Page 106 of Chains
Chapter Twenty-One
Snow blanketed thesidewalks, lawns, and streets, making them glitter in the cold white light of the full moon. Flakes swirled in an icy wind, clinging to tree branches and bushes. Chains brought the steaming cup of convenience store coffee to his lips and blew on it, his gaze never leaving his parents’ house. Since the conversation with his mother, he’d been watching the house for any signs of Bret. From the way his motherdidn’tanswer his questions concerning his stupid-ass brother, he knew the pussy was using their place as a refuge.
Chains took a sip of the coffee. Bitter and hot, it burned all the way down his throat. The car’s wipers squeaked rhythmically as the snow began to dissipate. Then, the garage door opened and he saw the tail and reverse lights of his dad’s SUV light up. He reached for the infra-red binoculars and looked through them.
“Gotcha, asshole,” he muttered under his breath as he laid down the binoculars.
Chains waited until his brother turned onto another street before tailing him. With headlights off, he kept a healthy distance between the two cars because there were hardly any vehicles on the side streets as it was. When Bret pulled onto Main Street, the traffic picked up, and from the way the asshole was driving, Chains knew his brother had no clue he was being followed.
The SUV pulled into a space in front of Tequila Willy’s—a restaurant and bar that had a small dancefloor. It catered to the young professional group, and Chains shook his head when he saw his brother walk into the place.Figures.He searched for a parking place, then called Jigger and Crow to join him. The axe he had to grind was with Bret, not the douchebag’s friends, so he wanted the two members to keep the peace while he had a “talk” with his brother.
As Chains waited for his friends to arrive, he kept his eyes glued to the front door of the building. He couldn’t believe Bret had dodged him for this long.What a chickenshit. Did he really think I was just gonna let it slide?There was no way that was ever going to happen. Outlaws never let anything slide. If it took a week, a month, or years, retribution would be had.
When he saw Crow pass the restaurant, Chains tapped on his horn to let him know where he was parked. Crow nodded and Jigger gave him the thumbs-up as they passed the Tahoe. A few minutes later, the two bikers were inside Chains’s car waiting for instructions.
“This’ll be quick. I don’t want the damn badges involved. Just keep his pansy-ass friends from doing something stupid.”
“Do you want us to rough them up?” Crow asked.
“Nah—this has nothing to do with them. If they want to play hero, then do what you gotta do.”
“So what’s your plan—take him out back and kick his ass?” Crow said.
Chains nodded. “Pretty much.”
“How long did your brother think he was gonna be able to avoid you?” Jigger said.
“Fuck if I know. He’s always been a whiny-ass pussy. We ready to roll?” Chains switched off the ignition and opened the car door.
The three men crossed the street and entered the establishment. A young woman with short brown hair and false eyelashes threw them a big smile.
“Good evening. How many in your party?” she asked.
“I’m here to see someone,” Chains said, brushing past her.
“We’re joining another table,” Jigger said before following Chains and Crow.
Scanning the area, Chains spotted his brother at a table near the back wall.
“There’s the fucker,” he said to Crow. “Hang on. I’m gonna check out the back entrance. I’d rather not drag his ass out through the front.”
The back door was off the kitchen and down a small hallway from the restrooms. As Chains walked back to where Jigger and Crow stood, a woman called out, “Chet.” He turned around and groaned inwardly when he saw Sheila Bixby standing up from a table.Damn! I don’t need her fuckin’ things up.
“This is the last place I thought I’d ever see you!” She laughed, then went in for a hug.
He stiffened and stepped back. “I’m not staying.”
Her gaze ran over him. “You look good—real handsome. How’s Thor?”
“He’s great. Listen, I don’t mean to be rude, but I’ve got people waiting.”
Sheila’s face slackened. “I didn’t mean to keep you. I just wanted to say hi to an old friend, that’s all.”
“No, it’s cool, but I have to go. I’ll see you around.” He walked away, hoping she’d just sit down and not follow him.
“Who was the chick?” Jigger asked.
“Someone from high school.”
