Page 224 of Savior
“I know we’re supposed to be good and all that shit now…” Viking rolls his eyes, “But are you really so opposed to… kickin’ it old school, if you catch my drift?” he grins back at me, tapping the handle of his knife. “Been a while since we took a nice long ride in Viper’s murder van up to Diesel’s dad’s hog farm.”
I shake my head, pulling out my cell to glance at the time again. If Dozer and Snowy don’t get here to relieve us of our shift soon, I’m gonna miss surprising Vanna down town with an impromptu date night. Hopefully she’s up for it. I want to see her smile again. I want to contribute to the reason she does.
“Believe me… It ain’t the first time I’ve considered it, myself… But knowing what we actually do know of Legion… I’m sure he’s got shit rigged to explode and inflict maximum damage, should he happen to simply disappear.”
Guilt racks through me as I hand the scanner back to the woman who helped us register a slew of baby items for Ace’s upcoming shower. Cherry and Rosita have been planning on throwing us one, the weekend after the fundraiser rally, later this month.
I wish I could have been able to enjoy this experience with Cherry. Though I’ve managed to keep a smile plastered on my face, my insides have been in knots the entire duration of our excursion, counting the minutes before Legion comes for me.
I nearly threw up, when somehow, conveniently, my bodyguard for the day received an urgent call that his mother was involved in some kind of accident, and had to take off. I prayed silently that Legion didn’t actually orchestrate an accident involving an old woman, just to get Rusty away from me. That maybe it’s just a lie… Just something excusable in order to buy me the few minutes I’ll need to pull this off…
I played my part, insisting that Rusty go, that Dean would understand, especially since Axel would be here soon anyway, to pick up Cherry for their concert date. I was only going straight home, after all… I could manage that on my own…
Now, as I get into my car, an hour earlier than I told Dean I would be heading home, I let Axel and Cherry hear me start it up. For good measure, I roll down my window and wave with a smile. Once they ride off on Axel’s bike, turning onto the next city block, I put my window up and twist the key from the ignition. Anxiety nearly prevents me from exiting my car again. My heart beating so fast, it feels like it might come right up my throat.
Clutching my keys in my hand, I force myself out of the car and stand beside the driver’s side door, glancing around the city streets and sidewalks for any sign of Legion.
A loud bass rattles the speakers of an approaching black Cadillac Escalade. Rob Zombie’s, More Human Than Human, blares from within the vehicle. It comes to a rolling stop beside me, and as the passenger side window lowers, smoke billows out of the cabin of the full-size luxury SUV. Legion grins at me from behind the wheel, lowering the music.
“Your Chariot, my lady.” He sneers.
“Hell no. That was not our agreement.”
He seems amused by my adamant refusal to get in. “The Wine House, across the street.” He jerks his chin over his left shoulder in the direction of the establishment. “I’ve arranged a private room.”
I suppose that’s better than getting in a vehicle with him. Though, I still hesitate… Second guessing this entire reckless plan.
“Did you bring a weapon?” he asks.
“Of course.”
He smiles as if it pleases him. “Then you have my word, once again, no harm will come to you.” He brings his two fingers to his temple, thumb pointed towards the roof of the SUV, mimicking a gun. “As well as the means to hold me to it.”
Every part of me is screaming to get back in my car and go home. Tell Dean that Cherry and Axel decided to leave early for the concert, and so I’m back early, as well.
“Vanna,” Legion sighs my name, “Youwant this.”
“I want to end this.”
“Then meet me, and it will.”
My throat tightening, mouth drying, I simply nod, then watch as Legion speeds off, before I cross the street to the Wine House.
Any other day, I’d venture to say, this is a lovely establishment. The long, copper trimmed, wooden bar, is lined with matching stools. A handful of patrons perched atop them. The ceiling is old copper tiling, the walls, a dark stained wood paneling that matches the bar as well. Stained glass light fixtures add to the dimly lit ambience of the whole place.
It still feels so wrong to be here. On top of all the other reasons why it actually is wrong to be here! And I can’t help but wonder why Legion chose this place. Psychological advantage, to make me feel even less at ease? The uncomfortable feeling of being judged by anyone who notices me waiting. A clearly pregnant woman, where all they serve is Wine and fancy hors d’oeuvres…
“Why here? To make me feel even more uncomfortable?” I demand, the moment Legion enters through the front door and saunters towards me. He’s wearing that familiar dark gray hoodie beneath his leather cut. No more tailored suit. We both stick out like sore thumbs here.
I’ve been standing off to the side of the bar, waiting for what seemed like forever. Though glancing at the clock above the bar now, it’s only been several minutes.
“A public place for you. A private cellar, for us.” He says smoothly.
“The cellar? I’m not going to the cellar with you. That defeats the entire purpose of meeting in a public place.”
Slight disappointment furrows his brows. “Do you really think I’m going to harm you?”
“I think I’m crazy for even being here.” I glance around, catching the eye of the man working behind the bar. I make it a point to smile back at him. I even give him an awkward wave. I want someone to remember seeing me here. I want Legion to see someone taking notice of me… Just in case…
