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I moved toward Daphne, pulling her to the side. By that point, I’d caught Blade’s eye.
“I don’t like that look on your face, Crystal. Who was on the phone?” Daphne asked, a tremor in her voice.
“No one in particular. Just a guy asking directions. I want you to go ahead and cash out your customers and leave. Okay? Don’t ask any questions. Just do as I say.” My command was firm enough, even though I heard the quaver rumbling directly from my gut. Whatever was going to happen would be tonight. They were coming for me and this time, I knew they wouldn’t take no for an answer.
“You’re scaring me.”
“Just. Do. It. Please, honey. Okay?”
Daphne darted a glance in Blade’s direction. “Do you trust him?”
“With my life. Everything is fine. Just go on.”
“O-kay. If you say so.”
I moved all the way down to the end of the bar until I could clearly see a good portion of the parking lot, the darkness swarming the outer edges. There were no cars with their lights on and from what I could see, no one lurking in the shadows. But I knew they were there. I had no doubt I was being watched. Taking a few backward steps, I folded my arms as a series of chills left me with goosebumps.
“Who was on the phone?” Pappy asked, pushing his beer away.
“No one. Not important.”
“I think it’s time for you to call the police,” he suggested. “If you think something is going on, better to stop it right now. The Desperados aren’t the kind of assholes you want to mess with.”
I half snorted given what Jessie had told me, but Pappy’s words were the same ones I’d heard time and time again. “What good will they do? We don’t know anything is going to happen tonight. They could be trying to scare me and nothing more.” Which they’d accomplished.
“Crystal, you want to know my secret?”
I gave a guarded glance in Pappy’s direction, cognizant that Blade had moved away from the table. “Sure.”
“I’m an ex-cop. Brooklyn trained. I’m also no fool. Whoever just called terrified the hell out of you. The bastards are coming. Aren’t they?”
As Blade rounded the corner of the bar, already in fight mode, I shrank back, the fear palpable. “Fine. Yes. Maybe. I think so.” Shit. Shit.Shit.
“Then let’s get everyone out of the bar,” Pappy suggested. “Call the police, Crystal. Don’t try and be a hero here.”
“I just don’t know what’s the best thing to do.” I felt Blade’s warm body as he eased behind me, keeping his voice low.
“Do as the man said, Crystal. Close the bar. I need to get you out of here and you don’t want anyone hurt. We’ll make a report of suspicious activity as soon as we leave.”
Anger spilled inside of me, fueling the rage I’d felt earlier. I also realized that Blade didn’t want to have anything to do with the cops. “That sounds reasonable.” Nothing sounded reasonable at this point but at least it was a plan. I couldn’t stand not knowing what was going to happen. I’d promised myself I’d never live in fear again. “Listen up, folks. The bar is closing. Finish your food and drinks and I’ll be coming around with your tabs.”
I heard some grumbling, but mostly I sensed a growing fear, the tension in the place thick as mud.
“All right. Close up everything. I’ll go outside and see what I can find.” Blade’s voice remained soothing, a calming effect. “Then we’ll leave. You’re going to do this for me. Aren’t you?” The words were a direct command.
“Yes.”Yes, sir. Whatever you say, sir.“I’ll go tell the cooks.” The control he had over me was tantalizing, but I found myself still unable to focus. I knew every step was perfunctory in nature, but I moved quickly into the kitchen, giving my commands in a take no shit attitude. I dared the fucking Desperados to mess with me. Not tonight. This was still my bar.
The majority of the customers were gone in ten minutes. I stood by the door, waiting until the last one was out before slamming and locking it, immediately closing the blinds. Only Pappy remained. Immediately I started to pace the floor, waiting for Blade’s return.
“He’ll be all right,” Pappy said quietly. “Men like him take no shit. He knows what he’s doing.”
“Yeah? How would you know that? And you don’t know the Desperados. They’re evil. Deadly,” I protested, debating calling the police. What good would it do? I’d put them on notice, maybe a direct line to whoever led the fucking gang. God, everything was so damn muddled. I had my things on the counter, keys ready just as instructed. Tonight, I was very afraid.
“I know their reputation. I’m well aware of their capabilities, but I’ve been around the block more than a few times. Blade is the real deal.”
I had to wonder what the real deal actually was. A slight whimper escaping, I pressed my hand over my lips, trying to keep from falling apart. I was stronger than this, braver. “Why are they doing this? Who the hell am I?”
“You want me to give you a truthful answer?”
