Page 140 of The Best Shot

I put a hand flat on the table. “Annie.”

“What.”

“Be cool, Jesus.”

“I’m being friendly.”

Sal looked down at her for another second, and then, God help me, the corner of his mouth lifted into a smile. Small, dry, amused, gone in a second, but definitely a smile.

He nodded at me and moved on.

Annie sat back, glowing. “I think he’s into me.”

I dragged a hand over my face. “Do not make this a thing.”

“Let me live my life, Hale,” she said, her attention still firmly fixed on Sal.

I let it go. I had one problem tonight, and Annie flirting with the head of a motorcycle club would have to wait its turn. That was trouble for another time.

We waited.

Conversation carried on around us. A cue cracked against a ball. Somebody fed quarters into the jukebox. Two men near the bar argued quietly, neither willing to admit they were saying the same thing.

Nobody stared at us, which was hospitality here. They’d notice everything and act like they hadn’t.

Annie stirred her soda with a finger. “How long’s he gonna make us sit here?”

“Long as it takes him to work up the nerve.”

“You think he’ll come?”

“He’ll come.” I checked the time on my phone and put it face down.

Behind the bar, the bartender lifted his chin toward the front window.

Headlights swept across the gravel, and a sedan stopped near the road. The passenger door opened, and Shaun climbed out. The car reversed almost immediately, swung wide, and disappeared back toward the highway.

Shaun stood alone beneath the security lights, staring at the motorcycles, his truck, and the building between them. His ride had abandoned him with impressive speed.

I stood.

Annie was already beside me, that dangerous brightness back in her eyes.

“Not one word,” I said. “I mean it this time.”

“Mm-hm.”

“Annie.”

She pointed toward the door. “Behind you, boss.”

I pushed it open and stepped into the dark.

40

“YOU DON’T GET ANOTHER WARNING.”

HALE