Gideon’s eyes squinted briefly. “The one who introduced himself was Lorcan Anders?”
“Yes, sir, that’s what he told me.”
“I’m gonna be blunt with you, Penn. My family was almost lost to a fire a couple of weeks ago. Someone ran into that house and saved them. Lorcan is searching for that person, as am I, but I suspect Lorcan’s the one who started the fire.”
I remembered Lacey telling me about the animosity between the two men, and I wanted no part of it. Good thing I was leaving soon.
“That’s awful, but he said you were friends.”
Gideon snorted, and at the same time Dean laughed. “No, Penn. He’s no friend of mine.”
I bit my bottom lip, trying to keep my eyes on the countertop. I did not want Dean’s attention.
“Well, I didn’t tell him anything. Mainly because I didn’t know.”
“Has he tried to talk to you again since then?”
“No, sir.”
He tapped the counter. “If he does, please let Alan know, and he will get in contact with me.”
“Sure, but…” I peered over at Alan. “Actually, I was putting in my two weeks tonight. I’m moving.”
“You’re leaving?” Lacey stepped closer.
“Yeah, sorry.”
“But you’re here for two more weeks?” Gideon inquired. “If in that time you hear from him, please let Alan know?”
I nodded and mistakenly made eye contact with Dean. He was staring at me with clear intent. Did he know who I was?
“Thank you for your time, Penn.” Gideon stood, and yes, he was broad and easily six five, and Alan moved around the bar to shake his hand. “Your debts are cleared. If you run into problems, let me know.”
“Thank you so much, Mr. Hendrix.”
I watched as the four men left, Dean peeking at me a few too many times. Yeah, hopefully I’d get through the two weeks without any of this shit from two mob families or whatever they were.
“You’re leaving!” Lacey shouted and smacked me on the shoulder after they were gone. “What the fuck, Penn?”
“I’m sorry.” I faced Alan. “I really am, but I told you when I started that I move a lot. With all this mob business, I don’t want to be in it, if you get me.”
Alan was a man in his sixties with graying hair, an impressive mustache, and a belly that proved he drank as many beers as he sold.
“It’s okay, Penn. I appreciate you giving me the time to find extra help. You have to do what’s right for you, son.” He smiled. “Now, I’ll open up the bar—wanted privacy for this little talk.”
“I think it’s bullshit!” Lacey snapped. “So, it’s shady sometimes. You think you’ll find it better somewhere else? Spoiler alert, you won’t. There are always problems. You can’t run from them, Penn.”
I sighed and walked to the kitchen to grab the clean glasses. Of course, she followed me. “Lace, I know you don’t get it, but I don’t want gray, shady, dark, nothing. I was calm and yeah, I have the ability to up and go anytime I want, so I dare say I can, in fact, run from anything.”
She tsked. “Nope. You’re wrong. The earth is round, and running will bring you right back to where you were in the beginning.”
I rolled my eyes and carried tumblers out to the bar. People were trickling in. “Maybe, Lace. We’ll see.” I beamed at her. “And if you’re right, we’ll meet again someday.”
She narrowed her eyes and growled. “You’re impossible! And you’re making a mistake.”
Shrugging, I handed her a glass when I heard someone ordering a whiskey sour. “Perhaps I am, but mistakes are how we learn what’s right for us. You gotta let me make them.”
“I have two weeks to convince you to stay—it’s a challenge.”
