Sentinel - Devil Riders MC Book 1 (MC Romance Novel with FREE Bonus Novel!) (21 page)

Chapter Six

Tess

The workplace inspection was pretty standard, and hadn’t taken long. Tess had signed the necessary paperwork and was done within an hour. She walked out into the sweltering heat, shading her eyes with her hand. Her mouth was dry, and she spotted a small drugstore opposite. The dusty road was quiet and empty, so she crossed over and entered the mercifully cool shade. There was a chiller just at the entrance, and she went to it, picking up an ice-cold bottle of water and sighing in relief as she held it to her forehead.

“You’d better make sure you buy it now, or old man Michaelson won’t be happy with you rubbing his merchandise all over your face.”

The voice was deep but soft, gently teasing. Tess turned and felt her heart jump involuntarily as she saw Eli Flint standing there, wearing the same white vest he had been last time they’d met. Tess was absurdly happy to see him, but tried her very hardest not to show it.

“Mr Flint,” she said, trying to play it cool. “How is everything going at your job?”

He grinned at her.

“Is this some sort of secret inspection? Is the probation service tracking my every move, just to make sure I keep my nose clean?”

Tess felt her cheeks grow warm in spite of herself.

“Actually I’m here dealing with another case. Why, is there something you’d like to tell me, Mr Flint?”

Tess had meant it as a joke, but she saw something flit across his face at her words before he caught himself. Uncertainty, or fear perhaps? Whatever it was, it was gone as fast as it had arrived, replaced by that same easy-going smile.

“Nothing to report, ma’am. I’ll be sure to let you know if I get myself into any mischief, though.”

Tess studied him for a few moments.

“You make sure you do that, Eli.”

He nodded at her, before turning away, going back to whatever it had been that he was doing before she’d arrived.

Tess stood for a few moments, bottle of water still clutched in her hand, while she considered what she’d seen. Eli had played it off like it was nothing, but she liked to think that she was a good reader of people, and
something
was definitely bothering him. Was it to do with his job, his family, or something else? Had he gotten himself caught up in something bad already?

Still deep in thought, she meandered to the checkout and paid for the water, swallowing a mouthful as she walked out the door. Dazzled by the bright sunlight as she emerged from the store, she didn’t see Eli Flint standing there and bumped into him, exclaiming in shock and spilling most of the water down herself.

“Oh God, I’m sorry,” he said, as he ineffectually tried to wipe the water off from Tess’ blouse. Then, as he suddenly realised what he was doing and where his hands were, his face turned a deep shade of red.

Tess looked up at him, not knowing whether to be amused or angry. She decided to go with the first.

“So first you drench me, then you try and touch me up, Mr Flint? We’ve only known each other a short while,
and
I’m your probation officer. I think we ought to pump the breaks a little here, huh?”

Eli looked mortified, and started to stammer out an apology before Tess smiled at him and waved away his apologies.

“Aww, I’m just yankin’ your chain, Eli. It’s only a little water, don’t worry about it.”

She looked down at her sodden blouse, and then it was her turn to grow embarrassed as she realised that white cotton blouses and water weren’t the best combination. She looked up at Eli, who was doing his best to look anywhere except for at her.

“Why were you standing in the doorway like that anyway, Eli?”

He shuffled a little on the spot, looking uncharacteristically uncomfortable.

“Well, I was going to ask you if you wanted to grab a bite to eat or something, Miss Bailey.”

Before she could object, he pressed on.

“Not like a date, nothing like that, just so we can talk, y’know?”

Tess looked at her watch. She had so much work she needed to get on with, and it was probably a terrible idea to meet with Eli in anything except strictly professional circumstances…but what the hell. She’d come out all this way, and nobody needed to know she hadn’t
exactly
followed protocol.

“Sure, I’d like that, Eli. Do you have somewhere in mind?”

He blinked, as if he hadn’t actually expected Tess to agree to his proposal.

“Well, uh, sure…there’s a great little diner just down the road. We can walk there, it’ll only take a minute or two.”

He’d regained his composure, and a smile played across his lips.

“The walk might give your shirt enough time to dry off. Wouldn’t want you to cause a scandal now, would we Miss Bailey?”

Tess laughed in spite of herself.

“No, we wouldn’t Mr Flint. Well then, lead the way.”

The diner wasn’t far, but it felt like it in the oppressive desert heat. Tess’ blouse dried almost immediately in the scorching dry air, but the sticky sheen of sweat that replaced it was even worse. Eli didn’t seem to be bothered by it at all, although his sun-bronzed skin told of how much time he must have spent out here in the hot desert sun.

They finally reached the diner, Eli holding open the door for Tess who sighed in relief as the cool blast of the air conditioner washed over her. She stood for a few seconds at the entrance in bliss, turning shyly as she heard Eli laughing softly behind her.

“Let me guess,” he said. “You spend most of your time in your office.”

Tess raised an eyebrow at him.

“You don’t get skin as pale as mine standing out in the California sun, Eli. Besides, who would want to? I feel like I’ve shrivelled up just from that three minute walk.”

A mischievous glint entered Eli’s soft eyes as he looked Tess up and down, but whatever he was going to say he evidently thought better of.

“C’mon,” he said. “Let’s go find somewhere to sit.”

Tess followed him and slid into a worn, comfortable booth that had obviously seen lots of use over the years. She took a moment to glance around the diner. It looked like it hadn’t changed in decades – it was every inch the classic 50’s diner. Even the waitresses were wearing the stereotypical pink checkered dress, white aprons and those little hats. Tess had to smile at the unabashed Americana.

One of the waitresses came over, notepad in hand, and beamed a smile at the two of them.

“Hey there Eli, not every day you come in here with a pretty lady like this.”

She leaned down and whispered conspiratorially into Tess’ ear, loud enough so that Eli could hear.

“You watch out for him, Miss. He might seem like a perfect gentleman, but it’s all an act.”

Tess laughed.

“Is that so, Eli?”

He rolled his eyes.

“Well, you needn’t worry Miss, because Eli and I are here in a strictly professional capacity.”

Now it was the waitress’ turn to laugh.

“Eli, professional? That’ll be the day.”

Eli was frowning good-naturedly at the waitress, who flipped open her notebook.

“OK, so what can I get you
professionals
?”

Eli didn’t even look at the menu.

“Steak and eggs for me, Kath. How about you, Tess?”

Tess thought for a moment.

“I’ll have the same, actually. Thanks.”

“Comin’ right up. I’ll leave you two to it, I’m sure you have lots of business stuff to talk about, right?”

The waitress laughed at her own bad joke and hustled off toward the kitchen. When she was gone, Tess smiled at Eli.

“Come here often, do you?”

“From time to time,” he smirked. “She’s just kidding with you. I’m a sad and lonely man, and I never bring women here. You might just be the first one.”

“I guess I’ll take that as a compliment.”

They made small talk for a while as they waited for their food, but Tess could always sense that there was something that Eli wanted to say but was avoiding. In moments of silence a distant look would cross his face, only to disappear once the two of them began talking again. Eventually, just after their plates of food had been delivered, she decided to press him a little.

“So, why did you invite me here today, Eli? Just for the pleasure of my company?”

He shrugged.

“Sure. Why, do I need a better reason than that? Don’t beat yourself up, you’re not
that
bad company.”

“Gee thanks. But seriously, Eli, are you sure there’s nothing else you want to tell me about?”

His body language changed. He crossed his arms and there was a slight frown creasing his brows. He leaned back in his seat and exhaled.

“There’s nothing. I just thought it would be polite to ask you to come to lunch with me. No ulterior motive. Nothing. Can we leave it there?”

His tone of voice made it clear that he didn’t want to take the conversation any further. Tess sighed, and cut off a piece of steak.

“Sure. I didn’t mean anything by it, just trying to be friendly.”

He didn’t respond to this, and the two of them sat in uncomfortable silence for the rest of the meal. Tess was surer than ever that there was something bothering him, but if he wanted to talk about it, it would be in his own time. It wasn’t the first time she’d met a man for whom that was true, and she very much doubted that Eli would be the last.

After they had finished their food, Eli insisted on picking up the bill despite Tess’ protestations, and then they went back out into the baking desert heat. They walked together back to where her car was parked, but still in silence. Tess wanted to say something, to apologise for prying, but she didn’t know how Eli would react if she broached the topic again.

They came to a stop next to her car, and Eli turned to face her.

“Hey, Tess, I’m sorry…for being an asshole back there. I ruined your lunch.”

Tess looked up at him, shading her eyes with her hand to stop herself being dazzled by the bright sunlight.

“Don’t worry about it, Eli. I didn’t mean to pry. And anyway, lunch was great. The food was good, just like you said.”

He smiled wanly.

“Well, you drive safe now, Miss Bailey. I’ll see you at my next meeting?”

“You sure will, Eli. Take care of yourself.”

He nodded and watched her get into the car, and stood watching as she drove away. Tess kept sight of him in her rear-view mirror until she was out of sight, and he didn’t move from the spot, an inscrutable expression on his face.

As she started the long drive back to the city, Tess wondered just what he’d gotten himself into.

As it turned out, it wouldn’t be too long until she was intimately acquainted with Eli Flint’s problems…more intimately than she could ever have wished for.

*****

Chapter Seven

Eli

Eli stood and watched Tess drive away, stood until her car had disappeared around the corner, and then he cursed himself under his breath.

Goddamn idiot. She just wanted to help, and you treat her like that.

He’d wanted to tell her everything. To tell her about Tex and the Sons of Flame, about the threats, about how they wouldn’t let him just move on and put everything behind him. But he couldn’t. She said that she wanted to help, but if she went back to her job and reported what he said, Eli knew that Tex would somehow find out. Would find out, and would make good on his threat to Eli’s grandmother.

No, if Eli wanted to deal with this problem, he’d just have to do it on his own.

Even so, he could’ve just made up an excuse for Tess, not just been downright rude to her. She was the first decent woman who had treated him with respect in…well, ever.

Eli cursed himself again, and trudged towards his bike. He was late back to the workshop, not that Mike would realize. The old bastard was probably still sleeping exactly where he had been when Eli had left.

He climbed onto the bike, and was adjusting his helmet straps when he saw a shadow fall at his feet. Heart sinking, Eli looked up.

Tex. Alone this time, but no less mean for it.

“Eli, old pal. Just finished your lunch, have you?”

“What’s it to you, Tex? What, you gonna beat up my granny because I had lunch without your permission?”

The gang leader stepped closer to Eli, a wicked snarl twisting his features.

“Don’t get smart with me, idiot. You think I’m fucking stupid? I saw you with that probation officer. Pretty lady, if you ask me. Too pretty for a down-and-outer like you.”

Tex paused to leer at Eli.

“Wouldn’t it be a shame if something were to happen to such a sweet, innocent lady like that, Eli? You wouldn’t want anything like that on your conscience, would you?”

Eli bristled at the threat.

“Don’t even waste your breath, Tex. I didn’t say anything to her, and I won’t.”

Eli turned the key in his bike and the engine roared to life. He shouted to be heard above the throaty rumble.

“Now, is there anything else you wanted to bother me with today, Tex? Or are we done here?”

Tex stepped even closer, his breath sour and hot in Eli’s face, enough to make him wince.

“Don’t forget, not for a moment, what I said to you, boy. I’ll be back to see you again, soon, so we can discuss what you can do for me. Keep your mouth shut, and we can make this easy.”

With that, Tex turned around and sloped away. Eli watched him for a moment, wishing he had the guts to tell the Sons of Flame leader where to stick it, but he didn’t see how he had a choice. First his grandmother, and now Tess, Tex knew how to maintain his control over Eli, and he wouldn’t relinquish that power for anything.

A knot of worry churning in his stomach, Eli drove back to the workshop. When he arrived he peeked into the office to find, unsurprisingly, Mike still snoozing peacefully. At least Tex and the Sons hadn’t been by here while he’d been gone.

He spent the rest of the afternoon working slowly on the single job they had in, but Eli’s mind was a million miles away from his work. Tess, his grandmother, Tex, they all swirled around in this thoughts as he struggled to think of a way he could extricate himself from the situation without anyone getting hurt. Try as he might, he just kept drawing a blank. Tex knew everything that happened in this town, and Eli knew his threats weren’t just idle talk. When Tex wanted something, he was willing to do almost anything to make it happen.

Mike had already gone home by the time Eli had finished up – the sun was setting, lighting up the sky in a beautiful soft orange glow. Eli drove home slowly, savoring the peace that riding gave him, the freedom – just him and the low rumble of the engine, the wind in his hair and the last of the day’s sun softly bathing his skin.

When he arrived home, his heart lurched in his chest. The screen door was thrown open and the front door behind it was slightly ajar. Eli’s blood was pumping through his veins as he rushed into the house.

“Grandma? Are you here? Is everything OK?”

He could hear the fear in his own voice, high and warbled.

No response, just the background babble of the TV. Panicking, Eli rushed into the den where Grace could always be found. There she was in her chair, leaning back with her eyes closed.

Eli approached her slowly, his mouth dry and his eyes wide. He knelt next to her and took her tiny frail hand into his. Still warm.

“Grandma?” he said softly.

Relief washed through him as her eyes fluttered open, unfocused at first. She smiled as she realized who it was.

“Eli? What’s wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost!”

Eli took a moment to compose himself, to let the last remnants of the fear and panic wash away. When he’d seen the door open, then found her lying there like that…

“Nothing Grandma,” he eventually said. “Just wanted to say hi.”

He stood and began straightening out the room. Magazines were strewn over the floor, along with a plate discarded after Grace had eaten her lunch, presumably.

She cackled good-naturedly as she watched him tidy up after her.

“Did you think I’d gone and died, here in my chair?”

“No, Grandma. Don’t talk like that. I just wanted to say hi, like I said.”

She laughed again.

“Don’t you worry, Eli. I’m not quite ready to pop off just yet. You’ll be cleaning up after me for a while to come, you can be sure of that.”

Eli leaned down to kiss her softly on the cheek.

“Good.”

He dumped the magazines on the table and quickly rinsed the plate before putting it away.

“I’m gonna take a shower, then I’ll make us something to eat.”

Just as he was about to enter the bathroom, he remembered the front door.

“Oh, and Grandma, you left the door open. Anyone could’ve come in here while I was gone.”

“Damn, it must have been that man who did that,” came her reply, and Eli’s blood ran cold. He rushed back into the den.

“What man, Grandma? Who was here?”

She looked up at him, confused by his concern.

“Shank he said his name was. He told me you were expecting him. Scruffy-looking man, if you ask me. Smelt bad too. He was friendly enough though, even if he did have a funny name and forgot to close the door on his way out.”

Eli felt light-headed and breathless. He sat next to his grandmother and tried not to let his concern show.

“What did he say to you?”

Grace frowned again.

“Just that you were working on a job for him, and that he didn’t want you to forget about it. Is his car over at Mike’s place?”

Eli was trembling with anger, but he did his best to force a placid look onto his face and calmness into his voice.

“Oh yeah, that’s it. I’m running a little late on fixing his truck. I guess he must’ve come by the workshop while I was out to lunch or something, and decided to look for me here.”

Grace seemed satisfied with his answer.

“Well, when you see him next, tell him not to leave doors open like that, will you Eli?”

“Sure thing Grandma.”

As Eli stood in the shower and washed away the sweat and grime of another hot desert day, he trembled with impotent anger. Who the
fuck
did Tex think he was, sending Shank over to threaten a harmless old lady? Thank God Grace hadn’t known what the real meaning of his visit was. She was alone for most of the day, and the last thing Eli wanted was for her to be living in fear. Thankfully she seemed oblivious.

Eli toweled himself dry, got dressed, and spent the rest of the evening with Grace. He cooked for the both of them, and then they watched TV together for the rest of the evening. Eli did his best to maintain a conversation with his grandmother, but his mind was elsewhere.

When he eventually went to bed, he couldn’t sleep. He ran every possible scenario through his mind, trying to find some way that he could deal with Tex and the Sons without breaking the law again and risking getting sent back to jail, but every line of thought was a dead end.

He was stuck, and he couldn’t think of a way out. Not without everyone he loved and cared about getting hurt, which was no way out at all.

*****