High-Sided: An Armed & Dangerous Novel Read online

  I leaned my head on Logan’s shoulder. “Think we can grill steaks tonight?” My stomach growled and he chuckled.

  “Sounds good, baby.” He was always the best at grilling. I hadn’t met a man other than him who could master the art of grilling, not even my father or Sean. “We ready to go?”

  “Yep, let’s get out of here.”

  We hopped on our bikes and I started to put on my helmet, but then stopped when I saw Madison’s face. Her eyes narrowed at the crowd of people, then changed to a look of horror. “No,” she breathed.

  I stared at her, then at Logan, who also had a strange expression on his. “What’s going on?”

  When I turned to focus on the crowd, I saw him; it was the rider who tried to run Logan off the track during tryouts. Micah Perry. “Maddie, please tell me that’s not the guy you’re seeing.”

  She swallowed hard. “I don’t understand what he’s doing here.”

  I did. Obviously, he didn’t tell her who he was. What made it worse was, he was hanging out with the Hendrix crew, laughing and carrying on like he was their best friend. But when he saw Madison sitting on Logan’s bike, his smile faded and his attention landed on Logan.

  “This isn’t good,” I whispered. Madison wasn’t there during tryouts, so she didn’t see what went down between the two of them, nor had I told her.

  “What’s going on?” she asked.

  Logan jumped off his bike and Micah stormed across the lot.

  “I don’t know, but whatever it is isn’t gonna be good.”

  Logan

  Out of all the people for Micah to mess around with, it had to be Madison. He never told me he was seeing her. By the look on his face, he was just as shocked to see her with me. Kassidy grabbed my arm. “Please don’t fight him, Logan.”

  “I won’t, unless he starts something.” I could handle not fighting Micah because he was my partner, but with Mark and Jacob flanking him, I couldn’t promise anything.

  “Looks like he’s with Hendrix now,” she said.

  Madison gasped. “What? He never said anything about that. I didn’t even know he rode motorcycles.” The pain was evident on her face, and I wanted to tell her that he was actually a good guy, but I couldn’t; at least, not yet. There was no choice but to break her heart. “Do you think he’s only seeing me to mess with us?”

  “Wouldn’t surprise me,” Kassidy growled.

  Micah glanced quickly at me, then focused on Madison. It was show time. “I thought you hated motorcycles,” he said to her.

  Madison crossed her arms over her chest, glaring at Mark and Jacob. “And I didn’t realize you had such poor taste in friends.”

  He snorted. “I could say the same for you.”

  “What the fuck ever,” I spat. “At least, I’m not a murderer.”

  The whole crowd gasped, including Mark and Jacob. More people closed in around us and it was just what I wanted. Micah caught on pretty fast, knowing exactly what I was doing.

  “What the hell’s going on?” Madison demanded. “How do you know him?” The pain in her voice made me cringe.

  I hated hurting her, especially since she clearly had feelings for him. I nodded toward Micah. “Your boyfriend here killed one of my friends a few years ago.”

  She stumbled back and Kassie caught her. “Oh my God.”

  Micah shook his head. “I didn’t kill him, asshole. I can’t help it he ran off the road.”

  “You were the one who ran him off!” I shouted.

  With a smirk on his face, he shrugged. “Whatever you say. The police didn’t find me accountable.”

  I scoffed. “I wonder why. I’m sure someone was paid off.”

  Kassidy tried to hold Madison back, but she jerked out of her hold. “Did you know who I was this whole time?” she demanded.

  Micah quickly glanced back and forth, from Kassidy to Madison, and realization passed across his face. He must not have known she was Kassidy’s sister. “Yep. I heard no one’s been able to get in the Bennett sisters’ pants, so I thought I’d give it a try. Came pretty close, didn’t I?” He tried to reach for her and I smacked his arm away.

  “Touch her and I’ll break your fucking arm,” I spat.

  Kassidy stepped between us, placing her hand on my chest. “Logan, don’t. He’s not worth it.” She faced Micah head on, clenching her fists at her side. “Stay away from my sister.”

  His brows lifted and he laughed, elbowing Mark in the side. “Looks like you boys were wrong. Chandler here managed to get in one of their pants. I think I chose the wrong sister.”

  I was about to push him away, but Kassidy was there first. Swinging her arm, she punched him right in the face. His head snapped to the side and Mark and Jacob backed up, holding their hands in the air. The look on Micah’s face was priceless. He wasn’t expecting Kassie to do that, and neither was I. I was impressed.

  “You’re damn right you chose wrong,” she hissed. “If you came after me, your balls would be down your throat.”

  Madison glared at him, her anger palpable, but I could see the tears in her eyes. I grabbed her arm and pulled her away. “Let’s go.”

  She pointed angrily at Micah. “You stay the hell away from me.”

  I couldn’t have asked for a better confrontation. Now everyone knew Micah’s story, and soon, it’d get around town. Hopefully, to the right people. Madison climbed on my bike and held on as we sped away from Micah and the others. Once everything was over, I had a lot of explaining to do.

  When we got back to Kassidy’s house, Madison was a wreck. She stormed inside and didn’t come out.

  “If you want to stay with her tonight, I’ll understand,” I said.

  Kassidy sighed and bit her lip. “Maybe we both could come over and hang out with you? You have a way of cheering people up.” Then she smiled. “Just let her win at cards.”

  I pulled her into my arms. “I can do that. I’ll need you to occupy her though, while I listen in on my partner’s meeting.”

  Nodding, she lifted up on her toes. “I will. We’ll be over in a bit. I want to make sure she’s okay.” She kissed me on the cheek and hurried inside. By the time I got on my bike and headed home, my phone vibrated in my back pocket. I knew exactly who it was going to be.

  “It’s about fucking time you call me back,” Micah snapped.

  I climbed in my truck and headed to the store. “I was on my bike, jackass. Now I’m on my way to the store to pick up steaks and ice cream, since I have a heartbroken girl about to show up at my house.”

  “I can’t believe this shit,” he stormed. “I knew Madison looked familiar but she never gave me her last name.”

  “Now you know. I can’t believe you didn’t recognize her from TV.”

  The line grew quiet. “She’s not the same in person. Now I don’t know what the fuck to do. She’s leaving tomorrow and she’s pissed. Not to mention, my jaw hurts like a bitch. Remind me to thank your girl when this is over.”

  I chuckled. I never thought Kassie would hit him, but she surprised us all. “I will. She’s protective of her family, mostly Madison. You’re lucky she didn’t kick you in the nuts.”

  “You’re telling me,” he said, his voice sounding defeated.

  “Dude, what’s up with you? You’ve never given a shit about the women you’ve messed with before.”

  He huffed. “Hell if I know, man. This one’s different.”

  “Exactly. She’s my girlfriend’s sister. You’re my partner and I’ve got your back, but I won’t let you mess with her head. Madison’s a good girl.”

  “I know that. Why do you think I haven’t slept with her?”

  “You haven’t?” Madison wasn’t the type of girl to sleep around, but Micah had a way with women.

  “Trust me, I wanted to.”

  “How did you two meet?” I asked.

  “I saw her at the diner down the road. She was with some of her friends. She left right before me, and we were headed in the same direction. A
deer darted out in front of her and she swerved off the road, busting up her tire. I pulled over and helped her change it.”

  “Were you in your truck?”

  “Yeah. I never told her I rode motorcycles, not since she told me how much she hated them. Imagine my surprise when she showed up riding on yours.”

  “She doesn’t hate them, she’s afraid of them. Kassie and I made her come out with us today. She did fine until we rode through the Gap.” He grew quiet. “But once the mission’s over, we’ll tell her the truth. You two can work things out.”

  He scoffed. “Doubt it. There’s no telling how long this shit’s gonna last. She’ll probably find some jackass by then.”

  “We’ll figure it out. What time do you have to be at the party tonight?”

  “Eight. I was going to meet with Hendrix and see Madison afterward. At least we gave everyone a good show today. It’s what we wanted.”

  “Yes, it is,” I said, pulling into the store parking lot. “Hey, I gotta go. Text me when you’re about to meet Brad. I’ll listen in.”

  “Will do, bro. Let’s hope he fucks up.” Let’s hope.

  “Thanks for letting me crash here,” Madison murmured sleepily. She laid her head on Kassie’s lap and closed her eyes. I’d already let her beat me in cards the entire evening, and now she was passed out drunk.

  “You’re welcome, Maddie,” I replied.

  Kassie shook her head and sighed. “Maybe I shouldn’t have given her all of that vodka.”

  I waved her off. “She needed it. Hopefully, she doesn’t pay for it tomorrow when she has to drive home.”

  She brushed the hair off Madison’s face. “She’ll be fine. I made sure she drank a lot of water. I just hate what happened today. The girl has had horrible luck with men the past few years.”

  My phone beeped; it was Micah. “I’m sure it’ll all work out.”

  Kassie glanced at my phone. “Is it him?”

  I nodded. “He’s at the Hendrix party, getting ready to meet with Brad. He wants me to listen in.”

  She looked down at Madison who was sound asleep on her lap. “I’ll stay here, so she doesn’t wake up. Let me know what’s said.”

  “I will.” Hurrying down the hall, I shut myself in my room. The wire Micah had on was connected to the government issued software on my laptop. I logged in and slid the headphones over my ears. Micah wouldn’t be able to hear me, but I could hear him. There were voices all around, along with the sound of music.

  “What if he offers you a spot on the team? You gonna take it?” I recognized the voice as Mark Danvers. I turned up the volume.

  “Don’t know,” Micah replied. “Gotta see what the big dog offers. He told me to meet him in his office.”

  “Good luck, man. We’d love to have you on the team.”

  “Thanks, bro.” The voices grew dimmer and I could hear Micah’s footsteps thumping along the floor as he walked. “What a fucking prick,” he whispered. “These people are full of shit.”

  “Yes, they are,” I replied, even though he couldn’t hear me. I heard him knock, then Brad Hendrix’s voice called out for him to enter.

  “Thanks for coming,” Brad said. “You enjoying the party?”

  Micah snorted, his voice cocky and disinterested. “It could use a bit of livening up.”

  Brad chuckled. “I’m sure it could. I’ve heard a lot about you, Micah. Seems you have a strong distaste for a particular rider on the Bennett team.”

  “That’s putting it mildly. I hate the fucker. He tried to screw up my life.”

  “I hate to hear that,” Brad stated. “I also heard you blew up the track during tryouts. We could use a guy like you on the team. I need a racer who can outmatch the Bennett riders.”

  Micah scoffed. “I was the best one out there. Chandler’s a pansy-ass bitch.”

  Brad cleared his throat. “Do you think you could put aside your differences with him and race for us? Your riding is impeccable, but I know about your attempts to thwart Chandler off the track. I can’t have you doing that if you want to be a part of my team.”

  “You want to win, right?” Micah argued. “Who cares what happens to the cocksucker.”

  “I do. It’s no secret my guys don’t get along with the Bennett team, but I refuse to be a part of anything malicious. Levi’s death was a tragedy and it’s already dampened my reputation with people thinking I was involved with it. I can’t have anything like that fall on me again.”

  “So you want me to ride clean?” The sound of disgust evident in his tone.

  “Yes. Either you ride clean for me, or you’re out. I don’t want my riders involved in any scandals.”

  The sound of a chair scraped against the floor. “Then I’m out. Sorry Hendrix, but I’m not a clean rider. Logan’s got payback coming to him for what he did to me. The fucker’s going down.”

  Brad sighed. “I have to say I’m disappointed. Feel free to show yourself out.”

  “So that’s it?” Micah growled. “You’re not gonna give me a spot on the team because of my vendetta for Chandler?”

  “That’s exactly what I’m saying. I want to win, not hurt people. Now get out.”

  A door slammed and Micah thundered away, his steps sounding angry. “Dude, what’s wrong?” Mark called out.

  “Fuck off,” Micah growled.

  The voices slowly dimmed, then I heard a door slam. Micah’s truck rumbled to life and he sighed. “Pick up your phone.”

  A few seconds later, my phone rang. “That wasn’t what I was expecting,” I said.

  “Me either. He looked appalled the whole time. The guy may be a dick, but he’s not a killer. I don’t think he’s the one we’re looking for.”

  I wasn’t there to see the look on Hendrix’s face, but I trusted Micah. “We’re back at square one.”

  “Not unless Hendrix is testing the waters,” he suggested. “I’m not saying I’m wrong in my assessment, but if he’s the one we’re looking for, maybe he has to trust me first.”

  “I don’t know, man. I’m running out of options.” I didn’t like doubting myself, and even worse, investigating the people closest to me. I’d hoped it wouldn’t come to that, but it looked like I had no choice.

  “Nah, man. We’re not running out of options. Maybe we’re looking in the wrong place.”

  “That’s what I’m afraid of.”

  “What do you want me to do? If Hendrix doesn’t approach me again, I’m done on that end.”

  I ran a hand through my hair. “Right now, hang tight and make sure you’re seen around town. If Mark and Jacob still want to hang, then do it. There’s no way you can join up with Bennett Racing after what we did.”

  “What if you need help? How am I going to do that?”

  “I don’t know, but we’ll figure it out.”

  We hung up and I shut my laptop. There were so many factors, I couldn’t pinpoint where to start. If my accident was intentional, then who would want to hurt me? And what did that person have in common with Levi and Ethan? There was a name that came to mind, but Kassie wasn’t going to like it.

  Kassidy

  I woke up and the last thing I remembered was Logan picking me up in his arms and carrying me to his bed. After taking shots with Madison, I must’ve been drunker than I thought.

  “Don’t we have to be at your dad’s for lunch?” Logan asked. I sat up and rubbed my eyes, realizing I was still in my clothes from the night before. The alarm clock said it was ten. Logan turned off the TV and pulled me into his arms, his T-shirt soft against my face. His blond hair was slightly damp and he smelled like he’d just gotten out of the shower. “I would’ve let you sleep some more, but I figured you’d need to take a shower.”

  “I can’t believe I fell asleep. I wanted to hear what happened.” I looked up at him and his face fell. “What’s wrong? Did you find out anything?”

  He nodded toward his bathroom. “Why don’t you get your shower in, then I’ll tell you.”

 
Getting up, I took off my clothes and hurried into his bathroom to take a shower. The room steamed up, so I hopped under the water. “Is Maddie still here?”

  Logan walked into the bathroom. “She left about an hour ago. I think she’s ready to leave town.”

  I wanted her to be happy, but she always picked the wrong guys to get involved with. You could look at Micah and tell he was dangerous. Which, in a way, was how I saw Logan now. He wasn’t just a motorcycle racer, but a lethal man who could actually kill someone. Once I finished with my shower, I climbed out and Logan held up a towel for me, his face an unreadable mask.

  I knew whatever it was, it wasn’t going to be good. “Just go ahead and tell me.” I followed him out of the bathroom and he sat on the bed, while I threw on a pair of clean clothes.

  Sighing, he ran his hands down his face. “Hendrix came up empty. I’m not sure he’s the one we should be investigating.”

  I gasped. “Are you serious? He’s the only one who hates my father.”

  Logan nodded. “Which makes it easier for someone to frame him. If everyone knows Brad has a beef with your dad, they’ll automatically turn the blame to him. I think it’s time we let the local PD know.”

  “Who do you think it could be? If not Brad, then who?” He bit his lip and stared at me, the look of regret evident on his face. “Tell me.”

  “I want to investigate Sean,” he admitted.

  It felt like the breath had been knocked out of my lungs. “What? No,” I growled. “He would never do anything to hurt you, Levi, or Ethan. Besides, he was with me when Levi was killed.”

  “I know, but it doesn’t mean he didn’t have an accomplice.”

  I shook my head. “This is wrong on so many levels. Sean isn’t like that.”

  Logan jumped to his feet. “You may not think so, but anything’s possible. You wouldn’t believe the fucked up shit I’ve seen, Kassie. I’ve hunted serial killers, rapists, and members of the mafia. I’ve seen innocent looking men prey on women and kids, doing ungodly things to them. I’m the one who found some of those mutilated and tortured victims. And all the while, the people closest to the killers never suspected a thing. That’s how it works in this world. You can’t trust anyone.”