Down the road, a silver bike glints where it’s parked by the old gas station. Carter Bishop’s bike.
He’s leaning against it, jacket open, arms crossed, like a man who doesn’t flinch easily. When our eyes meet, something low in my chest ignites, equal parts fury and curiosity.
I walk toward him before I can stop myself.
“Couldn’t resist?” I ask.
He shrugs. “Wanted to make sure you didn’t get yourself killed before lunch.”
“How sweet. You stalking me now?”
“Call it professional concern.”
I cross my arms. “You don’t look concerned.”
He looks at me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. “You shouldn’t have come to the docks alone.”
“I can take care of myself.”
“Sure,” he says, “that’s why I had to drag you out of the line of fire.”
My temper sparks. “You could’ve let me take the bullet.”
“Don’t tempt me.” His smirk is infuriating.
The silence between us hums. It’s not empty but charged. The wind pulls at my hair. I take a step closer. “No bullshit, Bishop. Why did Alex call you?”
Carter’s jaw tightens. “Because he trusted me.”
“With what?”
He shakes his head. “Not yet.”
“You’re not helping your case.”
“I didn’t know I was on trial.”
“Oh, you are,” I tell him. “And so far, your testimony sucks.”
For the first time, his mouth almost softens. “You sound just like him.”
That hits deeper than I expected. “Don’t.”
“Don’t what?”
“Compare me to a ghost.”
He studies me quietly. “Fair enough.” Then he steps back and climbs onto his bike. “Stay alert, Rebel. Whoever set that ambush isn’t finished.”
“And you know that because…?”
“Because I used to work for the same people.”
The engine growls to life, deep and rough. He slips on his helmet and stares at me intently before the visor drops. His jaw tightens, like he's holding back something he almost says. His eyes aren’t cold, they’re determined. A warning. A promise. A man who knows more than he’s letting on, then pulls away.
I stand there long after the sound fades, the sun too bright, the world too sharp.
Behind me, French calls from the porch, “If you’re gonna stare at him like that, at least get his number!”
