“No. I don’t want to change my mind.” I scratch my nose as Leon cheers again and TJ’s ‘Fuck,’ echoes in the saloon. “Besides, I ran into Jono yesterday. The bastard’s hanging around Noir Valley. When he finds out about Mia and me, he’ll make his move.”
Day runs his hand through his dark hair and grimaced. “Fuck, I hate this waiting. Are you sure Mia is the one who will have him striking?”
I search the room; Oyster left Noir Valley three days ago and is due back the day after tomorrow. In the meantime, we’ve the new prospect, Tick, staying at Ma Keys until his return. “Yeah. If he’s willing to use Rickety-Lee to get at Ma Keys, he’ll not like one of us touching his sister.” I glance at my watch and rise. “I’ve an errand to run. I’ll catch up with you later.”
After leaving Demon’s Lair, I head for Doc Holden’s to have my blood taken. His smirking face and the glee in his voice as he tells me it’ll be several days before the results will be expected back, deepens the frustration in me. Shit, I thought they’d be back in a day and Mia would be in my bed by tomorrow night. As I mount my bike, another bike pulls up beside me and I find myself facing Jono. The street is empty and as I watch the biker, the twisted smile he flashes me turns my stomach. Shit, Mia and I aren’t together yet.
“Jono.”
“Slick - I did some digging into the journalist guy Mia’s dating.”
I slip my brain bucket on and fiddle with the strap. “You did.”
Jono nods. “Yeah. No wonder you don’t want him near Mia or in Noir Valley.”
“What makes you think I don’t want him in Noir Valley?”
“He’s doing a piece on Delaney.” I nod. This isn’t surprising news, Data’s already told me this. “He’s even had a couple of visits with him.”
I mount my bike. “He has?”
Jono nods. “He knows you have a connection with the guy.”
“What makes you think that?”
Jono glances down the street, then looks at me. “A,” he holds a finger up at me. “He’s here in Noir Valley. If he didn’t have anything he wouldn’t be here. B,” he waves a second finger at me. “I’m having dinner with Mia and Johnson at the weekend. The connection just might slip out in conversation.”
“And to keep this quiet. You want something from me?@”
Jono shrugs. “Delaney wants you dead. I bet you want him dead. The sheriff won’t be wanting that kind of war in Noir Valley. He likes the peace. Shit, my bank balance shows how much it’s costing me. He’s a tight bastard and doesn’t care I’m his brother.”
“What do you want, Jono?”
“The pipeline between you and the Black County Stewards.”
I turn to Jono. His hazel eyes cold as he watches me. “Shit, and there I thought you were after the presidency of The River Demons.”
Hiss eyes darken, “I am. You betrayed me, Slick. You chose Day over me. And there I was, thinking we were best buds. Homies, BFF and all that crap. It was me who hooked you up with The River Demons. And the thanks I received in returned. Is you siding with that upstart. Get me the pipeline and I’ll call your debt paid,” Jono revs his bike “When I go to war with Day. Think about Delaney as you decide which side to choose.”
Jono doesn’t hang around for my answer, and as I watch him turn from the street, I smile. If Jono is acting like this before I hitch up with Mia, he’s going to be twice as mad afterwards and that’ll bring Delaney out of the woodwork. I return to Noir Valley to lick my wounds. They may not be fully healed. But when Delaney strikes, I’ll lay that demon to sleep. The warmth of the sun touches my cheek and I glance to the sky, then turn my gaze back to the road, a red Corolla crosses at the midsection and instead of returning to Demon’s Lair, I ride into town and park the bike at the local café, find a window seat and watch the building across the road where the Corolla is parked.
“Would you like a refill?”
I glance at the young waitress and smile as I nod. It’s my fourth and I’ll best sip it, otherwise I might miss Mia leaving while I’m at the toilet. As the waitress pours the coffee the door to Noir Valley’s Gazette offices open and Mia strolls out. My fingers curl into my palm and my stomach clenches when she looks up at Johnson and laughs. About to tell the waitress I’ve changed my mind; I watch the couple cross the road and head in this direction. Neither seems to notice my bike and I drag my chair into the shadows of the corner as they stroll in. I hadn’t realized I’d been holding my breath until it slips through my teeth when Mia choses a table near the door and sits with her back to me. As Johnson sits, his gaze clashes with mine and his lips twist as he leans forward, kissing Mia on the ear. Blood roars in my head and the throb above my nose presses down as I wait for her
