of him? Goes by Uncle Tom on the street. He's sort of hanging out in Lodi, because of the connections he has and his sources to get shit. He told me he used to ride a bike at one time, not sure what kind, but we were yakking about bikes one day and he told me.”

JT looked at the guys and they seemed to be interested in him, so he told Wally to bring him around to the clubhouse, once Chico was back and they had everyone there. Lenny stopped all talk of shop and most anything, when he turned from the small writing desk and showed everyone his masterpiece of herbal magnificence. It held close to a quarter ounce and took six papers to hold it, but he proudly displayed it, then lit the end, the tip going on fire, as he drew in a larger toke. The guys took a large toke each and before half of it was done, the room was so thick with smoke, they could barely see themselves. Lenny took the joint and opened the door and walked next door to the girls and barged in with it, passing it to Lorraine.

The girls were put out off their girl time, but saw what Lenny had to offer and were happy for the intrusion. They all got to take two hits and then Lenny took the joint, kissed Lorraine and left, just as quick as he came. He went back into the room and the guys could hear the girls hooting and hollering happily.

“I am so in need of a good fuck, lads. It's been a tough week, so it has. And I'm blessed to have another lovely lady to accompany me, so I have, so we'll see how that goes, shall we? Charming is quite, charming.”

“Good on you, brother. Nothing like the old switch-a-roo to get you thinking. No one saw that one coming.”

“I'm looking forward to that old switch-a-roo myself. Mary and I would like the room for a while tonight, JT, so that we may better acquaint ourselves.”

Piney's stab at eloquence had them laughing and joking about it, dropping their voices so they didn't carry through to the other side clearly. Despite their caution, the girls were eavesdropping on them with glasses to the wall and ears pressed against them. Lorraine and Cindy were whispering a play by play of what they were saying and they all took notes. Ann-Marie and Suzy acted just as interested in what their partners might be saying, but the stolen glances between them, had other moments of pleasure being thought of. Mary was ever vigil to catch those glances and save them away till another time to discuss.

The office was quiet from the outside, but the further inside one went, the muffled sounds became clearer and more recognizable for what they were. Groans and grunts, moans and sighs, echoed off the walls, as Marlene relieved Jake's stress her way. Jake's hands were filled with the vibrant red tresses of Marlene's hair, holding her tightly, but leaving her to move at will, as she bobbed slowly, up and down in a sensual rhythm. He felt her twisting her head, making him let go, but she never took her mouth from him, as she moved around. He opened his eyes to see her leg straddle his head, then the light faded, as she sat back on him.

The night and the reconnecting over, heads awoke feeling better, feeling a warm body next to them. Room after room, couples stirred and arose, relieving themselves and climbing back under the sheets to snuggle. Suzy looked at the clock and saw it was only eight thirty, then turned to JT beside her, his eyes still shut, but not sleeping. She nuzzled in close to his ear and whispered as soft as she could.

“I have to go to work in an hour or so, so we have lots of time still. Can I play with it?”

JT didn't move, but cracked his eyelid open and squinted at her. He could make out her smile and then felt her hand on his chest, caressing him softly, slowing finding it's way a little lower each time. He smiled and gave a slight nod and closed his eyes, as she snuck a peek over at Piney and Mary, to see if they were paying attention, then slid her hand down between his legs and laid her head on his chest, enjoying herself. The only thing JT gave away, was his breathing, as Suzy brought his member to hardness and lovingly stroked it. She lay there unmoving, except her hand, feeling it swell and throb to her touch.

JT's breath and body couldn't maintain the cloak of secrecy, as he neared completion, his breath getting ragged, his body writhing in ecstasy. Suzy knew he was almost there and ducked her head under the sheets, taking him the final few steps orally. JT couldn't stifle his groan of pleasure and Piney looked over at him, a smile coming across his face, remembering how he had the same problem last night with Mary doing the same to him, but they didn't get caught at it.

The time marched on, despite the desire to stay entwined in bed and Suzy had to get up and get ready. Today made her especially happy, having had the chance to go home and pack clothes. She opened the drawer and took out clean panties and a bra, along with a T shirt and her jeans and headed into the bathroom. Fifteen minutes later, Suzy came out with her hair combed back and put in a ponytail, her face clean and make up free. She laid on top of JT and kissed him goodbye, then said goodbye to Piney and Mary, now opening their eyes to her.

Suzy left the unit and walked to the unit next door and knocked. Ann-Marie came to the door and greeted her and closed it behind her, as they started off for the office. They looked at each and shared a moment, thinking back on yesterday's request on the bench and Suzy sighed.

“Don't sweat it. Once you get over the weird part, it's fantastic, you'll see.”

“It's not that part I'm worried about. I'm worried about how you tell her about it.”

Ann-Marie could see the nervousness on her face and in her eyes, as they reached the office door. Marlene was dressed and ready to greet them, as they came inside. As casual as she would call her clothes, she looked radiantly sexy. Her sleeveless, light green top clung to her and accentuated her curving mounds with details of every tiny nuance that broke the smooth surface. Her white pants were painted on, the material so tight against her skin. She modelled herself for them, as she saw the looks they gave her, turning around completely and posing at the end.

“So, how do I look?”

Ann-Marie let her guard down easily, her feelings for Marlene coming through clearly.

“You look gorgeous. I love that outfit.”

Marlene was satisfied with Ann-Marie's response and turned to Suzy, looking for hers. She looked at her, getting her caught in her own eyes and held them. She almost chuckled when she saw Suzy gulp.

“You look really, really nice.”

“Really, really nice? Well, I guess that's better than just nice.”

Suzy felt silly saying her reply and thought again.

“Yeah, it's really nice and...it makes you look sexy.”

Marlene smiled broadly at hearing the word.

“Sexy, now that I like. You think I look sexy, do you, Suzy?”

Suzy wasn't prepared for her, questioning her choice of words and looked at her. She naturally ran her eyes up and down Marlene, thinking of an answer to reply with. Marlene's eyes held an expectancy in them, pushing Suzy to respond.

“I like how your clothes make you look. I think it's sexy looking.”

Suzy hoped that got her off the hook to explain herself further, but Marlene knew the bait was being nibbled and she wanted to see if she could make a strike.

“If my clothes make me sexy looking, I guess I must be sexy to you. Am I sexy looking to you?”

Suzy could feel the trap closing around her, with no chance of escaping it. Marlene's question, was as direct as they came. Once again, Marlene suppressed a smile, at seeing the nervous gulp.

“I guess so. I mean, I don't know. You look sexy dressed like that.”

Marlene knew she had her where she wanted her and took over.

“You are a dear, thank you.”

Marlene shimmied over and gave Suzy a kiss on the cheek.

“Now, let's go to my room and I'll show you what I want you to do for me. You can wait for me in the car, Ann-Marie.”

The request had Suzy thinking twice on what she was asking her, as she felt Marlene's arm go around her shoulder and lead her to the back. Marlene gave Ann-Marie a look to go and wait, which she did obediently, while she went into her area with Suzy. She stood with her arm over her shoulder, pointing out what she wanted attended to and then walked her into her bedroom. Suzy hesitated, as they got to the door and Marlene sensed it. With a little pull of persuasion, she had her walk in and stand beside the bed. Suzy was clearly nervous, standing so close to Marlene, knowing what she was secretly wanting to experience with her, looking at the unmade bed in wonder.

“I want the sheets changed and the room vacuumed. I want the bathroom cleaned, as well. If you get all of that done, before I get back, be a dear and do the few dishes in the sink.”

Suzy just nodded, still swallowing the lump in her throat and stood still. Marlene turned and looked at her, noticing the nervousness and the way Suzy was reacting towards her. She took Suzy by the shoulders and turned her to face her, putting her fingers under her chin and making her look in her eyes. Suzy was awash with emotion inside and became lost in herself, unsure of what to do.

“Are you okay? You don't look very well?”

“My stomach feels kind of weird.”

Marlene put her palm on Suzy's forehead and felt her temperature.

“You do feel a bit warm and you're flushed. Maybe just coming down with something.”

Suzy nodded, hoping it would satisfy Marlene's curiosity, but it didn't. Marlene sat her on the bed and sat right beside her, their hips in contact and put her arm around her waist.

“You seemed fine when you came in and it wasn't until we came in here, that you started feeling your stomach get upset, right?”

Marlene's questioning was leaving Suzy with no other recourse, but to agree, so she nodded, looking at her hands in her lap, fidgeting with her fingers.

“So what could get you in such a state like this, by standing in my bedroom?”

Suzy just shrugged her shoulders and continued looking at her hands. Marlene brushed back a stray lock of Suzy's hair, tucking it behind her ear, making her close her eyes and sigh slightly, at the touch. Marlene saw it and smiled in triumph, knowing her hook was set and all she had to do now, was reel her in and land her.

“It's not something else is it?”

“Like what?”

Suzy's answer was just what Marlene wanted to hear.

“Maybe I'm the reason you feel that way. I think I make you feel nervous and that's what's causing your tummy to be upset.”

Suzy was out of avenues of escape and she knew it. Marlene had trapped her in her web and she was just waiting for her to make the next move, knowing she would be faced with the truth.

“Maybe you should just lie back and let it rest. Let me just rub it gently and see if I can soothe it for you. It's the least I can do, seeing as I seem to be the cause of it, right?”

Marlene started gently pushing Suzy back, at first resisting her, then giving in and laying back. Marlene moved Suzy's hands to lay at her sides, then laid her hand on her tummy and began slowly moving it in circles.

Suzy's breathing increased and she closed her eyes, as she felt the sensations course through her body, exciting her. Marlene watched her closely, looking for tell-tale signs of arousal and saw what she was waiting for. Suzy's nipples were hardening and poking out through the thin material of her bra and T shirt. She increased the pressure slightly and widened her circles, just coming close to the rise of her breasts and down low enough to slip under her waistband of her jeans. Suzy shivered at the intimacy and Marlene was sure she had a new plaything to explore. When she could see Suzy was reaching a level of arousal she wanted her at, she stopped rubbing and lay beside her.

“There, how's that? Feeling better?”

Marlene knew she had done the opposite and caused more turmoil inside her. Suzy took a deep breath and sighed, her eyes still closed and an expression of guilt still present.

“It's still feeling all fluttery, but I'll be okay.”

Marlene placed her hand on her abdomen and caressed it softly, then leaned to her and kissed her cheek.

“Just take your time then and don't upset yourself. I'll check in on you, when I get back.”

Marlene got up and looked at her on the bed and smiled, as she walked out and saw Ann-Marie still waiting dutifully in the car. Marlene got in and started the car and then put her hand on Ann-Marie's thigh and smiled at her. Ann-Marie smiled back at her, a look in her eyes that said she was willing to do anything, should she be asked to.

The guys got up and dressed, sitting on the side of the beds and looked at each other. JT passed Piney a cigarette and then lit both up.

“Think the girls like their jobs here?

“Suzy seems to be okay with it, Ann-Marie has been acting weird, so Wally says. Maybe she's upset having to do something she really doesn't want to.”

“Suzy has been getting a lot more into sex. Every time we're making out, she has me doing things to her.”

Piney raised an eyebrow at JT, then smiled innocently.

“And you're complaining? What could she have you doing that was so terrible?”

“Fuck off, Piney. I'm not complaining, asshole. No, it's weird. We been making out lots, since we met. It's just like, since last week, she's been asking me to try things. I thought she was happy with what I was doing. Didn't complain once.”

“So. Maybe she wants to try different things. Not saying she's bored with you, but just she wants to do other things.”

JT looked at Piney and smiled. His simple wisdom and his outlook always made more sense, than the complicated mess he could turn things in to, over-thinking it.

“Yeah, guess I have some more to learn about pleasing women. Maybe I should give Karen a call and see what she can teach me. Jake said I should learn from an older one and show the young ones a thing or two. If Suzy is that into sex, let's see what I can do to help her along.”

“Now, that's a better attitude, JT. See, there's always a bright side to every cloud, you just have to look at the right side of it.”

“You're my most, trusted friend, Piney. You keep me on the ground and focused. So, maybe it's time I made a phone call?”

“That's your call, JT.”

The play on words had them laughing and they got washed and dressed, ready to take on what the day brought to them. JT and Piney left the room and got on their bikes, starting them up and letting them warm up. Their smiles were broadly worn, as they backed them up and put them in gear. Suzy lay on Marlene's bed, listening to the rumble of the engines leaving, as her hands continued to quell the sexual heat in her loins.

Marlene drove towards Lodi, Ann-Marie sitting beside her, constantly looking over at her. Marlene was becoming unnerved by the incessant peeking and slowed down and eventually, pulled over and stopped.

“Why do you keep staring at me? What is it?”

Ann-Marie was thrown by the attitude Marlene took towards her. Her smiles vanished, to be replaced with fear and worry, as she looked at Marlene. Marlene could see the upset, but she didn't respond to it, instead, preying on it for control.

“What gives, Ann-Marie?”

She was almost in tears, as she turned and looked at her.

“I, I, was going to tell you some good news, but now I don't know if I should.”

Marlene could see she had saddened her and finding out it was something good she was going to tell her, had her soothing the younger woman, taking her hand and caressing it softly.

“I'm sorry for snapping, Sweetie. Go ahead, tell me your news.”

Ann-Marie began calming down, catching herself to stop from crying.

“You know Suzy?”

“Well, yes, I do know a person who works for me, by that name.”

Ann-Marie fought against the ridicule and continued.

“We were talking and I told her about us.”

Marlene went white and turned to Ann-Marie in shock and rage.

“You did what?”

“It's okay, it's okay. She's not going to say anything to anyone, because we have a promise we made, that she wouldn't.”

“And what makes you think she will keep that promise? Any one finds out about us and neither of us, is going to very happy with the results.”

“We can trust each other, but what I wanted to tell you, was that when we were talking, she told me she wants to experience what I got to.”

Marlene started to take more interest, hearing what Ann-Marie was saying.

“She wants to experience what, exactly?”

“What you do to me. I was telling her how you make me feel when you do things to me and she wants to know what they feel like too.”

“Little Suzy?”

“Yes.”

Marlene looked at her, Ann-Marie nodding to convince her she was telling the truth. Marlene thought back on earlier and why Suzy was in such a state and it all made sense now. She smiled at Ann-Marie and took her hand again. Ann-Marie's smile began returning, as she saw Marlene's smile coming around.

“So little Suzy wants me to teach her the pleasures of being with another woman, does she?”

“Yeah, she wants to feel the things I did.”

“Well, my little, fairy princess, that's some very good news. I'm going to have to find a way to reward you for that, if she is, as you say.”

Marlene looked ahead and then into her mirror, then pulled Ann-Marie to her, who gave no resistance. Softly she placed her lips on Ann-Marie's, savouring their delicious fullness. Ann-Marie knew what was coming and prepared, by moving the seat latch and lowering the back of the seat down. She looked in Marlene's eyes, as she began undoing the buttons on her vest and then the button and zipper on her jeans. Marlene smiled lasciviously, as she looked at the white skinned beauty laying in wait of her. As her lips touched Ann-Marie's, her hand disappeared under the waistband of her panties.

The ride to Lodi became more interesting, as Marlene pondered all she knew and all she suspected about Suzy and Ann-Marie. If Suzy was as interested as Ann-Marie said she was, the stalk and hunt part of it was done. All she was faced with, was releasing her catch from the trap and playing with it.

The guys were hard at work building, almost the entire crew getting together for the first time, along with Clay. The four rooms were finished on the inside, but from the outside, they looked like unfinished areas no different than the rest of the framing going on. They were coming up to the end of the two by fours and the two crews divided them between them to finish what they had began and within an hour, work ground to a halt.

Hammers were put down and tool belts untied from waists, as they sat at the desk and took a break. They looked around, seeing the skeletal shape of the rooms and were pleased with the build they had done so far. It would take another two skids of lumber and far more drywall than they had taken the first time. Talk immediately turned to acquiring more materials and where they could get them.

Lenny said Oswald was going ballistic about the thefts, so that left him out. Clay said he could get his grandfather's pick up to use, which only left where to get materials. Wally piped up and began talking about Tom Whitney again. He said he would get a hold of him and see if he knew where they could get their hands on some sheet goods. They became curious as to what he was able to get and Wally could only say that he hasn't missed on something yet. Anything he had an order for, Tom was able to fill it.

One thing was obvious, Tom was a natural thief, but it wasn't the petty, purse stealing, pickpocket type. He was a serious in, to a field most had no idea about. The club needed more than materials to become what they wanted it to be and buying the things they needed, wasn't in the near future. Even with the run money they would be getting from joining Chico, it wasn't enough to make ends meet and have money left over to keep moving forward. The talk turned to one of a shopping list, one that catered to their needs and wants, with little left out.

What they wanted to know from Tom, was how much that list would cost them and when he could get each item. The necessities were agreed on, that they were needed before anything else, then an order of importance was put to each thing, so they knew when to let Tom know to find each item.

Before they came to Lodi, Ann-Marie did up the buttons on her vest, smiling and sighing contentedly, as Marlene fixed her hair in the mirror. She turned to her, smiling in triumph, that her plaything pleased her well.

“I'll pick you up in an hour or so, so don't be too quick in going through the aisles.”

“Okay, I'll get the frozen stuff last and that should help.”

“Good girl. You can be such a smart thing sometimes.”

Marlene pulled into the plaza parking lot and pulled up to the grocery store. She gave Ann-Marie a quick kiss on the cheek and shooed her out, as she drove off to the salon. She pulled Ann-Marie's panties out from between the seats and gave them a sniff, then tucked them in her bag. Another trophy to enjoy later. She enjoyed being fussed over by the staff, as they began doing her hair and nails. She closed her eyes and pictured Suzy, then pictured what she would be like naked and then imagined her lying on the bed waiting for her. The image literally made her squirm in her seat.

Ann-Marie got a cart and began shopping from the list. As she stood at the fruit section, a woman came and stood beside her, then casually leaned towards her and whispered.

“You might want to do your zipper up.”

Ann-Marie put her hand down to her pants and felt the soft hairs through the opening and gasped.

“Oh geez.”

She zipped up quickly and ended up catching some hairs in the zipper and yelped in pain. Now it became an embarrassing episode to keep herself covered, while unbuttoning her jeans and slide one hand down and undo the zipper with the other. The woman did her best to provide a bit of cover for her, as she struggled to get the hair freed. Once it was, she held her hand over it and did her zipper up again and rubbed the inflicted area, to soothe the sting. She thanked the woman for her help, her shame showing clearly. The woman patted her shoulder and smiled.

“They make panties for a reason, Sweetie. You should wear them. I only go without them if I'm wearing a long dress, but I do like that fresh air feeling myself.”

The woman went off and left Ann-Marie to her own devices, as she looked about and saw she had brought little attention to herself and began acting normally again. It wasn't until a few minutes later, she realized she was wearing panties when she left the room that morning. She smiled, thinking Marlene had them, enjoying her scent.

With all the materials finished, the guys were at a loss to do something and riding was the only thing any of them were interested in doing. Hands were washed and one by one, metal came to life with a kick of the heel. Throttles were twisted, announcing their presence even more, as JT led his friends out of the lot, the air, the road, the world becoming theirs. They road through town, leaving it in a lower gear to raise the level of sound from their exhausts. People stopped whatever they were doing and turned, as the riders cruised past them. Windows rattled and dogs barked and snapped wildly at them, yet nothing phased them from their mood, as they commanded the attention and showed a brotherhood united, one riding for their own cause.

Their echoes faded, once again leaving the impression of their sight in the minds of those still looking at them. The road to the hills, brought winding curves and long sweeping arcs that had them riding as one, following the lead of their president. Only Otto bore the future logo of the club on his cut, but the club learned to ride as one cohesive unit and one day soon, every member would be patched with the name and logo, riding with honour of it, as a brotherhood, as a club.

Calaveras was pretty country to ride in. Hills were easy and rolling, views appearing and disappearing, as they made their way along little used back roads. The sound of the bikes echoed back to them in canyons, cut from hard stone faces long ago, by men who had the same desire to travel in that direction. The road brought a freedom of solitude, a oneness of men and machine, both beating internally with the same sense of purpose, to live.

Suzy had finished the bathroom and was vacuuming the bedroom, cleaning under the bed, when the upright vacuum picked up something and jammed. She pulled it out and turned it over, to see what it was and found a pair of blue panties wrapped around the beater bar. She pulled and tugged, unrolling them and held them up. It only took a minute to jog her memory and realized they were Ann-Marie's panties. She tucked them in her back pocket and went back to vacuuming, casually glancing at the bed and imagining Ann-Marie and Marlene engaged in sexual situations, her mind conceived them doing.

Ann-Marie finished shopping and went through the checkout, the bag boy putting everything in her cart, but his eyes never leaving her body. She walked outside and looked for Marlene, but there was no sign of the Riviera. She sat on the bench, with the groceries in the shade, watching for the car coming down the road. She only waited a little more than five minutes, when Marlene cruised into the parking lot and pulled up to her.

“Been waiting long?”

“Nope, just finished.”

“Good, nothing should have melted yet. Okay, load those bags in the trunk and come sit beside me.”

Marlene used the remote opening button in the glove box and opened the trunk, then patted the seat beside her. Ann-Marie opened the trunk wide and loaded the six paper bags into it. She closed the trunk and pushed the cart to the side, then got in and sat close to Marlene, smiling happily in her accomplishment.

“Did you get everything?”

“Yup and I have your change in my pocket.”

“Good girl. Okay, let's get home again.”

“Okay. I really like your hair. They did a nice job on it.”

“Thank you, Sweetie. That's so nice of you to say.”

As much as Marlene showed a mock surprise, she had been expecting some notice by her. Ann-Marie looked at her, admiring her looks and Marlene lapped it up happily.

Suzy finished the vacuuming and began dusting, when Marlene and Ann-Marie came in and carried the bags in with them.

“Suzy, be a dear and help Ann-Marie put the groceries away.”

Suzy put the cloth and dusting spray down and helped empty the bags of food, while Marlene went and checked herself in the mirror, then inspected the bathroom and bedroom, before coming back out.

“Nice job on the cleaning, Suzy.”

“Thanks.”

Suzy and Ann-Marie finished putting everything away and then folded the bags and tucked them under the counter. They came and stood in front of her, as she sat on the couch.

“That's a big job done, thank you girls. Ann-Marie you've been a big help and you can have the rest of the day off to enjoy. Suzy, I need to ask you a few things, if you wouldn't mind staying.”

Ann-Marie hesitated in going, glancing at Suzy and then to Marlene, a small hope in Marlene wanting her to stay and enjoy some intimate activities with her. When Marlene shooed her off with her hand, Ann-Marie almost looked dejected, as she turned and left the room and walked outside. Marlene motioned for Suzy to come forward and then placed her hands on her hips, pressuring her to turn. She complied and Marlene took the balled up panties out of Suzy's back pocket. She held them up between them, so both could see what she had. Marlene looked up at Suzy, giving her a quizzical look.

“Where did you get you these?”

“Under the bed. The vacuum got them.”

“Pretty, aren't they?”

Suzy looked at Marlene as she held them out to her, then she balled them in her hands and held them to her nose. Suzy could see she breathed in deeply, inhaling the scent of the panties.

“She smells divine, doesn't she?”

Suzy was at a loss for words to respond.

“Oh come now. Ann-Marie has told me all about you two.”

That put Suzy off guard, her secrets being exposed and Marlene confronting her with them.

“It's okay. She told me how you two had a little experimentation happen, on the way to do laundry. She said you enjoyed it quite a lot, from what she remembers. Did you?”

Suzy began shaking and sweating from nervousness. One side of her was still denying the truth, while the other was screaming to admit it, as she looked at Marlene, waiting for her answer. With the cat out of the bag, she had no chance of denying anything and a wonder, to how much her friend divulged about them. She looked at the floor and nodded her head, waiting to see what came next, after her soul was laid bare to her.

“Sit Suzy, right here, beside me.”

Marlene took hold of Suzy's hand and pulled her forward, while her other patted the space beside her. Suzy turned and sat, continuing to stare at the floor in front of her, while Marlene slipped an arm around the back and then let it come down and rest over her shoulders.

“Don't feel so bad. There's nothing wrong with being happy, is there?”

Suzy shook her head, fidgeting nervously with her hands. Marlene smiled wickedly, enjoying the play with her, even though she knew she was caught already.

“So being happy, doing what you were doing with Ann-Marie, couldn't be bad then, if it made you both feel happy.”

“No, I guess not.”

Suzy's words were barely more than a squeak, hardly any effort used in voicing them.

“So there's no need to be feeling the way you do. Look at you. You're shaking and flushed, poor thing.”

Marlene used her hand to tuck Suzy's hair behind her ear, so she could see her face better. Marlene could see the turmoil roiling in her, knowing she wasn't going to flee the scene, but undecided on what to do about her situation. Feeling she had toyed with her enough, she finished landing her catch and caught her in the net.

“Ann-Marie tells me, you'd like to share my bed like she did. She says you want me to do the same things to you, that I did to her. I'd like to do that very much, if you want me to?”

Suzy turned to her, her face a borderline of emotion in conflict. She looked in Marlene's eyes and felt herself losing any hope of saying no. It took all her effort to move, but her head found the energy to move up and down, making Marlene smile in triumph. She got up and took Suzy's hand, urging her to stand. Slowly, Suzy stood up and on shaking legs, waited to see what happened. Marlene put her hands on the side of her face and softly pulled her to her. Suzy knew what was expected of her and closed her eyes, as she felt the softness of Marlene's lips press against hers.

There was nothing in the world more important at that moment, than the ride. Five strong, the bikes obliterated the calm silence of the country air, as they rode whatever road seemed the direction to go. JT felt the energy of it, the collection of human and mechanical power joining together behind him. He felt it every time he twisted the throttle, or let it off, the response always the same coming from behind. It was more than what he imagined, riding at the head of a club, the fate and lives of the men behind him, all depending on his ability to not only ride, but to lead responsibly and take them home again.

Every mile brought a greater realization of himself and his club. Who he was, who every member was, what every part of the club was and how it was their lives, as one entity. Everything coursed through his veins, became a part of him, became what defined him as a man. The Sons of Anarchy was a living, breathing being, one that could only exist, with the spirits of every member giving their all to its life.

Suzy looked at the thick patch of red hair, the sliver of rich pink bared open, awash with her saliva and the juices of her efforts. She felt her own heated core become abandoned, as Marlene moved from her position on top of her. She lay there looking at the ceiling, wiping around her mouth, as Marlene moved around and lay beside her. She turned her head to her and kissed her, removing any traces of herself, then tongued her deeply. Suzy responded in kind and wrapped her arms around her neck and shoulders. Marlene's hand went between her legs and Suzy knew it came away wet, feeling the slickness being moved around. Marlene's fingers came to her mouth and she tasted herself, savouring her own sexual earthiness. Marlene doted on her, keeping the arousal level up in her, knowing the initiation to her awakening, wasn't over yet.

Ann-Marie sat in her room, listening to the radio, but not paying any attention to what was on. Her mind was focused on what was happening to her friend and if she was doing things that Marlene had done to her. It had been an hour since she left and Suzy hadn't come out yet, so she decided to go and see for herself. She left her unit and looked about for other guests, as she walked to the office. The 'Closed, Back in one hour sign' was up, but the door wasn't locked. She quietly opened it and went in, listening for any sounds. She crept back to the living quarters and peeked around the doorway into the living room and no one was there. She listened and caught the sound of soft moans and wet, sucking sounds, then made her way towards the bedroom and inched her head to the side to look in.

Marlene had Suzy's legs up to her chest, her fingers stroking her deeply, her tongue lavishing attention to the exposed orb of intense pleasure. Ann-Marie moved quietly and stood, so she could see the whole scene and felt the pangs of want hit her, as well as the ache of envy. She had no idea she did it, but her sigh gave her away and Marlene stopped and turned her head to look at her. Her smile grew wide, seeing the desire in Ann-Marie's eyes and left Suzy on the bed, as she rose and stood with her. She closed the door and brought her to the bed and looked at Suzy, still holding her knees up. With little need for seduction, she undid the buttons on her vest and bared her breasts and then undid her jeans and unzipped them. Standing naked, Ann-Marie waited for Marlene to make the next move. Sensing that in her, she took her hand and led her onto the bed between Suzy's leg's, bringing their faces together and resting them on Suzy's thighs. The loudness of Suzy's gasp, could have been heard in the front office, if ears were listening.

Miles of black freedom lay behind them and countless more lay ahead. Feeling the engines needed a chance to cool off, he found a glade of trees and rode the short distance across the field to them, parking in the cool of the shade. With the bikes shut down, the peacefulness of the area was upon them, Little more noise than the breeze in the trees and the odd bird chirping, was all they could hear, after a steady roll of thunder in their ears.

“Wow, man. What a great ride so far. I love doing this.”

“What's that, Lenny?”

“Riding as a club, JT. You guys know what I mean, right? Otto, you were at the back, how did it look to you, seeing everyone riding like one.”

“Loved it, Otto. You're right, you know. We all do move as one. I see JT do something up at the front and then all of us are doing the exact same move as him. I was riding back there and thinking how cool it's going to look when we all have our cuts and patches on.”

That had everyone thinking on that subject and talk turned to where they could have the patches made. Lenny said a place in Stockton made them for sports teams, so they could make them. JT took his jean jacket off and pulled his small knife from the sheath on his belt. He cut through the threads holding the sleeves on and removed them, turning his jacket into his cut. He looked at his bare arms and smirked.

“I am going to fucking burn and look like a lobster, by the time we get back, but who the fuck cares.”

The guys cheered him and then Piney did the same to his jacket and removed the sleeves. JT, Piney and Otto stood and Otto turned to show the design of their logo. JT pointed out how their cuts would look on the back and front.

“I say we get some money and get patched as soon as we can. Have a party at the clubhouse and celebrate it, like really big, you know. Have a big bonfire and shit, wouldn't it be totally fucked up, if we could get fireworks.”

“I can see Wayne Unser and the rest of Charming police coming through the gate, the fire department right after them, putting out the bonfire that's out of control and the fire that started on the garage, from a missile going off on it, How's that for big?”

“Fuck Piney, don't be such a killjoy. Yeah, I agree, things can't get out of hand, but it's just us guys, we're talking about. Come on, look. Do these guys look like they would let that happen to the clubhouse and burn down Jake's garage?”

Piney couldn't keep a straight face any longer than a few seconds and burst out laughing.

“Fucking yeah, JT. Every one of those faces has trouble written on it. Look at mine, do I look like I wouldn't let it all hang out on an event like that? I love to party, so do you, so who's minding the zoo?”

JT knew where Piney was coming from, knowing full well they would let things get out of hand during such an event. With no one keeping the insanity under control, how wild would they get? The first time wearing civvies, after the olive drab, they went on a four day bender and ended up in jail on drunk and disorderly charges, as well as assault and resisting arrest. The judge went light on them, taking into consideration the end of tours and medals they told them of and swore to present if required, against the locals who picked the fight, because they were against Vietnam vets, giving them a suspended sentence as a result.

“So what do you suggest? Have a chaperone at the party?”

Piney gave a little thought to JT's snide response and replied.

“Sure. Who better than Jake? He knows we'll drink and smoke pot. He knows it's all about the club and don't forget, it's his fucking property we're on. I'd say he's the best choice to keep some order to it all.”

No one seemed to find anything to oppose Piney's logic.

“VP Piney Winston, the sanest asshole amongst us. Let's hear it for Piney.”

They agreed with JT and cheered him, knowing they could get crazy, with a conscience. The cool down over and cigarettes put out, bikes were started and once again, the tight riding of the club as a whole, took to the road and owned the asphalt they touched. JT felt the sun on his arms and smiled, the warmth heating his skin, while the cool air cooled it down. He knew he'd pay with a burn by the time they got back, but how trivial a thing to have happen, when the sensation of the energy was incredible.

That same energy was felt by everyone, the road heading back, as unknown as the road that got them there. Just a general direction and familiar scenes would soon let them know that they were coming home. Home to a place of brotherhood, where every man was a son.