“Yup, and I’ll keep doing so until word gets around.”
“Fuckin’ right,” Storm called out. “Another round, Magic.”
I nodded at Buck to serve them. Buck was new after I sacked all the others for stealing money. Toby, the previous manager, was buried out back. He’d been a lesson, and one I hoped everyone realised. Not only had that asshole been skimming, but he’d been running drugs and peddling flesh. Unwilling flesh.
I couldn’t live in the apartment above after learning that. My home had been soiled. For now, I was bunking in a cheap RV I’d bought while I made up my mind.
The door opened as I wiped down the counter, and I glanced up. Mathews entered and gazed down his nose at the bar. While this wasn’t a dive bar, it wasn’t classy. Magic’s Bar was worn and tired, but mine.
“Magic,” Mathews acknowledged, approaching.
“What do you want?” I demanded. After burying Salvos, I’d quit the runs. Jody was gone, and nothing seemed to matter anymore.
“Just checking on how you’re doing.” Mathews took another look at the customers, his gaze lingering on Onyx and Drake Michaelson from Rage MC.
“Fine.”
Mathews turned back. “Looks like you’ve got steady business.”
“Bar’s doing great. Can I get you something?”
“I doubt you serve what I prefer.” Arrogant asshole. Without a word, I spun around and reached under the counter.
“Think you’ll drink this.” I poured a generous measure of whiskey and handed it over. Mathews swirled it inside the glass and sniffed. Surprised, Mathews pursed his lips and sipped.
“That’s smooth. Good shit.”
“Yeah. Funny, thought I had nothing you’d like.”
Mathews smirked and took another swallow. “Got a decent spot here.”
“Yup. And I keep it clean. Done my stint in prison and ain’t going back.”
Mathews nodded. “Maybe I could throw some business your way.”
“Thanks, but no. Told you, I’m done.”
“Just a bit of washing needed,” Mathews pressed.
I folded my arms and held his gaze. “The machine’s broken. You’ll have to find another laundrette.”
Mathews smiled and tapped the surface. “We’ll see.”
“Yeah, we will.”
“All okay, Magic?” Storm asked, coming across.
“Yeah. Mathews was leaving.”
Mathews eyed Storm and then me. Slowly, he picked up the glass and downed the last of the whiskey before placing it on the counter.
“Be seeing you, Magic.” It was both a promise and a threat. I didn’t bother replying.
Jody – 31stOct 2008.
I panted through another contraction as I squeezed Vulcan’s hand. Vulcan wiped my brow as I leaned back into his arms.
“Vulcan, I can’t do this.”
