Page 35 of Aftershock's Fury

“Oh, crap. I didn’t know that.”

“I didn’t know how you’d react to learning that. Can I tell you something?”

She nods and smiles at me. “Of course you can. You’re my only friend.”

“I don’t know your story, but I want you to know I’m here to help you if you ever need it. I can teach you how to defend yourself and shoot a gun, if you want. I’m also a really good listener.” I stretch across the work bench and take her flour-covered hand in mine. “You’re my only friend too.”

“Thank you.” She doesn’t say anything else but looks up. “Oh, crap! I have to go get Oly. Would you mind putting these in the oven and then starting to close up on your own? I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“Take my truck and Fezzik, if you want.”

“No, I can’t do that.”

“Yes, you can, and you will. I heard that p.o.s. giving you problems this morning.”

“I’ll take the truck, but Fezzik won’t leave with me.” She wipes her hands off, then moves to the sink to wash them before taking my keys off the hook and heading out.

I pan the pastries that just need to be baked—she did everything else—and put them in the oven. I then step out front and start cleaning up. We were busy this morning for a burst and then again at lunch, but our normal afternoon rush didn’t happen. We think it was because everyone is still on holiday time. Some businesses, like the college, took today off too.

I’m wiping down the tables when the bell rings, and I turn to see a man walking in. He’s dressed in a suit and has tawny skin and a slightly rounded face. I smile at him.

“Welcome to Marnie’s French Pastries Café, how can I help you?” I say as I move behind the counter.

He doesn’t say anything to me but looks around the shop.

“What are you in the mood for today?” I try again. But the more he remains silent, the more the hair on the back of my neck stands up.

“I honestly thought it would be harder to get to you,” he says in a deep voice.

I hit the panic button on my watch, and Fezzik comes from the back. He walks over to my side, and the man chuckles. Fezzik growls at him.

“I think it’s time for you to leave,” I tell him and wave my hand to the door.

Another man walks in, who looks vaguely familiar. Then it hits me.

“Goat,” I say.

He smiles at me. He’s not dressed in his cut but in dark slacks and a button-down shirt with a jacket over it.

“You do know who I am. I’m shocked.”

“I remember you, plus I’ve seen you at the bar.”

“They wouldn’t let me come to the table that night. You’re some special pussy, I’d say.”

Fezzik growls at his tone, and I turn back to the first guy, who pulls a gun out of his jacket.

“No, no, son, we don’t kill dogs.”

Fezzik moves between me and the counter, trying to push me back from the danger. Goat pulls a gun and fires it at Fezzik. I scream, but when I see the dart with the bright-colored tip, I realize he tranquilized him. I pull it out and drop it to the floor, but it’s too late. Fezzik falls to the floor, out cold.

“What did you fucking do to my dog, asshole?”

I come around the counter on the side near the other man. I don’t know him, but he’s the one I need to take care of first. Goat is easier to handle. He’s older, and from the looks of it, he hasn’t been working out as much as he used to. His skin is weathered, and he’s showing his age.

“It sounds like the princess is as rabid as the rest of those bikers. Is she what you call bear bait?”

“No, she isn’t. She’s worth it. I’ve heard she’s a virgin. We could get some money for this one.”

---