Page 40 of Rough

“No. It was an old Harley Springer.”

“No shit?”

“No shit.”

“What happened to him?”

And, just like that, there I was. Forced with the decision to lie, tell the truth, or change the subject.

“He moved to Pelican Bay.”

“To Crescent City, you mean? Where the joint is?”

“No,” I said. “Pelican bay. He’s an inmate there.”

His eyes went wide. “He’s in Pelican Bay?”

“Until he dies.”

“God dayummmm. Didn’t figure you for being around people like that. What’d he do?”

“That’s between him and God,” I said. “He’s gone, it’s over. Next subject.”

His face went sullen. After a moment, he grinned a very shallow grin. “You go for a ride with me?”

I was surprised he asked. As much as I enjoyed riding on motorcycles, I knew I shouldn’t – and probably wouldn’t – agree to do so with him.

I looked at my drink. It was empty. I glanced up. “Why?”

“Just for fun.”

“A fun ride? They’re like unicorns. They don’t exist. Remember, I used to date a biker. He wasn’t in a club, but he was hard core. No butt, no putt. Ever heard that one?”

He grinned. “Maybe.”

“Gas, grass, or ass. Nobody rides for free?”

He rubbed his beard. “Might have heard that one, too.”

I glanced at the trash can that was sitting beside the front door, and then at him. I took another sip through the straw and got nothing. I stood. “I’m not sucking your dick.”

“God damn. Where’d that come from?”

“You’re not giving me a ride for any other reason than you think it’ll help you get in my pants. But. I can tell you now, that’s not going to happen. Nobody’s losing their pants, pal.”

I walked to the trash can, tossed in the cup, and returned to the table. “Maybe it’d be best if I just got a pen, and we called it a night. It’s going to be dark soon, anyway.”

He tossed his head toward the parking lot. “Come on. It’ll be fun.”

“I almost forgot. A fun ride.” I knew myself all too well. I shook my head. “Bad idea.”

“You go for a ride, and I’ll only make you pay two grand for the bike repairs.”

My eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. “Seriously? Why?”

“I’m getting a deal on the repairs. One of my club brothers is saving me a little money.”

“$1,500 isn’t a little money,” I said. “You’re serious? Only $2,000?”