Page 45 of Steamy Nights

His mind raced to Grace, the house, the stuff he had to do to close up his place, the Garage, all the things. But, he didn't feel overwhelmed. He felt excited.

A motorcycle pulled into the driveway, then a second one. The bikers got off their bikes and strutted toward Sid. He stood and waited for them to approach. The first man, who reminded him of Grizzly Adams - full beard in need of a trim, long hair, in need of a wash, burly build covered in tattoos and leather. That part wasn't Grizzly Adams, but the rest of him was.

"You the owner?"

"Yep."

"That so?"

"Yep."

"I hear you won't work for us exclusively."

"That's correct."

"Why not?"

"Because this garage has been part of this town for more than seventy years. It's a staple for the local townspeople and farmers. I'm not turning anyone away because I have to be exclusive to you or anyone else."

"I can burn this place to the ground."

"I can rebuild it."

They stared at each other for some time. He refused to back down. These assholes needed to be taught a lesson. They'd do it legally first, then if need be, he'd do it physically. They weren't going to ruin his new little slice of heaven.

"We'll be back."

Sid nodded but said nothing more. He waited where he was, staring at them as they prepared to leave; they backed their bikes out of the driveway and onto the street. As soon as they took off, he pulled his phone from his back pocket and called Grace.

"Hi," she cheerfully greeted.

"Hi, yourself."

"What's up?"

"Two bikers just came here to intimidate me. I'm warning you they may be coming down by you, I saw them turn that way."

"Yes, I hear them now." She took a deep breath and whooshed it from her lungs.

"Do you need me to come down there?"

"They've stopped and are speaking with the biker watching my place today."

He took a deep breath and started walking toward the footpath that led across Jace's place. "Grace. Do you need me to come there?"

"I...um...I'll just make sure all the doors and windows are locked up."

"Honey, I'm on my way. I'm taking the footpath, get ready for me at the back door."

"Sid, you don't..."

"Back door, babe."

He ended the call and began jogging. As soon as he arrived at Grace's he'd call Jace and let him know what was happening.

He knocked on the back door to Grace's place. Chiefy barked and Grace shushed her, though she barked again.

The locks clicked and he saw her face. It was nothing short of a shot in the arm. She always made him feel stronger.

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