“I’d imagine. They’ve been getting a lot of business from Del and vice versa.”
“He’s pretty smart.”
“And big and threatening. I’m sure people go in there and decide to stay because they’re afraid to say no to the guy.”
She snorted. “You should talk. But with you, it’s because you’re so handsome.”
“Stop.” He turned crimson, as she’d known he would. “Go away, evil woman.”
“And my work is done.” She stood and wiped her hands. “Tell Del I said sorry. I’ve gotta go grovel, on my knees if I have to.”
“I’d be wary about the on your knees part. Heller’s a guy, and a woman on her knees can send the wrong signal.” Mike turned even redder. “Just sayin’.”
Rena laughed and left, driving to Axel’s without having to look up the directions. Though she’d never needed paint or auto body work for her car, she’d satiated her curiosity about where Axel worked a few days after they’d first been introduced.
His shop wasn’t too far from Webster’s Garage on Rainier. Axel’s place was a little farther north. She passed a few parts stores and some industrial-type shops and parked in the lot behind the building. She saw his truck, fortunately, and three other vehicles as well. Likely his employees. She didn’t see space for customers behind the building. In the front and to the side, several cars had been staged.
She parked next to his vehicle and tried the back door, surprised to find it open. Entering, she walked right into the meat of the shop. The area felt cool but not cold, and someone blasted rock music in the large bay. She glanced around, seeing a few cars parked inside. There were two smaller bays, a long bench, tools, and machines stashed to the side, probably used for painting or sanding, banging, and hammering. However they fixed dents and dings.
A big white guy with a red Mohawk stood by the tools staring at her. He had a barrel chest, arms almost as big as Axel’s, and sleeves of tattoos. “Hello.” And a deep voice that managed to be pleasant. He smiled.
“Hello.” She smiled back.
Another big man joined him, this one scowling, with ragged dark hair and an attitude she could see from clear across the bay. Her smile faded.
“Oh, don’t mind Rylan,” Mohawk said. “Is there something we can help you with?”
“I, ah, I’m looking for Axel Heller?”
Mohawk’s smile grew even wider.
Rylan swore. “Damn it.”
Another guy entered the bay from a side door. He wore a yellow protective suit and a mask he’d pushed up off his face. Cute and lean, he reminded her of a fox for some reason. Maybe it was the twitchy way he walked.
He saw her and stopped. “Who are you?”
Rude, but okay. “I’m Rena, and I’m looking for Axel Heller.”
The man swore. “Damn it. I’m out twenty bucks!”
She narrowed her eyes. “Which one of you is Mateo?”
The twitchy guy suddenly remembered he had more work to do and darted away.
Mohawk man walked to her and held out a hand. “Hi. I’m Smitty. I do all the real work around here to make Heller look good. You met Mateo, and that’s Rylan. The FNG.”
She shook his hand and tried to hide a smile. “Ah. Nice to meet you. Rena Jackson.”
Smitty walked her to a closed door bordered on either side by large panes of glass. She saw the back of Axel’s head as he faced the bulletin board on the wall behind him. He was on the phone and swearing, his voice dark, mean. Sexy.I mean, scary.
“Uh-oh. Maybe not the best time to be here. Five to one says he’s talking to his dad.” Smitty looked down at her. “His dad’s an ass.”
“Oh.” She should go, but then Axel turned around and froze in the middle of what he’d been saying, staring at her through the glass.
“Might as well face the lion in his den,” Smitty murmured and opened the door while knocking. “Yo, Heller. Visitor for you. Me and the boys are taking off.”
“Ja.Okay. See you tomorrow,” he said absently, staring a hole through Rena’s head.
