Page 35 of Wheelie's Challenge
“What’s his name?” Brenda put the pen and pad in her apron pocket.
He laughed. “His name was different in high school, but he goes by Wheelie.”
Her frosted pink lips spread into a big grin. “You’re Wheelie’s friend? That’s cool. I knew there was something I liked about you.”
Tucker took another sip of his soda. “So, you know him?”
“Yeah. He eats here all the time. I even went to a party at his clubhouse this past weekend.”
“Is that right. Is he a regular? Maybe I can meet up with him when he comes in.”
“He doesn’t have a set day or time. Sometimes he shows up alone, but he’s mostly with his brothers.”
“The Insurgents, right?”
“Yep. I can mention that you’re looking for him the next time I see him. How long are you in town for?”
“I’m not sure. I’m scouting the place for a potential location to film my next movie.”
Brenda’s eyes widened. “You make movies?”
Tucker glanced around then crooked his index finger, gesturing for her to come closer. “Don’t tell anyone because I don’t want to be plagued by wannabe actors. It happens all the time. I can trust you to keep it under wraps, right?”
Bobbing her head in agreement, she pressed her fingers to her lips. “Mum’s the word… but how exciting.” Her brown eyes sparkled.
“If I decide to film here, you can be an extra. Give me your number and I’ll let you know.”
“I’d love that.” She took out her pad and scribbled on it then handed the paper to him. “Maybe we can get together for a drink while you’re here. I’d love to hear about your movies. I know some real nice places around town.”
“I’ll see how my schedule plays out. Do you know Wheelie’s address? I want to surprise him.”
Brenda shook her head. “I don’t. He may even live at the clubhouse. A lot of the guys do. I can tell you how to get there, but they won’t just let you in.” She giggled. “It’s like trying to get onto a military base or something with all the security.”
Yeah… I don’t have a death wish.“Maybe his workplace?”
“I think he just opened a business. I’m not sure, but I can find out. If you give me your number, I’ll let you know.”
“I’ll call you.”
“Where are you staying?”
“In town. So, you find out where I can surprise Wheelie and remember not to say anything. He’s gonna love it.”
“Okay. You’ll probably see him around. He rides a wicked-looking Harley. It’s metallic red and has so much chrome on it, it’ll blind you.” She chuckled.
“Thanks. I’ll look out for it. I’ll take that cobbler now.”
After taking the second bite of the dessert, a thunderous roar rumbled outside, rattling the windows. Tucker looked out and saw a bunch of motorcycles turning into the parking lot. The men switched off the engines and the deafening vibrations stopped. As the bikers came in, Brenda walked over and started chatting them up. A few of them had their backs to Tucker, and he saw the Insurgents’ rocker on their cuts. He glanced back at the parking lot and looked for Wheelie’s Harley based on the description Brenda had given him. He saw gold, blue, green, and a host of other colors, but no metallic red.
The waitstaff buzzed around the tough-looking men, pushing tables together and handing out menus. Tucker caught Brenda’s eyes and she rushed over. Red blotches ruddied her face, and her eyes sparkled and gleamed.
“Some of the Insurgents are here,” she said breathlessly, darting her gaze back to where they sat. “But Wheelie isn’t with them. That’s too bad for you.”
By the way Brenda acted, he had no doubt she’d tell the outlaws he was looking for Wheelie. She was infatuated with them and that made her unreliable. Tucker pushed the cobbler away and shrugged his shoulders. “Those are the breaks. I’ll have to catch him next time I come through.”
“You sound like you’re leaving. I thought you’d be around for a couple of days,” she replied, tilting her chin down and frowning.
“I did too, but I just got a call from the studio and I gotta get back, pronto. I’ll hold you to that drink offer the next time I’m in town.”
