Page 21 of Tank

“Oh my gosh thank you so much. That makes me feel a little better.”

“Don’t mention it.” I give her a nod and she turns toward the door.

She grasps the handle and then spins around once again. “How long have you had a crush on Lovely?”

My quick intake of breath has me choking on thin air and I burst out into a coughing fit. Holy shit I’m going to die choking to death on air. A hand beats the hell out of my back and I swallow madly, hoping that saliva may be able to stop the choking. Deciding that’s a shit idea I grab my bottle of whiskey, pour two fingers and shoot it back.

“Holy shit, what the fuck are you on about woman?” I manage to wheeze out.

“You and Lovely out there. How long has that been going on?” she asks, eyes wide, twinkling at the look on my face.

“We’re friends. She’s Blanche’s sister, so that makes her family.” She stares at me as if I’m talking out my ass. “Look, she’s been through a lot, had men treat her like shit. She needs to findwho she is as a person before she can even think about having a relationship. With anyone.” I stare at Mira, hoping my words are enough to convince her there’s nothing going on with me and Lovely.

Because it’s the truth. From what Blanche has shared, Lovely’s life would have been hell. Royal was an absolute mean fucker, and that sweet woman was married off to him in her teens. Now she’s out here making a life for herself, and I want her to succeed at anything and everything she puts her mind to. She needs our support, not me or anyone else trying to get into her pants. Besides, even if there was something in the way we interact, interest or whatever you want to call it, we wouldn’t be right together. Lovely is sweet and kind and she sees the absolute best in people. I’m a hard fucker, downright nasty at times, and the life of a Pres’ Ol Lady isn’t for Lovely. She deserves the picket fence, the dog and the fucking accountant or banker to come home to her and their children every night.

“That’s very noble of you, Pres. Very noble indeed.” Mira smiles and gives a bow. “Right, I gotta get going, I’ve got to check in on my cat and write an anal scene. Oh, and I’ll write a list of weird stuff that’s happened recently and cross reference my books. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I have nothing to say to that. Asking would just engage the woman in a conversation about anal and I’m not ready for that at this time of the evening. Shaking my head, I try to clear it to get on to my actual job, paperwork for all our businesses. Not thinking about Lovely.

Chapter 6

Tank

Cruising into the compound I let out a sigh of relief. Today was fucking exhausting. If Judge and I thought we were busy last week, then today was a rude awakening. We were so busy in and out of Devil’s Big Tow we had to call in reinforcements in the shape of Savage, Flack and Rider. Savage and Flack worked well together, getting the old tow truck out on the road while Judge and I worked the newer trucks as usual. Rider, well, his help in the office was appreciated. Even if it wasn’t as efficient or professional as it could have been.

Parking Winnie in my spot, right next to Judge, I shut her down and sit for a moment, waiting for Judge to do the same.

“Shit, brother, I think we need a couple more employees.”

Judge nods, sitting with his thoughts. “Yeah. Today ran well with Savage and Flack pitching in. But shit, having Rider work reception was a big fucking help.”

I give him a chin lift and throw my leg over my bike to stand, gathering my shit out of my bags.

“I’ll take it to church. Business has been steadily growing and you and I don’t have time to run reception and go to call outs.”

“You got my vote, brother,” Judge replies, walking alongside before stopping abruptly. “Shit.”

Parked in the parking lot is a police cruiser. Not any cruiser, Sergeant Davies’ cruiser.

“Fuck.”

A hand lands on my shoulder, giving me a little shake. “Breathe, brother.”

We head toward the door, me wanting to get this shit over with; Judge having my back. Before we even get to the door it swings open, Nitro marching out, Davies by his side.

“What the fuck?” Judge mutters, staring at the men walking past.

”You’re off the hook this time, brother,” Nitro winks at me on his way past, not a care in the world.

Davies, again looks relaxed and as with me indicates Nitro take the front seat. Nitro doesn’t look too pissed, but you can bet your ass Fox will be. Pushing through the door my brothers and the Ol Ladies are gathered in the common room. Wire on the phone most likely calling his momma, everyone else looking to Marx for instruction.

“What in the hell was that?” I ask the room, hoping someone will fill me in.

“Some fucker laid a complaint with Rose Grove PD. Same MO as you, brother,” Fox seethes.

Swinging my head toward Marx, the Pres confirms with a nod. “Someone out there is fucking with us. Was bullshit when they hauled in Tank, even more bullshit with Nitro now. Davies knows it’s a waste of fucking time, but the man has to follow all leads.”

“Why the hell does this town have such an efficient police department? Most towns would shove that complaint into some shitty dark room somewhere,” Flack grumbles. Coming from aone percent club in Roxburgh where half the force was in their pocket, I can see why this is blowing his mind.

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