Page 94 of Savage Outlaw

There was silence.

A lot of silence.

“My best friend nearly died, and I wasn’t there. Tag could’ve died and where the fuck was I? I don’t even know.”

“Yeah, I heard it was a bad fight. How is he now?”

“They had to fix his cheek.”

Birds sang nearby, he could hear traffic, but the loudest noise came from Arson’s own head. Urging him to go and get a drink.

One more isn’t gonna hurt. Make it feel right again.

“What brings you here, Arson?”

He sighed. “I don’t know. I guess I woke up here. It’s what I do. I’m a fuck up.”

Arson was grateful for Danny not giving him pity.

“Why don’t you come inside out of the cold. My wife insists that there’s nothing tea and toast can’t fix. You’ll notice the doorstep thick measure of Nutella she heaps on hers.”

If only Arson could be fixed with a piece of toast.

He started to refuse but the other man got in his face in that kind fucker way Danny had about himself. It was almost as if divine intervention was yanking on Arson, except he didn’t believe in any of that mumbo jumbo shit.

“You don’t know it now, Arson, but you’re at the right place.”

“Don’t get offended, Danny, but I’m not into finding Jesus.”

Danny smiled, unbothered by the religious rejection. “No, but you found an addict who can help you if you need it. If not, there’s tea and toast and a warm place to sit for a while with no judgement.”

The pastor was an addict?

Danny confirmed with a smile. “I go to NA every week, sometimes twice if I need it. The demon never climbs off my back but it’s bearable now.”

“You?”

Danny inclined his head. “It can happen to anyone, man. I asked for help and help was there.”

Shit.

If addiction had gotten hold of a man like Danny, then Arson stood no chance.

He wasn’t good or righteous. He wasn’t one of those who deserved a second chance.

It was obvious he needed a bottle and a body and then his addictions would make him stop shaking.

“Arson, are you okay?” The man asked again and this time, clarity hit, and Arson realized what he was saying.

They met eyes and the weight of the world rested on Arson’s shoulders before he answered.

“No.”

Danny smiled and rested a hand on Arson’s arm. “Come on inside for tea and toast.”

Tea and toast.

He’d remember those words.

---