Page 9 of Bullseye
“Bullet!” I clamp a hand on his shoulder. He looks like he needs a boost. Women. They are absolute trouble. “Oh, this is the guy I was telling you about, Bullet.” I look at Harry. “Joey’s a huge Age of Logic fan!”
“No kidding?”
Age of Logic plays at MiD, Music in the Desert, the fundraiser the Steel Knights and our allied clubs host in the desert every year. It’s a cool coincidence and one that’ll make Harry happy. And he deserves to be happy. Especially since he thought this girl Celia may be the one.
Harry excuses himself to the back room, and I spy Seth on his heels. Seems the expression, “God makes them and matches them,” applies to work situations as well. Neither one of those men are all that into social situations. But it’s nothing for me. Considering some of the situations I’ve been in, this one is rather enjoyable.
We finish our small talk with Joey, and I’m pretty sure he’s getting a nomination. Another hour or so passes easily, but the masses are restless. Derek “Small Fry” Myers, one of the Steel Knights’ non-officered members, shouts out, “Let’s get to nominatin’!”
People clap and cheer and Nick holds out his hands and whistles to get everyone’s attention. The crowd quiets down and gives Nick their attention. Again, that feeling of electricity hangs in the air.
“All right,” Nick says. “Can I have all themembersof the Steel Knights come stand behind the bar please?”
Moving forward, I join Nick, Harry, and Seth already behind the bar, and the rest of the guys pack in with us—Jonathan “Jonesie” Jones, Bucky, Texas, Small Fry, and Vil. In our heavy leather jackets in that confined space, we must look like one menacing and impenetrable wall.
I chuckle as Nick reminds us that a prospect needs a nomination and then a second to qualify. He announces the start of the nominations.
Surprising everyone, quiet, no-personality Seth, is the first to nominate.
“I nominate Colt Hardy.”
“Colt?” Nick calls out, and Colt makes his way up front.
Although he isn’t as tall as Seth and looks younger, they can be twins.
“Uh, there’s gotta be a relation here, right?” Nick asks.
Okay, so I’m not the only one who notices it.
“Yes,” Seth answers. “Colt’s my brother.”
Here we go. The energy shifts as everyone behind the bar swallows what he wants to say. Considering the disaster we just lived through with Tess, CJ, and Taylor, are we really going to welcome Seth’s brother?
And Seth… Yeah, he’s okay and great with numbers. Harry even mentioned that he’s got connections back at his old job as a manager of a construction company, and he can get us a deal if our dream of a new, private clubhouse becomes a reality… But can we trust him? We don’t know anything about him.
A searing pain rushes across my gut.
Maybe the man has secrets. I can respect that. It’s not like I’ve been forthright.
Glancing at Seth, I decide. If Nick asks me, I’ll second the nomination. I’m all about giving someone a chance.
And a second chance.
Nick mumbles uncomfortably, but Bucky steps up and vouches for Seth and Colt. Okay, that smooths it over.
The rest of the nominations are no surprise, but I’m done. I’m standing here behind the counter, sweating my balls off, and itching to get to the range. I “second” those I know, and nod along with those I don’t.
Growing more and more restless, all I can think about is that woman. Who is she? And will she be there now? At the range?
Why do I care?
Thankfully, Nick begins wrapping things up, and there’s a final call for any last nominations. An uncomfortable-looking Texas steps forward and immediately, my senses go on high alert. Why? I was the one who told the Dogs what we were doing here tonight. Are we about to be ambushed?
Without drawing any attention to myself, I reach for my piece that I keep stashed in the back waistband of my jeans.
Texas clears his throat and speaks. “I’d like to nominate Seneca Villetrio.”
It’s like the freaking Red Sea parts as the crowd moves aside to let a woman, dressed in a deep purple tank top and tight black pants with a belt slung low around her hips, short black hair, tan skin, and giant gray eyes step forward. She makes eye contact with me and then turns away, exposing a shaved side of her head.
