Page 8 of Medusa's Revenge

“Good. We will get along just fine then.” He smiles at me. “Now I’m going to get back to work. Answer the phones and help people when they come in.” He walks away to head back into the bay. I get back to the computer when the phone rings.

“Tanner’s Auto Body, Noah speaking. How can I help you?”

“I’m looking for Ruby.” The gruff voice on the other end snaps.

“Ruby’s not here this morning. If there’s anything I can help with, I can try.” The line goes dead. I write down the number and leave it for Ruby. I don’t want to overstep anything. He may be a regular customer and only wants to talk to her. Since it’s slow right now, I begin cleaning the customer waiting room at only nine in the morning, making fresh coffee, and listening for any noises.

“Wow. You’ve been busy.” TJ comes to the main room, where the counter and computer are, as I finish mopping up the floor.

”It’s been pretty quiet, so I needed to do something. I hope that’s okay.” I stare at him.

“Yeah, this is great. Did you make coffee, too?” I nod. “Thanks, man. I was about to go get some or order one.”

“I found the stuff in the office and needed a pick me up.” I shrug. “Is it always this quiet?”

“Sometimes it can be slower than others, but it’s nonstop here. I’ve been the only person working for the last three months. I average about three hours asleep a night.”

“Why did you lose your employees, if you don’t mind me asking?” We’re standing behind the counter, and no one is here.

“There’s a new body shop in town. They offered my employees twice the wages. The work they do is not up to the standards I provide. They use cheap parts and work fast, so something is always overlooked. I’ve been fixing their messes for months. I wouldn't say I like it for the customer, but I don’t offer them a discount. I can’t cheapen my work because they’d rather get a deal first, which will ultimately cost them.” He takes a sip.

“How are they still in business?” I ask, staring out the door and seeing several cars pulling in.

“They don’t allow negative reviews. I know of good authority. They’ve threatened them.” He lets out a breath. “I need you to go into the bay. These guys are here to try to shake me down.”

“Do you want me to stand beside you, having your back?” I question him, watching the men step out.

“No. I don’t want you getting into this with them. I know how to handle them. You’re an employee, and they might try to steal you.” I nod and do as he tells me. TJ walks out, and I try to listen closely to the conversation.

"Who are these guys?” I mutter to myself.

Chapter Seven

Medusa

Smitty stayed the night with me because I was still jumpy. I couldn’t get the nightmares to stay away. They were always the same: Tommy killing my siblings right in front of me before turning the gun to me. The nightmares disappeared for a while, but now they’re back with a vengeance.

“You look like shit.” Bubbles put a large coffee cup in front of me. I take a deep inhale and let out a happy sigh. “Did you have trouble sleeping?”

“Nightmares again. The note brought it all back. We must ensure we’re being vigilant when we’re out there. If Tommy isback in town, there might be bodies dropping. I know his son is supposedly running the business while he was in Miami for something, even though I don’t even know who the fuck his son is. Joker’s been doing her thing, but he’s not on birth certificates. This can only mean one of two things: the mother or mother didn’t want anyone to know who the father was because they didn’t want people to know, or he didn’t want anyone to tie his children to him. An easy way to get to someone is through their loved ones.” I lean back in my chair as I sip my coffee. It makes sense. I groan out loud. I’m so frustrated. I want this man gone off this planet for good. He needs to be pushing up daisies.

There’s a knock on the door, and Derby walks in with a smile. Her hair is piled up on her head in a messy bun. She bumps her hip into Bubbles, making them both laugh.

“Did someone get laid last night?” I raise an eyebrow, and she blushes.

“Who?” Bubbles squeals.

“I’m not telling you. It might’ve been a one night thing, or it could be something more. If it’s something more, I’ll let you know.” She smiles at me. I hope she finds someone who treats her like a Queen. “This meeting you called. Do you want to give me a heads-up?”

“Tommy DeMarco is back in town.” My voice has no emotion at all. When it comes to this, I feel numb. The thoughts running through my thoughts are nothing but revenge. I hate this man with a passion and need him dead.

“Everyone is here.” Joker pokes her head into my office. I stand, and the four of us walk toward our meeting room. Joker lets out a loud whistle, “Church time.” Church is not where we play worship music and pray to God. It is a sacred place for us, and we have rules that we all obey. Anyone who disrespects it gets kicked out of it. I’ve even bumped members down to the prospect level for their behavior in this room. The rules aresimple—no drinks, no sex, show everyone respect, even if you disagree with someone, no drugs, and no cell phones. We leave a prospect out at the door to let us know if there’s an emergency. I allow guns in here for protection in case we get attacked. We all have our permits to carry, so if the cops come calling, no one can get in trouble.

“Good morning, you beautiful people.” I smile. The women are standing around, talking and yawning.

“I wish for once you’d allow coffee in here if you’re going to demand an early morning meeting.” DaVinci whines. “I haven’t been to bed yet.” DaVinci runs our spa business but enjoys dancing on her nights off. I roll my eyes at her.

“No. Let’s sit down.” The table is long for us to have almost thirty people here. Once everyone is seated, Joker, our secretary, sits in her usual chair. She bought a gaming computer chair which is entirely pink. Everyone knows it is her chair, so we don’t mess with it because she can fuck us up. I know because she put my number on a fury website for six months. I didn’t see them dressing up as animals and rubbing up on each other. The voicemails I’d get. I shudder.

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