Page 5 of Ghost

“Yeah, yeah. You can stop with the bragging.”

“Not bragging. Just stating facts.” He waited for me to get in and close the door before he added, “You could call up your stalker friend. I’m sure she’d love to...”

“Not a chance,” I interrupted. “I’d rather die alone.”

“Oh, she wasn’t that bad.”

“I knew her two days, and she got my name tattooed on her wrist.” His smirk widened when I added, “And she sprayed everything I owned with her strong-assed perfume—even my fucking underwear!”

“Sounds like she really liked you.”

“Oh, yeah, she was crazy about me.” I patted my chest as I boasted, “But you can’t really blame her. I mean, look at me. I’m irresistible.”

“You’re even more delusional than she is.”

“Whatever, man. At least I’m not hooking up with my little...”

“Whoa,” Memphis snapped, cutting me off. “Don’t even.”

“Well, don’t start no shit, won’t be no shit.”

“Oh, I’m about to start some shit in about two seconds if you don’t start this fucking truck and get us on the road and find us something to eat. I’m fucking starving.”

“I’m going. I’m going.” I turned the key as I mumbled, “Damn.”

Seconds later, we were pulling through the gate and headed towards Nashville. It wasn’t a hard drive. It was just a long one. It was about five hours, but the traffic was light, and Goose had plenty of stories to help pass the time. But as we drew closer, the stories came to a halt, and our focus was on the road ahead.

Goose’s fingers tapped nervously on his thigh as he kept a close eye on his side mirrors, watching for any signs of trouble. Memphis toyed with the police scanner, and just as we were coming into Nashville, he leaned forward and announced, "Looks like we’ve got a speed trap up ahead."

I nodded and eased off the gas.

I dropped to just above the speed limit and hoped it was enough to keep them from becoming suspicious. The area was a hot spot—not because of the Manor. No one knew it existed, but the interstate through Nashville had become a high-traffic area for criminals of all kinds, and cops patrolled the area like vultures waiting to swoop.

I checked my mirrors and speed once more, then continued towards our exit. We got off, and twenty minutes later, we were pulling up to the gates of the Manor. We sat silent as the security did their check. It took a moment, but once we were cleared, the gates eased open, and we continued up to the main building.

The night air was thick with a low-lying fog that clung to the ground as we parked and exited the SUV. It was dark and eerily quiet. The only sound that could be heard was the sound of our boots hitting the gravel as we approached the entrance. I opened the door and found Viper waiting for us inside. He was a big guy, older and a bit intense, but he had a protective, fatherly way about him that reminded me of Preacher.

His broad shoulders cast long shadows on the wooden floor as he stepped towards us and said, “Hello, boys. Welcome back.”

“Viper.” Memphis gave him a nod and extended his hand. “How’s it going?”

“Busy. Too busy. Need a few more hours in the day.”

“Feel you there.” Memphis shook his head. “Seems like there’s always something.”

“No doubt.” Viper nodded in agreement. “Can I get you boys anything? A drink or a bite to eat?”

“No, sir. We grabbed something on the way. Besides, it’s late. We should be getting back.”

“Understood. We got your order packed and ready.” Viper motioned his head towards the front door. “The truck unlocked?”

“Yeah, I’ll go out and give the guys a hand.”

“They can manage. Besides, I’ve got someone who’s been waiting to meet you.”

“Prez mentioned something about that,” I interjected. “Said they were going to be coming back with us for a while.”

“Yeah, that’s the plan.”

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