Page 6 of Scooter's Endgame
“Yeah, all good.” I nod.
Those shrewd eye study me for long seconds, and I doubt they miss a thing. The man knows me too well. “I’m going to have to call bullshit on that one, bud. Your mouth is saying one thing; your eyes are telling a whole different story. Wanna talk about it?”
For just a moment, I entertain the idea of talking it out with Knight. He always knows what to say, and he always has a plan. But at the last minute, I chicken out.
“Nah, it’s all good,” I reply.
Taking my arm, he leads me down the hall and into an empty office. He closes the door and turns to face me. “Dude, this is me you’re talking to. Firstly, that wasn’t really a request. More me being polite. And secondly, I can see there’s something heavy on your mind. If I can, you know I’ll help with whatever it is.”
Gripping the back of my neck, I hang my head. Study my boots. Weigh up my words. Before I’ve decided what to do, he shows me yet again why he’s our team leader. The man does not miss a thing. “Does this have anything to do with Kathleen Pierce?”
I consider denying it, but our relationship, both professional and personal, is based on mutual trust. Brotherhood. Lying to the man’s face would harm that. With a deep sigh, I nod again.
“I don’t know how the hell you know half the shit you do, but yeah, it does.”
“I heard about the hospital incident.”
“What did you hear?” I ask, curious to know how much information he’s privy to.
“If you’re wondering if I know about your covering the bill, yeah, it was mentioned.” All I can do is shake my head. “So out with it. What’s weighing on you so heavily?”
Accepting defeat, I reply. “She and Luke have been on my mind since the hospital. That dickhead treats her like crap, and I’ve been worried about them. So, I went around to the house during lunch –”
“Hmm, I wondered where you’d disappeared to.”
“The house is empty. Not a piece of furniture, not a curtain, nothing in it. Not one solitary thing. I don’t know where they’ve gone or if they’re okay, and that’s what’s worrying me, based on what happened with the whole bill debacle. Worrying if they’re okay or not, since money seems to be an issue, you know?”
“I hear you. I’ve been hearing things on the grapevine. Things that don’t make me happy, and sure as hell won’t make you happy, since you’ve been sweet on Kathleen almost from the time you laid eyes on her.”
“Don’t keep me hanging, dude. What have you been hearing?” I want to snap at Knight but hold onto my temper. None of this situation is his fault.
“Well, for one, I hear he has a girl on the side –”
“Yeah, I’ve heard about her,” I interrupt.
“Did you also happen to hear she’s pregnant with Gonzo’s baby?”
I can feel my blood pressure climbing at Knight’s words. “ThatI did not know.”
“Yep. And he’s just been dishonorably discharged for a heap of violations. That’s probably why the house is empty. I know he’s currently staying with his new baby mama. What I don’t know is the status of his relationship with Kathleen or where she and the boy have gone.”
“Fuck.” I rub the back of my neck as concern for the two of them ramps up. “Fuck,” I repeat, kicking at the baseboard beside me. “I’ve got to find them, Knight.”
He studies me, then nods. “I’ll put some feelers out and see what comes back. If all else fails, I guess we can sic Tex on them. You know if anyone can find a needle in a haystack, it’s him.”
“Thanks, man. I appreciate it.”
“That’s what family does, brother. We look out for each other.” He claps me on the back, then shoulder bumps me. “Now let’s blow this popsicle stand. I’ve got to get home. Indigo’s decided we need more culture in our lives and is dragging my sorry ass to the ballet tonight.”
I snort out a laugh at the idea of him at the ballet. If he isn’t snoring within the first thirty minutes – if not less — I’ll be surprised. “Well then, best we get going so you aren’t late. You won’t be super popular if you are.”
“If that ain’t God’s honest truth. Indie’ll have my head. Especially since she’s gone and got herself some fancy outfit for tonight.”
“You’re definitely going to want to be on time then.” I grin at him.
We make our way out to the parking lot as we chat, but as we reach Knight’s vehicle, he puts a hand on my shoulder. “If you need anything, you know where to find me.”
“Yeah, I do. Thanks, Knight.”
