Page 76 of Crow
“Acting like it’s no big deal doesn’t make it true. Like it or not, you’re a good guy behind all the toughness and leather.”
He tipped his head slightly to one side. “The leather, the bike, the respect, and loyalty are real. Fake bikers have an image to maintain.Realbikers just don’t give a shit what anyone thinks. You don’t know me. Don’t mistake kindness for weakness.”
She sucked in a startled breath. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you.”
“You didn’t. Just telling you the way it is.”
“Okay, and for the record, I don’t think kind acts mean a person is weak. Switching gears, what do you want me to do about Madera and the shadow man? I mean, you had a reason to talk to me about all this, right?”
“I bring it up so you know some bad shit is going on over there. Watch yourself. You shouldn’t go there alone.”
“I’m careful. It seems like this person is only seen at night, right?”
“That’s the way the tenants tell it, but remember that day in the stairwell?”
Shuddering, she nodded. “I’ll never forget that. Someone was messing with me big time.”
“That’s what I’m saying. You were there during the day and if I hadn’t come into the stairwell, who knows? I worry about you and want you to be safe. Take your nerdy co-worker whenever you go there. At least until we get this shit figured out.”
Angie knew it was useless to point out that the department was understaffed as it was, so she agreed with a slight tip of her head.
“Would you like any dessert?” the waiter asked.
“No thank you,” she said, then glanced over at Crow. “I should go. I still have to prep a few cases before work tomorrow.”
“Okay.”
“Here you go,” the waiter said as he placed the bill tray on the table.
Angie picked up her purse from the floor. “How much do I owe?”
“Nothing,” Crow said while laying several bills on the tray.
“I insist on paying my share. This isn’t a date.”
He looked up at her. “I don’t let chicks pay when they’re with me whether it’s a date or not.”
“But—”
He held up his hand. “End of discussion. Let’s go.”
Muttering under her breath, she pushed back the chair and rose to her feet, then followed him out of the restaurant.
The thin mountain air was warm and the scent of wildflowers wafted on the light breeze, hinting at citrus and mint.
“It’s a beautiful night.” She inhaled, then slowly exhaled. “You can tell spring has finally come.”
“It’s a perfect night for a long ride. Have you ever been on a Harley?”
“No,” she said while continuing to walk toward her car.
“It’s the best.”
Stopping, she looked over at him. “Is it?”
A grin spread across his face. “Fuck yeah. Astride a Harley is like nothing else. The rumble, the roar of the straight pipes, the low-slung feel in the seat are mind blowing.”
“Let me guess—you love it, right?” She smiled.
