When my own is cooling on the side, I walk back into her room. I sit on her side of the bed, placing the cup on the bedside table.
One eye opens, then two. Then both snap to my face and her nose does this delightful little twitch.
“Is that coffee I smell?”
“Sure is, babe. An apology for you. It’s early as fuck, but I’ve got to head out. Niran’s coming to stay with you. Just wanted you to know so you didn’t get a shock and think I’ve changed colour overnight.”
She brushes my explanation of a replacement away. “You got a lead?”
When I nod, she starts pushing back the sheet. “I’m coming with you.”
I reach out my hand, holding her back. “Nah, babe. This isn’t for you. You’ve got Alicia here. Your job is being here for her.”
Her lips press together. She frowns, then twin spots of red appear on her cheeks, but I refuse to be moved. When our unspoken conversation ends with her realising I’m right, she takes a deep breath, and then says the words I didn’t expect to hear from her mouth.
“Make him hurt, Grumbler. Alicia’s going to live with the shame all her life. Ending him cleanly won’t do.”
I lean in, planting a kiss to her forehead. “Easy to make that promise to you. One thing though, don’t tell Alicia we’ve found him. I don’t think she’d approve.”
“I’m not stupid,” she huffs. “I wish I was coming with you.”
There’s a light tap on the front door. “Gotta run.” Before I can leave, she sits up and pulls my head to hers, and rubs her lips against mine. As we’ve no time, as a kiss, it will have to do.
As I stand, I press my finger to her mouth. “If I had my way, we’d continue this later. You think on if that’s what you want to do.”
I go out into the living room, pausing for a moment. Those few words had emerged without me thinking about them. If I do follow through, Mary wouldn’t be a one-night stand. Is it possible, when I’d written myself off as too old, that I might actually be setting myself up to have an old lady by my side, not only that, but a kid too?
Shaking my head in disbelief, I now hurry and pull open the door.
Niran hands me his bike key. “Take my ride.” He winks. “Though I know it’s a step down for you.”
I shove him back. “Ha ha. By the way, she’s expecting you.” I start to take a step forward, then turn around. “And while she may not look it, she’s far too old for you.”
His shrewd look shows me I should have kept my mouth shut. “Don’t tell me Grumbler’s got himself a woman. Huh! Never thought I’d see the fuckin’ day. Your bike know you’re stepping out on her?”
Of course, what can I do but show him my finger on the way out.
Unimpeded by traffic this time of a day, I reach my destination in just under half an hour.
Stepping off Niran’s bike, a sportier model than mine, I slide the pack of cigarettes out of my cut and walk up to Lost and Salem. Cupping my hand around the flame, I touch the lighter to the tip, then put the Zippo away.
“Whatcha got?”
Lost jerks his head, indicating the direction behind him. “House is just on the next street. Thought you and I could head around the back while Salem rides straight up to the front door.”
“There’s a driveway? And rear access?”
Lost nods. “Salem’s been playing with one of the toys Dart snagged while we were in Utah.”
“The drone?”
Another rise and dip of his head. “Looks good, Brother. We,” he indicates Salem and himself, “reckon the asshole will make a run for it as soon as he hears the bike. If not then, when he opens the door and sees the Satan’s Devils’ cut. Can almost guarantee he’ll head for the hills and straight into our waiting arms.”
I grin, liking the sound of that. “What if he’s not alone?”
“Leave that to me,” Salem growls. “Utah says he’s not married, and no kids they can find. Anyone there is likely to be a girl or boyfriend, perhaps.”
“You armed?” I check.
Salem beats his chest. “Wearing Kevlar too.”
“Oh yeah.” Lost turns around and goes to something strapped onto his bike. “Didn’t forget you, Brother.”
Taking the offered body armour, I soon have it on under my cut. “We ready then?” I’m impatient to find Owen.
“One last thing.” Lost calls me back. “If there’s no one home, we’ll see if we can get in via the back door. Token’s on standby should he have a security system we need to crack, so keep your eyes open.”
I don’t want to waste any more time, but quickly I run over the plan in my head. Can’t see any holes in it. It’s a male model we’re taking down, not a crime syndicate king. I don’t expect him to have a security detail.
“Utah turn up any military training?”
“None.” I’m not surprised Lost has already checked. “Ready?”
You bet I am.
Salem gives Prez and I time to get into position, then, we, quite nimbly in my view given both of us are in our fifties, vault over the, okay, low fence, and approach the back of the house carefully. It’s not large, and I can easily hear the roar of Salem’s engine as he arrives.
I also hear a door inside opening.
Seconds later the back door flies open and out runs a man trying to simultaneously run and pull up his pants. It’s Owen.
“Not so fast, kid.” My meaty paw lands on the collar of his t-shirt, twisting it hard so it painfully pulls against his neck. His hands come up to try to loosen it.
“You’re strangling me, man,” he rasps
