Page 27 of High Velocity

Roark gave his VP the side-eye then nodded.Motley slapped him on the shoulder and wished him good luck before veering toward his bike.Roark headed to one of the Club’s vehicles, deciding to take that instead of his own bike.It needed maintenance anyway, and apparently, Roark needed a goddamn cupholder.

With the key already in the ignition, Roark fired up the SUV and left the compound, waving to Monte, the prospect guarding the gate.He wound through the north side of Hunt and down County Road 1450, to Hunt Road, then Eden Road.He’d have to head into Eden to hit the coffee stand then backtrack to Harvey’s shop, but at least he’d get a glimpse of the commotion on his way south.

And when he passed, he grumbled at the number of vehicles that not only filled the half dozen parking spots, but the other handful situated haphazardly in the large lot next to the garage.Roark didn’t get a look inside the bays that were open, figuring Charli was in there somewhere simply doing her job and not worrying about the curious town folk.

He pulled up to the coffee stand and when it was his turn, he greeted Gemma, one of the two baristas working today.After placing his order, he waited, watching as more vehicles got in line behind him.He then noticed a black SUV slowly cruise by before turning onto Eden Road, gunning the engine and heading north.Toward Harvey’s.

Roark didn’t recognize the SUV, and not that he knew every vehicle in the county, but something in his gut told him to go.Gemma got his attention, handing him his order, and after thanking her, he calmly pulled away and headed toward the shop.Using his hands-free mode, he called Harvey.

“Well, hey there, Roark.You hear—”

“No time, Harvey.Sorry, but keep an eye out for a newer model, black SUV, dark tinted windows.It may or may not be heading your way, and I’m not far behind.We took another hit last night.I’ll tell you about it when I arrive.”

“Copy that.”

Roark disconnected and hit the accelerator, speeding north.Harvey may not be a patched member of the Club, but he was considered an honorary member and kept in the loop about much of the happenings.He was a good friend and a long-time mechanic for the SoS.Stew and Tonto, and, well, now Charli, would be taking over those duties, keeping the Club’s vehicles in tip-top shape.

In no time at all, he caught up to the SUV that slowed down as it cruised past Harvey’s shop.It then pulled into the lot and circled the vehicles.Roark was pulling into a parking spot that had become vacant right in front of the shop.He then watched as the SUV sped past him, heading back south.

“What the fuck,” he mumbled while watching the vehicle disappear.Roark grabbed the coffee and bag of treats, slammed the door, and walked into the reception area of the shop.It was standing room only since every chair was occupied.Two others stood at the counter, getting helped by Harvey.When he saw Roark, he nodded toward the shop and continued with the customers.

Roark walked through the door that led to the bays, ignoring the whispers from those in reception.There were eight stalls with doors on both sides of the shop so vehicles could drive straight through if needed.Every bay had a car or truck in it, and Roark watched Stewy walk from one across to the other on the opposite side.He hadn’t yet seen Tonto or Charli, but he could hear their work as power tools engaged.

He whistled, getting Stewy’s attention.The kid lifted his head, smiled, and walked to Roark.“Hey, boss.”He looked down at what Roark held and grinned wider.“She’s in the far bay on the right.Man, is she fantastic!We’re lucky to have her on board.Been busier than ever.”

Roark chuckled.“Yeah, and I think she has something to do with that.Everybody’s curious about the new girl in town.”

“Ah, well, good for business.Keeping a steady pace all morning.She needs the break.Has yet to take one.”

Roark didn’t like to hear that.He didn’t want Charli running herself ragged.Nodding to Stewy, he made his way to the last bay where an older pickup was up on a lift.Charli stood beneath it, dressed in overalls, operating an impact gun.She removed several bolts and brackets before lowering a rusted-out muffler.When she turned and saw him, a wide smile formed.Charli then looked down at his offerings and blew him a kiss.

“Be right with ya.”She chucked the metal into a bin and walked to him, removing her gloves and safety glasses.“Hey, sexy.”Charli stood on her toes and gave him a kiss.And when she started to pull away, Roark snaked his hand around her neck and pulled her back for a deeper kiss.When he released her, she kept her eyes closed a few seconds longer and hummed.

“Hey,” he said, voice raspy.“I hear you could use a break.”

She chuckled.“I could, but it’ll have to be a quick one.As you can see, we’re swamped.I never would’ve guessed Harvey’s shop would be this busy.”

Roark laughed, causing Charli to stare curiously at him.“Darling, Harvey’s never this busy in a full week.They’re here to check out the newbie in town.”

“They are not.”

“Are too.The boys are just too polite to tell you that.And those customers had better be polite too.You have any concerns this morning?”

“Concerns?In what way?”

Roark nodded to the open bay door, and they walked outside to the back of the shop before he handed Charli the iced coffee.“I know you’ve only just returned, but anything unusual get your attention?Anything stand out in the way of odd vehicles, people, behavior?”

“No, can’t say anything’s got my attention.But like you said, I’m new and have no clue who’s local or what vehicles travel around here regularly.I’ve barely spoken to anyone but the guys.I did have to explain to one gentleman the importance of not only changing his oil, but the filter as well.”She shook her head.“It’s a wonder the damn truck was still running.”

Roark chuckled and took a protein cookie out of the bag, handing it to her.He then pulled out one for himself.

“Thanks for this,” Charli said.

“My pleasure.I had no idea what to order, so this is Gemma’s recommendation.”

Charli took a sip and sighed.“Oh, hello, that’sgood.I’ll have to thank Gemma.”

Roark smiled then had to get serious.“Listen, I don’t want to worry you, but I want you to be vigilant.I haven’t had a chance to talk to you about the Club’s businesses, but we’ve had some concerns over the last two months.”