Page 74 of Guarded Secrets
Keeley shifted nervously in her seat. Other club members had parked their motorcycles to box in the Bronco. The riders had dismounted and several stood with their hands on their hips.
She didn’t think it was an accident that their stance opened their jackets to display the weapons they wore strapped to their bodies. Some had guns in shoulder harnesses, others were in holsters at their waists, while still others had knives in scabbards on their belts.
Keeley’s heart was thundering in her ears. Owen rested an arm on the steering wheel. He looked relaxed, but she had no doubt he’dmove fast if he decided to. The Bronco engine was still running with the transmission in drive.
“My girlfriend doesn’t have anything of Romero’s.”
Nero dropped the cigarette on the ground and Keeley could hear the scrape of his boot as he stepped on it. “See, thing is, Romero was our accountant.”
Keeley could sense Owen’s heightened interest. He spoke carefully. “Theoretically, an accountant would have access to illegal activities of a club. If he downloaded that information, he could try his hand at extortion, demanding payment to get the information back. Be stupid, but he might think it worth the risk.”
“Let’s just say it turns out my accountant’s a stupid man. Thought we had an understanding, but he got greedy. Me and Romero recently had us a come-to-Jesus talk.” Nero jerked a thumb over his shoulder. “My boys persuaded him extortion isn’t a healthy enterprise.”
Which explained Jaxon’s battered face.
“Romero got chatty and says he gave an encrypted flash drive to someone for safe keeping. Thought it would be to his advantage if we couldn’t lay our hands on it.”
“How much he want for it?”
“Two million.” He shoved his goggles to the top of his head, revealing faded blue eyes. “Look here, Hardesty. I gave you enough so you know what’s up. You’ve given me nothin’.” He shifted to focus on Keeley. “No offense, miss, but I’m thinking you’re the one he gave the file to. Maybe he didn’t let on, but Romero was all about covering his ass, and if he could do that by stowing that flash drive at your place, he’d a done it.”
“You’re aware Jaxon Romero is out on bail,” Owen said.
Nero nodded. “Also know he was at your lady’s house demanding she return the flash drive before he got himself arrested.”
“Jaxon said I had something of his, but never said it was a flash drive,” Keeley told him. Then she added, “I know you, Mr. Paulson. We’ve met before.”
Nero jerked back like he’d been hit, and Owen swung his head around with a startled expression.
“Your granddaughter Destiny was in my class at Vista Middle School. She’s a wonderful girl. I’m Miss Montaigne. You came to her IEP meeting in February. How’s Destiny doing?”
Nero stared at her hard, then turned his head to address his men. “Stand down.”
The other Ravagers’ demeanor instantly changed. Some removed their helmets, they started chatting amongst themselves, and a few took out cell phones.
“That one got by me, miss. Didn’t recognize you.” Nero smiled wide showing stained teeth crowded together. “My granddaughter’s doin’ good, thanks for asking. Smart as a whip but needs a little extra help, which is what you gave her. Know she’s heartbroken the other teacher came back and you had to leave.” His attention shifted to Owen, then back again. “You’re sure Romero didn’t give you anything of mine?”
“I’m sure.”
He pulled on his beard. “Flash drive is small. Could be he hid it thinkin’ it would be safer with you and he could get it later. Once I get my hands on Romero again, we’ll persuade him to clarify what he did with it.”
Keeley didn’t want to know how his men would persuade Jaxon.
“Meantime,” Nero continued, “maybe you can have a look around, see if he hid it anywhere.” He paused, then gave a quick nod. “You folks are free to go. We’ll be in touch.”
“I’ll look for it, and thank you, Mr. Paulson.”
Nero signaled for a path to be opened.
Ravagers mounted their bikes and moved them out of the way. Owen took his foot off the brake and eased the Bronco onto the highway.
They drove in silence until Owen muttered, “You’re something else, you know that?” He glanced at her, then back at the road. “Yougot the president of the Ravagers to back off and let us go.” He shook his head like it would help recent events make sense.
“I find appealing to people on a human level helps to defuse a situation.”
“Certainly true in police work.”
“It’s true in teaching too. If a kid is being disruptive in my class and I can have a minute to talk with them one on one away from their peers, I can almost always defuse the situation.”
