Free The Last Riders - First Four Votes by Jamie Begley Page B

drink all the beer you want, but if it is water you want, nothing will quench your thirst.”
    “Don’t preach to me.”
    “I’m done," Dean said, straightening from the desk. “I’m going to pay back my debt to you. I am giving you until this weekend to take another shot at a woman I have come to care about. Beth will make me the perfect wife other than the fact that I think she fell in love with you first. The man I served with, who saved my life and was like a brother to me, would be smart enough to figure out a way to get the best of both worlds.”

6
    R azer sat his empty beer bottle down on the bar, trying not to think about Beth and Dean’s trip to Vegas tomorrow.
    “Want another?” Mick asked.
    “No, going home.”
    “Since when do you drink one beer and leave?”
    The slamming door had everyone's eyes turning towards the noise.
    Loker James came striding angrily to the bar.
    “Mick, have you seen Ton? I just got back in town this morning and when I went home, both him and the truck were gone.”
    “I haven’t seen him today.”
    “Mother-fucker! I am going to strangle him with my bare hands when I find him." The ringing of his cell phone cut off further threats of violence.
    The expression on his face had everyone unashamedly listening. Through the phone call, Loker was mostly silent; so they didn’t get many clues. However, Loker’s face turned white and his hand was shaking as he ended the conversation.
    “I found Ton.”
    Razer and Mick exchanged glances. They knew the news was bad.
    “He was in an accident. He broadsided Beth Cornett's car on Ivy Hill. They’ve both been taken to the E.R.”
    Razer's hand gripped the rail of the bar, his shaking knees were barely holding him upright where he stood.
    “How bad is she hurt?” Two sets of eyes turned to him in surprise at his reaction.
    “Don’t know. That was the only information dispatch would tell me. The sheriff told them to contact me and to have me meet him at the hospital.”
    Loker left without another word, jogging to his car. He was putting the car in gear when the passenger side door was wrenched open and Razer jumped in.
    “What the fuck are you doing?”
    “Going with you.”
    “Why?”
    “Beth.” Without further question, Loker floored the gas pedal.
    By the time Loker reached the hospital, there were six bikers that had been in the bar when Razer ran out who were now following behind. Curiosity had gotten them on their bikes to follow.
    Loker went directly to the ER with Razer close on his heels. As he entered through the sliding doors, he could already hear the commotion Ton was making in a nearby room. He was too relieved that his father was in good enough condition to be enraged with the nurse loosened the knot his gut had been twisted into.
    “Let me go, woman, I have to check on that little girl.”
    “Sir, I told you that the sheriff is checking. When he comes back in a few moments, he’ll relay the information on the girl’s condition.” Ton was trying to jump out of a wheelchair while the middle-aged nurse was unsuccessfully trying to keep him seated. “I need to check your injuries.”
    “I’m fine. They checked me out in the ambulance. It’s that poor girl who needs help.”
    “Dad,” Loker spoke, trying to get Ton’s attention.
    Ton faced his son with tears streaming from his eyes. It was a tough sight for Loker to see; his hard ass father never showed emotions that he would consider weak.
    “I know what you’re going to say, but I am not drunk, haven't had a drink all day. I was just going to the store for a pack of cigarettes. A pack of cigarettes that probably cost that girl her life. There was blood everywhere.” Ton lifted his shaking hands to cover his face. “I saw her, too. She pulled right out in front of me, but I couldn’t stop in time.”
    “Ton.” Loker tried to quiet his father, worried that he would incriminate himself.
    “No. I hurt that girl. I want you to shoot