Tarot

 

 

Devon’s home was in Maplewood. I’d only been to her house once, when she’d thrown Brass a birthday party, and almost forgot how to get there. When I found her street, I parked a block away and snuck over, hoping to catch the little bastards. It was still fairly early, just nine o’clock, but her neighborhood was quiet. Unfortunately, I didn’t find anyone lurking around, so I went to the front door and knocked.

Devon looked through the curtains and then opened the door. She was holding a revolver.

“Hi, Dom. Thanks for coming over,” she said, looking relieved to see me.

“No problem.” I smiled. “If not for the gun, I’d have thought I’d reached the wrong house.”

I’d never seen her looking so girl-next-door-ish. Her long, black hair was up in a messy bun and her face was makeup-free. She looked almost like a teenager. Then, there was her outfit. Normally, she preferred tight tank tops and painted on jeans or skirts so short, they should be outlawed. Tonight, she had on long-sleeved, flannel pajamas and white, fuzzy slippers.

She smiled and looked down at her clothing. “Yeah, Peeping Toms will do that to you.”

“I guess. Someone sure has you spooked.”

“I’m probably overreacting. Come on in,” she replied, standing back.

“It’s better to be safe than sorry,” I said, entering the house.

I noticed that it smelled like cookies and remembered how Brass had said she’d been on a baking spree lately.

Devon shut the door and put the gun down on the coffee table. “With Brass out of town, I’m feeling a little more anxious than usual, I guess.”

“I bet. Although, after that thing with the Blood Angels, I don’t blame you for being a little paranoid.”

Both she and Phoenix’s Old Lady had been kidnapped by the scumbags. Fortunately, the girls were rescued pretty quickly and neither too badly injured.

“Yeah, those guys were a real treat,” she said dryly.

“I’m sure.”

“You see anything unusual out there?”

“No. I didn’t see anyone; I feel like whoever was here won’t be back tonight.”

“You do, huh? I guess that’s a relief, considering you’re supposed to have great intuition,” she replied with a smile.

I shrugged. “Sometimes I do. Sometimes I don’t. It comes and goes.”

She studied me closely. “Do you sense anything else? I keep wondering if it’s teenagers, or possibly even the Blood Angels.”

I sighed. I didn’t want to frighten her, but she needed to be on guard. “The Blood Angels are always a possibility.”

She swore.

“On the other hand, if it were them, I imagine they’d have been doing more than just looking in your windows. It wouldn’t hurt to be more cautious of your surroundings, especially when you’re out-and-about.”

She nodded. “Another reason I’m not going anywhere without my Sig. I even have a permit to carry now.”

“Yeah, Brass told me.” I also knew that she wouldn’t be afraid to use the gun if needed. 

“Speaking of Brass, don’t mention anything about the Blood Angels. He’s been looking forward to this fishing trip for a while; I know he’ll rush back here if he thinks they’re involved.”

“If he asks, I’ll have to tell him the same thing I told you, which is I’m not sure. Hell, it might just be punk kids or a neighborhood perv.”

 “I hope it’s a pervert,” she said and then laughed. “I can’t believe I just said that. I just don’t like to think that young teenagers are spying on me while I’m walking around the house naked.”

“Just keep your blinds closed,” I replied, biting back a smile. Brass had mentioned that Devon did yoga in the nude, among other things.

“I will, but I shouldn’t have to,” she replied, frustrated. “This is my house. My private property.”

“I feel you. Do you think one of the neighbors might be into voyeurism?”

She grunted. “It’s always possible. I just moved here a year ago. I don’t really associate with them much, to be honest. I’ve gotten some dirty looks from a couple of old biddies who live across the street.”

It was a quiet, suburban neighborhood and Brass had mentioned that there were a lot of retired couples living there. Devon, with all of her tattoos, piercings, and tight clothing, was probably the gossip of the neighborhood. Not to mention that her boyfriend was a Gold Viper.

“Anyway, are you thirsty? Would you like a beer?”

“Nah. Thanks, though. I’m going to take another look around and then head home. I think your Peeping Tom might be long gone.”

“I hope so.” Devon shoved a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “How about some cookies for the road? I made some chocolate chip ones about an hour ago.”

“Now that I’ll take you up on. Your whole house smells like a bakery, by the way.”

She grinned. “Yeah, I’ve been on a cooking streak lately. Brass has a sweet-tooth like you wouldn’t believe.”

“I’ve seen him eat. I know what you mean,” I replied. I’d watched him eat an entire pie once, and then twenty minutes later, order a pizza.

“If he didn’t run every day, he’d be in trouble. Anyway, it’s the least I can do, since you had to drive over and check on me.”

“It was no problem at all. If you’re ever in a situation and you can’t reach Brass, I’ll be happy to help out. Just call or text me.”

She reached up and gave me a kiss on the cheek. “You’re so sweet, Dom. Have you found a girlfriend yet? I have a couple of friends I know would love to go out with you.”

I thought about Peyton. “I have a date with a woman tomorrow, actually.”

Devon smiled. “Really? Who?”

I told her about Peyton.

Her smiled fell. “Oh, shit. I interrupted your dinner?”  

“No biggie. We’d just finished. Anyway, your safety comes first,” I told her.

“Well, if it doesn’t work out between you two, I’m hooking you up with my friend Rita. She owns her own restaurant and hates online dating.”

“To be honest, I’m hoping that things do work out. There’s something about Peyton I can tell is very special.”

She squeezed my arm. “You’re special, too, Dom. I know Brass and Phoenix really look up to you.”

“They’re good guys. I’m happy they allowed me into the club.”

Devon nodded.

I was sure she knew that it was Tank who brought me into the club, however. Fortunately, it had all worked out for the best and I now had some new brothers for life.

“You and the Gold Vipers are the best thing that could have happened to this club, especially with Tom’s death,” she replied sadly. “I know Phoenix is the president, but he needs guidance.”

I shrugged. “I think we all do, in some ways.”

Devon smiled. “Wow. A man who admits to weaknesses. Brass won’t even admit when he’s left the toilet seat up.”

I chuckled.

 

***

 

After sending me off with a bagful of cookies, I searched the perimeter around her home once more, but found nothing. I sent a message to Phoenix and Brass, letting them know that everything was quiet, and then drove to my apartment.  I put the cookies away, changed into a pair of shorts, and went to the complex’s workout area. I used the treadmill for thirty minutes and then did some lifting, my mind on Ruby. I’d be meeting her in a couple of days. I was anxious, and if truth be told, a little terrified. If I was her father, both our lives would forever change. I was willing to accept that. I just hoped Ruby could.