Page 29 of Ace of Spades

"If that."

"Alright." I mark off on the paper the days that Benji is out of pocket and quickly reassign tasks.

Our crew isn't as big as it used to be, so dividing up the work and making sure the schedules line up with customer expectations on delivery time has been a lot to manage.

Especially when so many other things occupy my mind.

Like the fact that my phone has been buzzing in my pocket all morning. I already know who it is. I even know exactly what she’s expecting. It’s Friday. And my ex-wife is nothing if not predictable.

I reject the call.

"Okay, that means Kick, you're on the '83 Harley coming in. That one includes a handlebar weld."

Kim Harrison, our resident welder, jumps down from the table she's been seated at and walks over to me. Her oversized jumpsuit, hanging open on one side.

"That's great. I'll get to it as soon as I finish the other three welds that need to be done this week."

Shit. I didn't realize we werethatfar behind.

"Okay, nevermind. Maybe…" I look over to Joey who's practically bouncing in his sneakers. "Maybe, Skid can help."

"I don't know," Benji warns.

"Come on, Gramps! You've had me watching for months now. I know what I gotta do," Joey attempts to convince us.

Benji gives me a look and I know it means the kid isn't ready.

"Skid, you can help Ghost."

"Yeah," Kim says. "I work better alone anyways."

She pops her gum and gives me a salute as she walks by. Her long braids swishing along her hips as she grabs her tools.

"Alright, that puts Ghost on bike number two. They're doing a performance tuning. Should be right up your alley."

Ghost, whose real name is just as much an enigma as the man himself, is our silent muscle.

He leans on his Ducati, his skin has the weathered look of a man that’s spent years under the sun and his bulky muscles twist as he brings his morning coffee up to his lips.

Word on the street is he’s a descendant of one of a chieftains from the native tribe that used to live on these lands long before Georgia became the thirteenth colony.

And I believe it. Ghost is built like a warrior.

"Have Skid help with anything you need. That's a priority build."

Ghost gives me his signature nod of understanding.

"Wait," Joey cuts in. "I've been here for almost a year. I've done everything you guys have asked of me. Been your little runner. I’ve earned my keep. Give me my own project, Steele, please. I promise you, I've got this."

"No can do, Skid," I say, slapping the clipboard onto the table outside my office.

"Why? Give me one good reason," Joey presses.

Benji laughs from his place across the bay.

"You serious, kid? How about that!" He points to the long, blackened arc scorched into the concrete.

"Do you really need another reason?" Kim adds.

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