Viper's Run(68)

“You kind of have a violent streak, do you know that?” Winter informed him. “I saw Carmen the other day and she doesn’t think Jake was the one who hurt me. She said he only confessed because of the plea he was offered.”

“He took a plea deal because he was guilty as hell. Cash is the one who tracked him into the mountains,” he said unsympathetically.

“She seemed pretty convinced, Viper.”

“I’ll talk to Cash.”

She nodded her head against his chest.

“Can we go home now? Your neighbors will probably start calling the Sheriff’s office and there is no reason to ruin his Friday night.”

Winter lifted her head. “Is that all you guys look forward to is Friday?” She teased.

“With you in my bed, it’s Friday all week.” Blushing at his compliment, she stepped away from him to get her purse and phone. They went to the door and Viper flipped off the lights, making sure the door was locked and they went to his bike. Winter kept her head lowered, embarrassed that the whole club was on her doorstep.

Winter climbed on the huge bike behind Viper and two by two they pulled out with Viper in the lead and Razer bringing up the rear. She tightened her arms around his waist and leaned her head on his back as they flew through the night.



***



Winter folded the clothes and put the laundry basket on the table in the laundry room for the members to come and get their clothes. She was humming as she put the clothes in the dryer.

“There is someone here to see you.”

Winter turned in surprise to see Viper standing in the doorway.

Winter was surprised. No one had visited her since her return. “Who is it?”

“Don’t know. She said you had an appointment with her this morning and you missed it.” He looked at her quizzically.

“Damn, it must be my lawyer from the teacher’s union  . I had an appointment with her last week and canceled it. I forgot we had rescheduled it for today.” Angry with herself for forgetting such an important appointment, she hurried upstairs leaving Viper to his workout.

The lawyer was waiting for her in the front room. The woman was immaculate in a dress suit, just the way she used to dress for school. Winter didn’t miss that aspect of her job.

The woman extended her hand. “Ms. Simmons?” She was tall, and curvy, making Winter feel small beside her.

“Yes. Ms. Richards? I want to apologize for missing our meeting this morning.”

The woman smiled. “I should have called yesterday and confirmed the appointment. Let’s both admit we’re to blame and move on from there. Is there someplace we can sit and talk?”

Winter bit her lip. She didn’t want to take her upstairs to her and Viper’s room, which left only one place.

“Would the couch by the window be okay?” Winter pointed to a couch with a side table. It was at the end of the room so that if any of the members came in, they wouldn’t be able to hear their discussion.

“That would be fine.” Winter was nervous. None of members were working since Friday was their off day. With any luck, their meeting would be quick. Both women sat on the couch and Winter watched as Ms. Richards placed her briefcase between them.

“I requested your work record from the superintendent’s office and I was happy to see that during your employment you were an exemplary employee. That is going to help our case. I understand that they wanted you to resign and you refused.”

Winter explained about her attack and the following months of her recuperation. She didn’t hold back any information, well aware of how dirty some of these cases could become.

“Are you fully recovered?” Ms. Richards kept her face impassive throughout her explanation.

“Not fully. I still have several issues with my leg and back, but nothing that would prevent me from doing my job.”

“So, there aren’t any physical issues that would hinder you from moving back into your home?” She asked.

“No.” Winter refused to look away. “This is my home now. It will not affect how I do my job. I haven’t committed a crime. The school board might not approve of my living arrangements, but I do know that I haven’t been convicted of any crime.”

The lawyer nodded her head as she studied the paperwork. “I think we may be able to get your job back. Worst case scenario is they let you go with a damaging reference. I am going to try to set a date for a meeting with the school board as soon as possible, but they are going to try and delay it. I really don’t see you returning to school this year.”

“I expected that,” Winter acknowledged.

“I’ll call and make another appointment to go over a few other things after I hear back from the school’s attorney.”