Page 24 of Carnival Queen

“She’s a keeper,” said Ghost. “I’m glad she’s staying here, but that shit in the folder is going to take some time to dig through.”

“That’s why we have geniuses working for us,” said Nine. Skull and Razor stuck their heads in the door, and the men frowned. “What now?”

“We saw the light on and wanted to let you know we looked at Deanna’s car.”

“And?” asked Ghost.

“It’s a fucking mess. The engine needs to be replaced, drive shaft, axels are cracked. I’m not sure how she was driving it. I think it needs to be scrapped.”

“No,” said Ghost, shaking his head. “Find a way to rebuild that damn car. It’s the last thing she has of her parents. One more surprise, and that poor woman is going to jump. Whatever it takes, let’s give her back the only memory she has left.”

“We can do that,” said Razor. “It’s a great car, other than all the engine issues.” Gaspar nodded.

“Then let’s do this for her.”

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Ghost looked over Razor’s shoulder, staring at the disaster of an engine. It was huge and probably guzzled more gasoline than his pickup truck.

“You looking over my shoulder won’t get it fixed any faster,” smirked Razor.

“I know,” he scoffed. “I was just…” He stopped, staring down at something that shouldn’t be there.

“Just what?” asked Razor.

“Razor, on the inside of the belt wheel. What is that?” Razor looked up at Ghost, then twisted his body, shining the flashlight inside the vehicle.

“Fuck me,” he growled, pulling the device from the car. “It’s a tracker. Someone was tracking her. It would have deactivated the minute it was near our property, so we don’t have to worry about it. But someone was definitely following her around.”

“That’s how they knew she’d left her office and headed home,” said Ghost. “Do me a favor and don’t tell her about it. It doesn’t matter now. Check to see if there are others. I’ll have Sly check her cell phone and make sure there’s nothing in her laptop bag or purse.” Razor nodded.

“Hey, Ghost. I know this car is sentimental to her, but it’s really a piece of shit. Are you sure we rebuild this?”

“Positive. Her father gave her this car, and it’s all she’s got left of that memory. Let’s make sure it’s fixed for her. If she decides to sell it, so be it. For now, it’s hers.” Razor nodded at his old friend as he left the garage and headed back into the showroom.

The bikes were lined up in beautiful displays. Some lifted up on massive stands to show how artfully they were constructed. Each bike had a custom frame, custom engine, custom fork and handlebars, and custom paint. Everything was designed specifically for the client or a potential client. No one understood bikers better than the team at Steel Cycles.

“This one is new,” said Ghost, looking at Whiskey. He nodded, pushing some of the paperwork aside at the register.

“Yeah. It’s for an ex-cop in L.A. He’s driving out later this month to pick it up. Said he’d been saving for the last twenty years to pay cash for the bike,” smiled Whiskey.

“We gave him the first-responder discount, right?”

“Yep.” They heard the tap of comms in their ears and waited to hear a voice.

You’ve got company. We let them through the stealth netting. I think you’ll want to speak to them. The other businesses are still hidden.

He nodded as the bell above the door chimed, two men walking in wearing suits. Not their typical customer, both men were uneasy at their appearance. Whiskey tapped his comms and immediately heard a reply. Skull and Noa would be joining them shortly.

“Help you, gentlemen?” asked Whiskey.

“We’re looking to purchase a motorcycle,” said the man. Whiskey knew immediately he was lying. No man looking for a bike would walk in and say, ‘I’m looking to purchase a motorcycle.’ He’d be kicked out for losing his balls.

“What kind of engine are you looking for?” he asked. The two men stared at him, shaking their heads.

“Doesn’t really matter.” He raised his eyebrows at the man. “I mean. You know, it’s fine. Whatever you have.”

“Listen, buddy, these bikes are for serious bikers,” said Ghost. “Everything is custom-made. Average price is north of a hundred thousand.”

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