Sons of Flame MC - Redemption (5 page)

Tess laughed softly to herself as she pondered Eli’s situation. Here was an ex-con that she barely knew, and she was making him out to be some sort of misunderstood guy with a heart of gold. In reality he was probably no different than all the others, but there was just something there that Tess couldn’t deny. Something in his eyes, and about the way he held himself.

Tess sat for a few more minutes, a faraway look in her eyes, before she forced herself to her feet and dragged herself back to her desk, back to the endless paperwork.

She’d only just gotten started when she a shadow fell across her desk - Tess looked up and it was Melody, with an apologetic look on her face. Tess didn’t need her to say anything to know what it was that she wanted.

“Melody, look...I’m already so far behind on all of this crap. Please, I can’t take on any more cases right now.”

Melody spoke quickly, placatingly.

“I know, I know, but I’m not asking you to take on the whole case. It’s just a workplace check - Dan’s out sick today and he was supposed to go to Joshuaville this afternoon.”

Tess stopped writing at the mention of Joshuaville. That was where Eli lived. She looked up at Melody.

“Just the one visit, right? No follow-up, no extra paperwork?”

Melody smiled, because she knew she had her now.

“I swear. Just a half hour, sign it off and Dan will do all the rest.”

Tess deliberated for a few seconds. She felt stupid for accepting more work, but at least it would get her out of the office. That was the reason she was going to give herself, at least. In truth, there was always the slight chance that she might run into Eli...or she could pay a visit to him at work, and call it a ‘surprise inspection’ or something along those lines. It was within her rights as his probation officer...

Tess smiled at Melody.

“OK, I’ll do it. But just this once, right?”

Melody beamed at her, obviously delighted that she wasn’t going to have to drive all the way out to Joshuaville herself.

“You’re a real sweetheart, Tess. I’ll remember this. Here, this is the address. The meeting is booked for 3pm.”

Tess took the paper. She knew the place; she’d passed it the previous week. She watched Melody walk away, a bounce in her step, and then checked her watch. Just enough time to grab some lunch before she started the drive.

She gathered her things and headed for the door, her thoughts firmly fixed on Eli Flint.

*****

Tess

T
he 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.

*****

Eli

E
li 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.