The guys from Redemption Road sat around two tables pushed together near the bar. There were a few older guys at the bar nursing beers, but it wasn’t too busy yet.
There was a clear view of the pool tables, so I saw Bailey right away. I stared, caught by surprise. Did his brothers even know he was in town?
“Yo, Dozer!” Hollywood called. “You have to get us a pitcher since you’re late.”
“And you’ve got the best job,” Knight added. “We’re just poor schmucks trying to get by.”
I rolled my eyes but detoured to the bar to order the pitcher.
Leo nodded. “Did they call you Dozer? Thought your name was Finn.”
“Flynn,” I corrected. “Just ignore those assholes. It’s what I try to do.”
He gave a rusty laugh as he pulled the taps to fill a pitcher with pale, watery-looking beer. Nothing but the cheapest for those assholes.
“You work with the brothers, don’t ya?”
He didn’t need to get any more specific than that. We both knew who he meant. They were a little infamous at the pool hall. Axel told me the story of how he and Gray had both been involved in bar fights. Then, to top it off, the guys after Shiloh had confronted him and Holden here.
“Yes.” I paused. “But please don’t spit in the beer.”
Leo grinned, displaying one missing tooth on the upper right. “I like you.” He shook his head. “I like those brothers too, even though they’re huge pains in the ass. Anyway, it won’t be my problem much longer.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m retiring soon. Gonna sell this place.”
“Oh. Will it stay a pool hall?”
He shrugged. “Up to the new owners, I s’pose.”
Damn. Bailey loved playing pool here. Of course, there were probably pool halls closer to Thurston. He wouldn’t have to come back here. Which begged the question: Why had he?
Maybe he wanted to see you.
I silenced the thought. It was wishful thinking, and I didn’t have any business wishing for that.
Leo plonked the pitcher on the bar top, and I dug out a twenty to hand over. “Thanks.”
“Watch Bailey,” he said.
My heart stuttered. “What?”
“Keep an eye on him, okay? You know how that kid stirs up trouble at the tables.”
“Ah. Yeah. I will.”
Knight joined me at the bar, picking up the stack of glasses as I grabbed the pitcher. “Any word on the roommate thing?” he asked.
“Maybe. I got a couple of contacts from the guys. I’ll text them to you.”
“Awesome. Thanks.”
When we made it back to the table, Bailey had switched pool partners. The big, scary-looking dude was gone, and a skinny, intense-looking guy had replaced him. I wasn’t sure if that was good or not, but at least this one would be easy to take out if trouble started up.
Not that I’d try to hurt him. My size and strength could do more harm than intended if I let loose. Luckily, I intimidated most people enough that I didn’t have to lift a finger.
“Surprised you showed up, Flynn,” Tex said as I took a seat. “You’re usually too busy kissing your bosses’ asses.”
