by Katie Ball
Talon came by the bar to check in with me. He was being kept busy by something. When I asked about it, all he said was ‘it’s club business.’ Obviously not something he wanted to discuss. So, I left it alone. I wasn’t about to bother him until he told me. He had his own shit he was dealing with. When he was ready, he would talk to me. If he could.
At the end of the day, Talon always made sure he was here, ready to take me home. Following close behind, then coming inside with me. Normally with bags of Pete’s food which we devoured with the help of which ever Kings were watching over me.
Then he would leave.
I don’t know why but I hated it. I wanted him to stay. Even if all we did was curl up in bed together. Nothing sexual, though that would be very welcome. I just wanted him close. It felt like he was keeping me at arm’s length, and I didn’t understand why.
Had I done something wrong? Maybe he was just wrapped up in this ‘club business.’
Or maybe he was having regrets. Realising that maybe I wasn’t the one for him. That he had spoken to soon. I mean, it made sense. He was probably surrounded by beautiful women. No doubt throwing themselves at him, eager to please. Probably with more experience. I was nothing compared to them.
But the way he looked at me the other night, I felt beautiful in his eyes. Every time I saw him since, even if it was brief, he still gave me those hungry eyes. Gazed at me like I was some kind of angel or something. Someone to be admired and adored.
He said he wanted me. Took me to his sanctuary, that meant something, I had to remember that. Not let my self-doubt cloud my mind.
A loud piercing ring broke through my thoughts. Of course, something would interrupt my relaxing morning.
Grabbing my phone, it was Jane.
“Hey, you alright?”
“No, you need to get here now.” I could hear the panic in her voice as soon as she spoke, on high alert now.
“What’s going on?” Whispering into her phone now.
“You need to get to the bar. The police are here.” It felt like I had freezing cold water thrown over me. Why were the police there? Had something happened?
“What?” Scrambling out of bed, yanking on some clothes. Needing to get to the bar…fast.
“It’s Olly, they’ve found his body. Hazel, his dead.” I froze. Had I heard her, right? Leaning against the wall for support.
Olly was dead?
Yeah, he hadn’t been around for a while. Pissed off some pretty bad people. No doubt gone into hiding to avoid them but by the sounds of it, they had found him. Had he been killed? Or was it an accident?
What if he was murdered? By whom...the Kings? Torch? Someone else?
What if it was Talon? They wanted to talk to him after all. What if it turned bloody? What if they killed him?
“Hazel? Are you coming or not?” Shaking those thoughts away. I couldn’t think about it right now. Jane needed me. All the other shit could wait.
“Give me five minutes.” Hanging up the phone, I grabbed my bag and jacket. Rushing for the door, not even caring about what I look like. I just need to get to the bar.
I raced down the stairs. Gunner met me there, curious where the fire was.
“Everything ok?”
“I need to get to the bar.” I went to move passed him, but he put his arm out to stop me.
“What’s happened?” Glaring at him now. Annoyed that he was holding me up.
“I need to get to the bar. The police are there.” Trigger shot to his feet, apparently, I had their attention.
“The police? Why?” Maybe this was my chance to see if they had a hand in it. If they didn’t look shocked by the news, then obviously they knew what happened to Olly. Maybe even had a hand in his demise.
“Olly, my boss, he’s been found dead.” Both of them stilled, looking at one another. Something unspoken said between them.
They didn’t know. I could tell from the look on their faces. Unsure what was going on. Shocked that he was out of the picture. A little pissed that they never got a chance to speak to him.
But if they didn’t do it, then who did?
“Let’s go then.” Not asking anymore questions. We all headed for the door. I stopped suddenly, glancing back at them.
“You two can’t pull up outside the bar, that will be too suspicious. The police will ask questions as to why I have two Kings following me around.” Questions I didn’t want to answer.
“Your right. We’ll park across the road. Make it look like we’re just showing curiosity about what’s happened in our town, rather than an interest in you.” I’m glad they didn’t fight me on that. I didn’t need the police turning their attention on to me. I certainly didn’t want them finding out about my stepfather. They hadn’t helped me back then, why should now be any different. I mean all I had now was my word against his. Back then, if they had done their jobs and taken me seriously, they could have had tons of forensic evidence on Nathan and all the abuse I endured. But instead, they scolded me for being a troublemaker.
Now there was nothing, only my word. Who were they going to believe? I had seen enough cases like mine to know what happens to girls like me. They get ripped apart in the interrogation room. If they somehow manage to make it passed that, then it happens in the court room. Most girls end up saying it didn’t happen in the end. It’s just easier to drop it, to pretend you made the whole thing up.
I wouldn’t go through any of that process again. I had no trust in the police. No faith that they could help me. They failed me back then, I wouldn’t give them another chance to do it again.
Climbing into my car, I headed to Paradiso’s. Gunner and Trigger stayed back today. Not getting too close, though I knew I was still in their line of sight.
I was at the bar in minutes, pulling up next to a police car. I noticed the Kings parked over the road outside a little antiques shop. Trigger lit up a cigarette while Gunner was on the phone to someone, Talon probably. I couldn’t worry about that now. Jane needed me inside.
Hurrying inside, I saw them all sat at a table. Two detectives grilling Jane and Zach. There were more officers in the back, searching for any evidence probably.
Jane hurried over to me, wrapping her arms around me. I could feel she was nervous. Afraid about this whole situation. Having the police here, asking questions, treating us like suspects no doubt. It put her on edge.
“You alright?” She just nodded. I had never seen her so tense. So, shaken up by all this. It’s not like she was upset that Olly was dead. None of us were. He was a pain in arse. Certainly, wasn’t a friend, barely even a boss. It didn’t mean that he deserved to die.
“Hazel Whitaker I assume.” Looking beyond Jane, I found a detective standing there, watching us. I could feel he was examining our every move. Trying to get a read on us. See if we knew anything. Wondering if we were guilty of foul play. He was wasting his time here, but I wasn’t one to tell him how to do his job.
“And you are?” Holding his hand out to me. My gut twisted, red flags going off. There was something off about this man. He may be a detective, but he had a nasty feel to him. Dark brown eyes that held such cruelty.
“Detective Hixson, this is my partner Detective Mills.” The other detective was no better. His creepy smile did him no favours. Eyeing me with way too much interest.
He was balding but he still has some wispy bits of black hair on top of his head. Blue eyes but they were filled with sick thoughts.
When I turned back to Hixson, I found his eyes staring down at my chest. Realising my mistake then. In my hast to get here, I had forgotten to put on a damn bra.
Fuck.
Pulling my jacket tighter around me. Glaring up at this pervert.
“My eyes are up here, detective.” Calling him out on his bullshit. Doing everything to avoid making eye contact with me now. Embarrassed he had been caught out.
“Why don’t you come sit down Miss Whitaker. We have some questions for you.” Moving towards the table,
not feeling too helpful now. I let them ask their questions. You know, the usual ones.
‘When was the last time you saw Olly?’
‘Did he seem nervous or worried?’
‘Did he have any enemies?’
Like I expected, I was of no help. I knew nothing. That was the way Olly wanted it. He didn’t share whatever he got up to outside of this bar with anyone here. We weren’t friends, he hated my guts, and the feeling was mutual.
It’s not like he was ever around that much either. Half an hour at best. Popping in every now and then. Olly’s business was his alone. It had nothing to do with us.
Well apart from that one night when he sent Torch my way. Having to tell him I hadn’t seen or heard from him. Shit, what if it was him? I could tell he was bad news. A lethal man who wouldn’t hesitate at getting his hands dirty. He had been looking for Olly, maybe he found him in the end.
As long as he didn’t come here for me next. I didn’t know anything so I should be safe, but I don’t know what Olly said to him. What if he implied, I knew something? Then I would become a loose end. One that I doubt he would have any trouble dealing with.
I focused on their questions. Keeping my cool. Trying to ignore the panic that raced throughout my body.
Mills took notes of everything I said, hoping to find something damning.
Everything I said, it was being analysed. They were both locked on to me, inspecting me. I was under scrutiny, viewed as a possible suspect.
Then came the next round of questioning.
‘Where was I Tuesday night?’
‘Did I have any grudges against Olly?’
Blah…blah…blah.
When I gave them a list as long as my arm of alibi’s for the night of his murder, Hixson just smiled at me. Well tried too. It looked like he was sucking on a sour sweet.
Hixson leaned back in his chair and sighed. Regarding me with curiosity. I could tell he was trying to figure me out, hoping to catch me out in a lie. His eyes darted down to my chest, hoping to get another sneaky look. Not fucking happening. I kept a tight grip on my jacket, not giving him another chance to ogle me.
Two police officers came out from behind the bar then, they had obviously been rooting around in the office. Each of them had a couple of evidence bags in their hands. Filled with stuff they thought might help their investigation. Nodding in Hixson’s direction, they disappeared out the door. Going back to the station probably.
“I see, well thank you for your help. We will be in contact.” Standing up then, straightening out his ill fitted suit. “Oh, Mr Holt’s brother has been notified and will probably be here at some point over the next few days to discuss the future of the bar. Until then, this place should stay closed.” So, no work then. What the hell would I do with myself?
“I’ll arrange a sign to go in the window, so our regulars know we’re closed.” Jane stood up now, pottering around, needing to be doing something. Zach was hovering near her. Staying close, just in case.
“We’ll leave you to it. Maybe you could show us out Hazel.” It may have sounded like a request, but I knew it wasn’t.
Strolling towards the door now, eager for them to leave. I felt Hixson behind me, following me closely. Making my skin crawl as I felt his eyes running down my body. God, I would like to turn around right now and knee him in his balls.
Stepping outside, thankful for the fresh air. Putting some much-needed distance between me and Hixson, folding my arms over my chest. Wishing him and his buddy would just go already.
“I hope you and your friends stay in town. We may need to speak with you again.” Staring down at me with a nauseating smile on his face. I kept myself calm, not giving him the reaction, he wanted.
“You don’t need to worry; we’re not planning on taking a vacation.” As nice as it would be.
“You have quite an attitude don’t you.” Doing my best to appear bored by his presence.
“Anything else detective? Or are we done here?” His eyes lazily ran down my body once more. It left me with nasty taste in my mouth.
“I get the feeling you don’t like cops.” Now what ever gave him that impression?
“I can’t imagine why.” He certainly wasn’t changing my opinion on them either.
Taking a step towards me, so he could lean in close, whispering to me.
“Looks like we have an audience.” Taking a quick peek over at the guys, I found that Gunner and Trigger were still there. Leaning against their bikes, staring at us. Not being discreet at all.
Though they weren’t alone now. No, they had been joined by another King. My heart stopped when I realised who it was.
Talon.
Looking as glorious as ever. Perched on his bike, ready to tear over to us if need be. He looked so striking. So, tempting. Wearing dark shades over his eyes today. His dark blonde waves seemed extra ruffled. My fingertips itched with longing, wanting to run through his soft hair.
He may look calm and collected right now, I could tell he wasn’t. He would be biting down on that chiselled jaw of his. Fists clenched around the handle bars of his Harley. His anger was rolling off of him in ferocious waves.
“Now why would they have such an interest in you?” Intrigued by the Kings presence. Meeting his eyes, I played it off as best as I could.
“Why don’t you ask them?”
“You must be important for them to be watching you. Especially Mr Talon Kennedy himself.” He was assessing everything I said. Gauging my reaction. Was he hoping I would slip up in some way? Probably thinking I might make his job easier. Or maybe he was just looking for a weak spot in the Kings armour.
“Are we done?” Licking his lips as he studied my features. Playing too much attention to my own lips.
“Not nearly. I plan to find out everything about you Hazel.” Mills honked his horn then. Hixson glared at his partner, not appreciating the interruption.
“It looks like your partner is getting impatient. He must be craving your attention.” His eyes darkened, did I hit a nerve? He took a threatening step towards me, hoping to intimidating me. I wanted to step back but I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction.
Before he could say anything, the roar of a Harley broke through the murderous silence. Talon was sat there revving his bike. Gaining Hixson attention, just like he wanted. Letting him know that he was watching and if he didn’t back the fuck up, he would have to deal with the Kings.
Hixson was silent for a moment. Then a pleased grin crept onto his face. Getting the answer, he was after.
“Now I know just how important you are. I would watch your back if I were.” Eyes narrowing on him.
“Are you threatening me detective?” He burst out laughing but it didn’t reach his eyes.
“Of course not. Just a friendly bit of advice.” We both knew it wasn’t. “I’ll see you around Hazel. Say hello to the Kings for me.” Striding towards the waiting car now. I stayed put until they drove off, giving me one last look before they vanished from sight.
Within seconds, Talon thundered over to me. Skidding to a stop. I couldn’t see his eyes thanks to those shades, but I knew I had all his focus.
“You ok?” He asked as he swung his leg over his bike. Removing those shades so I could see those glittering green eyes, they held such fury. He was dangerous at this present moment but not to me, never to me.
“I’m fine.” His hand reached up and gently caressed my cheek. Quickly checking me over to make sure I was unharmed. Then he hauled me into his big powerful arms, crushing me against his chest, holding me so tight. Taking a deep breath, feeling so safe within his embrace.
“What did those bastards want?” He mumbled against the side of my head. Not relaxing his hold on me.
“You know Olly is dead.” I felt him nod.
“Gunner told me. But that just there, that wasn’t to do with Olly.”
“He wanted to know why you were watching me and what your interest in me was. He was trying to figure out if I was
important to you.” Brushing those soft teasing lips against my forehead.
"You are important to me.” Whispered like a sweet lullaby. Words I longed to hear over and over again.
“I know and so does he, now.” Hixson had been fishing. Trying to figure out who was involved with the Kings and now he knew it was me. He knew it wasn’t just a minor interest since Talon had been here, watching me, protecting me. That made me pretty damn significant. Would he use that against them? I hope not.
“What did he say about Olly?” Gunner shattered the moment.
“Not much, just that they’re treating it as murder investigation. They were questioning us to see is we knew anything.” None of us had provided anything helpful. Like I said to the detectives, we weren’t friends. We knew nothing about what he did outside of the bar. We couldn’t be of any help to them because he kept us out of it. Not trusting us, not liking us, not wanting us involved in his business. Which to be honest, was probably for the best.
“We should get you inside.” Tucked under the safety of Talon’s arm, we headed towards the bar.
Jane locked onto us immediately, or rather, locked onto Talon.
“You lot don’t know anything about this do you?” She had her hands on her hips, glaring at them. Wondering if the Kings had played a part in this.
“We may have been looking for Olly, but we never found him.” Talon was so calm about the whole thing. Not even annoyed he was being questioned.
“Good. I need to get this sign up.” Hurrying off like the busy bee she was, while I just stood there.
Me and Jane arranged to meet up for coffee. Then she left with Zach, heading for home. While I stood her with the Kings wondering what the hell I was going to do now.
“So, you heading home?” Talon asked.
“I guess, I kind of need a shower.” My jacket parted, his eyes instantly glanced down, focusing on my breasts. Admiring the view, he had. My cheeks blushed under his ravenous gaze. My nipples were taut and yearning for his touch, not being hidden by this shirt at all.
“Fucking hell Hazel.” Growling through his clenched jaw. I couldn’t help but bite my lip in the hope of hiding my smirk.