Jock nodded, his gut telling him this wasn’t just a friendly chat.One of the newcomers glanced over his shoulder, catching Jock’s eye for a split second before turning back to Calder.“They know we’re watching,” Jock said, his voice tight.
“Let ’em,” Ace said.“Makes ’em nervous.Nervous guys make mistakes.”
They sat for another half hour, nursing their drinks and watching Calder’s every move.He was getting sloppier, his laughter louder, his gestures wilder.Jock’s phone buzzed again, and this time he checked.It was a voice message from Silly.He slipped an earbud in and hit Play, keeping his eyes on Calder.
“Hey, big guy.”Silly’s voice came through, soft and warm, like a lifeline.“Just got to my hotel room.It’s late, and I’m beat, but I wanted to hear you.Maynard’s design is done, and I’m still thinking chest, right over your heart.Call me when you’re done with whatever you’re up to.Love you.”The message ended, and Jock’s throat tightened.He wanted to be home, sprawled on the couch with Silly, Tank, and Maynard, not sitting in this dive bar waiting for a scumbag to slip up.
Calder and his buddies finally moved, heading for the back door that led to the alley.Jock and Ace exchanged a glance, and without a word, they stood and followed, keeping their distance.The alley was narrow, lit only by a flickering streetlamp, and the stench of garbage hit Jock like a punch.Calder was leaning against a dumpster, lighting a cigarette, while his two friends stood close, muttering.Jock and Ace hung back in the shadows, close enough to hear but not be seen.
“...dog didn’t know when to quit,” Calder was saying, his voice thick with booze.“Had to show him who’s boss.Ain’t nobody gonna miss a stray.”
Jock’s blood turned to ice, and he took a step forwards before Ace grabbed his shoulder, hard.“Wait,” Ace hissed.“We need him to say more.”
Calder laughed, a nasty sound that made Jock’s skin crawl.“Tossed him in that alley by the leather shop.Figured he’d be dead by morning.”
Jock’s vision went red.He shook off Ace’s grip and stepped into the light.“You mean the pit bull you burned?”His voice was low, dangerous, and Calder’s head snapped up, his cigarette dropping to the ground.
“Who the fuck are you?”Calder snarled, but his eyes darted to his buddies, like he was looking for an out.
“Guy who found that dog,” Jock said, taking another step.“He’s not dead, by the way.Tougher than you thought.”
Calder’s face paled, and his friends shifted, hands twitching towards their pockets.
Ace stepped up beside Jock, his presence a quiet threat.“Easy, boys,” Ace said, his voice calm but cold.“We just want to talk.”
“Fuck you,” Calder spat, but he was backing up, his shoulder hitting the dumpster.“You got no proof.”
“We’ll see about that,” Jock said, his fists clenched.He wanted to tear Calder apart, but Ace was right, dammit.Rushing in would ruin their chance at real justice.“Cops are already looking into you.You’re not as smart as you think.”
Calder’s buddies exchanged glances, and one of them muttered something about leaving.Calder’s bravado cracked, and he bolted, shoving past his friends and sprinting down the alley.
Jock started after him, but Ace grabbed his arm again.“Let him run.We know where to find him now.”
Jock’s chest heaved, his pulse hammering in his ears.He watched the two independent bikers fade away into the shadows.“He admitted it, Ace.He fucking did it.”
“Yeah, and we heard him,” Ace said, pulling out his phone.“I’m calling Wrench.He’ll get Dyno to pass this on to the sheriff.Calder’s not slipping through this time.”
Jock nodded, forcing himself to breathe.Something I can feel: the cool night air.He pulled out his phone and dialed Silly, needing her voice to settle him.
She picked up on the second ring, her tone bright but tired.“Jake?You okay?”
“Yeah, baby,” he said, his voice rough.“Just needed to hear you.We got him.The guy who hurt Maynard.He’s running, but we got him.”
“Oh, Jake,” Silly said, her voice softening.“I’m so proud of you.You’ve done right by that dog.”
Jock closed his eyes, picturing her in that hotel room, sketchpad in hand.“Miss you, Silly.Can’t wait to see you.”
“We’re down to counting hours now,” she said, and he could hear the smile in her voice.“Then I’m home, and we’re putting those eyes on you.”
“Deal,” he said, a small smile breaking through.He glanced at Ace, who was talking to Wrench, then back at the alley where Calder had disappeared.The fight wasn’t over, but for tonight, he’d done enough.Maynard was safe, Tank was waiting, and Silly was coming home.That was enough to keep the ghosts at bay.At least for now.
