Page 83 of Byte

“It was the first time I did it,” I grumbled. “I’m not sure why this one was such a pain in the ass.”

“At least I know why plumbers are so expensive now,” Flint joked as we headed to the common room for lunch.

We were just finishing up when Phoenix joined us. “I spoke with Luke. He’s going to send someone to talk to Lawrence. It’ll probably be sometime tomorrow.”

“Thanks, Prez,” I said and tried to hide my disappointment, or perhaps frustration. I was tired of waiting for something to happen. I just wanted the situation to be done and over with.

“Flint, I want you to head over to Byte’s place after dinner and spend the night there with Shaker and Ranger. Check in with them and see if they want you to bring anything over before you go,” Phoenix said and got to his feet.

“Will do,” Flint replied and stood to leave with his dad.

Keegan dropped into Flint’s vacated seat and propped her chin on her hands. “Want to build a robot?”

25

FLINT

Ileft the clubhouse after dinner and headed to my apartment to grab a few things before I went to Byte’s house for the night. Thankfully, everything Shaker and Ranger requested was in their rooms at the clubhouse, saving me from driving all over town. Not that I would have minded. The driving part wasn’t the issue. I wasn’t exactly comfortable going into their homes and going through their personal belongings.

When I pulled into my designated parking space in front of my apartment, I immediately realized something was off. It took me a few moments to realize the welcome mat my mother bought when I moved out was folded over on itself like someone tripped on it. Then I saw movement through the blinds. Someone was in my apartment, and I had a pretty good idea who it was.

I pretended like I was looking through the center console for something while I quickly placed a call to Shaker instead of my dad. I knew Dad would tell me to leave or wait for the club to arrive, and I didn’t want to take a chance of this prick getting away again.

“Hey, Flint,” Shaker answered.

“I don’t have time to talk. I’m at my apartment, and I’m pretty sure Chad’s inside. If I’m right, we’ll be headed your way shortly. Be ready,” I said and ended the call before he could utter a single word.

I took in a deep breath and got out of my truck before I could really think about what I was doing. Then I unlocked my front door and stepped into my apartment. I was right. Chad was sitting on my couch with a pistol aimed directly at me.

I tried to play the part of an unsuspecting victim and raised my hands in front of me. “Who are you and what do you want?”

Chad snorted. “You know who I am.”

I shook my head. “No, I don’t.” And that was the truth. I had no idea who he was. None of us did.

He gave me an appraising look. “I suppose that’s true, but you know what I want.”

I wanted to roll my eyes. I wasn’t interested in playing his games, but I also didn’t want to let on how much I knew. And I didn’t want to piss him off and get shot. I was already walking a dangerous line.

“It’d be easier if you just told me,” I said carefully.

“It’d be easier if you just told me,” he said in a mocking voice.

Instead of responding, I remained silent with my hands still in the air and waited for his next move.

He huffed and walked over to where I was standing. “Turn around and put your hands behind your back. If you even think about trying anything, I’ll put a bullet in your brain.”

I did as he said and wondered if I was making a colossal mistake while I willingly let him tie my hands behind my back.

“Where are the keys to your truck?” he asked once he had my hands secured.

I wanted to tell him he should have asked for those first and checked me for weapons. Instead, I said, “In my right front pocket. It’s a fob, not keys.”

He quickly retrieved the fob and turned me toward the door. “Let’s go.”

In any other situation, I would’ve been praying one of my neighbors would see what was happening and call the police. But as I dutifully walked to my truck, I hoped no one was watching.

He tossed me into the back seat with a command to stay down and hurried around to the driver’s seat. Once he was in, he didn’t waste any time and peeled out of the parking lot with squealing wheels. He was either a total dumbass or didn’t care about attracting attention. I voted for total dumbass.

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