Jackson (MC Sinners #7)

28 – Serenity

“ S eriously, what a twisted bitch,” Addison scoffs, glaring at the charm bracelet. “Is she some kind of mind game expert? Why not just confront us? This seems extreme.”

I nod in agreement. It does seem extreme for one person, but maybe that’s the point. Perhaps she wants us to feel scared and uneasy while planning her revenge. I’m not sure how she thinks she could take down an entire club, but I also don’t know who this woman is—she could have anyone backing her.

“Do you think she has another chapter supporting her?” Ciara asks, snatching the bracelet from Addison’s hand.

“No way,” Jackson shakes his head. “If they had support, Hound would have used it. He was on his own, trying to create a new club within our territory.”

“So why is she taking on an entire club by herself?” Addison questions. “That’s risky.”

“I don’t think she is,” I reply, closing my eyes as reality sinks in. “I think she’s targeting me .”

Everyone looks at me.

“An eye for an eye...” I say. “We took her man and upended her life, so she’s going to take Jackson’s woman and do the same.”

“Unbelievable,” Spike mutters. “Just when we thought we were done with the psychos. Fuck me, we must be a magnet for them.”

“Fantastic,” Addison murmurs. “A woman trying to get her twisted revenge by targeting Serenity.”

“I’m not afraid of someone who’s decided to exact revenge on me. I’ll face her,” I say, folding my arms. “I could use a good fight.”

Jackson gives me a stern look. “You won’t be facing anyone, anywhere . We’ll deal with her. Any idea who she is?”

I purse my lips. “No, I don’t remember Hound having a woman. From what I remember, he used to just spend his time with the club whores. He never had anyone special. The only person who might know is Walker.”

“Guess we’re going to see him,” Spike folds his arms.

“We can’t. The prison won’t let us in until he’s been sentenced,” Cade mentions.

“The club, or anyone?” Ciara asks.

“Club,” Cade responds.

“Then we’ll go,” I say, nodding.

Jackson gives me another look. “No offense, baby, but I’m not letting you out of my sight while this woman is on a rampage. Not after nearly losing you last time.”

I step closer to him, putting my hand on his cheek. “That’s sweet, but I’ll be fine. Addison and Ciara will come with me.”

“Ciara was with you last time you got snatched,” he reminds me.

“Hey!” Ciara protests. “I didn’t know he was going to do that.”

“You can wait outside the prison for us,” Addison suggests. “That way we’ll be safe. We need to know who this woman is. I’d like to get my life back, maybe take a vacation.”

“That would be epic,” Cade agrees. “Been so fuckin’ long since we’ve had a break from all this bullshit.”

A vacation would be nice.

“They’ll be fine, boss,” Spike assures Jackson. “We’ll wait outside and keep an eye on them.”

Jackson exhales, muttering something under his breath. “Fine, but only because I want this over with.”

I guess that’s it then. We’re going to visit Walker.

I’ve wanted to do that since he got locked up, so now’s the perfect chance.

“Are you sure you want to go back there?” Addison asks me.

I shrug. “I’m not afraid if that’s what you mean. It’ll be fine. I want to see Walker.”

“Let’s do this then,” Spike claps his hands. “You girls go in, but don't start any trouble. Just ask your questions and leave.”

“Hey,” Ciara pokes him. “We never start trouble.”

“You were kicked out of the hospital, Tom Cat. You start trouble.”

Ciara grins. “Well, it's not my fault that old biddy couldn’t handle a little laughter.”

“I think it might have been the conversation,” I giggle. “It wasn’t exactly appropriate.”

“I don’t want to know,” Jackson mutters. “Come on, let’s do this.”

Yes. Let’s.

RETURNING TO THESE walls feels surreal, almost like a bad dream. I try not to make eye contact with anyone, especially since many of the guards recognize me. The only person I want to see is Xander. I hope he's on shift because I've wanted to thank him ever since I escaped. Without his help, I wouldn’t be where I am now.

Addison glances around the brick walls with distaste. “Yuck, no wonder you didn’t like it here,” she mutters. “It smells funny.”

“Well, it isn’t a hotel,” Ciara points out.

“No kidding,” Addison retorts.

“Stop bickering, you two. You’re like a couple of old ladies,” I interject with a scoff.

We go through all the check-in processes and head to the visitor’s room. The moment I step inside, my heart twists and my stomach knots. I've only ever been in this room as a prisoner, and I hated sitting at these tables across from Jackson, unable to touch him.

Scanning the room, a smile spreads across my face when I see Xander on duty. He notices me, his eyes widening before a smile breaks out on his face as well. He approaches, stopping in front of me. “Serenity, I didn’t think I’d see you back here.”

I want to hug him, but I can’t. “I’m on the right side of the table this time,” I joke. “I’m so glad I ran into you. I wanted to thank you for everything you’ve done.”

There are cameras here, so I avoid mentioning his role in my escape. Officially, he only helped by making a statement that Hound was the one who took me. He smiles, understanding what I mean.

“You’re very welcome. Thank you, too,” he replies.

I know why he’s thanking me. The club cleared his debt and got him out of trouble. Xander finally has his life back. He also kept his job, which I’m so happy for, because he seems to do really well here, and people respect him. He deserves freedom, he’s one of the good ones.

“Is Walker doing okay in here?”

Xander nods. “He keeps to himself and stays out of trouble. He’s a good prisoner. Nobody bothers him much.”

That’s reassuring to hear. I take a seat at the table with Addison and Ciara, waiting for Walker to be brought in. After about five minutes, the prisoners are escorted through the doors, and Walker sits down, his hands cuffed. He smiles at me, looking well, which lightens my heart.

“Walker,” I say warmly, “I’m so glad you agreed to our visit.”

“I wanted to see how you were doing,” he replies, glancing at Ciara and Addison.

“This is Addison and Ciara,” I introduce, “they’re part of the club.”

Walker nods at them.

“How are you?” I ask.

“Better than I’ve been in a while. I get three meals a day, exercise, and a bed to sleep in without the weight of the world on my shoulders. I’d say that’s an improvement.”

Poor Walker. Was his life really that difficult?

“I’m glad to hear it. We’re hoping you’ll be out soon.”

He shrugs. “I’m sure it’ll be sorted out. Tell me, Serenity, why are you here? I know it’s not just to check on me.”

A wry smile crosses his face.

I press my lips together. “I do want to see you.”

He chuckles. “I know. Now tell me what’s happening.”

I laugh, I guess I’m just that obvious. “There’s a woman who has a problem with me and is stalking my house. We think she might have been important to Hound, but I can’t recall anyone. Do you know if he had a lady?”

Walker snorts. “I know exactly who it is. Her name is Gabby. She’s been with him for a long time. Met him in here, and when she got out, she stayed loyal. They had a weird, twisted romance. It would be her.”

“Is she dangerous?” Addison asks, crossing her arms.

Walker snorts again. “I mean, with a weapon, anyone can be dangerous. She’s a major addict and probably just losing it since his death. The club can handle her, no problem.”

“Do you know where we can find her?” I ask.

“Yeah, I’ll give you her address. If she doesn’t go down without a fight, threaten to have her house raided. She’ll back off. They were dealing even while he was in prison. She’s a decent enough dealer and user, and I have no doubt the police would be interested in what she’s doing. Could get her locked up easily.”

That’s useful information.

“I’m relieved to hear I’m in no real danger,” I exhale. “I didn’t need the drama.”

Walker grins. “Gabby is nothing to worry about.”

Thank goodness. Now we just need to deal with her, and we can put all this behind us.

“Walker,” I say, as Xander announces there’s one minute left. “Is Mama still in here?”

Walker nods. “Yeah, she is.”

“When you see her, will you tell her thank you? She really helped me.”

He smiles as he stands. “I’ll tell her.”

“Thank you. And Walker,” I call as he heads towards the door.

He looks back at me.

“See you soon.”