Running Home

The Meeting

I woke up just as the sun was getting lower in the sky. Thankful I had finally gotten what felt like a full sleep, I hoped out of bed and pulled my jeans up over my hips. Shuffling through the shirts sitting on top of the dresser I grabbed a plain white fitted t-shirt and made my way into my bathroom. My hair by now had dried into a messy wave, I gave it a quick brush through and put some mascara on before I headed downstairs. I was met at the bottom by Tytus who was mindlessly walking around the corner, I'm sure to get me up for the evening. He looked up smiling, he'd cleaned up nicely pulling on a plaid shirt and covering his tousled hair in a hat. I always knew Tytus Miller had feelings for me but he'd never acted upon them beyond the occasional flirtatious remark, honestly I wasn't sure how I felt about him beyond being my best friend, I'd made a decision before meeting him to never get attached, attachment would only lead to heartbreak. Staying in this town for the past year was the longest I'd stayed in a spot since I could remember, and with that Ty was the only friend I'd ever made. Sure he introduced me to other people in town and everyone that hung out at Dolly's was more than friendly, but I never opened up or cared to get to know them more. On more than one occasion Tytus had punched out a drunk that got too touchy with me while playing pool, so besides the tourists most people left me be assuming we were together. 

We sat down at our usual table, in a quiet corner of the bar, you could easily see everything going on and we were close enough to the front that we never went thirsty. The owner was a woman in her late 40s named Katherine but everyone in town called her Kate. She frequently worked the bar herself as good help was hard to keep, she'd frequently hire someone just to fire them the next night because they either partied too hard or weren't able to keep up with the customers. Kate often asked if I wanted a job, but I'd always politely decline. Just then she walked over with two beers in hand, looking uncharacteristically happy. "Hey you two, staying out of trouble?" she questioned with a raised eyebrow. "Always" we both replied. Before walking away she turned back, "Alex there was a gentleman looking for you earlier, he said he'd be back in later." That's strange, didn't he tell Tytus he'd be back at 8? The evening went on as normal, the regulars came in at their usual times and gathered around the hightops, the music turned up, and there was a buzz of conversations flooding the room. I made my way outside to the patio to see three motorcycles fly past. It wasn't an unusual sight but most of the clubs nearby were courteous enough to slow as they past by.  It was quieter outside but there were still a few people gathered around. I glanced in to see where Tytus had gotten to, only to find him talking to another man now sitting at our table. Was this the same man that has been looking for me the past two evenings? 

I wound my way back to our table through the crowd, only to find Tytus now sitting with Kyle who had a determined look across his face. I knew this couldn't be going well because Tytus never particularly cared for him even though I never knew why. Kyle hadn't been the same man I saw earlier, his blonde hair and bulldogish build were easily recognizable. As I walked up Tytus gave me a look, which made Kyle glance my way instantly jumping to his feet. "Hey Alex!" he said with a smile as he hugged me. I swear he does this each time on purpose just to watch Ty grumble. "Our friend here is who suggested your name to your mystery man" Tytus said not hiding his anger. "He's going to meet us over at the shop, he didn't want to meet here" Kyle stated. I instantly turned on my heels to head out the door, Kyle grabbed me by the arm, "Alex I only gave your name because I knew if you found out I didn't mention you you'd kill me, but it doesn't mean I think you should do it." I looked at him trying to read his face to see what he wasn't telling me. "Why do you two hover over me like this, I've done worse things than you two pretty boys could even dream of before I met you" I demanded as I pulled my arm from his grasp and stormed out. 

I hopped on my bike and headed back to the shop which was only two streets away, both Tytus and Kyle were close behind. Kyle screeched up next to me pulling into the parking lot making sure to walk in before me. Standing in front of the junker Ty had been working on was a figure easily standing 6'4 with shoulders as wide as a doorway. Thank god I wasn't one to be intimidated by size anymore or I surely would have shrunken behind Kyle. "So you are who's been asking all over town about me?" I announced. The man turned slowly c*****g his eyebrow with a smirk at my blunt announcement. "She is a fiery one isn't she?" he asked Kyle. "I wouldn't suggest her if I didn't think she had the balls" Kyle responded. I always hated that phrase, I've taken down plenty men and the size of their balls had nothing to do with it. "Lets go into the office and you can tell me what you need" I demanded as I turned to go into the office. Flipping the lights on, I saw Tytus had left the papers and filings of the week out over the desk, I quickly stacked them to the side and sat down on top of the desk. Kyle and the mystery man entered behind me taking a seat on the couch at the front of the office. The mans knees bent to his chest when he sat, making me snicker. He noticed my amusement and gave me a wink before he proceeded. 

"I've heard you're the one to see if I have a job I need done quietly" he said and waited. "I could be, it depends on what you need done." He quickly gave Kyle a look like he hadn't filled me in on some crucial detail. "Do you not know who I am?" he questioned. "Listen either get to the point or move on you are ruining my Friday night" I glared. I had no interest in games, most people who want my type of work already know my credentials before they come looking for me, and I was sure they'd been discussed so I had little interest in needing details of this mans personal life. The man stood up sharply, his eyes deepened black as he moved closer towards me, obviously not accustomed to being spoken to in such a way. "I am Zander Rockwell, the matter of my business needs to be kept silent along with the job that I have at hand. I'm not sure a sassy little brat like you could handle such a task anyway." He stormed out of the office, knocking past Tytus' shoulder on his way out. Tytus stormed in with a fury, "what the hell is up with him?" I got up and walked past without saying a word, hopped on my bike and flew down the road after Zander.