Page 5 of Ripper
“Be careful, Ronnie. Take it from me, you don’t want to get wrapped up in biker business, okay?”
“Oh, it’s just one drink. I’m sure there are plenty of people that go there that aren’t bikers,” I said.
He shrugged.
“That’s like trying to find a sports car in the desert. Once you do, everyone won’t be able to stop looking. You’re a big girl, but you call me if any of those guys give you any trouble, okay?”
“Thanks, Uncle Axle.”
I headed home first to take a quick shower and get out of my clothes that were covered in grease. I slicked my brown balayage tresses back into a ponytail and found a clean gray T-shirt and jeans to slip into. I rummaged through my closet looking for a jacket, but I didn’t have any. I bit my lip for a moment before going through Uncle Axle’s things.I’m sure he wouldn’t mind if I borrowed something, right? I mean, it’s going to get chilly tonight. It always does.I thought.
I found an old leather jacket sitting in the very back of his closet. I grabbed it, dusting it off before tossing it over my shoulders. It was warm, comfortable, and I could’ve sworn I smelled the scent of my dad’s cologne. I furrowed my brow, grabbed my keys, and headed straight for the Tavern.
The place was a lot more intimidating than I thought it’d be. From the moment I parked my truck out front, I got looks from just about everyone I crossed paths with. There were some bikers out front, huddled together having a smoke, and others that were getting ready to leave. They all looked hard, angry, and I had to keep myself from shuddering. I tried not to make eye contact with any of them as I snuck past, entering the bar as the music grew louder. I heard the manly grunts coming from the back booths, and I decided it’d be best to stay close to the door.
Uncle Axle did warn me, but as long as I stay out of everyone’s way, I’m sure I’ll be fine.
Or, at least I thought so.
I took a seat on one of the wooden stools at the bar, watching the bartenders whip up drinks and pour beer straight from the tap. I got a good look at all of the different people around me; their faces were lit up in red and blue hues from the neon sign behind the bar. I was so lost in all of it that I didn’t even realize the bartender was standing right in front of me, ready to take my order.
She was tall, with blonde curls that bounced around as she moved. She had a big, genuine smile, and her dimples were quite prominent. Her blue eyes really stood out in her dark eyeliner and long lashes.
“You’re not from around here, are you?”
Her question caught me off guard because I felt like I took every step to make sure I blended in as much as possible. My eyes widened as I stared at her, and she chuckled.
“How do you know?”
“Well, something tells me you didn’t ride here on a bike. Something also tells me this is your first time in a biker bar. I’m here every night, and I can usually tell when someone’s uncomfortable,” she said.
“That obvious, huh?”
“Oh, yeah. What brings you here?”
“I’m actually from here. Newly back in town, and I guess a lot has changed since I was a kid. My parents moved to New York when I was really little, but I’m back now. I’m working at my uncle’s shop. I don’t know if you know it, Axle’s Auto Repair?”
“Are you kidding me? Every single biker in this bar gets their bikes fixed there. Wait, so are you—”
I could already tell what was coming next, and it was my chance to finally know the man that my dad was before he gave up that life for a normal one in the city.
“Hammerhead’s daughter? Yes. Do you know anything about him?”
“Just that he was one of the most notorious bikers around here. Everyone knew Hammerhead. Him and Axle were the biggest lone bikers in Arizona. They’ve got quite a reputation around here. Is he back in town too?”
“No, actually, he passed away when I was fifteen.”
“Oh my God. I’m so sorry to hear that. He was a great guy. Always made the place feel like home whenever he was around,” she said.
“Yeah, I know what you mean.”
“I’m Charlotte. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Veronica, but you can call me Ronnie.”
“Well, I’ve been talking your ear off. What can I get you?”
“I’m actually driving home, so I’ll just have a coke.”
