Page 3 of Elling & Jackie

Stepping out of Dinah's way as she carried drinks from the bar out into the room, he caught sight of Roar sitting at the counter. He stepped over and took the empty stool beside the president of Slag.

He took in Roar's unbraided hair and loose beard. Normally, he kept everything tight in case he needed to ride.

"Campbell all tucked in?" Roar reached over and dragged a full pitcher of beer closer.

Elling leaned over and took a mug from behind the counter and poured himself a drink. "Ja. I hung around and made sure he stayed put. Then, I got caught in the damn rain, and my Harley got waterlogged."

"Is it raining out now?" Roar half turned on the stool and looked out the one-way windows in the front of the bar.

"Just a cloud over downtown." He took a long drink. "I saw something tonight."

"Anything important?"

He shrugged and wiped the condensation off the glass with his thumb. "Damnedest thing."

"Did you see Nisse?" Roar emptied his drink

He looked twice at Roar. "How many drinks have you had tonight?"

The mythological creature, Nisse, from Nordic folklores was known to play tricks. He eyed Roar curiously. Not often lately had Roar let loose and relaxed from being on high alert. For him to bring up Nisse—who children often feared upsetting—told him exactly how far Roar was in his cups.

"Not enough." The corner of Roar's mouth lifted. "I'm off tonight. I have an hour before I walk Lizzy home, and I plan on feeling even better."

"Well before you get too far gone, hear me out." Elling inhaled deeply and second-guessed telling Roar what happened tonight.

He needed to think about what went down at the hotel and seeing the woman with the Brikken tattoo. Tomorrow, he'd have a clearer head. He probably imagined the whole thing.

Elling drained his mug, stood, and slapped Roar on the shoulder. He was calling it a night.

"Hey, are you going to tell me what's so damn important you wanted to talk?" asked Roar.

He raised his hand in farewell instead of answering and followed his steps. At the back door, he went out into the alley.

Raindrops hit his face. A fucking black cloud had followed him.

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