A complication I never saw getting in the way of my intended goal.
I don’t understand it. Can’t control it. Don’t have the faintest fucking clue what to do about it. All I do know is that no matter my intent to stay far away from one particular place when I climbed on my bike today, I found myself pulling up across the street from The Hawkeye Club and settling in the shadows here.
My booted foot bounces wildly as I watch the building with the logo of the giant hawk wing above it.
Patrons entering and leaving.
Security stepping out to scan the parking every once in a while even though they have a whole slew of cameras around the exterior and interior.
Time ticks by slowly.
Seconds.
Minutes.
Half an hour.
An hour.
Nothing changes save for the darkening color of the sky and the rumbles of thunder that roll through the air now.
The angels bowling…
That’s what Mom always told me when an incoming storm made me uneasy as a child, but now, those sounds bring different memories. Ones I try to push away to the back of my mind, but they always seem to come back at the most inopportune times.
I squeeze my eyes closed for a few seconds, breathing in the air that already smells like rain, and when I reopen them, it’s with renewed focus on the club and what I’m doing here today.
Something stupid.
What is it about her that makes you do stupid things?
I’ve been asking myself that question for days now. Each time I do, I come up with the same answer—everything.
It isn’t just that she’s beautiful.
She’s also intelligent.
Fierce.
Strong.
Loyal.
All the qualities I’ve always wanted in a woman and thought didn’t exist. Somehow, they all do in that one feisty package, and after what happened last night, I fear I’m a goner when it comes to Bishop Clarke. That I’ll continue to make stupid decisions where she’s concerned.
It’s the only explanation for why I’ve been sitting here despite the incoming weather, ignoring the warning rumbles and occasional flashes of lightning that have started to streak the sky.
Each one charges the air.
Raises the hairs on my arms under the leather of my jacket.
Heightens the tension as I continue to wait.
I almost give up a dozen times. My hand has reached for the key to start it up, but each time, I let it fall away, unable to follow through with it. Because something drew me here today.
After what feels like an eternity, they start to arrive.
The Hawkes…
