Page 65 of Petty's Crime

Waving them in, I don’t understand if Red needs all-hands-on-deck, then why they are here. As I point the way to the kitchen that despite my earlier efforts still looks much like a bomb’s hit it, I ask them, “Red sounded busy. Are you not needed?”

Owl grins as he shakes his head. “Not yet, as we’re just prospects. The meetings are only for patched members.”

I suddenly remember some of the things that Sarge had told me. “Ah, recruits. You do all the shit jobs until you prove yourselves loyal to the club.”

“Yeah.” He snorts and looks around him. “Shit jobs sums it up.” He grins and waves at scattered pots and pans and contents of the cupboards stacked haphazardly. Then he must wrongly read the expression on my face. “Oh fuck,” he says fast. “I didn’t mean…”

I chuckle. “It’s alright. It is a shit job. Bet you would rather be at the club and in on whatever they’re doing.”

Now Owl removes his glasses and polishes them on a rag he’s taken from his pocket. After he’s replaced them, he shakes his head. “Not sure about that. I think we’re best out of it.” He sighs. “Petty’s gone and fucked up again, and this time I’m not sure he’ll be getting away with it.”

“Owl,” Meat growls, with a pointed jerk of his chin in my direction.

Owl’s eyes widen much like his namesake’s. He shoots a worried look toward me. “Forget I said anything.”

But I can’t. My brain whirls. I liked getting to know the man Petty was in Texas. Okay, he came back to his grizzly self on the journey home, but how could he havefucked upas Owl had put it, and in only a few short hours?

Meat looks like he’s going to make a start on getting some order into this mayhem. He bends and begins picking up items off the floor, then glances up, and I automatically point to the correct cupboard. It seems like he, at least, has finished with the conversation. Taking his cue, Owl crouches beside him.

But I’m far from done with it. It might be irrational, but I’ve a burning urge to find out what’s happening to the man who seems to have multiple personalities. One of which, I admit, I really started to like.

“Hey, wait up. What’s Petty done?” Two faces turn to me, both with lips firmly shut. I’m not particularly proud of what I do next. “If you don’t tell me, I’ll ring Red and ask him.”

I don’t need to add that will let their prez know that they’ve said something they presumably shouldn’t.

Owl almost squeals. “You can’t do that. We’ll lose our chance at getting a patch.”

“You will.” Meat glares at him. “I said nothing.”

My gaze goes from one to the other, then I roll my eyes and take out my phone. When they see what I’m doing, Owl jumps up. The motion makes his glasses slip and his forefinger rights them again.

He stands in front of me, his hands clasped as he pleads, “Please don’t.”

It may be nothing. It might not concern me at all, but Ineedto know, even though that makes no sense. With my fingers hovering threateningly over the keypad, I repeat, “Tell me.”

“Oh for fuck’s sake.” Meat joins us. “Look, I don’t know why you’ve got yourself all twisted about what's happened to that man, but don’t waste any sympathy on him. Petty’s wife turned up, her fuckin’ face all bashed in and covered with blood.”

As if I was in any doubt, Owl confirms, “Yeah, fuckin’ Petty beat her up.”

Now they’ve started, they go for broke. “She’s in the hospital.”

I don’t believe it. Ican’tbelieve it. Has Petty finally snapped? Has everything suddenly gotten too much for him? Personally, knowing his story, I wouldn’t blame him if it has. I know men shouldn’t hit women, but given what she’s done to him, I might condone him this once.But she’s gone to the hospital which means it’s serious.

This time I do hit the keys.

“Oh fuck,” Meat groans, his fingers splayed over his eyes.

“I’m not ringing Red,” I snap. “I’m calling Petty.” But when the call connects, there’s no answer.

What can I do? Or rather, should I do anything? Petty’s business is none of mine, and I’ve certainly no part to play in their marriage even if I have doubts it’s going to last.And I’ve no aspirations on the man if they part.Though, if I’m honest, I wouldn’t have minded getting to know better the version of the man who was at my parents.

But now? If Petty’s hit a woman, even if in justified anger, that should make me run a mile.

On this, he and I are on the same page. Men have superior strength and they shouldn’t use it against a female. Abuse is abuse, and there are far better ways to handle things, like walking away from the situation.

Unless she went crazy and he had to fight back.

Oh, for heaven’s sake. I can’t pretend to know what is happening, or validate my interest in what’s going on with a man I hardly know. I should leave well alone.

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