The following day I returned to work. I felt incredibly on edge. Even though I knew that Ringo wasn’t an issue I had to be concerned with, there was just this overall feeling of discontent. People were dying around me, possibly because of me, though I didn’t see what I might have to do with either death. Something was very wrong in this place, and it went well beyond the usual crooked dealings of the motorcycle club. I believed what Ringo had said about D not knowing everything and a part of me wanted to tell him that, but I didn’t dare tip my hand so easily.
If he knew that I was aware of private club business, he might grow more curious about why I was nosing around in things that didn’t really concern me. I really couldn’t afford any undue curiosity. At the same time, I had to get back to talking with people who might be able to help me make sense of everything. There was no doubt that I had to tread lightly here.
“Hey, Janessa. Glad you are back. You feeling a hundred percent now, right?”
“Of course, Knuckles. You know I wouldn’t dare step foot behind your precious bar with any germs still floating around.”
“Smart girl. Alright, we’re gonna be slammed tonight, and it might not be pretty, so watch yourself at all times. There might be a few rough knobs running loose.”
“What do you mean?”
“D has some boys coming from other branches of the MC and a few associated gangs. Not all these guys are all sugar and spice like me, ya know. Just don’t let your guard down, and if you get into any kind of trouble, let me know.”
“Okay, Knuckles. I am fairly certain I can hold my own, but thanks.”
I looked at him a little suspiciously, wondering if he knew about my episode with Ringo. Would D have told him so that he could keep his eye on me while he was busy and not able to do so himself? I wasn’t sure, but he seemed unusually protective. It only made sense that his behavior was predicated by D revealing the situation with Ringo and asking him to watch me. Of course, that could mean more than just making sure I was safe. No doubt D still had his reservations about me after the deaths of two of his men, with whom I had been associated in some manner.
At any rate, I was glad to hear about all of the extra people coming in. It might open up a whole new world of avenues to me as far as getting information regarding my father’s death. I did my best to chat up as many of the outside guests as I could while I had access to them without it being noticeable. When my shift was over, I hung around a bit and talked some more of them up, careful to avoid the watchful eyes of either Knuckles or D. Though I knew they weren’t the only ones who watched, I just had to make sure I didn’t look like I was doing anything out of the ordinary.
Looking across the room, I spotted Dodger talking with the leader of one of the gang factions. Nearby was Taz, a fairly new member of the MC. I had tried to talk to him before and found him very closemouthed. It was my guess that he would remain that way, but I made my way over to him casually to start a friendly conversation. I knew I wouldn’t learn anything, but I was hoping to overhear the conversation taking place around him.
“Hey, Taz. How are things? I haven’t seen you in a while.”
“Well, you know how it is. D keeps me busy.”
“I’m sure he does. How have you been?”
“I’m good, and you?”
“Pretty good. Just got done with my shift at the bar.”
“Just unwinding a bit, then?”
“Yes. Thought I’d have a drink or two before I head home.”
“Can’t blame you for that. Doing the same myself.”
“Mind if I sit with you for a bit?”
“No. Not at all, but can you excuse me for just a minute. I really gotta hit the head.”
“Sure. Sure. No problem.”
Not only did I not mind, but I was glad. It gave me an excuse to sit there and eavesdrop without looking suspect. I toyed with the tiny straw in my drink while I listened to the conversation taking place behind me between Dodger and the gang leader who I wasn’t familiar with. I made a mental note to try to find out later. Dodger sounded a bit irritated as he spoke.
“You know bloody well I can’t allow that. You’d just as well put it right out of your head.”
“Look, I need this. If I can’t get those boys on board with what we are doing, then there is a good chance they will go with those pissants down on Southside and then we’re fucked for all business in that area.”
“The answer was no. Cross me and you’ll be drinking your lunch through a straw.”
“You’ve no idea what you are doing to me, man. I want to talk to D about it.”
“D will tell you the same, lad.”
“Maybe so, but I’d rather hear it from him if it is all the same to you.”
“Suit yourself, you whingey little twat. When he tells you the same, you can maybe have some sense about you and not try to go over my head again. I’ll let you do it once just because I’m such a nice guy.”
“Nice guy. Right.”
“Fuck off with you before I decide to pull your tongue through your arsehole for a wee bit of fun.”
“You’re some piece of work, you British bastard.”
“You’ve no idea. Best for you that you never find out.”
“Sheesh.”
The gang leader went strolling past me, leaving Dodger alone at the next table. I nursed my drink, wondering if I should get up and move away or wait for Taz to return. I was still considering my options when I was startled by a voice behind me.
“Janessa, right?”
I turned and looked upward to find myself looking at Dodger. He was an impressive man. I’d say about six foot four with broad shoulders and handsome, rugged features. It was easy to see why he was feared as he towered over me. There was something about him, a presence that instantly put you on your guard.
“Yes, I’m Janessa.”
“Simon Flagg.”
“Nice to meet you, Simon.”
“Grand to meet you as well.”
“I don’t usually see you out and about with the little people.”
“Yes, I do try to keep my distance from the general population. Not really my sort of crowd for socializing.”
“Why is that?”
“Hopelessly American,” he said with a smile. I couldn’t decide if it was because he was joking or being condescending. Perhaps it was a bit of both.
“I see.”
I found that I was at a loss as to what more to say and felt like an idiot. Taz approaching was a relief.
“Dodger, what’s up?”
“My blood pressure in this bloody hole. I’m going home,” Simon replied.
“Goodnight, then.”
“Right,” Simon replied to him in a dry tone before turning to me. “Janessa, it was lovely to meet you. I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening in this cesspool of mediocrity.”
“Um, sure.” I laughed, not entirely sure how I was to respond to that. “You enjoy the rest of your evening as well.”
He nodded and walked away, making his way through the crowd and toward the exit. I was once again struck by his physical presence as he towered over most of the other men he passed. He paused just inside the nearby doors with his back to me. It took a moment to realize he was speaking to someone due to the fact that his large frame completely obscured them. When he finally continued on, I realized it was D. Despite his own six foot one frame, Dodger still dwarfed him.