WRECKED: CHOSEN FEW MC - BOOK TWO: OUTLAW BIKER/ALPHA ROMANCE (9 page)

“Are you Miss Wilford?”

She turned to face the gigantic man who’d called to her. Brian stood behind him looking at her as if he wished he was anywhere else. She remembered his father’s name, Malcolm Innes. “Mr. Innes?”

“Damn right I am.”

Brian turned away, facing the wall as if he couldn’t bear to watch what was going on. “You seem angry. What happened?”

He waved a book at her. “This is what happened. This book you assigned the kids to read.” She recognized it as one on the reading list for civics class. Students picked books off the list. “It’s a lot of crap about how transparent our democratic government is.”

“And?”

“It’s total bullshit and typical of the things you people are filling the kids’ heads with. Brian is supposed to write a paper on this book and, like any good parent, I get curious about what he is studying. So I read it too and it’s baseless propaganda, not civics. There are a lot of us onto the lies.”

Seeing he was working himself up into a rage, she forced her voice to be calm. “What lies, Mr. Innes?”

“Starting with what’s in this book, that the government will own up to the things it does. The experiments the government does on its own people are well documented and I’m sure smart people like you know all about the psych experiments that the Feds pretend don’t happen.”

“Why would we want to do that?”

He laughed. “Okay, you want to pretend that the elite aren’t forming a world government? Fine. But even you can’t deny they spy on us so they can discredit intelligent people who have met them.”

“Met whom?”

“The aliens. The creatures our government wants to pretend don’t exist.”

“Mr. Innes, I think you should be talking to someone from the government about this.”

“You think we don’t try? You think we don’t send letters, and petitions, and ask questions at public meetings. But it’s all classified. They can’t talk openly or even privately about any of it. And then you teachers make it worse by teaching this crap science that says we are the only intelligent life forms. Anyone who does serious research gets crucified.”

“The school board chooses books that present what are the accepted scientific facts, Mr. Innes. We teach what is known or believed to be true by a broad spectrum of reputable scientists.”

The man’s face turned purple. “Reputable! Sure, you call anyone left standing reputable after discrediting anyone who thinks differently. Then you use that to promote the ideas of the chosen ones willing to play along with the damn intrusive government—an organization that runs on fake money.”

Seeing Brian cringe, Melanie looked for a way to calm his father down. Arguing with him wasn’t going to go anywhere. “I’m sure there is room for discussion, Mr. Innes. But this is sixth grade, and we teach simple, rather basic science.”

“Including the evolution of man from the apes.”

“Creationism is presented as well.”

“And the real story, that we are descended from aliens, isn’t even mentioned.”

She saw he was serious. Clearly discussion wasn’t going to work. “Well, I respect your beliefs, Mr. Innes, but I don’t choose the books or set what the students study. You need to talk to the school board.”

“Those bastards don’t listen to anyone. They don’t care what toxic ideas the government feeds our children. You’re supposed to be concerned about the children.”

“I am concerned about the children. Very much so. But you coming to me and saying the books are wrong doesn’t do anything. You need to itemize your concerns, put them in writing. Then, if you approach them reasonably, they will consider what you have to say. Have you suggested any alternative textbooks?”

“The textbook publishers cave into the government like everyone else.”

Behind her, Melanie heard the roar of a motorcycle. Curious, she glanced back and saw Greg pull up. Carly hopped off and ran toward the classroom at full tilt. “I forgot my homework. I have to get it so Uncle Greg will let me help change the bearings on a flathead.” With that cryptic message, she darted between Melanie and Brian’s father, slowing to grin at Brian. “Hey, Brian,” she called as she disappeared into the classroom.

“What do you want from me right now?” she asked him.

Malcolm Innes was waving his book. “Brian said you wanted to talk about new ideas, discuss them with him. I came here to show him that you don’t have an open mind at all. Clearly, all you are interested in is finding out how to counter the truth, to poison his mind. And I know the game.”

“Game? What game?”

“You pretend that you want to discuss things with him, but really all you want to do is find out what I’m teaching him, the lies I am exposing. You want to use your fake logic, fake facts to make him believe this party line—the government-approved, sanitized truth. You want to convert my child, a twelve-year-old boy, and use him to find out what I’m reading, what I’m thinking. To spy on us!”

“Whoa,” a deep voice said. Melanie turned to see Greg standing behind her. “Can we take a time out here?”

Malcolm turned on him. “Who the fuck are you?”

Greg moved closer, stepping around Melanie, smoothly putting himself between her and Innes. He made the move seem casual, just a man getting close enough to talk to another man. Then he looked up at Innes and held up his hands, holding them shoulder high, palms open. “Calm down, dude. I’m just a guy asking you to remember where you are—to cool your jets around the kids.”

“What are you—”

Just then Carly burst out of the classroom clutching a folder. “It seems that I’m waiting on a kid who is getting her homework. I can’t take her home without her homework. And this has nothing to do with whatever is bugging you.”

Melanie could see that Innes was quivering, ready to explode.

Carly came to stand next to Brian, putting her hand reassuringly on his shoulder. “What’s happening, Uncle Greg?”

Keeping his eyes fixed on Malcolm, Greg gave a disarming shrug. “It seems that this gentleman came by the school for a little chat and got a little heated. I think we’ve opened a dialog here, but Carly, I’d appreciate it if you’d wait for me by the bike. You can show off to your friends but you’re responsible if any of them drools on it or anything.”

She laughed. “Sure. Come check out the bike, Brian.”

“He stays here.” Innes was growling.

Greg watched Carly run back to the bike. When she was out of reach, he turned back to Innes. “You seem upset.”

“I am. I’m sick and tired of you people and your lies.”

Melanie looked over at Greg. “This is Malcolm Innes—Brian’s father. Mr. Innes, this is Greg Jones, Carly’s uncle.”

“Another pawn of the system.”

Greg smiled at Brian who relaxed a bit. “Hi, Brian. You’re Carly’s pal, right?”

He nodded.

“I’m just a mechanic,” he said. “A mechanic who has a niece in this school. A guy who doesn’t like it when people act out in front of the kids.”

Innes laughed. “That’s what you say.” He looked Greg over. “It’s a nice cover, isn’t it? A simple mechanic. A biker. And you just happen to be here so you can try to stop the truth from coming out. I don’t know what department you are with, but it’s pretty obvious your real job is to control people who know what’s happening.”

Greg’s laugh exploded. “Control people? I don’t control anyone, dude. Sure, when Carly is with me she’s expected to do what she’s told, but that’s the extent of it. And my specialty in life has always been on the side of misbehaving. You think the government isn’t your friend? You’ll get no argument from me. We have not always seen eye to eye, the law and me.”

“Then why are you interfering?”

“Because when I see a big guy like you with rage coloring his face, his neck muscles tight, see him threatening a nice lady, I feel a compulsion to try and point out he’s being a bully. I have a compelling need to make the point that people should be respected, especially teachers. And I like to do it in a way that can’t be ignored. Even pawns of the system have feelings and we act on them.”

“I didn’t threaten anyone.”

“You didn’t utter threats, perhaps, but your body language speaks loudly. You have to admit, you have a lot of rage. If you are trying to make some kind of political statement, feel a need to spout off whatever truth that has put a bug up your…” he smiled at Brian, “…whatever truth you think needs to come out, well that’s cool with me. As far as I’m concerned, you are free to express any old opinion you like, as long as you watch your language around the children and don’t try to intimidate people I admire.”

“What’s going on here?”

Melanie saw Donna Turnbull standing to one side. She looked upset. Behind her, Mr. Affir shifted uncomfortably on his feet. He looked ready to run.

“I don’t think we have a problem, Mrs. Turnbull. This is Mr. Innes, Brian’s father, and he was making some points about the textbooks we use being inappropriate or biased. He feels strongly about it.”

“I am the principal at this school, sir, and I can assure you that all the books are perfectly acceptable,” she said sounding indignant. “They are selected by state-appointed experts.”

“Acceptable to you, maybe.” He turned to Greg. “She’s another one,” he muttered. “She follows the party line to the limit.”

Donna looked up at him. “I remember you. You came to a school board meeting a couple of years ago.” She looked at Melanie. “He showed up and started shouting at people. He had to be ejected from the meeting.”

“I only shouted because they wouldn’t fucking listen,” Innes muttered darkly.

“Language, Mr. Innes,” Donna said sternly, moving closer and looking up at Innes’s face. “I remember things differently. As I recall, they did listen, but didn’t agree with you, and you weren’t willing to accept that.” Melanie had to admire the way she was stepping up, even though she was clearly certain she was about to be killed. Coming between an irate parent and a biker had to be a new experience for her. “As this… as I overheard Mr. Jones say, you are entirely free to express opinions, in fact we encourage that, but not when it interferes with the operation of the school. We are supposed to be supervising the children now, not engaging in political debate. There are forums, times and place for exactly that. And I encourage you to avail yourself of them. You should come for a parent teacher conference. Even then, however, if you can’t discuss things calmly, and without resorting to profanity, I’ll be forced to have you removed from the school grounds.”

“It’s a public school. My money pays your salary.”

“I’m paid to keep order and protect the children. Your anger upsets the children. They don’t understand what you are angry about. And your choice of vulgar words is simply not allowed.”

Innes looked about as if he expected the police to arrive at any minute. “You are doing everything to indoctrinate the children with lies, not protect them. They should hear the truth.”

Donna stood her ground. “I think you’d better go, Mr. Innes. I’ve told you, this isn’t an appropriate discussion for the schoolyard. If you wish to discuss this matter, please make an appointment with my office or one of the teachers.”

“What if I don’t leave? Are you going to force me?”

“Actually, yes. If I must, I will call the police. If you refuse them, they will arrest you and call Child Protection Services to ensure your son is taken care of.”

“Oh I don’t think that will be necessary,” Greg said calmly.

“No?” Donna looked at him closely for the first time.

“If he doesn’t leave peacefully, I’ll toss him off the school grounds myself.”

“Are you threatening me?” Innes raged.

“Actually, I’m just giving you the opportunity to consider how stupid you’ll look in front of your son when a little guy like me hands you your head. I don’t really want to embarrass you, but I will if I have to. I’d be delighted to spell out for you everything that’s not right about your actions, but then I’d probably get angry and say things that children shouldn’t hear. I don’t want to have to do that as it sets a bad example, but I’m not as patient as Mrs. Turnbull clearly is, and I’m not a fan of the police. I don’t have the time to wait for them to get here either. Carly and I are supposed to be rebuilding a bike engine for a guy who makes you look like a midget and has a real temper. So we want to get on the job quickly, so I’m forced to be crude.”

“I would appreciate it if you refrained from violence.” Donna turned to the teacher behind her. “Mr. Affir, do you have your cell phone with you?”

“Yes.” His voice shook.

“If any fighting starts, please call 911 immediately.”

Ignoring Affir, Innes glared at Greg who stood there calmly, showing no sign that he was worried. Melanie could see the conflicting emotions that flashed over Innes’s face. He clearly wanted a fight, but part of him wasn’t so sure he’d win it. This biker was an unknown quantity and not afraid of him.

After a long moment, he turned away. “Fine. I’ll leave, but this isn’t the end of this,” he roared. Grabbing Brian’s arm he headed for the gate with his son glancing back at them.

Donna Turnbull let out a long breath. “Thank you for not escalating things, Mr. Jones. Under the circumstances, your show of restraint was admirable.”

“You’re welcome. I don’t approve of brawls in front of children anymore than I expect you do. And if I got into it with him, it might be difficult to convince the police I was only lending a hand.”

Donna’s eyes smiled. “Ah yes. Well I could wish you hadn’t threatened him, but the way you did it… actually, you were a great help.”

“I was glad to be of assistance. The truth is, I wish I hadn’t threatened him either, but I can’t abide bullies and I lost my temper.”

Donna’s eyes grew wide. “You certainly didn’t show it. And I’m surprised. I would think a biker would automatically resort to bullying tactics.”

Greg smiled. “I understand, we have that image. We need better public relations people. And I’m sure that a lot of ‘my clan’ would be happy to start with violence, and some clubs far more than others. And in no way are we pacifists, however if we were all as prone to resorting to hitting people as the movies portray us, there wouldn’t be many of us left.”