Freedom Falls isn’t big.One main strip.A couple side roads.Shops that have been here longer than I’ve been alive.Everyone knows everyone.
And everyone knows the Kings.
Some folks like that.Some don’t.Doesn’t change much.
I park outside the entry to Ironside Mercantile, dropping my kickstand and killing my engine.
Walking in, the community hardware and lumber store is like a step back in time.Well-worn floors, uneven shelves, and every part, tool, or accessory someone could think of tucked away somewhere here.
“Well look who decided to grace us with his presence.”Nitro teases me.
“Morning.”I greet.
“Morning,” he repeats, putting down the chainsaw in his hand.
Then he studies me.Uh oh.“You get in a fight last night?”
I flex my hand automatically.“How’d you know?”
“Your knuckles look like you punched a mailbox.”
“Not a mailbox.”
“Better story?”He smirks and raises his eyebrows wanting more.
“Drunk guy.”
Nitro nods slowly.“That tracks.”He tosses a rag onto the workbench.
“Girl involved?”
I groan.“Why does everyone assume that?”
I lets out a huff of frustration.“Come on brother.You know why.Everyone knows why.You got a temper and mean streak, but you don’t throw hands over spilled beer with a stranger.”
Fair point.I lean against the tool chest on the back wall.“He grabbed her.”
Nitro’s expression shifts.His eyes grow dark.Harder.“Where?”
“Black Rose.”
“That’s dumb.”And he is right.Everyone knows Crystal and Dodge are together even if they aren’t married.The Black Rose is one hundred percent her bar, her life, and not part of the club even if we make up the majority of her business.That bar was her granddad’s left to her and Dodge doesn’t dare step on her toes about her hustle.
“Very.”I nod.
He studies me more.“What happened?”
“He met a table.”I explain with a shrug.
Nitro huffs out a laugh.“Crystal’s gonna love that.”That woman cherishes every chance she gets to bust any of our balls.
“Already paid her.”
“Good.”He turns his head when the door chimes that another customer has entered.Then casually asks, “She cute?”
I glare at him.“You too?Really, Nitro.Come on.”
“What?”
