Page 76 of Pepper, the Biker & the Vanishing Body

“I was talking to one of my crew who’s been giving me trouble,” Stone said through gritted teeth.

“Why meet at the hospital?”

“He was visiting someone.”

“Who?”

“I don’t know, and I don’t care,” Stone growled.

“You can tell my dad, the sheriff, his name. He can verify your story.” I crossed my arms, the picture of innocence and persistence.

Stone suddenly stepped closer, reversing the whole cornering situation before I realized what was happening. “You’re far from stupid, Spicy. Stay out of it,” he warned, his voice low.

Of course, I couldn’t let it go. “You really think it’s smart to threaten me when my dad’s the sheriff? Not your brightest moment, Stone.”

He slapped his hand against the wall beside my head, leaning in so close his leather jacket brushed against me. His cologne—a mix of danger and bad decisions—filled my nose. Just as he opened his mouth to say something, the elevator dinged, and the doors slid open.

Before I could blink, Stone was yanked away from me.

“What the—” Stone started, but Ian didn’t give him a chance to finish. Stone swung at him, and Ian sidestepped like it was a dance move, sending Stone hurtling into a display of hospital brochures. Pamphlets flew everywhere, paper helicopters spiraling down around us.

I wasted no time texting my dad and he and my mom arrived just after security showed up. Ian and I stood to the side with my mom as my dad spoke with Stone.

My mom asked what I should have. “Ian, what are you doing here?”

“I heard that you and Pep were at the hospital, and I came to make sure you both were all right.”

“That’s so sweet of you,” my mom said, “but how did Mr. Stone wind up covered in pamphlets?”

“He slipped,” I said, trying not to smile.

A police vehicle pulled up in front of the hospital, lights swirling and, of course, it had to be Josh who got out and entered the main entrance.

He wore a serious expression until he spotted me, then he smiled. “I can’t wait to hear this one.”

He had no time to tease me, my dad ordering, “Josh, take Mr. Stone to the police station. I will be there shortly to talk with him.”

While Josh did as ordered, my dad walked over to us and looked directly at me.

“You are to stay away from Stone,” my dad said in his commanding sheriff tone.

“But I?—”

My words died when my dad’s hand shot up to silence me. “I don’t want to hear it or any excuses. I am ordering you to stay away from Stone.” He shot a stern look at Ian. “That goes for you too.”

“He had Pep cornered in the elevator,” Ian said.

“That won’t happen again because my daughter is going to obey the sheriff and do as ordered, though I do appreciate you protecting Pepper.”

My brow scrunched wondering why my dad didn’t question me about the incident.

“Don’t overthink this, Pepper,” my dad warned. “Now take your mom to lunch and for heaven’s sake don’t get into any more trouble.” He turned away from us and rushed out the door.

“That was odd of your dad not asking you what happened,” my mom said, confirming what I thought, then looked to Ian. “Please join us for lunch.” She took hold of Ian’s arm as if not giving him a choice. “After all, you must be as curious as I am to find out how Pepper wound up in the elevator with Mr. Stone.”

My mom and Ian both turned probing smiles on me.

We settledat the Star Diner for lunch and after placing our order, I explained everything that happened.

---