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“The Crows have been around since I was born,” Dana explained. “So I understand how you bikers operate.”
“I see. That explains some things,” Cross said.
“Do me a favor and make sure Cross sees an actual medical professional when you get home,” she requested. “I can’t have him dying after all the effort I put into keeping him alive.”
Priest nodded in agreement, his respect for Dana evident in his voice as he replied, “Will do.”
Priest climbed behind the wheel, securing the door as he settled into the driver’s seat. He couldn’t help but comment, “That’s some woman you found, Cross.”
“It was my lucky day,” Cross replied.
He glanced over at Dana, who had already retreated to her shop without saying her goodbyes.
“Let’s go,” Cross said, not wanting to involve Dana in any further trouble.
With that, Priest started the truck’s engine, and soon, after a few turns and a glimpse of Elmwood in the rearview mirror, they left the town behind.
Cross had half-expected to run into more Crows on their way out, but they continued down the road without any additional unwelcome company.
He began to believe they were safe, at least for the time being. One would think he should be feeling relief, considering he had managed to escape with his life intact. After all, his plans upon returning home included having his injuries properly looked at and ensuring Jimmy was rounded up for his betrayal. However, the uneasiness in his gut remained, and it wasn’t about himself—it was about Dana.
As the miles passed by, Cross’s worry for the woman who had risked so much to help him continued to grow. He couldn’t shake the concern that she might face repercussions from the Crows for her assistance. What if someone had witnessed Priest loading him into the truck? The Crows likely had eyes and ears all over the town, and the mere idea of Dana facing potential consequences gnawed at him.
“Get some sleep,” Priest suggested. “It’s at least an hour’s drive back home, maybe two if there’s morning traffic.”
Cross shifted uncomfortably in the truck’s seat, his injuries still throbbing with pain.
“I don’t think I could get any sleep,” he admitted.
“You worried about that woman?” Priest asked, as if reading his mind.
They had been friends for over a decade, so Cross shouldn’t be too surprised.
“I am,” Cross admitted. “Priest, she could’ve let me bleed out in the garage or called the cops or one of the Crows after me, but she didn’t.”
Priest nodded in agreement. “She’s something, no doubt about it. But a woman like that can take care of herself. It’s unlike you to worry about a stranger you just met.”
Cross clenched his jaw. “A stranger who saved my life,” he corrected.
Cross stared out the truck window at the passing landscape, his thoughts still circling back to the woman who had shown him unexpected kindness.
“Don’t tell me you want me to turn back,” Priest’s voice broke through Cross’s reverie, laced with a scoff. “In that state, you’re no good to anyone, least of all her.”
Frustration welled up inside Cross, but deep down, he couldn’t deny the truth in Priest’s words. He was in no condition to offer any help, and if the Crows were indeed watching, his presence could only make things worse.
“I’ll call her once we get home,” he finally conceded. Cross thought he wouldn’t be able to sleep, but he eventually dozed off.
****
Dana had been working on Mr. Graham’s green Chevrolet when her father, Jeremy, entered the shop with Rusty, a member of Panther’s crew. Dana pretended to look unconcerned and continued with her work but deep down, she was panicking. Why was Rusty here and what did he want? This wasn’t good.
When she got off the phone with Jeremy earlier that morning, he seemed suspicious when Dana insisted he could come in the shop later. Dana’s usual MO was to remind him to get his butt in and take some share of the work.
Dana focused on her task, wrench in hand, as she pretended not to notice Jeremy and Rusty enter the office. Her father shut the door behind him, so Dana couldn’t overhear their conversation.
She knew she had to keep her composure, but her heart raced in her chest, and her mind raced with questions. Why was Rusty here, and what did he want with her father? The situation didn’t feel right.
Jeremy and Rusty weren’t in the office long, but when they came out, Rusty flashed her a smirk that made her stomach overturn.
