Page 39 of Claymore
“Ripper did it. Tank lived. Seems to me like Ella’s just got a bad rep because she’s got a fucked up brother. If she’s your lady, Tank’s gotta respect that. So far, from what I hear, she’s the only one getting hurt right now.”
“Tell me about it. I can’t push Tank, Vegas. When Ripper and Ronnie got together, that was a different time. He’s losing it. We need to find something to appease him before I can even think about bringing Ella around,” I said.
“Yeah, you’re right. Well, looks like it’s time for me to work my charm,” he responded, biting down on his last wing the second the bright-eyed bartender came strolling back out.
I finished up the last of my drink while Vegas leaned over the bar, getting real cozy. The two of them smiled, laughing, giggling, and I even watched as she tucked her hair behind her ears, blushing. She was captivated by him and when he glanced over at me a few minutes later, I knew he’d gotten somewhere.
They exchanged numbers, swapping little bits of paper like they were back in middle school. I shook my head, smirking at him when he came back over.
“Got something?”
“Yeah. Some of the Lions did come through here earlier. They were telling Blondie over there all about some track meet down near the old bank. That’s where they’re spending the night, well a few of them anyway.”
“Think we can go break up their little party?”
“Sounds like a ball to me.”
***
Vegas and I arrived at the hill, looking down below at all the bikers that gathered around the long stretch of road, ready to blow off some steam with a race. I felt my cell phone buzz in my pocket and I pulled it out to see Ella’s name flash across the screen.
“Claymore, I hope I’m not bothering you. I’m actually heading over to Louise’s for a little while. She’s still pretty shaken after what happened. I just want to make sure she’s okay.”
“Ah, so you’re actually telling me where you’re going now, huh?”
“I just wouldn’t want you to worry too much,” Ella said.
“Text me the address. When I finish up here, I’ll swing by to pick you up,” I said.
“It’ll be late and it’s all the way in Sedona.”
“And I’ll be waiting. You need to be careful, Ella. From the cab straight into her home. Nowhere else. You know how dangerous it is,” I said, wishing she didn’t go at all.
“I’ll be careful. I promise. You’re quite the protector, Claymore.”
“Oh, I try. You so much as move from there I’ll have no choice but to lock you up for real this time.”
“Uh-huh. See you tonight.”
I heard her chuckle softly, hanging up the phone. When I looked over at Vegas, he was raising his eyebrow at me, his arms folded across his chest.
“What?”
“Out of everyone I expected to get themselves a lady, you were one of the last ones on my list. Crazy how that shit works, doesn’t it?”
I rolled my eyes at him.
“Look, one of us should probably race with these fuckers. Better chance of getting them alone if you can pique their interest,” Vegas said.
“I got it. You keep an eye on the others in case we’ve got more trouble than we planned.”
“Yeah, no problem.”
I slid my dome back over my head, revving my engine before I made the drive down the hill, passing the old bank on the way. The rules were simple. Anyone could ride, anyone could play the game for the cash available, but things could get dirty. I knew from the scent of alcohol in the air and the cigarette smoke wafting around these weren’t the kind of guys to play fair. I was pretty damn fine with that.
We all lined up and they plastered cardboard numbers onto the back of our jackets. I scanned the other bikers, noticing I had two Lions in sight.Time to kick your ass. Maybe then I can get one of you alone for a little chat.
All the onlookers were cooing, screaming at us. They were drunk off their asses, waiting for the action to begin. I gripped the handles of my bike tightly, revving my engine, just as the flag girl sent us off. I let the rest of ’em take the lead, waiting for the perfect moment on that long stretch of road to wipe the goddamn floor with them. I looked to my left to see a Lion with his sigil illuminating under the streetlights.
