Page 79 of Property of Kevlar

Behind a chain-link fence, several cars, in various states of disrepair, were parked in front of a large gray cinder block building. On the side, painted in bold block letters, was the name Oberlin. Kelsey had driven by it a bunch of times but never needed to utilize the services. Pulling into the lot confused her.

A body shop.

Why would they go there?

She’d overhead Kev telling someone they were coming. The person on the other end of the phone loudly made her feelings of displeasure well known. However, he didn’t seem bothered. At least not by the reaction of the woman on the call.

He was in a lot of pain and bleeding far too much. Even in the low light, she noticed he’d gotten pale. Beads of sweat lined his hairline, and he was clammy to the touch. Kelsey wasn’t a doctor, but even she could see he was worse for wear.

While she never claimed to be an expert, she was pretty sure a body shop worked on cars, not people. Then again, she wasn’t well-versed in the criminal underworld of bikers. For all she knew, this was a front for some black-market hospital that extracted and sold stolen organs.

What had she gotten herself involved with?

As the car stopped, light billowed from the open door.

A woman with spiky brown hair and glasses, wearing dark-gray coveralls stained with grease, exited the building. Her arms were folded across her chest as she approached the car. Behind her, someone else cautiously followed.

Who were they?

“He’s in awful shape,” the driver said as he got out of the SUV.

What would they do about it?

The woman with short hair blew out a heavy breath and made her way toward the back of the car. She opened Kev’s door.

“Jesus Christ,” she hissed as she looked him over.

“Good to see you too,” Kev mused through clenched teeth.

So he knew her. Of course he did. Why would he go to a stranger in this situation?

“What the fuck happened?” she asked.

Did that matter? If this woman had the ability to fix him, then she should get to it. Ask questions later.

He attempted to shrug as he scooted. “Stabbed a few times.”

She stepped back and shook her head. When her gaze found Kelsey, she narrowed her eyes. “Who is that?”

“Better question,” Kev groaned as he exited the vehicle. “Who’s that?” He gestured to the Black woman behind the one he spoke to.

Short, spiky-haired lady glanced over her shoulder as though she wasn’t aware anyone was there. “Janell.”

“Date?” Kev asked with a sputtered chuckle.

The woman rolled her eyes. “She’s a nurse. Kid called and said you were fucked up, so I cashed in a favor.”

Janell came forward. “Hi. I’m Janell Cleary. I’m an advanced practice nurse. Your sister said you could use some attention.”

Sister? Kelsey sat back in the car, watching the exchange and learning a hell of a lot about Kev in the process.

Janell’s large brown eyes swept over Kevlar, assessing him. “You look like shit,” she commented.

Rude! Was that her medical diagnosis? Kelsey bit her tongue. This wasn’t about her, but these people could be a bit more understanding. Kev had a knife sticking out of his side!

“Thanks.” Kevlar coughed and crumpled.

Luckily, his sister reached for him and caught him before he toppled to the ground.