Page 37 of Joker's Ghost
“Like I got a jackhammer pounding my brain. I took a few Advils, so hopefully they kick in soon.”
“I still can’t believe you fell. It’s usually me who’s the clumsy one.”
I didn’t fall, but I keep that to myself. When I mentioned my theory last night, she looked at me just like Cobra did, but I know what went down, and I plan on sussing it out today. Especially since my dream or alternate universe had a devastating ending.
“How areyoufeeling?” I caress her bump.
“I’m fine, but I wanted to wait until you were up before I went to the shop.”
“You don’t go in on Sunday.”
Normally, Daisy takes the weekends off to spend with Deana, but today I want her to stay put here at the condo.
“I figured I’ll go in your place since you should rest today.”
I couldn’t shake the forbidding premonition something bad was about to happen. Irrational and totally out of character for me, but I refuse to miss the warning signs like last time.
“I want you to stay home today.”
She pulls back slightly. “Why?”
Because the ghost in my vision last night fatally stabbed you.That explanation would earn me an eye roll, but how else could I explain this without her thinking I’d lost it?
“Last night was a lot of stress on you, and I think you should rest.” Sounds logical—maybe she’ll fall for it.
“You were the one who fell, and if I remember correctly, Doc Henderson said you should rest for the next few days.”
Of course, my girl saw right through me, but I can’t shake the fear of history repeating itself. That hellish time could berecalled in an instant, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t shake the guilt and absolute fear, especially knowing if I had been paying attention, it could’ve all been avoided.
“So, I guess you’ll be staying home with me too?” She cocks her head in that annoying way, telling me she’s onto me.
“Not exactly.” I move around her and reach for the coffee urn. “I got a lot of jobs at the shop today.”
“And you’ll be taking your Harley?”
I pour coffee into my mug, trying to decipher where she’s going with this question. “Yeah, Cobra said one of the prospects brought it over last night.”
“Even though Doc Henderson said you might have a concussion and probably shouldn’t be riding or working in a noisy garage.”
I can see her trap lying out in front of me, but my throbbing head can’t come up with one of my usual snappy answers, so I just stare at her.
“And yet, you want me to stay home.” She hands me the creamer. “Here’s the deal, I’ll stay home if you stay home.”
“Nah, I gotta go in.”
“I’m sure Gus can handle whatever comes up for one day.”
Of course he could, but me going in has nothing to do with Gus or the shop. I have to dig deeper into this Nomad shit, and the only way to do it is boots on the ground, not lounging in my condo watching TV.
“But if you insist on going in, we can go in together.” She meets my gaze and holds it. “You don’t want me on the back of your bike anymore.” She strokes her belly. “So I guess we’ll have to take the SUV.”
My woman is fuckin’ smart. Not only did she wheedle her way around it, but she managed to keep me off my Harley. Every once in a while, I forget she worked high-profile cons in Miami before we met.
I sip at the hot coffee, making her wait. “You win.”
A huge smile splits her face, then she leans in and pecks my cheek. “I’ll be ready in ten.”
I reach for her and pull her to me, then nuzzle her neck, drinking in her scent and silently promising to keep her safe at all costs.
