Only Witness, The by Shannon Flagg Page A

somewhere in the building, since their bikes were parked outside.
                  He found Master, Double and Fire in the room where they held their meetings. It was a room not normally used for day-to-day conversations. “What's going on, guys?”
                  “Not a damn thing,” Master replied. “Those crazy bitches still out there?”
                  “What crazy bitches?” Deacon questioned. When it came to Master, you could never assume you knew what women he was talking about. He went through them like paper towel.
                  “The stripper and her homely sister. Remember the ones from last week? She does the spinning pole trick?”
                  “Sure, yeah.” Deacon agreed, even though he didn't know what Master was talking about. “Since when do you find a place to lay low when women come looking for you?”
                  “Just keeping out of sight until after the stripper dances here tonight,” Master grinned. “I want another round with her but not the sister. Someone is going to have to handle her for me tonight.”
                  “Not me,” Deacon shook his head. “I'm heading out to The Old Man's place for Adelaide's thing,” he still couldn't bring himself to say ‘wedding.’ “Keep an eye on everything for me, will you?”
                  “Sure thing Boss, looks like it's going to be a nice quiet night,” Master leaned back in the chair, a grin on his face. “I've got this.”             
                  “Appreciate it,” Deacon nodded his head. “Alright Brothers, I'll catch you tomorrow.”
    He left the meeting room, headed to the office he kept there and immediately walked over to the safe. Time was running short; he still needed to get to New to You and pick up his present.
                  The idea of seeing Vera brightened his mood, brightened it enough that it was noticeable to him. Fuck. What was he even thinking about her for? If he was smart, he'd pick up the gift, get the rest of his money and stay out of her way best he could from here on out. Whatever he was feeling, he didn't want or need it.
                  After getting what he needed from the safe, Deacon locked it once more and left the warehouse. The door to the meeting room was still closed. Houdini and Whiskey were eating Chinese food in the main room with the television turned to the cooking channel.
                  “I'm heading out. Master's in charge.” Deacon adjusted his leather jacket, feeling a little out of sorts because he'd left his guns in the safe. With Chief Will all heated up over him, Deacon knew that he'd have to be careful. Besides, if it came down to needing a gun at The Old Man's place tonight, then he was already dead.
                  “Yo, you want backup?” Houdini looked up from his food.
                  “Nah, stay here. Ride over...” Deacon stopped himself, he'd nearly told Houdini specifically to keep an eye on Vera. Where the fuck had that come from? “Ride over past The Bar a few times, we don't need no stupid drunk shit tonight.”
                  “No problem, Prez.” Houdini went back to his food.
                  “Be smart,” Whiskey wiped his mouth with a napkin.
                  “Thanks, I'll see you two tomorrow.”
                  Deacon left the warehouse, sent quick texts to Bug and Jake telling them not to be late tonight. He was particularly worried about Bug not wanting to leave Lake, it was officially her due date the following day. He sent a second text to Bug, reminding him there was no optional attendance for tonight but it didn't mean he'd have to stay all night.
                  He headed for New to You when he left the warehouse lot. The lights were burning on the sign, even though it was light out.