“Okay, I’ll ride with you. You can tell me what else you’ve been up to, besides earning your pilot’s license.” Shannon walked him to the elevator. “I’ll handle my boss about tomorrow. She knows family business has to come first. Mason told her that.”
“I love it when you’re ballsy.” He smiled down at her and pulled her close just as the elevator arrived. “I’ll pick you up at your house about seven tonight. Pack a suitcase. We can leave from my place in the morning.”
“Hmm. That sounds like more than just dinner tonight.” She ran her hands through his thick hair. “Just promise me you’re an excellent pilot.”
He kissed her cheek. “I would never take you up if I wasn’t absolutely sure I could get us both down safely. You have my word.”
“All right then. See you later.” Shannon watched him until the elevator doors closed then marched down to inform her boss that she was going to be gone the next day. It didn’t go over well. But what could she do?
“I don’t suppose I’m allowed to know the nature of this ‘family business.’” Caroline tapped the stack of papers on her desk.
“I’m sorry, but no. Let me just say it has to do with the terms of my father’s will. Very complicated.” Shannon smiled to take the sting out of that. “I’ll be with our lawyer tomorrow dealing with one of those complications.”
“You and Mr. Pagan seem close.” Caroline wasn’t smiling. “Convenient, isn’t it?”
“It is. I’ve known him a long time. It’s reassuring.” Shannon knew there was no point in getting into her relationship with Billy now.
“Whatever you say.” Caroline picked up a memo, clearly dismissing her.
“Listen, I’m truly sorry, Caroline, for bailing on you like this. But I’m finishing the calls to the charities this afternoon. And they’ve all been very understanding. The Calhoun-Pagan sponsorship is getting good buzz. I’ll prepare a press release and have it on your desk for your approval in the next hour.”
“Fine. I’m eager to see it.” Caroline frowned as her phone rang. “About time I saw a work product from you.” She waved Shannon away and answered her phone.
Shannon sighed and headed back to her cube. So much for trying to make peace. She couldn’t blame Caroline for being bent out of shape when her only help kept disappearing. Didn’t matter. What did matter was making things right with the people her father had defrauded. She looked down at her wrist and that gleam of gold. Twin birds and the choice between good and evil. Her father had chosen badly too often. She prayed that the rig count would prove there was nothing wrong at the reservation. Maybe this time her father had actually done the right thing. Because, while Billy had excellent reasons to stay on Calhoun’s side, his heritage would pull him the other way. She really didn’t want him to have to choose between her and Tribal loyalties.
Chapter 7
“Mai called me. Said you had some business to discuss.” Albert stood in the doorway, as usual not bothering to let Mai announce him.
“Come in. Sit.” Billy told him what he needed for the Billingsley investigation then leaned back. “Think you can handle that? I can email you what information I have.”
“Yeah. Greenespace. They have holdings all over Houston and in the suburbs—apartment buildings, strip centers, even a couple of major office buildings. I own stock in that company. Pays a good dividend.” Albert started working his phone. “Stock price is down since Evelyn Greene was whacked. Not surprising. She was a solid board member.”
“Is this a conflict of interest for you?” Billy tapped his desk. “I need you to be impartial. Rupert thinks Sherman and Dinah Greene wanted Evelyn dead.”
“No conflict. I want justice. So I’ll be looking at all the money trails.” Albert walked over to quietly shut the door between Billy’s office and Mai’s. “Be aware, you could be stirring up a hornet’s nest if these folks did it and get wind you’re on to them. Billingsley should be in a safe place. Might need a bodyguard. I could set that up.”
“Security? Not a bad idea. I’ll talk to him about it. He’s staying in a hotel. His house is a crime scene.” Billy made a note to speak to Rupert.
Albert glanced toward the door leading to where Mai held court. “Glad I heard from you. I was going to call you anyway, about something else.”
“If it’s about my assistant, leave me out of it. Mai handles her own affairs.” Billy grinned. He knew Albert had it bad. He recognized the symptoms. He was suffering from them too. All he could think about was when he could see Shannon again, touch her, taste her. Shit. Albert had said something and he’d missed it. “What?”
“I said that little turd, Simon Davis, needs to sell one of his bikes. You interested?” Albert roamed the carpet. “That Skeleton Crew is going to come after him again and I’ve a good mind to let them have him. But a debt is a debt. He needs to pay up and stop playing poker in their game rooms.”
“Tell me about the bike.” Billy got up and opened the refrigerator. He got a water for himself and offered Albert a beer. His own Harley. Yeah. It had been great being on the road again and Shannon had gotten into it.
Albert rattled off statistics, model and year as well as upgrades. “He won it in a game a few years ago. I checked. He’s got the clear title. Maybe if he has to give up something he loves, it’ll teach him a hard lesson. Get this shit under control.”
“Don’t know about that, but I want to see it, check it out personally.” He followed Albert to the elevator since apparently Simon was waiting outside with the bike, hoping for a quick sale.
“What are you boys up to? Albert?” Mai got up from her desk. “It’s not lunchtime.”
“He’s showing me a bike, Mai.” Billy grinned when she looked horrified.
“You get my boss killed, Albert, and we are done.” She stomped around the desk and met them at the elevator.
“I’ve told you, baby doll, riding is very safe. It’s the driver who makes the difference.” Albert grabbed her hand as she was about to stab him with a red fingernail. “Bill, back me up. You’re a safe and sane rider, right? I sure as shit wouldn’t have loaned him my bike otherwise, sweet pea.”
“He’s right. Relax, Mai.” He heard the bell that signaled the elevator’s arrival. “I’ll be back in a few minutes. Hold down the fort.”
“I’ll see you later.” Albert pulled her in for a kiss then jumped into the car, laughing as the doors closed before she could say a word.
“You really think she’s the woman for you? She hates motorcycles.” Billy punched the button for the lobby.
“All talk. You should see her on the back of my ride with the wind in her hair. The woman loves it.” Albert slapped Billy on the back. “Now Simon’s got the title in his pocket. He’ll try to jack up the price. The man has had a run of bad luck lately. But that’s not on you. Blue Book on this baby isn’t as high as he’s asking. Negotiate if you like it. You hear me?”
“Loud and clear.” Billy followed him out to the street. The vintage Harley made his heart beat faster the moment he saw it. It gleamed red with chrome just where it should be. It had obviously been lovingly restored and kept in mint condition. He had to have it. After a ride to the closest freeway and back, he’d have paid double what Simon asked for it. But he knew he needed to keep Albert’s respect. So he negotiated a decent price and pulled out his checkbook.
“No. Cash. Can we go straight to your bank? I have to give those cocksuckers cash.” Simon stroked the leather seat of his Harley like it was a favorite pet. “I’m sure going to miss Gertrude.”
“Gertrude?” Billy pushed Simon’s hand out of the way and got on again. He should have left his suit coat upstairs. He knew he looked stupid—an uptight lawyer on a big bike—but this felt perfect. He was going to have to make time for more fun in his life. Work less, play more. With Shannon. The idea made him smile.
“Named after my granny.
She loaned me the money to buy my first bike.” Simon actually wiped away a tear. “I get it. Going back for another game when I was on a losing streak was stupid. And I have my suspicions. Don’t know how, but I think their fuckin’ game was rigged.”
“Quit your bitchin’, Simon.” Albert was having none of it. “You okay with cash, Bill?”
“Sure. Leave the bike here and we can go in my car to the bank.” He pocketed the key, not about to let this deal get away. “You can sign the title there.”
“Sure. Whatever. Get this over with.” Simon stumbled as they walked to Billy’s car while he took one last look at the bike.
“As a lawyer, I’m going to advise you to give the person who holds your debt a cashier’s check. You don’t want to carry it all in cash. Too risky.” Billy unlocked his car parked in front of the building. “What do you think, Albert?”
“Listen to him, Simon.” Albert grabbed Simon’s arm. “In fact, I’m going with you to that game room to hand over the check. I have a few words to say to those fucking Cruisers. And I wouldn’t put it past you to stop somewhere and get in another game. Maybe lose it before you ever pay your debt. You hear me?”
“Quit treating me like a fucking kid, Slash.” Simon jerked his arm, trying to get free. But the wiry man was no match physically for the huge leader of the bike club.
“Not a kid, but an addict.” Billy had to add his two cents. “I’ve lived with addicts all my life. I know one when I see one.”
“Shut the fuck up.” Simon glared at him. “I can quit gambling any time. What do you know about it?”
“More than I want to. But if you’re so sure you can, then quit. Show me, show Slash here how you can stop gambling. But clear your debts first.” Billy looked back at that flame red motorcycle. God, it was a beauty. “You just lost a bike you loved. That’s proof that gambling has cost you. Time to give it a rest.”
“You’re right about that at least.” Simon looked down to where Slash still held his arm. “Let me go. The check is a good idea, you as a witness too. Then the motherfuckers can’t say I didn’t pay them.”
“Now you’re thinking.” Slash let him go.
“Yeah. Thanks, Slash.” Simon held out his hand and shook the biker’s. “Thanks for buying the bike too, uh, Bill. It’s a sweet ride. Take care of it.”
“I will, Simon. I promise.” Billy shook his hand then got in his car. He’d just bought a vintage Harley. He was filling up his garage and had to think about that. But inside the bank, the deal almost went sideways.
“Wait!” Simon stared at the cash Billy had withdrawn and licked his lips. The title sat on the bank officer’s desk, ready for his signature.
“Wait for what?” Albert walked over to see what was going on.
“Maybe instead of selling Gertrude, we could work out a loan, Bill.” Simon reached for the pile of money but Billy slapped a hand down on top of it.
“What the fuck, Simon?” Albert dropped a hand on the biker’s shoulder.
“Listen. I’ve got a tip. A sure thing this weekend. On the Cowboys’ game. Great odds. I could win enough to clear all my debts.” Simon tried to shrug away from Albert. Wasn’t happening.
“I’m not in the loan business. Janice, will you give us a minute?” Billy smiled at the woman who’d been waiting to witness their transaction. She nodded and walked away to speak to the teller holding his cashier’s check. Give up gambling? That had lasted maybe five minutes.
Albert put his face close to Simon’s. “Listen, you little fuck. A deal is a deal. If there was a sure thing, you wouldn’t be in this bind, would you?”
Billy shook his head. “Give it up, Albert. I’m sure you can find another bike for me. Let’s get out of here.” He waved at Janice. “Thanks for your help. Guess I won’t be needing that check after all.”
Albert nodded and let Simon go. “Yeah, I can find you another bike, Bill. I can think of two off the top of my head.”
“Wait!” Simon stood there, his fists clenching and unclenching, his eyes darting around the room before fixing on that pile of cash under Billy’s hand.
For a moment Billy thought Simon was going to do something stupid. The bank’s security guard had moved closer, obviously picking up on the vibe too.
“I have clients coming later. Quit wasting my time.” Billy grabbed the title. “You selling this bike or not?”
Simon snatched it out of his hand, seized a pen and scribbled his name. “There. It’s yours. Now let’s get out of here.” He glanced at the guard, who’d put his hand on his gun.
Billy gestured and Janice hurried over with the check. Obviously, she’d been listening to them. “All right.” He slipped the cash into the bank envelope with the cashier’s check. “Thanks, Janice.” Then he followed the men outside. On the sidewalk he handed the envelope to Simon. The title went into his inside jacket pocket.
“When my luck turns, I’ll be back for that bike.” Simon started counting the cash.
“The hell you say.” Billy grabbed Simon’s T-shirt, pulling until they were nose to nose. Shit, had the man lost his toothbrush when he’d lost his mind?
“Hey.” Simon tried to jerk loose but Billy wouldn’t release him.
“I own that bike now. You’re not getting it back.”
Albert stayed out of it, standing so that no one inside the bank could see them.
“I’ll pay you double.” Simon held onto the money with one hand while trying to pry off Billy’s fist with the other. “Come on, man, have a heart. You’re rich. Wear nice threads, drive a fancy car. It was just a run of bad luck.” His voice sounded like the whine of petulant child.
“You make your own luck, asshole. I learned that a long time ago.” Billy wanted to shake him until his rotten teeth fell out of his empty head. “You lost that bike. Get used to it.” He glanced at Albert, who nodded grimly. “I’ve got to go. Can you two get a ride from here?”
“Oh, yeah. Take off.” Albert smiled. “I’ve got this.”
Billy finally let go of Simon and stalked to his car. Fuck. Way to take the joy out of his purchase. He forced himself to calm down while he drove back to his office. When he got there, he made a decision. He had a little time. He called Mai and told her he would be back in an hour. Then, after he locked his suit coat in the trunk of his car, he took the key out of his pocket and put on the helmet Simon had thrown in as part of the deal.
He sat astride Gertrude—she needed a new name—and started the engine, savoring the roar of the powerful engine. It was no crotch rocket but better. He was rich now. The Harley suited him in every way—rare, in perfect condition and, yep, a little flashy in red and chrome. The ride cleared his head, reminded him why he’d wanted the bike in the first place. He felt young and free, something he’d never been, not even when he’d first met Shannon and fallen for her. Thank God he’d learned a few things since then. He’d gone into this deal with his eyes wide open, determined not to be screwed over. He drove into his own garage and dialed Uber for a ride back to his car. Eyes open. He’d have to remember that.
* * * *
“We have to stop by my grandmother’s first. She has a suitcase full of stuff to take to Sally.” Billy glanced at Shannon, sitting in the passenger seat of his car. He’d thought about surprising her by riding up on that new Harley, but his grandmother had called and blown up that idea.
“Sure. I’d like to meet your grandmother. Is she going to be upset that I’m wearing her bracelet?” Shannon played with the gold chain on her wrist.
“Shouldn’t be. She gave it to me and told me to let my heart guide me.” He stopped at a red light then leaned over to kiss her. “That’s what I did.”
“Okay. I just hope you’re right.” She looked out the window. “Interesting part of town. I’ve never been here before.”
“I’ll just bet you haven’t. Interesting? It’s
scary for a girl like you. Stay out of it unless it’s broad daylight or you’re with me.” Billy gunned the motor as soon as the light turned green. In this neighborhood, you didn’t want to make another driver mad by being slow off the mark. Road rage ended up with shots fired. “I’ve tried to get Gran to move, but she won’t budge. It’s close to her church, the bingo parlor and, most important, her beauty salon.” He laughed. “Don’t be surprised at her hair color. It can change from month to month.”
“Really? I assumed she would either be gray or have dark hair like yours.” Shannon turned to face him.
“Nope. She says she’ll never let her gray show. She has an adventurous side, at least when it comes to her looks. Wait and see.” Billy turned a corner and studied the street with fresh eyes. Burglar bars on most houses. Peeling paint and patched roofs. His grandmother’s house was in excellent repair because he made sure of it. The frame house had a well-tended flowerbed lining the sidewalk and the flowers that he’d never bothered to learn the names of were in full bloom.
Shannon grinned when he stopped the car in front of the house. “The garden is incredible. Your grandmother must have a green thumb.”
“She’s ashamed of me because I hire a yard crew. I don’t have time to do anything with flowers. Don’t care either.” He got out and walked around to open the car door for Shannon. Of course, his grandmother had been watching for them and stood in the open front door. She came out onto the wide porch, a smile on her face.
“Billy! Who’s that with you?” She let the door made of iron bars clang shut behind her and walked down the porch steps.
“Gran, this is Shannon Calhoun. I think I’ve mentioned her a time or two in the past.” Billy held Shannon’s hand while hitting the lock button on his key fob. He never left his car unlocked around here. “Shannon, my grandmother, Diana Pagan.” He almost laughed when Shannon tried not to stare at the older woman. “Gran, orange hair? Is that for Halloween?”
He pulled Shannon up the sidewalk, not about to say anything about the orange-flowered top, dangly earrings, and stretch pants Gran wore. Typical outfit for his grandmother who was into bright colors, comfort, and staying cool. The thermometer had hit close to ninety today so naturally Gran wore short sleeves that showed off her arms, tanned from hours spent tending her garden. He thought she looked good for a woman in her mid-eighties. She applied makeup every day, this month favoring green eyeshadow and orange-looking spots of color on her cheeks. Went with her color scheme, of course.
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