Page 63 of Dodge

Fauna. His woman. His old lady. For the longest time, he’d thought he was destined to be single for the rest of his life, but then one night in Asheville changed all that. It was a fucked-up night, but the best one ever as long as it led to Fauna in his life. Forever.

The Lair was buzzing as usual. Drinking, music, and games punctuated by smiles, laughter, and comradery. Dodge spotted Weatherman arguing with a pretty blonde woman he’d never seen before. Betsey had arrived moments before and was behind the bar. He had to remember to thank her for stepping in to help Fauna. Brick waved from his spot at the pool table. It was all good. It would be better when Fauna arrived.

Betsey opened a beer for him as he approached. “Thanks for everything. I’m sure Fauna has already talked to you.”

She smiled as she popped the top. She inhaled as if preparing to say something, then let out a squeal. “Lord in heaven, Katie Grace! What are you doing here, child?”

Dodge turned with a big lump in his gut to see the cute girl hand in hand with a grinning Rafter. Soon, he would need to have a talk with the prospect.

“Is it okay that I’m here?”

Betsey pursed her lips. “I ain’t servin’ you if that’s what you mean. You had a nasty experience just a few days ago, an’ at twenty, you’re still a minor for a few more months. Otherwise, come on in. How you feelin’?”

She perched on a stool at the bar, and Rafter stayed close by, hovering protectively. “I’m good. No aftereffects ’cept a bruise where I fell. I hope Fauna will let me come back to work soon. I heard the restaurant has been packed.”

“Lord, yes. I’ve handled big crowds at the River’s Edge, but I’ve always had Bruiser and other helpers. Macie must be a real artist to keep up with everything by himself.”

Katie Grace giggled. “It does get bad sometimes. I thought Macie was gonna have a heart attack that night. I’m not allowed to mix drinks, but I can serve and help him with some prep.” Her face dropped at the recent memory. “He freaked out when he couldn’t find the slicer he likes to use for the drink garnishes. He had the wedger but not the slicer. Dewey had to help me look for it.”

A tickle buzzed in the back of Dodge’s head. “Dewey was in the kitchen that night?”

The young girl nodded. “I did a bunch of limes first, and he carried them out to Macie while I did some lemons.” Her eyes widened as she took in Dodge’s face. “Did I do something wrong?”

Dodge ignored the question and whipped out his phone. “Betsey, can you call Blue? I’m gonna check on Fauna. She should be here by now.”

Betsey said nothing but motioned for Brick as she dialed. Dodge didn’t bother with a text but called Fauna directly. Their last communication was about twenty minutes ago. The tickle morphed into dread. Something wasn’t right.

“I’m heading over to the bistro. Tell Blue to meet me there, yeah?”

“What’s going on?” Brick asked as he joined the group.

“I got a real bad feeling, boss man.”

CHAPTER33

I woke up.Sort of. My head was still floaty, and my surroundings were surreal as if I were in a bubble. Was I standing or lying down? I couldn’t tell. A pretty Tiffany lampshade hung over my head. My apartment? Maybe. Looked a little like the extra one from the restaurant I’d installed.

Random thoughts came to my mind.Smoky Mountain fog. I should get a fog machine. Match the painting downstairs.

God, I wanted to puke. That sounded like a good idea. I turned my head and started heaving.

My head snapped to the other side with a stinging slap.Ouch! That fucking hurt.

A face floated over mine. “Stoo-pid cunnnt.”

Who is that?Sounded kinda familiar but like it was from the bottom of an echoing well.What the fuck is going on?

The fog in my brain cleared a little. I was naked on my back with a man hovering over me. Dodge? Dodge wouldn’t hit me. Plus, this was a little guy. A naked little guy. A naked little guy pumping his naked little dick, trying to make it hard. The blurry figure whimpered as he worked himself, but nothing was happening.

Fuck me sideways, is this fucker trying to fuck me?

Repetitious much?I laughed, but it came out more like a gurgle.

“Don’t laugh at me!”the man spat and hit me again.

The pain helped me sober up more. The man’s face came into focus briefly, and more adrenaline poured into my system as I stared at him in shock.

“D?”

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