“Not much,” I admitted. “I know you guys operate like a family with some sort of structure in place.”
“We have officers of the club that have different roles and responsibilities. Carbon is our enforcer. Basically, that means he handles any interrogation type situations or anything that requires a physical resolution.”
“Go on,” I said.
“Carbon enjoys what he does. A lot. And he’s good at it. But he really does not like it when someone has upset or scared one of the ladies. It’s like it sends him into overdrive or something.”
“So he’s a big teddy bear?”
“Yes, but I will deny ever saying that.”
I laughed. “I know what you mean.”
“I’m not sure you do. I can’t think of an example right now, but let’s say Carbon was dealing with someone who wronged the club and was trying to make them talk. He’d probably throw a few punches and make a few threats. Now, let’s say someone did the same exact thing but scared one of the girls in the process. For that, he’d pluck out fingernails, maybe cut off a toe, stuff like that.”
“Okay, so he’s a crazy teddy bear,” I said.
“Exactly. And he can turn it on and off whenever he wants. You saw how he changed when he spoke to you. He’s very much in control of himself. It’s fascinating to watch.”
“Yes, I did notice the way he changed. He scared the hell out of me at first.”
“He knew he did. That’s why he let you see him …defrostis what the younger ones call it. I wonder if he knows that.”
“I think that’s the perfect way to describe it. On a different note, we have some time to kill because I do not want to go back to the office and have to explain to my boss why my appointment ended much earlier than expected. So, how do you feel about taking a really long lunch?”
“I’m at your disposal. We can do whatever you want.”
15
DICE
Iwas torn between staying with Daphne and going back to the clubhouse. I knew she would be okay with Flint. That was what he was there for after all, but that didn’t make leaving any easier.
Once I’d seen for myself that she was physically okay and didn’t seem to be too rattled from the encounter, I took off for the clubhouse, almost giddy with anticipation. After hitting multiple dead ends, we’d finally gotten our hands on someone who could give us some answers.
I walked into the clubhouse and headed straight for the basement, surprised to find it empty. Carbon and Mason left before I did, so they should have been back before me.
Hurrying upstairs, I checked the next likely place—church—but no one was in there either. A feeling of unease settled in my gut, as there was only one place left to check—the shed out back.
The lack of sound coming from the shed told me it was empty, but I opened the door and looked inside to be sure. I briefly wondered if they had gone to the farm instead, but I was sure Phoenix said to come to the clubhouse.
I pulled out my phone to call Phoenix when it rang in my hand with Ink’s name on the screen.
“Hey, man. Where is?—”
“We’re at the hospital,” Ink interrupted. “You should come up here.”
“The hospital? Why? What happened?”
“Carbon and Mason were in a car accident. They’re okay…ish. I’ll fill you in when you get here,” he said.
“I’m on my way.”
It felt like it took forever to get to the hospital. I hit every red light and repeatedly got stuck behind a slow driver. When I finally arrived, my nerves were shot.
Ink must have been watching for me because he stepped outside as I was walking through the parking lot.
“What in the hell’s going on?” I asked.