Page 10 of Watcher

Six police officers rush into the room and push us aside, dropping down on the man and cuffing him before he wakes. He’s led out in cuffs, and the next man who enters is wearing an expensive suit, shoes, and a watch. He looks like death, all dressed up.

“Jessica,” he says and hugs her. “We were watching on a monitor outside.” He points at the security camera in the room’s far corner. He turns to me with a grateful look on his face. “Thank you for protecting my daughter.”

“Father,” Jessica says nervously.

“I understand you and your biker friend protected her at the roller derby.”

I smile at the man but really smile past him at Jessica. She rolls her eyes. “When I see a damsel in distress, I help, Mr. Stallone. I feel like it’s my civic duty.”

“I appreciate that,” he says. “The Stallions just got back into town from a West Coast series. I would be honored if you and your friend would join me at the stadium tomorrow for an afternoon game.”

Jessica makes a vomiting gesture behind her father’s back.

“We would be happy to,” I say. When he turns to Jessica, I make a vomiting gesture to her. “Jessica, we hope to see you there as well,” I say astutely.

“She will be,” her father says.

The door opens and a nurse arrives with a wheelchair. I help get Diablo into the wheelchair because they would have let her fall flat on her face without my help.

“You bastard,” Kentucky says when everyone is gone. Wobbly, he sits up in bed and hops off. “I wanted to introduce myself to Diablo.”

“Maybe she’ll be at the game tomorrow.”

The nurse comes back in and blocks the door. “You haven’t been discharged, Mr. Kentucky.”

“Earl Vance,” he says. He looks back at the bed. “I’m leaving. Consider me discharged.”

“You have a co-pay!”

Outside, the Prospect and van wait across the street. “You look like shit, Kentucky,” the Prospect says.

“It’s Earl Vance,” I say.

“Shut the fuck up, Watcher.” Kentucky crawls his big ass into the passenger side, and I climb in behind him.

“Where are we headed?” The Prospects pulls away from the curb, and I watch Jessica’s limo go by. Maybe her stepmom is a better choice.

“Our bikes,” Kentucky says. “I’ll call Beast on the way.”

“Bikes were impounded by the locals,” the Prospect says.

“Fucking great.” Kentucky calls Beast, and I sit back and listen to Beast chewing us out. When Kentucky ends the call with half his ass left, he says, “You really like that young chick.”

“Fuck you.”

Kentucky laughs, and the Prospect looks at me in the mirror.

I search for Jessica Stallone on my phone’s Internet browser. Kentucky was right. I do like the young woman. I don't know why, but I do.

4

Jessica

“Ican’t believe you invited him to the game tomorrow!”

My father shrugs like any rich man who can do whatever he wants. “We’re indebted to the young man for helping you and Diablo.” He turns and stares at me. “What kind of woman is named Diablo?”

“She’s a kickass blocker, Daddy.” I stare out the window, already dreading the game tomorrow. Daddy likes me to be at every home game. He’s hoping some rich athlete will pluck me off the streets and take care of me. Give Daddy the grandkids he’s been waiting for. Lord knows my other brothers and sisters are too wrapped up in their own selfish ways to give him any.

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