Page 54 of Nomad

“What? Why that in particular?”

“Superstition.”

“Whatever.”

“Yeah. Make sure everything else is good to go. Like we talked about.”

“On it.”

Brant ended the call. “Garland. Stop drivin’ like an old lady. We’re hungry.”

“I can’t drive fast and listen in on your calls at the same time,” Garland insisted with a touch of aggravation.

Brant snorted. “Brash says folks are gatherin’ outside the District Court and on the capitol grounds with signs. The evangelicals want Cann released.”

Bud perked up at that. “You think they’ll have some influence?”

Brant grinned. “Oh yeah. The law serves the people, not the other way around. If the people make it clear that justice will be best served by releasing Cann, that’s what’ll happen.” He turned away and muttered, “One way or the other.”

“What was that?” Bud asked.

“We’ll get it done. Don’t worry.”

“That’s what Cann kept saying. ‘Don’t worry’.”

“Well, bikers like to keep our women stress-free,” Brant said.

Garland laughed so hard at that she almost guffawed.

When her amusement died, Bud said, “I’m not a biker’s woman.”

Brant nodded in what might have appeared to be agreement to anyone except Garland. She wasn’t fooled and made that clear by giving him a knowing look in the rearview mirror.

When they walked into Lunker’s Grill, several patrons did double takes and stared as Brant, Garland, and Bud were led to a table. Brant vetoed the first suggestion and asked for the booth in the far corner. He stood by the side against the wall until Garland slid in, then sat so that he was on the outside and had a view of the entire establishment. Bud had the other side all to herself.

The waitress brought menus and said she’d be right back with water.

When she returned she said, “You folks have had quite a day. We’re honored to have you here.” She looked at Bud. “What can I get you?”

“I want a hamburger with everything.”

“Cheese?”

“Yeah.”

“French fries?”

“Yeah. Lots.”

The waitress chuckled. “Okay. Lots.”

She turned to Brant and Garland who said, “We’re havin’ what she’s havin’.”

“And a Coke,” Bud added.

“Three Cokes,” Brant said.

When the waitress was gone, Brant said, “We’ve got a couple of things we’d like to discuss with you.”