Page 9 of Dark Alleys

“You don’t like questions, so I won’t ask you any.”

“Appreciate it. I can’t give you the answers you want anyway, and we’ll go round and round.”

“I get it.”

You probably don’t but I appreciate your respect for my privacy.

The dinner she cooked for me was fantastic and there was no denying I wanted Regan, but with the blood loss at the scene and another gallon gone through the night, and the effects of the strong pain meds the doc had given me, I wasn’t myself.

Over a second cup of coffee, I made myself say it out loud. “Listen, Regan, there is nothing more I’d rather do than show you my good stuff, but my arm was a bleeder and I’m about done for today. Hate to say it, but I’m asking for a raincheck.”

She smiled. “I bet you haven’t asked for one of those too often.”

“Can’t remember ever doing it before, but I like you a lot and I don’t want us to be a one-time thing. I’d rather wait until I had at least one drop of energy.”

“I can tell by your eyes that you need to sleep. You’re almost out on your feet and you can’t drive in the condition you’re in. So, why don’t you sleep in my bed, and I’ll clean up the kitchen and join you later? I promise not to wake you up.

“I can’t pass up a good deal like that.”

Regan showed me her bedroom upstairs and left me on my own. I was so grateful to lie down, I didn’t remember much beyond that moment.

Chapter Three

Wednesday, June 4th.

University Hills. Austin.

The pain shot through me like a heat-seeker missile, and I groaned so loud I woke myself up. My eyes opened and the room wasn’t mine and I couldn’t remember where I was.

My only thought was finding the pain meds, and I sat up way too fast.

Too much time with Tommy and I was becoming him.

Dizzy and about to puke, I ran for the bathroom and dropped to my knees in front of the toilet. After I emptied everything out of my gut, the dizziness started to fade. I washed my face and rinsed out my mouth and decided I needed to be at home.

Regan was standing right outside the bathroom door, and she startled me. “You’re not okay. Tell me what you need.”

“I need to go home and take one of the pain pills and sleep for the next twelve.”

“I’ll drive you.”

“I can do it.”

She smiled. “A stubborn streak. I like that.”

“You’re a great cook and I owe you dinner.” I sat on the side of her bed and pulled my boots on. “I’ll take you someplace extra nice.”

“You don’t look like the suit type, Lukas.”

“I’ve got a nice one. Had to wear it at the VP’s big party.”

“VP of what? Your MC gang?”

“Yeah, that VP.” I laughed.

“Will you give me a word later? Call or text.”

“I’m not good at either one, but I’ll try.”

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