Page 63 of Talon

I glance at Matrix, whose expression is unreadable. He’s been doing this longer than I have, and I trust his instincts. With a quick jerk of my head, I motion for him to follow me as I step away from Leonard.

“What do you think?” I ask him in a hushed tone.“Is he telling the truth?”

Matrix sighs, running a hand through his hair.“I believe him. Between the walker and the Bengay, I don’t think he’s Jessica’s stalker.”

“Yeah, it’s not him. Fuck! If the truck was stolen, then who the hell took it?”

“I have no idea.”

As I stand there, my boots sinking slightly into the worn carpet of Leonard’s living room, a mix of frustration and disappointment churns in my belly. My gut tells me this man isn’t Jessica’s stalker, though leaving without answers doesn’t sit right with me.

“Hey Leonard, do you have any other people that come by your house regularly? Maybe a gardener or housekeeper?” I ask.

Leonard scoffs, his eyes narrowing.“I don’t need people pokin’around my home. I can take care of my own damn cleaning and yard work. No need for strangers in my business.”

“Does the name Jessica Collins mean anything to you?” I watch him carefully, looking for any flicker of recognition. There isn’t any.

“Nope. Should it? What’s this about?”

“A friend of ours is being stalked.”

“And you think I’m involved?” Leonard laughs until he starts coughing uncontrollably. I quickly grab his water and hold the straw out, so he can take a drink.“That’s the funniest thing I’ve ever heard. I’m no stalker.”

“Yeah, I don’t think you’re involved.” I sigh.

“I’m not.”

“We towed your truck to our place. We’ll bring it back to you.”

“I’d appreciate it. I don’t know who took it, but I’m glad to get it back.”

“What’s that?” Matrix points at a patch on the wall.

“My old man’s club patch. He rode bikes for years.”

“No shit?” I rub the back of my neck as I step closer to get a better look.

“Club Pres until the day he died. God rest his soul.” Leonard makes the sign of the cross before kissing his thumb and raising his eyes toward the heavens.

“Sorry to hear about your father.”

“It was a long time ago,” Leonard says, despite the tears in his eyes.

“If you ever need anything, give us a call.” Matrix reaches into his pocket and pulls out a business card, handing it over to Leonard.“We’re from Underground Vengeance Motorcycle Club. We’re always happy to help out.”

Leonard takes the card, studying it for a moment before looking up at us.“You know, I never believed those news stories about your club. Back in the day, my old man got up to some stuff, but nothing all that bad. I’ll keep this card and give you boys a call if I need anything.”

“Sounds good, Leonard. Take care of yourself,” I say, giving him a nod as Matrix and I turn to leave.

The cool night air hits me as Matrix and I straddle our bikes. I clench my fists around the handlebars, frustration seeping into my veins. Another dead end.

“That was fucking pointless,” I grumble, glancing over at him.

“We can cross him off the list.”

“What list? The only other person who’s even a suspect is Jessica’s coworker, Hank.”

Matrix hesitates for a moment before speaking.“While you and Jessica were at the cabin, Hank tried calling her a dozen times. Since service was down, he never got through.”