Page 90 of Outlaw Xmas
“Just asking Throttle if we can talk to the club girls.”
“Why do you wanna talk to them?” Banger turned to the bar. “Two shots over here.”
McCue and Ibuado shook their heads. “We’re on duty, but thanks,” said Ibuado.
“Don’t sweat it. The shots aren’t for you.” He took the two glasses from Hog and gave one to Throttle. After downing it, he put the glass on the table. “You didn’t answer me.”
“We’re the ones asking the questions,” Ibuado replied.
“They’re not available. We’re busy around here.” Banger pointed to the door. “You can let yourselves out.”
“Where were you last Tuesday night?” McCue asked.
Banger scratched his head. “Tuesday,” he muttered under his breath. “I was with my old lady and kids.”
“You weren’t at Chad Bridgewater’s farm?” Banger slowly shook his head. “Are you sure about that?” McCue took a tissue out of his pocket and spit his gum in it.
“Yeah, I’m sure. I have nothing with Chad. I haven’t seen him in a long time. Why you asking?”
“Didn’t you threaten him to stop selling drugs in the county a couple of years ago?”
Banger laughed and Throttle joined in. “We don’t threaten. We ask nicely.”
“That’s right,” Throttle added.
Ibuado leaned against the table. “What happens if someone doesn’t listen when you ask nicely?”
“Then we keep asking nicely.” Throttle shifted in his chair. “We got shit to do around here. You guys done?”
“Hardly,” Ibuado answered.
Banger cleared his throat. “I don’t know what more to tell you. I haven’t seen Chad in over a year. Have you seen him around town, Throttle?” Throttle shook his head.
“He was killed late last Tuesday along with Beau Larker, Randy Lyon, and Calvin Schwind. His farmhouse was set on fire and several large metal containers were destroyed. Do you know anything about that?”
Banger scratched his beard. “Fuck. Chad must’ve really pissed someone off.”
“His great-granddaughter was spending the night at the farmhouse.” McCue narrowed his eyes.
“Damn. That’s terrible,” Throttle said.
“She was taken away before Bridgewater was murdered. She said a man with a leather jacket took her away. He blindfolded her.”
“And you think it was one of us because we wear leather jackets? I don’t think we’re the only ones in Pinewood Springs wearing them.” Banger laughed.
“A woman dropped her off early in the morning at her parents’ house.” McCue took out another stick of gum.
“So that’s why you wanna bug our club women? You think one of them dropped her off? What the fuck are you smoking? Our club women are busy early in the morning. Every morning.” Throttle sniggered and bumped his arm against Banger who chuckled.
“Check with my old lady and Throttle’s. Neither of us was near Chad’s place.”
Ibuado flipped through his notebook. “We already did. We checked with all of the members’ wives and girlfriends. They corroborate what you’re saying.”
“There you have it. Like I said, we’re busy.” Banger turned away and walked toward the hallway leading to his office.
Throttle stood up. “I got shit to do.” He walked away and went over to the bar where Wheelie and Tiny sat and took the stool next to them, his back to the detectives. When the cold blast of air coiled around him, he knew they’d left.
“What did the fuckin’ badges want?” Wheelie asked.
