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Bailey grinned. “I also get the feeling, you know, sometimes bad things happen to good people, huh?”
Marissa nodded. “Yeah.”
The waitress came over to the table, and both women fell back into chatter with Carla. It seemed Caden was very well liked in the small town. Both women told stories of him helping out with a delivery, and when they had a bad storm a few years back, Caden and the guys from his shop came in and helped with repairs. When Carla left, she reached in her bag for cash. She almost wished she had more time with Bailey.
“Do you ever get to Turnersville?”
Bailey glanced up and smiled. “Yeah, sometimes.” Her eyes widened. “I have to go there next Tuesday. Do you wanna have lunch again?”
Marissa smiled. “Yes.”
They finished up their lunch and settled their check. Bailey made good on her promise to show her some things around town. They were headed back to the club’s shop to see if Caden had returned yet.
“Well, that’s perfect timing, huh?” Bailey said.
As they approached, Marissa noticed one of the club members, Saint, glanced over then locked eyes before furrowing his brows.
“Need a word with you.” A loud barking shout sounded from behind them, and both Marissa and Bailey turned at the same time.
Then old man mob happened.
****
Caden was standing outside the location for the club’s parts store. They had done three full loads on both trucks, transporting almost all the parts. Kase had stored them in his empty garage for the past few years. He hadn’t realized exactly how much stock they had acquired until he had to move it. He stretched his neck and cracked his back. Hard labor.
Gage motioned behind him. “About a mile down the road is the junkyard. Fully loaded with over a hundred and fifty cars. Also, got a guy who sold us some bikes real cheap with prime parts. Fucking goldmine.” Gage winked. “You come in, ya ever need anything, man.”
He and Drake had talked about hitting the yard for some parts on a few cars they had plans on rebuilding. “Gonna take you up on the offer.”
Gage nodded with a grin.
Caden surveyed Main Street. It seemed most members or their spouses were setting up some kind of business in Ghosttown. He was excited to see the changes happening. Caden angled his attention to Saint. “You got the location for the tattoo shop yet?”
Saint had owned and operated at least three Cade knew of throughout the state. They were successful, mainly due to Saint’s expertise on business and his lead artist, Marco. Saint hadn’t answered him. He seemed focused on whatever was happening around the bend. Caden arched his neck to get a better look. When he saw the heated argument, he moved forward, along with the rest of the club.
In the center of the small group were Marissa and Bailey surrounded by three older men. He inched forward with Saint, Kase, and Gage.
“The whole goddamn town,” the older guy with the balding head and cane spewed. “As our mayor, we expect you to speak on our behalf.”
Another man jutted forward, sending both women stepping backward. Caden balled his fists. He had a respect for his elders, but scaring his woman canceled it out.
“Why the hell did we elect you if ya ain’t gonna do nothing?” he shouted.
They were obviously addressing Bailey, but Marissa seemed to be caught in the crosshairs. He felt a certain pride in knowing it may not be her fight, but she wasn’t running away. Instead, choosing to stand by Bailey’s side.
Bailey spread out her hands. “I’m not exactly sure what you’d like me to do. They are, after all, residents of the town. I’m supposed to have everybody’s best interest in mind, not a select few.”
The older man who’d yet to speak charged forward. “They are making a mockery of our town. Them and their motorcycles. Isn’t there a noise ordinance?”
Gage laughed, which triggered Caden. A noise ordinance on a bike? What the fuck was wrong with these guys?
“I hear your concerns, and I understand them. However, they have every right to be here as much as we do. And their mode of transportation is their choice.” Bailey paused, and Caden watched her profile. She smiled, trying to lighten the mood, he assumed. “This town is for everyone, and I believe with the business they’re bringing in, Ghosttown will flourish.”
“Oh.” The older man waved his hand in front of his face, dismissing Bailey’s statement. “Half-dressed women will make our town flourish?”
Cade turned his head to hide his smirk.
“Mr. Collins, there are five businesses opening up from the women associated with the Ghosttown Riders. There’s also a junk yard, a parts store, a tattoo shop, and a garage. All of which will bring in money to our town. More money in our town will allow us to make improvements and also keep taxes down.” Bailey took a breath. “It’s a win-win situation for everybody. You just have to give them a chance. You can’t condemn people because of how they look or judge them on their lifestyle.” She shrugged. “Everybody deserves a fair chance, don’t ya think?”
