He blinks as I say his name, staring up at me in confusion. “What are you doing here?”
“The ice storm knocked the power out in half the city. Are you okay? Do you need help?”
He starts to sit up, and I help him. “Not sure what happened. I started packing my car, and I don’t know how I ended up on the floor.”
“It’s cold in here.” Too cold. I see the door open to his garage. All the heat escaped. “I think you should come with me.”
He blinks. “Where?”
“I’ve to Noelle, her sister, and niece. I’m taking them back with me. We’ve got power at my clubhouse.”
“A biker bar?” He sounds skeptical.
“Yeah. There’s food, blankets, and a warm place to rest until the power is back on. You should come.” I don’t like the idea of leaving him. He needs medical care.
Mr. Warner looks around his house. “Okay.”
I’m surprised, but I help him up, and he wobbles. I hold him steady. “Where’s your jacket and winter clothing?”
“The hall closet.”
I leave him to gather the items together and help him with his coat, gloves, and hat. “Do you have any boots?”
“No.” He points to his living room. “Just the house shoes and sneakers.”
“That’ll work.”
I guide him to his sofa, and he manages to slip them on his feet without help.
Mr. Warner turns to me. “Why did you come inside?”
“The door wasn’t closed all the way. Something didn’t feel right. I wanted to make sure you were okay.”
“And you stopped here. Why?”
“I knew this neighborhood didn’t have power. Thought I should check to be sure you were okay.”
He blinks before shaking his head. “I was wrong about you.”
“Hey, I’m used to it. No worries.”
“No. I need to apologize. It wasn’t right.”
“Well, we agree on that, Mr. Warner.”
“Call me Phillip.”
“As long as you call me Torque.”
“Done.”
By the time I get everyone back to the Grid Iron, I’m tired, thirsty, and my boots are soaked. I lead everyone inside and to the bar, where people have gathered in our absence. Soup and warm beverages are being passed around. I saw additional neighbors and friends of the club all gathered to help during a crisis.
It takes a few minutes to get everyone sorted. I find Bear’s sister since she’s a nurse and ask her to check on Phillip. He’s cold and dehydrated which makes him a little disoriented. It was a good thing I checked on him when I did.
Storm joins me as I hold a mug of coffee. “Shark isn’t a problem any longer.”
Good to know.
