I can drive myself. No, you can't. Not until we know who made that call. Wrath grabbed his keys. I'm driving, you're riding.
Non-negotiable.
The mechanics at Desert Dreams found Wrath's presence hilarious. You got a bodyguard now? Carlos asked grinning. What, you pissed off the wrong customer? Something like that.
Wrath stationed himself in the corner of the shop, arms crossed, scanning every person who walked through the door like they might pull a gun. A couple of customers asked if there was a problem. No problem, Jack assured them. Just enhanced security. You know how it is these days.
One afternoon a man in an expensive suit came in asking about custom work. Wrath was on him in seconds. Who sent you? The man blinked. I What?
Simple question. Who told you about this shop? A friend. I saw some bikes at a show and The man looked at Jack confused. Is there a problem?
Jack intervened smoothly. No problem at all. My associate is just enthusiastic about screening clients. What kind of bike are you interested in? The man left 20 minutes later with a consultation appointment looking rattled.
You can't interrogate customers, Jack said mildly. Can and did. Wrath didn't look apologetic. Anyone could be a threat. Or they could be a guy who wants a motorcycle.
Same thing until proven otherwise. Caleb pulled Jack aside. I'm sorry about this. If it's a problem, I can Relax. I knew what I was signing up for when Arthur vouched for you.
Jack's expression was understanding. This trial's important. Bigger than bikes. You do what you need to do and we'll work around it.
The grand jury testimony came faster than Caleb was ready for. Linda met him at the courthouse looking sharp in a navy suit. Remember what we practiced. Answer the questions clearly. Don't volunteer extra information and if you don't understand something, ask for clarification.
She squeezed his arm. You've got this. The grand jury room was smaller than Caleb expected. 23 people sitting in rows watching him take the oath. The prosecutor, a man named Williams who worked with Linda, walked him through the events of that day step by methodical step.
And when Sheriff Dalton approached you at the auto shop, what did he say? He asked if Arthur had given me anything. Papers, a bag, a flash drive. He said I should give it to him. Did he threaten you?
Yes. He said if I didn't cooperate, I'd have an unfortunate accident like Arthur did. Caleb's voice was steady. He said trucks swerve all the time on that highway. Murmurs rippled through the jury.