One Ride (The Hellions Ride) by Chelsea Camaron Page A

Amy.  She obviously didn’t use the card.  Maybe I misread her plea for help. 
    All the way to work, I’ve been thinking of the situation with Felix.  The domino effect this would have on the Hellions business would not be good.  I don’t know how much money he spends for our transport and storage.  What I do know is my dad and his boys.  The minute I tell him Delatorre showed up at my doorstep, business ties will be severed.  That’s the least of what concerns me.  My dad going off the deep end, feeling that I am in some way threatened, that concerns me.   He and the other Hellions walk a fine line.  One wrong move, people are going to federal prison, not just an over nighter at the county jail.  Having a client dispute would run the risk of blowing the whole transport business wide open.
    Gathering my resolve, I make the only decision there is to make.  Keep my mouth shut.  From now on, I’ll keep close to Hellion grounds, try not to be alone, and keep focused on everything surrounding me.  As much as my dad would make this problem go away for me, it’s not good for the Hellions as a whole. 
    Even as a female, I know the club comes first.  That’s the first rule of being an ol’ lady: understanding the club is always priority one.  I’m no one’s ol’ lady, but I keep the club focus as my first priority.  There are more things to consider than my own insecurity here.  In time, I’m sure Felix Delatorre will tire of whatever cat and mouse game he’s attempting to play and move on.  People depend on the Hellions for a lot.  I won’t risk the security of the club, as a whole, for my own dumb decision to help a stranger.  Who knows, Amy might’ve been high that day.  It could’ve been a test against the Hellions and how much we’ll be involved in Felix’s business and personal life.  Either way, it was my mistake to reach out to her and it’s my mistake to face alone. 
    Settling in at work, I’m busy catching up on messages from the weekend.  The door chimes, alerting me that someone has entered.  Once again, Amy is almost pushed ahead of Felix Delatorre.  The one person I want to not exist in my little bubble of the world is back in my very office.  Damn it.  The fresh bruises across Amy’s face are clearly evident now.  I no longer question what I saw on her before.  Her lip is swollen and cut like its healing from a recent altercation.  She’s in a mess, but what, if anything, can I possibly do?  What kind of man is Felix Delatorre to prance her around in public looking like this?  The abuse is obvious.  Is he not concerned with the ramifications of such behaviors?  Is he big enough that he truly feels above the law?
    “Hello, Delilah.”  He snarls.  Clearly, he’s not happy about something.  The foreboding feeling that shit is about to hit the fan engulfs me.
    “Mr. Delatorre, what can I do for you?”  I ask making sure to steady my voice to cold indifference.  Never let anyone see you are affected or vulnerable.  Weakness is like love, hold it close to your heart and only show it to those who will protect and cherish it.
    “Where is your father?”
    Before I can answer, my dad emerges from his office.  He must have been watching the camera monitors in his office. 
    “Delatorre, what do you want?”
    Felix leaves Amy standing off to the side as he approaches me.  He’s now standing to my right, inside my bubble.  He’s too close for comfort.  His arrogance and irritability is coming off him in waves.
    “My shipment seems to have taken a detour, Mr. Reklinger.  I’m here to ensure that everything is on schedule.”
    “And what exactly does your presence in my office do for your transport?  Riddle me that, Delatorre?”
    “I have men following each vehicle.  My presence here is only brief to make sure my message is clear.”  He steps closer to me, bringing the back of his hand up to stroke my cheek.  I back away.  “Tsk, Tsk, Delilah,