Page 40 of Wheelie's Challenge
The table went silent.
“What do you mean?”
“He came into the dinner and asked if I knew you. He said you went to high school together in Denver.” She darted her eyes around then leaned in closer. “I’m not supposed to tell anyone, but he’s a movie producer from LA and was scouting out our town to see if he wanted to film his next movie here. He’s going to, and I’m gonna be in it. It’ll probably be just a real small part, but it’s all so exciting.” Brenda’s eyes sparkled.
Wheelie’s lips pressed flat as adrenaline rushed through his body.
“He was real sorry he couldn’t hook up with you. I was supposed to have drinks with him last night, but he got a call and had to head back to LA.”
“What was his name?”
“Sam Nichols. He doesn’t want it blabbed all over town because he doesn’t want anyone knowing he was here. Being a big producer and all, that makes sense.”
Wheelie glanced at his brothers’ stiff faces. When someone came looking for an Insurgent, the members always thought the worst. The omnipresent threat of violence and death were part of the outlaw world in which the bikers lived.
“What did you tell him about Wheelie?” Throttle asked.
“Not much.” Brenda glanced at Wheelie, regret lingering in her eyes. “I don’t know all that much about you.”
“Did you tell himanything?” Animal said.
“Uh… I told him you ride a metallic red Harley with a lot of chrome. I also told him it was wicked-looking.” She grinned.
“Did you happen to see what kind of car he was driving?” Wheelie asked.
She crinkled her brow and looked out the window as if trying to conjure up the image of the man’s vehicle. “I’m pretty sure it was white. It was probably a rental car. I’m not good with models or makes. Are you beginning to figure out who he is? I think it’s so cool that you have a big Hollywood producer as a friend.”
Iknewsomething wasn’t right with that white car.“I think I know who it is. I’d heard he went to LA to get into films after we graduated. If he happens to come back, or you spot him on the street, do me a favor and don’t tell him you told me. I wanna surprise him.”
Brenda bobbed her head in agreement as she crossed her heart with her fingers. “I promise I won’t. I hope he does come back into town. I know he’d love to see you. He told me not to say anything to you ’cause he wanted to surprise you. How funny that you both thought the same thing.” She glanced over at a table that called out her name. “I gotta go, but I just want you to know that I only told you about him because he left. I don’t want you to think I can’t keep a secret.”
“I don’t think that.” Wheelie glanced out the window and scanned the lot and street for a white Toyota Camry.
When Brenda left, Smokey reclined against the black vinyl cushion. “This is a crock of shit. Who’s gunning for you?”
Before Wheelie could answer, Rags slammed his fist down on the table. “We saw the fucker drive by the car wash before we got here. Wheelie said he’d seen the same car a couple of times.” He looked at Wheelie. “You called it, dude. You said something didn’t seem right.”
“Do you think this has anything to do with that fucker getting outta prison?” Animal asked.
“He’s out so soon?” Throttle said.
“Yeah. They released him early.” The words tasted bitter in Wheelie’s mouth. “I’m sure Elmore sent someone to take care of me before I get to him. I don’t know if the fucker made me in the parking lot or is just looking ateveryonewho has a Harley.”
“He didn’t act like he made you. I mean, he slowly drove away but continued looking all around before he turned left,” Rags added.
“We gotta find this sonofabitch and get rid of him,” Smokey said. The other men nodded in agreement. “We only have one car rental agency in town. It shouldn’t be too hard to find the fucker.”
Wheelie splayed his hands on the table. “He probably rented the car in Denver at the airport. I’m gonna talk to Hawk about trying to get some info. In the meantime, let’s cruise the motels in and around Pinewood. We should take our cages.”
“We’ll get all the brothers involved so we can canvas the area faster,” Throttle said.
Smokey drained the last bit of water in his glass, wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, and slid out of the booth while picking up the check. “You should stay at the club until we get this sonofabitch,” he said to Wheelie.
“I’ll be good. I’m going to a concert in Roaring Fork tonight.” Wheelie stood up and pulled the hem of his shirt down.
“You going to see Jason Aldean?” Animal asked.
“Yeah.”
