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Peppermint
Ididn’t realize the human body could go through withdrawal from another human. I understand how it works. I thought the human body only went through withdrawal from drugs, nicotine, alcohol, and things like caffeine and fast food. But another person? How is that possible?
I am in withdrawal. I literally ache in my core for Dash. My lips miss his. My skin burns to be touched by him.
“What do you think, Peppermint?”
I look up, dumbfounded, at Lina. She was speaking, and I have no idea what she was saying. I officially zoned out during church. Thing is, I’ve been having those moments for a couple weeks now. Ever since that night I picked Dash up from jail. He’s been avoiding me, but I suppose I’m doing the same. I’ve even avoided Owen for the most part. We’ve hung out a little, but I also put the brakes on things when I know he wants to keep them going.
I have thrown myself into helping Davina plan our ladies’ night, officially booking our strippers. I’m working myself into the ground, refusing to take time off even though we have more help. I’d rather be busy than sitting at home, miserable and alone.
“I’m sorry. What did you say?”
“I got the list of bands Ryder gave you. We have one booked for next Saturday night.”
“I’m good with that.”
“We also think it would be a good idea to host the fight night the same night since we don’t have our ladies’ night scheduled until next month. The fight should bring in a lot of revenue. Pairing it up with the band will boost that. Davina made the forms. We figure we can do an entry fee, then reward the fighters with a portion.”
“I think that’s great. The band can play between fights and do a performance afterward as well. It’ll keep people entertained.”
“We’re all in agreement then. We’ll start passing out the flyers tonight and see who’s interested in throwing a few punches. Carson assured me we’ll have participation from the Bastards, so that will help. Now, onto our cop problem: Seth confirmed he’s Dean’s biological brother. Same mom. Different dads. It’s personal for him, and he’s pretty much harassing the Bastards, pulling them over any time he finds one riding. If he pulls you over or approaches you, just do as he asks and keep your answers to a minimum. Don’t be surprised if he takes you in.”
“Any chance he was involved in the trafficking?” Allie asks. “It’s just strange how there’s really no evidence he and Dean were close. Why take his disappearance so personally unless he was getting a cut?”
“That’s very possible. We still don’t know why he’s going to the hotel every day. We don’t want to tip him off that we know about that. The guys have reached out to their contacts at the department, trying to get him to lay off.”
“Technically, he isn’t doing anything illegal,” Skylar explains. “If he has probable cause to pull us over, he can do that. It’s annoying and frustrating, but he knows how to stay within the limits of the law. That’s for sure.”
“We all know he has nothing. No evidence. No body. He’s waiting on someone to give him something, and none of us are going to do that,” Davina says.
We’re getting ready to end church and start prepping for the evening when the door opens. Officer Whitfield waltzes in, an arrogant smirk on his face. Speak of the devil.
“Good evening, ladies. Who’s in charge of this place?”
That would be Skylar. She’s the one I sold the bar to. She’s the one whose name is on the deed. She raises her hand and slowly approaches him.
“I’m the owner, but we all hold an equal share. Is there something I can do for you?”
He hands her a paper. “You’ve been served. This establishment came under review, and the liquor board has shut you down.”
“I’m sorry, I’m not sure I’m following. Our liquor license has been suspended?”
“Yes, ma’am. There’s a list of violations. You can request an appeal, I believe. I’m just issuing the service.”
“Wait a minute. The ice machine leak? We fixed that before we even opened.”
“I’m just issuing the service. It’s your problem to deal with.”
With that, he walks out, leaving us to open a bar we can’t sell any alcohol in. Officer Whitfield may not have any evidence, but he sure knows how to stir shit up.
