And besides, I’m not even sure if Keno feels the same. Do I affect him the way he affects me? Or am I imagining the tension between us every time he gets close?
CHAPTER EIGHT
Keno—
We practice for a while, then get on the bike, and I take Maggie back to the bar. Before we’re halfway there, I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket and pull over at the only place on the road, a gas station just off the highway.
It’s a text from Darko.
DARKO: There's trouble at the Cherry Bomb. You're closest. Get your ass over there now.
I twist and look at Maggie. “I’ve got to make a stop. There’s no time to drop you off. You okay with that? I don’t want to leave you here at this gas station.”
“Sure.”
With that, I roar out of there and take the entrance ramp up onto the interstate. The Cherry Bomb is two exits down on the edge of town.
I turn the bike into the gravel parking lot and glance at the neon sign, two cherries flashing like they’re swinging. The marquis claims to have Colorado’s most beautiful women.
A couple of semi-tractor trailers are parked off to the side, and the rest of the parking lot is packed with cars.
I park up near the entrance.
Tiny comes down the steps and meets me as we climb from the bike.
“The club said there was trouble. What happened?” I ask.
“Another drive-by shooting.” He flings an arm out to the wall of the building where bullet holes form a zigzag line.
“Anyone hurt?”
“Nah. People in the club weren’t even aware it happened; the music in there is so damn loud.”
“Christ. Were you at the door?”
“Yeah. I dove behind that pickup.”
“Any vehicles hit?”
“I think they got the taillights of the truck.”
“Did you see who did it?”
“There were two of them on ninja bikes. All dressed in black.” His eyes drop to Maggie. “You may want to get her inside. They could be back.”
“Does the manager know?”
“Yeah, he called Rock.”
“Okay. Keep an eye out.” I grab Maggie’s hand. “Come on.”
Her eyes are wide as she pulls back. “A strip club? You want me to go inside a strip club?”
“I don’t have time to argue. Those guys could come back for another go at the place. It’s safer inside.” I tug her along and through the door, then lead her to the bar on the right.
Tiny is right; the music is loud with a driving beat that's hard to talk over.
I pull out a stool for Maggie, then motion the bartender over.