Page 66 of Joey

Joey’s body didn’t relax. “Hey, Grey. How’re things?”

“Yeah, not bad.” His voice was less than convincing. “I’m sorry to call, especially as we agreed for me to contact Ethan, but… I’m not sure what to do, Joey.”

“Give me a minute, Grey.” Joey spied a layby and pulled into it, giving him a few much-needed seconds to gather his concerned façade so he could figure out if Grey was telling the truth or not. “Right, talk to me. What’s wrong?”

“I don’t know. Robert’s acting strange. He’s been around here more than usual. As if he’s checking up on me.”

“Has he said anything?”

“Nothing unusual.” Grey sighed. “I’m probably overreacting. I’m just so…” He didn’t finish, but Joey heard the exhale.

“Just carry on as normal, Grey.” He purposefully didn’t mention that the police were still investigating. “Don’t do anything that might spark his interest.”

“I think something already has. What if he’s gearing up to bring me into whatever he’s involved in? Elliott didn’t want that, but how can I stop it?”

“Stand your ground. If you stick up for yourself, it’ll be harder for him to wear you down.”

Joey wanted to ask why Grey hadn’t told them he’d been at the party, but he didn’t want to tip the guy off if he was playing them. He needed to keep pretending that he believed everything Grey said, even though his belief was tenuous at best at that moment.

“Okay. Thanks. Sorry to have bothered you.”

“Not at all. Call anytime. Oh, have you made the tattoo appointment yet?”

“No. I’m working up the courage.”

Joey forced a chuckle. “It hurts more in your head than in reality.”

“Probably.” Grey huffed. “Where are you headed?”

Joey frowned. “Sorry?”

“I can hear the engine.” He paused. “Sorry, it’s none of my business.”

Joey cleared his throat. “I’m in Bath. I have an appointment.”

“Oh, nice town, I’m told.” He sighed. “I’m going to go. Thanks, Joey.”

“You’re welcome.”

The call ended, and Joey stared out of the windscreen, thinking over their conversation. Something niggled at him, but he couldn’t figure out what it was. Shaking his head, he started back off, heading for his client, a rough-and-ready motorcycle club member who didn’t venture far from his hometown. Joey had been tattooing him for years. There wasn’t much skin left to decorate.

When he arrived, he sent a message to Ethan, letting him know he’d arrived and to remind him to stop and eat along the way.

“Joey!” Ryker said, clasping his hand and bringing him in for a back-slapping hug.

“Hey, Ryker. How’re things?”

Ryker grinned, his gold teeth gleaming in the sunlight. “Ah, same old, same old. Old being the operative word here. My bones creak a little more, but my bike stays true and pure.”

Joey chuckled. “That’s all that matters then.”

Ryker led the way to his study, his burly body leading him to a room Joey had been in many times, and Joey started setting up as Ryker brought him up to speed on his news.

“I’m sorry to hear about Elliott.”

Joey paused and flared his nostrils, trying to reign in his emotions. Elliott had joined him on this particular visit a few times. “Thanks.”

“He was such a bright light in this world. He’ll be sorely missed. Even here.”

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