Page 184 of Eight Years Gone

He slowed, noting that the vehicle pulled into another parking spot on Second Street as he kept driving, checking for any further signs that he had a tail.

When he was certain he was no longer being followed, he took the long way around town to be sure no one picked him up again.

“Nothing,” he said, suddenly wondering if he was being paranoid. He’d relaxed a lot since he’d come home, but he doubted the low-grade need to always look over his shoulder would ever go away. But he also knew when someone was keeping an eye on him.

Eager to make his way back to Main Street to check on Colton and Grace, he eventually found a parallel parking spot halfway down the block from Simplicity.

Waiting another couple of minutes, he constantly checked his mirrors before getting out and crossing the street, scanning the area, not seeing or feeling anything out of the ordinary.

He walked closer to the shop, watching Grace and Colton, both dressed down in jeans and sweatshirts, talking at the front counter as she pointed to whatever she was showing him on her laptop.

Grace glanced up, grinning as their eyes met.

He smiled, tossing up a wave.

Grace moved to the door to unlock it for him. “Hey there, handsome.”

He kissed her as he stepped inside. “Hey.”

She locked the door behind him. “We’re just about finished. We need a few more minutes.”

“Take your time.” He looked at Colton. “Are you bored yet?”

Colton shrugged. “I wouldn’t want to do this every month the way Grace does, but it’s not the worst thing.”

Grace laughed. “I can see that I’ve impressed you with my work.”

Colton jerked his shoulders again. “We’ve spent most of the day counting stuff.”

Grace grinned. “It’s my most dreaded task, but it has to be done.”

Colton stuffed his hands in his pockets. “We should go out for an early dinner since we’re almost finished. Amanda’s mom and dad said that sushi place is good.”

Jagger nodded, liking the idea of letting someone else handle the dinner prep and cleanup for the night. He couldn’t think of a better way to start their relaxing weekend. “I can get behind sushi.”

Grace shrugged this time. “Sure.”

Jagger glanced toward the big window as a movement caught his eye. He did a double take, noting the Buick pulling into the newly empty spot next to Grace’s Sorento as the streetlamps kicked on in the fading outside light.

The tension was back, tightening his shoulders and his stomach. “I’ll be right back,” he said, heading to the processing room, then out the alleyway door.

It was time to figure out what the hell was going on. Someone was following him, but they were sloppy as fuck, which didn’t add up to the sophisticated people he’d dealt with overseas.

Walking behind the cars parked along the street, he wasted no time with his approach, yanking open the LeSabre’s back left door. He got in, wrapping the seat belt around the driver’s neck and headrest as he sent the palm of his right hand into the passenger’s throat, making the guy crumple forward, gagging and coughing as he fought to breathe.

“Who the fuck are you?” Jagger said through clenched teeth, directing his attention back to the driver. “Why are you following me?”

“I’m no one,” the driver said.

Jagger tightened the seat belt until the guy coughed and gasped. “That answer’s not going to work for me.”

“Colton.” The guy choked out. “We’re here for Colton.”

He tightened the belt again for good measure as the guy clawed at his neck with fingers tatted up with crossbones and snakes. “Why?”

“Because he owes us a ride,” he fought to say.

“He owes you nothing.” He tightened the seat belt again. “Here’s how things are going to work. You’re going to tell whoever Colton has a debt to that it’s been settled. You’re going to get the hell out of here and not come back. If I see you anywhere near my family again, I swear to God you’re dead.”

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