by Casey Peeler
“Walker, how was it?” Dad questions.
“Pretty good. I saw Jimmy there.”
“Good to know.” He takes a large gulp from the glass jar. “Try this.”
“I’m good,” I say, trying to avoid it.
“It’s peach. Try it. Ivan brought it by today.” And just like that, I know what this is about. He wants me to try the product. I walk to him, take the jar from his weathered hands, and place the glass to my lips. As the liquid reaches my mouth, it’s sweet as sugar, and there is no evidence of alcohol except for a distinct burn on the way down. In other words, this is the kind of shine that will bite you later.
“It’s good,” I say as I hand the jar back to him.
“Glad you like it,” he says with a wink.
I make my way inside, but as I’m about to go to my room, I hear my mom call.
“Yes, ma’am,” I say as I enter the living room.
“How was your first day?”
“It was just like any other first day, but not bad.”
“Good. Hopefully, we’ll be here a while. I’m so happy to finally be closer to my sister.”
“Y’all hardly even talk.”
“I know. It has a lot to do with your father, but I hope we can reconnect while I’m here.”
“Well, I guess that would be kinda nice,” I admit and then excuse myself. It’s moments like this when I feel like I’m in a normal family, but as I reach my room, I jump as I’m brought back to reality when I hear my dad slam the door and curse at my mom for not bringing them more drinks.
As the sun lowers, Mom tells me supper is ready. This is the only thing we seem to do together that resembles a normal family life. Taking a seat in the worn wooden chair, I fix my plate and eat the spaghetti like it’s the best thing I’ve ever eaten.
“Walker, we’ve got a major run and need your help this weekend.”
Finishing my bite, I take a moment to process my thoughts before I reply. “I don’t know if I can.”
Dad slams his hand onto the table, causing everything to jump. “What the hell do you mean you don’t know if you can? I’m your father, and what I say goes. You got me, boy?” he says with anger flaring in his eyes.
“Fine, but I’m done after this.”
“Highly unlikely. I told you when we got here you were working for Ivan part-time. This job is our bread and butter, son. I ain’t gonna let you mess it up,” he says. “You were born into this life, and you’re not getting out. Isn’t that right, Mama?” he says, looking to her for reassurance, and she agrees because that is her place.
“Why can’t you see we could do better? All of us,” I say.
“No, this is better. After this run, we’ll have enough money to get by for a while.”
Pushing myself away from the table, I stand. “When are you ever going to realize doing things illegally will never get you anywhere? Mom and I deserve better.” Knowing I shouldn’t have said that, I prepare for what’s coming. Dad jumps up from his seat and grabs me by the shirt as his fist collides with my cheek. I blink back the tears from the sting as he yells at me.
“You listen here, boy. I’ve provided for you and your mama for a long time. I’m the one that puts food on the table and a roof over your head. If you don’t like it and what I do, then get the hell outta here. You hear me?” he grits through his teeth. I stay frozen in place as he releases his grip and straightens my shirt. “I have a feeling you just might like working at Ivan’s. Cars are right up your alley, and you won’t mind being the best lookout your daddy ever had. Now, will you?”
“No, sir.”
“Good.”
I look over at my mom, but she doesn’t say a word. I look at my dad as he sits back down to finish his dinner like nothing happened, and I have no other choice but to leave. I can’t act like everything is fine.
Straddling my bike, I rev it to life and peel out of the driveway. With nowhere to go, I focus on my life, how it sucks, and how I’ve loved the taste of moonshine since I was ten.
“I’m thirsty,” I say to Mama as I open the refrigerator and look around. I grab a glass jar. Can I have this?
“No, Walker. Leave that alone. That’s Daddy’s stuff,” she says as she takes it from my hands and puts it back inside the refrigerator. She then takes a gallon jug of sweet tea and pours it into a glass.
“Thanks, Mama,” I say. She leaves me in the kitchen to go to the garage to talk to Daddy, and the second she’s gone, I open the fridge and twist the golden top. I smell it, and it burns my nose. Looking over my shoulder, I take a sip. Yum. Sweet like sugar and pineapple, but then there is the burn as it makes its way to my tummy. I like it… a lot.
Hearing Mama’s voice getting louder, I hurry to put the lid back on and place the jar back in its spot. I take my glass and hurry into the living room where I turn on the TV.
Seeing a large body of water up ahead, I pull my bike onto the dirt road and follow the trail to a lake. Taking a seat on the bank, I sit and reflect. What the hell am I going to do with my life? I want something so much better, but how can I get away from them? My cheek is on fire. I hope it won’t look too bad for school. I don’t want a lot of questions.
Before I leave, I vow to myself that I will make it out of this family. I will make something of myself. This will be my last run. I won’t be like him.
Chapter 6
Chauna
As the final bell rings Thursday afternoon, we walk over to the baseball field. Ally, Beth, and I take our seats at the top of the bleachers while we wait for the Barber Tigers to take their places on the field. Logan strides to the pitcher’s mound to warm up with Mark who is in the catcher’s position.
As the game starts, “three up, three down” seems to be the motto for today, and within no time it’s the top of the ninth with Barber ahead by one. Hold ’em, Logan! When Logan strikes out batter one, the crowd goes crazy, but when there’s a ball on the ground toward third, we hold our breath for the turn to first. He’s out, but barely. Mark calls a time-out and approaches the pitcher’s mound. As we wait for the game to resume, I hear a bike roaring toward us, and that’s when I see Walker. He removes his helmet and shakes his head with so much swagger it’s ridiculous. He doesn’t approach the field, but watches from a distance. I stare at him until everyone jumps from their seat and begins to holler as the batter hits a fly ball to center field. Our center fielder runs toward it and catches it with ease. The stands erupt, and Ally, Beth, and I jump up and down. Final round, here we come!
As we leave the stands with the crowd, we make our way to the parking lot, and I see Walker placing his helmet back on. When he looks in my direction, I wave to him, and he acknowledges me with a smile.
“Oh my gosh, did you just wave to the biker dude?” Beth asks.
“Yeah, he’s in my biology class,” I say with a slight shrug.
“Seriously? He’s just so different,” Ally adds.
“Why do you say that?” I question.
“Just look at him. The jacket, the bike, the rough look. What high schooler looks like that?” Beth comments. “Not to mention this dang humidity. He’s got to be burnin’ up!”
“Here we go again,” I say with more attitude than I had planned.
“Chauna, you don’t even know him. I heard from my dad that there’s a group of bikers that just moved to town. They are using Ivan’s old garage as their clubhouse or something. The police are keeping an eye on the place. He could be mixed up in all that. Not to mention that black eye. Did you see it?”
“I did, but I didn’t have time to ask him what happened. He jetted out of class today. But seriously, this ain’t a TV show. It’s real life, and Barber of all places.”
Beth’s dad is a local cop, and I’m sure he’s told her to be cautious, but I can’t deny there is just something about Walker and I want to know more.
Walker
When Chauna waved to me, I had to smile back. Who can ignore that beautiful girl? But when her frie
nds gave me the evil eye, I realized I’m not the type that fits into their little group. When one of them begins to cop an attitude, I see Chauna’s demeanor change to one of defense. I’ve been trying to keep my distance so she won’t ask me about my damn eye, but I can’t ignore her any longer. I quickly bring my bike to life and pull up beside her to make sure she is okay.
“Chauna, everything okay?” I question.
“Yeah, I’m fine, but what about you?” she says while staring at the bruise under my eye. “Just the hazards of working under a car and a socket wrench knocking you out,” I lie with a laugh.
“Walker, these are my friends, Ally and Beth.” They both give fake smiles and a little wave.
“Nice to meet ya,” I reply. “Hey, wanna take me up on that offer?”
A smile escapes those plump lips. “You bet. How about Friday?”
“Sounds good.”
Without another word, I make my way home. Pulling into the drive, it’s obvious that no one is home. I make my way to the fridge—leftover spaghetti, beer, and milk. Great. Opening the cabinet, I spy a loaf of bread and peanut butter. Guess that’s what’s for supper. Grabbing a paper towel, I place the bread on it and spread the peanut butter before applying the other piece of bread. Taking a seat in the living room, I turn on the TV and flip through the channels. Realizing it’s unlikely that my parents will return until late tonight, I shower and get ready for bed.
I wake to the sound of doors slamming, and then my bedroom door swings open. “Walker, get dressed. We need you at the shop.” Wiping the sleep from my eyes, I slide on my jeans, toss on a T-shirt, and grab my jacket as quickly as possible. Dad is waiting by the door. “Come on. You don’t need your keys. I got a truck.” He’s got a truck? Walking to the passenger side, I open the door, get in, and don’t ask any questions. Dad pulls into the lot and takes me inside. I see several cars on lifts, but I don’t see anyone else. I quietly follow as Dad leads me through the back door, and I’m shocked by what I see. There are women sitting at a makeshift bar with more boobs showing than I’ve ever wanted to see — especially when they are attached to women who are my mom’s age. Smoke fills the air, and Ivan and several guys are playing cards.
“Glad you could join us,” Ivan states.
“Yes, sir,” I simply reply. An eerie silence fills the room.
“The reason I called you in here was for you to see where we do the real business around here. This Friday, we are expecting a shipment of high import vehicles. We will need these to be modified to sell to the public here at the shop.” Okay, what is really in the cars? This is too simple. “Walker, we need you to work in the shop with Jimmy and James, when you can, to help modify the cars. Then, when the time comes to move the shine, we need you to be the lead vehicle. You just ride out in front and report back anything we need to be aware of. It’s a pretty simple task. You think you can handle it?”
“Yes, sir,” I reply.
“Good. ’Cause there might be a little something extra for ya if you do. Be ready for a call Friday,” he says as he slides a prepaid phone toward me. “Now, go make yourself at home out in the garage, Walker.” Just like that, I’m dismissed, but I’m trapped in this hell until Dad can leave.
Walking into the shop, I see Jimmy and James propped up against an old Oldsmobile with the hood popped. “What’s up?” I ask the only two friends I have in town.
“We’re working on getting this car tuned up so it will be ready when the next shipment arrives,” James says as he gives me a welcoming slap on the shoulder.
Jimmy starts to laugh under his breath, “Man, I was starting to think you were too good for us.”
“Nah, just been busy with school,” I say.
“Yeah, I know what you mean. If we ain’t here, we’re in school. We’re about to change the oil in this piece and get it tuned up. How ’bout you give us a hand?” Jimmy says as he pulls a wrench from the toolbox.
“Sure.” There’s one thing I enjoy about this life, and that’s working on cars. I don’t agree with how they are acquired, but I do love knowing that my skills put them together, bring them to life, and give someone freedom to go wherever they choose. If only it were that simple for me. We spend the next couple of hours working on the car, and when the engine purrs like a kitten, we pull it out of the garage and take it for a spin.
Chapter 7
Chauna
On my way out the door Thursday morning, I tell Daddy I’ll be home late because of the shopping excursion with Beth and Ally. As soon as school is over, we make our way to Ally’s to leave our vehicles there before making our way to the mall.
As we approach the yellow mall, we make a list of stores we want to stop in, with American Eagle being stop number one. Entering the store, we walk directly to the swimsuits. Selecting several suits, I make my way to the dressing room and try them on. After deciding on a neon pink bikini, I meet Ally and Beth at the register. We pay and then head to the food court for the best cinnamon rolls on earth.
We take the back roads to Ally’s and then go our separate ways. I make a pit stop by Boondocks to see Daddy.
Walking into Boondocks, several tables are filled with individuals drinking beer and eating, and the pool tables are filled with guys in leather jackets that look rough around the edges. It makes me think of Walker and wonder if those are his people. Paige hollers at me from the bar, and I make my way toward her.
“Hey, girl,” I say as I prop my arm on the bar. “Have you seen my daddy?”
“Yeah, he’s in the office with Darren. Just go on back.”
Making my way down the small hallway, I stop when I hear my dad and Darren in a heated discussion.
“But, Mike, I think it’s good for business.”
“I know, Darren, but I don’t want Boondocks to become something it’s not. We just opened up teen night, and I don’t want things getting out of hand.” What in the world?
“Mike, we have to catch up with the times. This is what people want. You want to keep the place running, don’t ya?” I cover my mouth. Is Boondocks in trouble?
“Fine, Darren, but this better not bite us in the end,” Dad says. I’ve got to stop this conversation. They never argue. I knock before entering. When Darren tells me to come in, I walk in and stop beside Daddy.
“Just checking in with ya. Letting you know we’re back from the yellow mall, and I thought I’d grab supper here tonight and listen to ya.”
“Sounds like a plan, sweet girl,” Daddy says, but his voice says something else.
“Everything okay?” I question.
“Just talking about what new beverages we can bring into Boondocks and how fast one in particular is growing,” Darren says as he looks at my daddy sternly.
“Whatcha mean?” I ask.
“Just trying to keep our customers happy, but of course, Mike’s the voice of reason,” Darren says.
“That he is. Well, I’ll let y’all get back to the conversation so I can grab a bite to eat and listen to an awesome band,” I say as I hug Daddy. Walking into the main area, I stop as I notice Walker with Jimmy and James at the pool table. It’s obvious he’s part of this group, and like Daddy said, I need to be careful. So, I do the only logical thing, I walk straight to Walker.
As he shoots a striped ball into the corner pocket, he makes a comment toward James then takes a seat on a stool and holds the pool stick upright in front of him. When the other guy misses, Walker bursts out laughing, and it obviously ticks the guy off.
As I approach them, Walker stops mid-laugh. “Chauna.”
“Yup, that’s me,” I say as I invade his playing space. “I didn’t expect to see you here tonight.”
“Guess I’m full of surprises. Chauna, this is—”
“Jimmy and James,” I state with a smile. I’ve known Jimmy and James since we were kids. “I’m about to put an order in. Y’all want anything?”
“Nah, we’re good,” they say.
“Seriously? Don’t be bashful.
I’m about to throw down on some wings. I’ll order enough for all of us,” I say as I turn to walk to the bar.
After placing my order, I stand and talk to Paige who has a million questions about who Walker is, where he’s from, what color is his underwear, and what brought him to Barber. I don’t have the answer to any of those questions, so she goes to the kitchen to grab the wings. Taking the two trays of wings from her, I head to a table close to Walker and his friends. When he sees me, he quickly takes a tray and helps me carry them the rest of the way to the table. I give a thank you and a smile.
Taking a seat, Jimmy and James follow us, and Paige brings us a pitcher of Coke and four frosty mugs. We each dive in. Walker asks us about Barber, what there is to do, and what it was like growing up here. I explain there’s nothing fancy about being here, but then I think about the lake.
“Oh, have you seen the lake?” I ask after wiping wing sauce from my lips. Jimmy and James grin.
“Yeah, I stopped by there the other night,” Walker says and that piques my curiosity.
“You did?” James asks.
“Yeah, took the bike out for a ride and found what looked like an old fishing spot or something,” he says like it’s no big deal.
“I heard there’s a party there this weekend,” James says.
“Yeah, that’s what they were saying at school. Y’all should come,” I say as I pick up another wing.
“Maybe. Especially if the heat continues to rise around here,” Jimmy says.
“I think it sounds like fun,” Walker says with a wink. I get a flutter in my stomach, hoping that maybe, just maybe, he wants to go for me and not the water.
Walker
The moment Chauna mentions the party at the lake, I jump at the chance to see her. That will be two days in a row that I will be with her outside of school. As we continue our conversation about the upcoming party, a middle-aged man approaches us.
“Hey, fellas. Hope you liked the wings,” he says.
“Yes, sir,” I reply. Chauna jumps in to introduce us.