Oyster’s chuckle has me glancing over to him and he winks. “He has a warped sense of humor. I think he would run if you invited him to your bed.”
I stare with my mouth open at Oyster as he follows Day out of the diner. I need some fun and I need to talk to Poppy. As I reach for my purse, my cell rings and I find a message from Jono.
Noir River is a replica of Noir Valley and as I drive out of the small town, I find the dirt track, Jono instructed me to follow. I drive for a further five miles and pull up in front of one of the old abandoned colonial houses. It’s not as big as some of the old plantation’s houses. There are several bikes parked outside and as I close the door to the Corolla, the door to the house opens and Rickety-Lee jogs down the steps towards me. A shudder runs through me as I remember Jono’s words from the day before and I place a plastic smile on my face at the biker. “Rickety-Lee.”
“Jono’s inside.” I follow the biker. Stale smoke and old alcohol greet me as I walk into the house and I hide my distaste as I step over a large plastic black bag. Rickey-Lee chuckles. “We’re cleaning up. It’ll be some place when we’re done.” He points to a room. “Through there.” Then he’s gone and I open the door without knocking. Jono sits behind a desk. On the desk is a glass and a half-drunk bottle of Jim’s
“You’re quite the lord of the manor.” Jono glances up and smiles as he points to the chair in front of his desk. “Where did you get the money from for this place.” As I sit, I smile at him. “Or are you squatting.”
Jono leans back in his chair. “I’ve a new business partner.”
A shiver runs through me. “Are you going to tell me who. Or do I need to guess.”
Jono shrugs. “They’re a silent partner. No need for names.”
The sour taste of bile lingers on my tongue. “What do you want that couldn’t be discussed over the phone.”
“I want to apologize for my behavior yesterday.”
I raise an eyebrow. “We could have done that over the phone.”
“But you wouldn’t have believed me.” Jono reaches for the Jim’s and holds the bottle out to me. I shake my head and watch as he pours himself a glass.” Shit, Mia. You’re my sister. It riled me that you’ve taken up with Slick after what he did to me.”
“You fuck who you want, and I’ll keep out of it. Just like I’m asking you to stay out of my love life.”
Jono chuckles. “Love life. You think Slick is capable of love.” Jono shakes his head. “No. What love he had, died with Jo-Leigh.” He taps the glass of his whisky. His eyes on me. “You’re right, Mia. You’re a grown woman and can fuck who you want. If it’s Slick or the journalist, I’m not bothered who gets into your panties. But there is something you can do for me.”
“And what’s that.”
“Show me some sister loyalty. Report back to me on Day’s and The River Demons’ activities. Let me know when they’re out of town and where they’re going. That kind of stuff.”
“And if I agree to this. What do I get out of it?”
“I’ll keep Delaney away from you.”
Chapter 21
Alex: Demon’s Lair Noir Valley
I finally have a day off and instead of spending time with Mia, who is off with Cole, I’m left prowling Demon’s Lair like a caged tiger, and with as much pent up frustration. I glance around the club’s deserted private room. My feet itch as I pace to the door and walk out onto the deck. Mia’s car is still absent, and I wander down to the casino. A radio plays in the background. The DJ’s voice low as he rambles on about the antics of our politicians and their latest scandal. A quick scan of the room finds Day and Kit by the bar. Candy and Melody are stocking the bar and I make a mental note of the lack of evidence of last night’s activities. The tables are quiet. No small silver balls roll or bounce in the roulette tables. The flicker of shuffling cards is missing as the tables remain covered with green felt cloth and I move around the room with ease with no bodies to block my path. I join Day and Kit with a false smile.
“Morning.”
Day looks up from the paperwork. His smile brief as he glances over my shoulder. “No Mia–Has she done another bunk.”
“Pass me a water, Melody.” The whore is new to the club, and as pretty as she is, I haven’t tried her wares yet. As I watch her, I hear Mia’s laughter and turn to the door only to find it empty. She’s not here and my frown deepens. The journalist has me locked to a ball and chain when it comes to other women. I shake my head as I glance at Day. “No. She had a meeting.” To ease the dryness at the back of my throat, I swallow a mouthful of my water. “What are your plans for Cole?”
Day and Kit snigger, and I ignore the grating down my spine.
“Why,” Kit said.
“After the success of the family day out I was thinking of holding an open day bike rally and cook out. Call in some of the other brethren to thrill the good people of Noir Valley.”
“I’ve seen Cole race. You think you got what it takes to take this Cole fella on?” Day’s voice is emotionless as he watches me.
I heard about the race between Cole and Day. From what I learnt; it was
