Torn

Chapter Two

Chapter Two

Johnnie waited patiently in the doctor’s living room, pacing up and down, worried about his friend’s life. Under any other circumstances, he would have called Brad or any other club member and let them know of what had transpired. However, he was so tense that he would not even consider pulling his phone out of his pocket. He and Sean had been best friends for well over two decades. They had grown up together in Queens and had even joined the motorcycle club together. It was at that point that he realized that perhaps Sean was right to want to leave the club. He had not taken him seriously earlier, believing that he was merely complaining about staying up late. All the same, as his friend’s life hung in the balance, he was compelled to consider leaving. Yes, being a club member had its perks. The “Brothers of Fire” were respected in Cornwall, as they protected the citizens of the small town from virtually everything and everyone. Brad’s massive workshop, where they used to repair cars and motorcycles alike was the best and the cheapest in town. But, things became much more interesting whenever the club decided to visit nearby towns. Most of the members were very popular to women; their lifestyle attracted them like metal is drawn to a magnet. Every biker wearing the black leather jacket with the large logo of a man on fire was treated like royalty. Getting one night stands was easy. That fact alone was one of the main reasons why everyone joined.

Still, along with the perks came the hardships of the life of an outlaw. Nobody was safe; not even Brad Warrick himself. There had been attempts on his life in the past; he had already cheated death twice. In both cases, he was shot in close proximity. Moreover, even though they had come to an understanding with the local police, the same could not be said about the FBI or any other federal law enforcement agencies. The “Brothers” had been under the bureau’s microscope two years earlier, but, despite their thorough investigation, the FBI had not come up with enough evidence to prosecute them. Sean had brought up leaving the motorcycle club back then as well, but Johnnie and Brad had talked him out of his decision to leave.

And, as one would expect, the two friends had been in danger quite a few times in the past. They had been shot at twice, but they had escaped with minor injuries. This time though, things were very different. Sean was fighting with his life. Not as a result of a shootout, but as a result of the explosion of their own warehouse. Up until that night, Johnnie had been feeling relatively safe. Nevertheless, seeing his friend choking to death gave him cause to revise his opinion.

“I wish you make it out of this alive, brother.” He thought to himself. “Then, you and I can discuss things. Leaving the life is not easy. I’ve seen others leave and most of them came crawling back. I don’t want to do that. If we walk out the clubhouse door, it’s forever. There’s no turning back.”

Upon hearing the sound of the bedroom door open, Johnnie stopped and waited for news about Sean with bated breath.

“Your friend got really lucky.” The doctor sighed. “I’m Susan, by the way. Susan Carter.”

“Thank you so much, Susan.” Relief flashed in his eyes, as a huge weight was lifted off his shoulders. “My name’s Johnnie Granger. Great to meet you.”

“Likewise.” She said, offering her hand for a handshake, as a polite smile spread across her face. Johnnie shook her soft, warm hand. Anxious about Sean, he had not noticed her fantastic looks, up until then. Indeed, Susan was a beautiful brunette. Her smile made his heart flutter. The feel of her hand into his palm gave him the chills.

“Now…” She started. “Would you mind telling me where your car got…” She faltered. “Blown up like that?”

“Is he awake?” Johnnie inquired, attempting to avoid the awkward conversation.

“You’re smart.” Susan remarked. “He’s sleeping. I’m going to need an answer to that.”

“You don’t want to know, doctor.” He claimed, pulling his gaze away from her face.

“I’m guessing it’s got something to do with that thing you’re wearing.” Susan pointed at his black, leather jacket. “Brothers of Fire. It’s catchy. I wonder what else it is.”

“I’ve not seen you around. You’re new here, aren’t you?” Johnnie asked, as his gaze returned to her.

“I’ll be working at St. Luke’s hospital.” Her response was sharp. “This place belonged to my grandfather. He died last year.”

“You’re local?!” Johnnie opened his eyes wide in surprise.

“That’s right, Mr. Granger.” She spoke in an emphatic tone. “Is that too hard for you to believe?”

For the first time in a while, he was having to deal with a seemingly very different kind of woman. The women that he had been socializing with would not address him like that. As a matter of fact, most of them feared him and his fellow bikers. However, such was not the case with Susan. She was oozing with confidence, maintaining eye contact with him the entire time and she did not seem intimidated at all by his biker persona.

“Doc…” He croaked. “The less you know, the better.”

“I heard that explosion.” She confessed. “I even felt it. Were you responsible?”

Johnnie’s initial thought was to deny everything. He even thought about taunting her. Still, her farmhouse was barely a mile away from the blown-out warehouse and overlooked it. Susan had to be telling the truth.

“No.” He groaned. “Somebody blew up our warehouse.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” She lowered her tone.

“Anyway, I need to wake Sean up. Thanks a lot. I owe you one, ok?” Johnnie said, brushing past her.

“You don’t owe me anything.” Susan assured. “But, if you and your friend want to thank me, you can attend the annual school fundraiser, tomorrow night.”

Her statement struck a deep chord within him. Johnnie had a soft spot for children, especially for orphans, like himself. He did not need to ask about the purpose of the fundraiser; he already knew that it was being held for the local orphanage. For six years, he had been avoiding riding anywhere near “Genie’s” cafe on December 5th, the place where the venue was always held, believing that being around orphans would most definitely bring back bad memories.

“I’ll try.” He whispered. “I can’t promise anything, but I’ll try.”