Page 139 of Savior
Giuliana spots a place across the street on the corner. An old Irish pub with carved dark wood trim and large windows shaded with wood slat hurricane blinds. “Let’s go there. They look like they’d have decent food and drinks.”
The place is dimly lit, with stained glass lights in orange and greens, above the long, polished bar. The dark stained wood throughout the whole place, is carved with Celtic designs, and the booth we’re sitting in across from each other, is so private, it’s almost claustrophobic. I quickly order a club sandwich and an ice water with lemon. My sister orders a chef’s salad and a beer. Fortunately, I drove us, and so she doesn’t ask why I didn’t order an alcoholic beverage.
We’ve barely finished our meals when I get a blaring text marked urgent that startles me. I haven’t heard this alarming ringtone since having to deal with Jack’s letters and stalking. I should have changed it to something else. Scrambling to get the phone out of my purse and turn off the horrible caution alarm, I look at the screen.
It’s a group text from Viper. Rosita has gone into labor! They’re at the hospital not far from here.
“I have to go!” I say, jumping up from my seat.
“What’s going on?” Giuliana asks, getting up with me.
“My friend, she’s having her baby. I’ve got to get over to the hospital.” I say, slinging my purse over my shoulder.
“Okay, go get the car, I’ll get the check and pay for this. Just come get me out front. I’ll go with you. My flight isn’t for another three hours.” Giuliana insists. “If you end up having to stay longer, I can always get my stuff out of your trunk and order a ride from the hospital.”
“Alright, sure.” I agree, not really thinking this plan over.
I hurry out of the pub and down the sidewalk, speed-walking the few blocks to my car parked near the riverfront shops. Rosita isn’t the only reason I’m rushing. Dean would be pissed to know I’m almost running, by myself, back to the car we parked blocks away in a now dark parking lot.
There’s an alleyway I could cut through that would shave off a block, but as I near it, my nerves get the better of me. I glance down the dark concrete path between two old brick buildings, and decide against it.
Hard pass. Dean was already adamant about me not going anywhere alone. He wanted to send us shopping with a prospect, but I talked him out of it, promising to stay on the beaten path. If anything were to happen, and I survived, not only would I never hear the end of it, he’d never let me out of his sight again.
By the time I pull up in front the Irish Pub where Giuliana is outside waiting, I’ve caught my breath and sent Dean a text that we’re heading for the hospital.
“How much was it? I’ll pay you back.” I say to her as she gets in the car and shuts the door. I hit the gas and speed off towards the hospital before she’s even got her seatbelt on.
“Umm… It was already paid for when I went up to the register.” She says. “I asked about it, but all they said was that someone walked in, paid for our meal with cash, told them to keep the change for a tip, and then they just walked out.”
“That’s weird...” What else am I supposed to say? I already have a suspect in mind. Damn it…
“Not really.” She shrugs.
“How is that not weird?”
“Guys pay for my drinks all the time. Though, they usually stick around to at least ask me for my number. Maybe he was just really shy?”
“They didn’t give you a description?”
“Not a good one. I did ask that, too.” She says. “Tall, trim but athletic build. They said he was wearing a dark hoodie under a leather jacket, and kept his head down. Maybe it was one of your biker friends?”
A mini wave of panic hits me. It definitely wasn’t a friend.
I glance over to look at her. She appears to be completely unbothered as she pulls down the visor and flips the mirror open, checking her lipstick.
Shaking my head, I turn back to the road and focus on getting us to the hospital. I’m sure the entire MC is headed there as well.
Glancing at my watch again, I’m ready to get this night over with. I hope Vanna is at least enjoying her shopping spree with her sister. I’m also counting down the hours to Giuliana’s departure from our lives for a time. At least until this fucking party we’ve been roped into attending, comes to pass. I’m not looking forward to that event, at all, either.
Viking elbows me in the arm, pulling my attention back to the ring. Axel’s first underground fight is being held inside a large steel storage building at the back of a lot, in an old lumberyard on the very outskirts of city limits. The place is packed, though Viking and I are close to the ring.
“Jesus fuck… I think I’m more nervous about Axel than Axel is about Axel.” I say to Viking, trying to remain outwardly calm as Axel enters the ring. The last thing I want, is Axel looking my way and reading the anxiety in my expression. The knot in my stomach has me feeling like I could actually puke. Embarrass the shit out of the three of us right the fuck here, in front of a room full of degenerate gamblers and fighters.
“Relax.” Viking folds his massive inked arms across his broad chest, not bothering to look at me. He’s got his attention fixed on Axel, who’s warming up in the ring. “We’ve trained him well. And this isn’t like the stupid shit you did in Myrtle Beach last summer.” Viking shoots me a side eyed glare.
Whatever...
“Is he fighting an unknown tonight?” My eyes slice through the crowd of spectators, searching for anyone who might look like they’re about to step into the makeshift ring with Axel.
