Revved: A Singer's Garage Novel

by Helene Laval

  “They’re here,” I said over my shoulder and swung open the door.

  Jesse and Rina stood before us with huge grins on their faces. Max, Rina’s blue heeler, made mad and frantic circles around all of our legs, then bounded out into the snow in his happy dog glee.

  “Good morning!” Jesse announced, putting an arm around his girl.

  “We brought coffee and breakfast,” Rina said holding out a carry tray of steaming coffee and a bag of Eleanor Rose pastries.

  “Oh my God! I love you,” I exclaimed reaching for both.

  17

  Steve

  I poked my head around the cluster of people in the entryway and spied the tow with my Camaro resting on the flatbed. She looked like hell, the entire front end smashed. A headlight dangled out of its socket, hanging by a wire. “Dude, you already got the Camaro?” I said to Jesse.

  “Yup, wanted you to get some rest, figured we’d drive down and get her up before we got to you.”

  “You didn’t scratch her did you?” I said looking over his shoulder at my poor car, making a show of eyeing her for damage from afar.

  “Fuck off, Vega. She was wrapped around a tree.” Jesse chuckled.

  “Yeah, she has a habit of doing that.” I grinned at him. “Thanks man, I appreciate it,” I said gripping him on the shoulder. I meant it. Jesse was one good dude, and I felt lucky to have friends like this in my life.

  The ride home was without incident. Song was only an hour drive, and Annie and I sat in the tiny backseat of the tow truck, amongst the spare tools, dirty rags, and work gloves we tended to throw back there while on a run. Jesse and Rina sat in the front, with a panting Max squeezing in the space between them. Annie stayed tucked under my arm, resting her head on my shoulder. I got a raised eyebrow and a smirk from Jesse in the rearview mirror that all but said, “We’ll be discussing this later, man.”

  First, we dropped Rina and Max at the bakery, the dog bounding around his person in happiness and admiration. I was a dog guy, always wanted one, and never had one. Max was the type of dog I’d have. Fun, loyal, but protective. He practically saved Rina’s life a few months back. She hardly went anywhere without him.

  “Want me to walk you in?” I asked Annie when we pulled up to the bar.

  “Nah, I’m good,” she said sliding down out of the back of the truck. I followed her out and wrapped her in my arms, gave her a soft kiss on the mouth, then kissed the top of her head. She looked around me at Jesse sitting in the truck.

  “Don’t worry, Annie. This a good thing, eh?” I tilted her head to look her in the eyes.

  Taking a deep breath, she nodded and leaned in for another quick kiss.

  “I’ll stop by tonight to check on you. Going to tuck the Camaro in and check on a few things. I’m sure you have stuff to square away too.”

  “I do. Sounds good,” she said and left our embrace to go inside.

  I hopped back into the truck to find Jesse staring at me with a shit-eating grin on his face. He just shook his head at me and silently pulled out of the parking lot.

  “Well?” he finally asked a few moments later.

  “Well what?” I pretended innocence.

  “How did that end up happening?” he asked, nodding backward toward the direction we just left.

  “How do you think it happened? We were stranded in my tiny Camaro in a snowstorm for practically a full day. It was freezing, so we had to snuggle and shit. Then we were forced to share a bed in a hotel.”

  “I get that, asshole. Just don’t fuck it up. O’Dell’s is the best bar in town. I’d hate for things to end up badly and not be able to go there anymore. Plus, I like Annie. We all do.”

  “O’Dell’s is the only bar in town, and I’m not going to screw it up, don’t worry. I’m never letting that woman go,” I said, and I meant it.

  “I know the feeling,” Jesse said. “She has baggage, Steve, a lot of it. There’ve been rumors about her since she moved here after her mom died.”

  “She didn’t grow up in Song? How did I not know that?”

  “Nope. Grew up over in Nyx.” He tilted his head back again, toward the neighboring town. “Her mom was never married to Big Joe, but he loved her more than anything. She didn’t want any part of the MC life, and I suspect Joe didn’t want her anywhere near it either, so he kept Carrie and Annie tucked a few miles away so they could remain in the dark on most things.

  “When Carrie died of cancer, Joe brought Annie here, but kept her close, really close. I think he was paranoid of losing the only other person he loved. Annie hung around the bar most of her teen years, went to our same high school. She was a few years younger than me, so I didn’t really know her then.

  “Everyone in town was afraid of Big Joe, and rightfully so. He’s not a good guy. Drug running, gun running and a shit ton of stories about things that went sideways. Joe threatened anyone who even looked at her wrong. Busted some people up for it too. Before long, people avoided her, and she grew bristles.” Jesse slowed at a stop sign, and I stared at the mounds of fresh plowed snowbanks.

  “The shit eventually caught up with Big Joe and he got busted on illegal weapons charges. Fifteen years, no parole. Annie was nineteen. She took over the bar with Cliff keeping watch in the kitchen. He’s a good dude. He’s older and has been at O’Dell’s as long as anyone can remember, but he can’t run a bar. Not like Annie. That girl is smart as a whip.”

  “Huh,” I said. “Was she even allowed to run a bar at nineteen?”

  “Yup. Pennsylvania has some messed up alcohol laws.”

  I thought about what Jesse just told me and couldn’t help but wonder how lonely and isolated Annie felt. Going through losing her mother, then stuck with a bunch of bikers, and then essentially losing her father too. That was rough.

  There was silence for a moment before Jesse said, “Oh, by the way, forgot to tell you—yesterday after you left, some weird dude came around asking where you were?”

  Alarm bells rang in my head and my heart started pounding. “Who was it?” I asked, sounding calm as can be.

  “He didn’t say, but he had an accent. And he didn’t ask for Steve, he asked for Esteban.” Jesse looked at me sideways, questioning.

  “Fuck,” I let out.

  Jesse glanced over at me. “Look, I’ve never asked why you left Texas and how you ended up here. I figure you’d tell me in time, or as needed. I guessed it was to get away from some shit. Am I right?”

  “You can say that. But I swear, Jesse, I didn’t do anything wrong.” I really needed Jesse to know this. I wanted him to know I wasn’t bringing trouble to his door.

  “Well, the vibe I got from this guy wasn’t good. He was too polite, too soft spoken, in a dangerous ‘I’ll crush your knees with a lead pipe, kind of way.’ He asked too many questions about you and where you live.”

  “You didn’t tell him anything, did you?”

  “Fuck no. Do you think I’m an idiot?” He looked affronted.

  “Where did he go?” I asked.

  We pulled into Singer’s and Jesse placed the tow in park. “The storm started rolling in hard by midday. I assume he went to a hotel and is still in town.” There were only two places one could get a room in Song, and I wanted to be far away from wherever this guy was.

  “Shit. Shit. Shit!” I fumed.

  “So, you going to tell me what kind of crap you’re involved in? I need to know. I mean if things are going to get dangerous, I have to keep Rina safe, you know?”

  “I’ll tell you what I did wrong.” I sunk back into the seat, leaned my head against the headrest and blew out a long breath. “I married the wrong fucking woman.”

  18

  Annie

  The bar was open for lunch when I walked in. It wasn’t busy, just two tables of guests, and my server Traci dropped a couple plates to one of the occupied tables and then ran over to greet me. “Annie! I’m so happy you’re okay. You’re all right, aren’t you?”

  “Yeah, I’m goo
d. Just a long twenty-four hours is all. How are things around here?” I looked around the place. Everything was exactly the same as when I left it. I mean, why wouldn’t it be? I felt like I had been away for a week, not a single day.

  “We had to close early last night because of the storm. The roads were terrible. Cliff didn’t think anybody would be stupid enough to come out, anyway. He wanted all of us to stay safe and sent us home,” she said. “So we cleaned up and packed up and waited out the storm.”

  “I’m glad he made that call. It wasn’t worth the risk to anybody. It was nasty out there.”

  “Yeah, you’ll have to tell me about it!” Her blue eyes narrowed in concern. “We all were really worried about you. I’m glad you’re okay.” Traci was a few years older than me, but she had a maternal air about her, even in the way she handled tough customers like they were her own teenaged children. I felt guilty all of a sudden for not getting to know her more, wrapped up in my own problems like I was.

  She adjusted her notebook that was tucked into her apron. “Anyway, our roads were passable by morning, and we figured we’d just open up as usual.”

  “Who’s here?” I asked looking around and not seeing any staff but Traci.

  “Jimmy is in the back in the kitchen.”

  “Jimmy? Jimmy is in the kitchen?”

  “Yup, turns out the kid is a pretty good cook. Anyway, Cliff was going to come in later to help cover the bar if you didn’t make it back in time, and Jimmy said he’d practice with the menu during the day in case he had to pitch in tonight. But you’re here, so looks like we’ll be alright.”

  “You guys are the best.” And I meant it. I was young. I knew I was young. Having a team of older staff was intimidating. I always acted like I knew what I was doing because I felt I couldn’t show any weakness, and if I failed in any way, everybody would just say I told you so. I never got too close to my staff. Even Cliff, who worked here before my dad went away and I’d known since I was fifteen. I always thought he stayed on more as an order from my dad to look after me, even though he never appeared to be protective or in my business. He barely spoke to me. Just went about his days and shifts, barely making a ripple in the world.

  “Where do you need me? Who’s on bar?”

  “Nobody. I’ve been running back and forth, but we’ve only had one customer. We’re good, Annie. You should go and clean up and rest. If I need help, I’ll come and get you. I promise.” It was not lost on me that she assumed I’d go in the back to rest and clean up. I guess she figured out I was living here too.

  I did as suggested and went back to my office. I was dying to brush my teeth after the coffee and pastries, and after finishing, I went to my desk to check for calls. Once again I tried to call the prison but wasn’t able to get through to my dad. I couldn’t wait until Sunday to talk to him. He’d have somebody here by then. I was counting on the storm delaying whoever my dad had lined up to babysit me, and I had another day or so to figure something out.

  Those grandiose thoughts didn’t last long. By four o’clock Traci came back to tell me there was somebody out in the bar asking for me. I initially thought it was Steve but realized Traci would’ve just used his name. Shit.

  I walked out to the bar to see a stocky five foot ten, um, bodyguard? He was maybe thirty, handsome, with short cropped dark hair, a clean-shaven shovel shaped jaw and alarmingly piercing light blue eyes that were narrowed directly at me. It was a very serious don’t-fuck-with-me look on his face. He wore jeans and a leather jacket. No biker patch. Interesting.

  I squared my shoulders and walked straight up to him. “Hello, I’m Annie. And you are?” I had my full scowl on, knowing immediately where this was going.

  “Justin,” the guy said in a clear melodic voice. The kind of voice you just somehow knew the guy could sing.

  “Well, Justin,” I said with a sharp J, “I’m assuming my dear old dad asked you to look after me. I’m sorry to waste your time, but I’m going to ask you to leave. I’m fine. I’m not in trouble, I’m not in danger, and I don’t need the help.”

  “I was told you’d say that. No can do, Miss Annie, I was told to stay.” The guy shifted his weight and crossed his arms in front of his chest.

  “And I’m telling you to leave.” I mirrored him by crossing my arms in front of me right back.

  “I can’t.” He heaved in a deep breath and his mean-face crumbled. “I have to stay.” Those hard as ice eyes glistened, pleading with me. What the fuck?

  I narrowed my eyes at him. “Spill it. What did he threaten you with?” I wanted to stay cold, but the sight of this man falling apart softened my tone. What was happening to me?

  His shoulders slumped. “It was stupid. I made a very stupid mistake when I was young, and now I owe your dad. It’s been like seven years. Seven years. He said he’d come cashing in one day. But the years went by, and I figured he forgot all about it.

  “I didn’t want to have anything to do with that life anymore. I used to be a fighter, a damn good one too. Your dad talked me into throwing a fight one night for a bunch of cash. I agreed, but when the moment came in the ring, I couldn’t do it.”

  Justin hung his head, but quickly regained himself. His eyes narrowed. “My opponent was a scumbag. I hated him and he deserved to lose. I ended up winning the fight and losing your dad a load of cash.” I could definitely see this guy as a fighter. He had that menacing, ready to fuck you up look. Well, until he started crying that is.

  “I thought I was free and clear. Like I said, I hadn’t heard a peep in almost seven years. Then Sunday night, I get a call. He tells me it’s time to pay up, or else my family would pay for me.”

  “Asshole.” I whistled low, more to myself than him.

  Justin kept on talking like he didn’t hear me. “I had to leave Scranton, my girl, and baby son today. I had to quit my job and drive out here with one singular purpose, to keep an eye on you and this bar. I know you don’t want me here, but I don’t care. I’m going to do whatever it takes to protect them.”

  “Shit. Look, I’m really sorry. My dad is the asshole of the universe.” It was true. Thanks Dad, now I’m responsible for this guy’s life and his family too. Anything else you want to dump on me? Oh, a bar. Adulthood? Loan sharks? Too late. Dick.

  “Your dad? He’s a scary ass motherfucker. I didn’t have a choice. If he found me after seven years, I have no doubt he’d find me again. Now I’m here. I’ve already let his guy know I’ve arrived.”

  “Is he paying you?”

  “He had a guy run me over a grand to get set up. As far as I know I’m on my own.”

  Several scenarios were already taking place in my head. “Okay, here’s the deal. We’ll work this out. You do not have to watch me twenty-four hours a day. I will talk to my dad, but it won’t be until Sunday, so you’re at least stuck here until then. I don’t want to risk anything happening to your family because of my family. I can give you a job. Just so happens I need a bartender and you look the part. Have you ever poured drinks?”

  “Just for myself.” He shrugged.

  “It’s not rocket science; most people order beers anyway. You’ll catch on.”

  “Thank you,” he said, letting out a deep breath. “I really appreciate this, all of this.” He waved around the room.

  “Give me a few minutes to finish up a few things and I’ll be right back.”

  “Annie? One more question?” Justin asked, shoving his hands in his jacket pockets.

  “What’s that?”

  “Do you know a really cheap hotel or somewhere I can stay?”

  I suddenly had an idea, a very bad, stupid idea, but I felt responsible now for this guy and his family. A baby. My father threatened a baby. Shit. This was all my fault.

  “I’ve got you covered on that one, Justin. It’s all going to work out.”

  19

  Steve

  I had no idea where Hector’s guy was. There were two motels in Song, the Lakes on the West end and Su
nrise on the East end of the town. Not that this mattered much. If the guy was around yesterday, he’d be around today. We dropped the Camaro at the garage, and I remembered Annie’s truck as I saw it sitting forlornly in the parking lot. Part deliveries had been canceled yesterday, and they were a day behind, so I didn’t expect her alternator to be in today. I gave the Camaro a close inspection and started writing down all of the parts I had to order to get her repaired. It was going to be a big job, but not something I couldn’t fix.

  Jesse gave me a truck to use and told me to go home. We always had a few of his beat-up project trucks available for use. The old white Ford was waiting, looking abandoned and forlorn, sporting primer covered sides, and a tennis ball on the gear shift. I placed the part orders I needed for the Camaro—it was going to be a couple of weeks at least—and then went back to my apartment.

  I lived in a basement apartment of a large Victorian house that had been split into four units, one for each floor. It wasn’t bad, just three rooms, a kitchen and living area, a bedroom, and a bath. It was pretty spartan. Nothing on the walls, a mattress and box spring sans headboard, but at least it was off the floor. The owner, a lovely older woman by the name of Mrs. Hadden, lived on the entire first floor. She gave me use of the furnishings free of charge.

  “Saves me the trouble of moving it,” she said when I told her I didn’t have any furniture. She had her hands on her hips like I interrupted an important task. “If you can use it, I’ll leave it, sweetie.” She was the first person in my entire life to call me “sweetie.”

  She was a stout woman in her sixties who I never saw idle. She had a husband, Mr. Hadden, who I’d never seen do anything other than walk to and from his car in the year I’d been here. He never spoke a word or acknowledged me in any way.