Claimed by the Biker Giant (Maxine and Tank) novel Chapter 254

Storm POV

Dad had the guards arrive and a three-car convoy home. I was surprised to see a car following us a few cars behind. Trying to look inconspicuous, but failing, if I could tell it was there. Think this was more than just Cloe’s Dad; it would have been impossible to leave the rink and make it behind us with all those cars leaving at the same time. There has to be more than one in this. The father, I can imagine, wants his housemaid back, but the others, and why Grams?

Once the Dad’s vehicle moved onto our land, I released a long, calming breath. I hadn’t realised how tense I had gotten. Mum wanted to get a takeaway, but after we noticed the car tailing us, we changed our minds. We can throw some snags and steaks on the BBQ or something.

Once home, Cloe wants a nap, so I left her on the lounge with strict instructions to call out if she needs anything, no climbing around. I hope that, after her failed attempt yesterday, she will be more mindful that she’s not well and needs to take it easy. I placed a glass of water

and a buzzer close to her, covered her with a blanket, and left her to sleep. Her hair was all over the place. After taking off the beanie, it was so funny, but I didn’t dare mention it. I smooth it down, hiding it with a soft kiss.

“Dad, do you think it was Skylar that tipped off Cloe’s Dad about her whereabouts? I don’t see the link between the snipper, Grams, Cloe and Cloe’s Dad.” I plonk down on the chair, my legs over the armrest, sitting sideways, relaxed and comfortable.

“Yes, I am having trouble linking it all together, as well. Something is still missing. Simon was on it; he’s in his office at the moment, making phone calls, and will meet up when he gets some answers.” Dad sounded as lost as I am. I don’t like it when things don’t match up.

“Do you have any idea how Skylar’s and Cloe’s dad know each other?” For the life of me, that connection failed me. Sylar’s not the nicest of girls, shows up at the club randomly, but too often for my liking.

“That one I can answer, Skylar’s Dad is into the show and shine scene, he has a hot rod, he displays, and often spends time with Cloe’s Dad, there are four of them that are really close. Spending time going to different shows and shines, even going interstate to compete, it’s a big thing. Like we enjoy going to ones for the bikes, but we are not that competitive, to go to the lengths that they do. Plus, we have games and fun, not just a show-and-shine. Some vehicles show and shine, they can pull in big jackpots, like hundreds of thousands of dollars, and the biggest one last year, the overall winner won half a million Dollars, big business for some.”

“That’s sick. I put my bike in for pride, no way would chase winning all time, I like the compliments, sure, but it’s the feedback on changes you’ve made or a new paint job, getting reviews on it. Do you blame the prize money? That attracts these kinds of people. For Cloe’s Dad to travel around the country, he doesn’t need money. Why did he starve and beat Cloe?” Knowing he was not short on cash makes what happened to Cloe even more tragic.

“A lot of questions, we need to go one step at a time, Son. Do you think Cloe will be up to answering questions? When she wakes up?”

“Cloe wants answers as much as we do. I reckon she would be just as eager as we are to get to the bottom of this. Yeah, she will help.” I was positive that Cloe would get involved. Dad had tried to investigate the sniper and keep Cloe out of it, but with this new development, Cloe has to get involved.

“Good. Good. Dirk has been changing the security around and getting some new training in place. He sacked three men who were too busy enjoying the party to work. There’s no excuse. In the past, those not on duty could join if they wanted, but after this incident, I have informed Dirk that no security workers will be permitted to our parties in the future. It was supposed to be family and close friends. Dirk was looking into all those who came, as they all had to sign in and show ID, even the known family. He will get the security footage and get positive proof that it was Skylar who made those changes to Cloe’s phone. Did I miss anything?” Wow, Dad never asked me that before. Was this a test?

“Links between the sniper and Cloe’s Dad, or his group, can we investigate all four of the men. Cloe said she knows them, which doesn’t surprise me. Now that you say that they go to shows and shine together, and are close, I wonder if they have been to their home and caused Cloe pain.”

“Done, Simon’s looking into the four men, we already had a team looking into the sniper, have a report coming, that has known associates, and can see if any of the four names are on it. I don’t have all four names.”

“We are having a BBQ tonight, want the chair for that?” I offered, trying to give her options, tyring to take in the advice Mum and Dad gave, which was not what I wanted.

“What happened between last night and now?” Cloe asked, frowning.

“What do you mean?” I was confused. What did we do last night? That’s different today.

“Last night you said we were girlfriend-boyfriend, and now you don’t want to carry me around?” Cloe said, deadpanned, and a little hurt twinkled in her eyes.

“No, no, not at all, you said you needed to think, I was giving you some space to think.” I defended, appalled that she thought such a thing.

“Then stop giving me the choice of being in your arms or that cold chair. I would much prefer to be in your warm arms.” Cloe winked at me, and I scooped her up and gave her a bruising kiss. I hadn’t intended to do that, but she took my breath away, and it called out to me.

“Hey, you two, get out of there, food’s almost ready,” Dad called out as he walked past the bathroom. I think he had come to find us, and find us he did. His smirk made Cloe turn red, and she hid her face in my shirt.