Page 58 of Johnny Gun

“Oh.” Her face flushed red.

“Oh? Yikes. There goes my ego.” He pointed at the water. “It’s swimming to the shore.”

“No, silly. I’m ecstatic.” Giggling, she leaned toward him with arms extended. The canoe wobbled.

“Nooo.” He held up a hand. “Stay where you are. Save your enthusiasm for when we’re on land.”

“All right.” She sat back. “I’ll be good. But you won’t stop me when we get back.”

Waggling his eyebrows, he resumed his easy paddling. “I’m counting on it.”

“Tell me about yourself?”

“What about me?”

“College, career. The MC.”

“I did a little intelligence work in the army. That’s why Blade hired me for the Johnston Agency. Before I left the service, I switched to a different specialty. I thought being an electrician would be more profitable in the civilian world. I didn’t finish. With you in my life, I will.”

“Is it dangerous?”

“You mean the agency?”

“Uh-huh.”

He shrugged one shoulder. “So far no, but I guess it could be. Depends on what’s involved. We’re working with the Garden City chief of police. And I’m not saying more about it. Some details are confidential. It’s safer than a biker’s life.”

“Is it really?”

“Yep. The MC changed after Blade took over. The Spawn weren’t angels. They handled illicit deals.”

“My father?”

“Him too. But after Warden’s death, we started asking ourselves if our one percenter outlaw lifestyle was worth it. Enter Blade Johnston. He took us in a different direction.”

“I see.”

“The Spawn ceased all smuggling activities, opened a bike and auto repair shop in Garden City and one in the Florida Keys, and now the agency.”

“I don’t understand. If the MC went legit, why the war with the Steel Wolves?”

“Unfortunately, the responsibility for that falls on your father. He’s not quite on board with the new program. He was holding on to past grudges. He betrayed Killer, a member of the Wolves, to the feds, and now the Wolves want payback.”

“My father’s a stubborn man.”

“Yes, well, we’re going to have to come up with some way to end this feud between him and Rover. On a brighter note, I’ve decided to resume my training and get my certificate. With some extra certification, I can work anywhere.”

A sudden gust of wind got his attention, and he glanced up to the west where dark clouds were gathering.

“It’s time to go back. He dipped the paddle into the water to slow the canoe, then slowly reversed his direction.

“So soon? What happened?”

“Nothing yet, but a storm is coming our way.” He pointed over his shoulder. “Those clouds usually move quickly, and I’d rather have you inside the house, nice and dry.”

“Worried about my health?”

“Always,” he replied. Dropping the second oar into its housing, he rowed faster. “You’re my only concern in life.”

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