Page 4 of Joker's Ghost
“Yeah, but you got no guarantee,” I interject.
“Just a feeling.” Arrow and Blade exchange a cryptic look, and I’m thinking I wanna run outta here hard and fast.
Arrow stands and extends his hand to Cobra. “We’ll put together everything you’ll need and have it to you by the end of the week.”
“Along with our fee.” Cobra always makes sure he covers the bottom line.
The two men shake, and I’m already looking at the door.
Warrior rounds the table, blocking my path. “Since you have agreed to help us with our problem, I feel obligated to mention your past lives all ended in violence.”
What the fuck was this old man babbling about now?
“Violence for you and the people close to you.” He grips my shoulder with his bony fingers. “I do not say this to frighten you, only as a warning.”
“Thanks.” I can’t get outta this room fast enough. “I’ll keep it in mind.”
Arrow follows us out. “Don’t mind the old man. Believe it or not, he’s over a hundred years old. He’s our spiritual leader, kinda like a shaman.”
Cobra and I stay silent until we reach our bikes. “What the fuck was that about?” I tie my bandana around my head.
“If they’re willing to pay, and it stops the hijacking of our shipments, I’m all about it.”
“Nah, I mean the old guy, Warrior, what was his deal?”
Cobra shrugs. “Just another generation. I guess he likes to keep the old Shoshone traditions.”
“I’m talking about all the bullshit at the end with him saying me and my family will have a violent death.”
Cobra cocks his head. “Not too much of a stretch, us being outlaws and all.”
“Geez, fuck, talk about doom and gloom.” I shake my head. “Don’t you think it’s weird I’ve heard Bugsy Siegel’s name more than once today?”
“He was the founding father of Vegas.” Cobra huffs out a laugh. “Don’t tell me you were buying into that shit?”
“Nah, nah, of course not, it’s just who the fuck wants to hear it?”
Cobra throws his leg over his saddle. “Last month Sheena went to one of those fortune tellers up on The Strip and came back hopped up with all kinds of bullshit. I tried to explain to her it’s all fake. They ask you leading questions and then watch your reaction. It’s a con job.”
“This was a little more than finding out my lucky numbers or if I was gonna hit the lottery.” I straddle my bike and hit the throttle. “The guy basically told me I was gonna be gunned down.”
“Then I guess Daisy wanting you to go to the Halloween party as Bugsy Siegel isn’t too much of a stretch.” Cobra twists his lips into an annoying smirk.
“Very fuckin’ funny.”
The roar of our pipes drowns out Cobra’s laugh as we wheel out of the parking lot, but my mind is made up. Tonight I’d be telling Daisy there is no fuckin’ way I’m going to the club party as Bugsy. Not that I’m superstitious or anything, but, shit, the guy got shot in the eye. Not how I plan on going out.
CHAPTER 2
JOKER
By the time Cobra and I reached The Gold Mine, my edgy mood quickly turned to pissed off. The whole ride back, my bike ran like shit, backfiring, misfiring, and running rough the entire time. When we pull into the lot, I swing my leg over the saddle and turn to the prospect at the back door.
“Get Rattler out here, now,” I bark, then watch the kid take off in search of Rattler.
“What’s up your ass?” Cobra asks.
I fling my hand at my bike. “Rattler was supposed to switch out the plugs, but the fuckin’ thing is running like shit.”
