AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“What do you mean? What’s wrong? Where are you?”
“I’m on my way to Colorado.” She quickly filled Queenie in on the assorted details of the last five years. When she was done, Jupiter held her breath, hoping her best chance of surviving wouldn’t refuse to help.
“That bastard. I’ll cut his dick off myself and shove it up his—”
“I just need somewhere to lie low for a bit. I can work for you, or for the club, even.”
Queenie tsked and papers shuffled on the other end. “There’s this cute little bakery I bought a few months back. They’re nearly done with the renovations, so it’s perfect timing. I remember all those yummy treats you used to make. Will you help me open it?”
“You mean I can stay with you?”
“Lord, yes, girl! Get your ass up here and we’ll sort out everything after you’ve rested.”
Relief washed over Jupiter. Suddenly, hiding in the Colorado Rockies didn’t sound so crazy. “Thank you so much.”
“I can send a few of the boys to meet you at the Colorado border, if you’d like, for your protection.”
“I can handle myself.” She slid her gaze to the .45 pistol and box of ammo in the passenger seat she’d swiped from Lyle’s safe. “Be there soon.”
After hanging up, she let out a steadying breath. Soon she’d be far from her battered past and looking forward to her future without checking over her shoulder at every corner.
CHAPTER3
RUBBLE
“Don’t forgetto tighten that gasket or this whole thing will fall apart on ya.” Rubble patted the prospect’s shoulder and made his way through the maze of cars in the shop. The scent of oil and grease only made the sunny afternoon better. Fresh snow had given the club’s garage, Speedy’s Repair, plenty of new clients thanks to the visitors for the winter games. Macha’s ski lodge was at capacity too, another bonus for the club.
“I’m gonna grab a sandwich from the clubhouse. Rosa mentioned she was making meatball subs today,” Kevlar called from the door. “Want anything?”
“Same sounds good, thanks.”
Rubble walked back to the office and was greeted by the sight of paperwork tossed here and there. He had a system that worked, even if it was a little messy. His commanding officer in the Marines would kick his ass all the way to Tuesday if he ever stepped foot in the small space, but Rubble had been perfecting the place since he returned after serving his time overseas.
The shop phone rang, and he eyed the mass of paperwork, searching for the old receiver. Finally finding it under a quote, he answered. “Speedy’s Repair, how can I help?”
“My car slid into the embankment outside town.”
“Sorry to hear that, but we can help. I’ll get my tow guys on the road.” After getting the rest of the man’s information and exact location, he hung up and sent two prospects out.
Loading the computer’s emails, Rubble scanned the overnight parts requests. Since they were one of the largest shops in a fifty-mile radius, many of the smaller repair garages called in requests when needed. It wasn’t his favorite part of running the garage, but it kept him busy.
The scent of tangy marinara wafted toward Rubble, and he whipped his head up to see Kevlar enter the office and plop a sandwich wrapped in foil on his desk before taking the chair across from him.
“Holy hell, Rosa knows how to make a sub.” Kevlar bit into his own and made a satisfied face. “Oh, God, this is better than sex.”
Rubble smirked, unwrapping the foil. “Don’t let your old lady hear you say that. She’ll probably—on second thought, tell her, but do it in public so we can watch her kick your ass.”
Kevlar flipped him the bird, and they ate in nominal silence, impact guns and clattering tools the only sounds coming from the shop. It was their normal routine outside of working on cars and one Rubble didn’t mind one bit. He didn’t take the simplest pleasures in life for granted. Not after his rough childhood.
“Think the club’s ready for the games?”
Crumpling the foil, Rubble tossed it in the nearby trash can. “As ready as we can be. Queenie and the old ladies have been doing quite a bit, and so have Dolly and her nymphs.”
“Yeah, Kita helps when she can. The FBI keeps her pretty busy.” He wiped his mouth with a paper towel. “You gonna participate at all or are you too old for that shit?”
Rubble leaned back and smoothed his beard. “Not too old, but other than being a club volunteer, I’m not joining the amateur competition.”
“So, too old?” Kevlar stood, a knowing smirk on his face. “Just like you were in Jalalabad?”
