Page 46 of Red Rooster

Spence nodded. “Lucky for you, I’m the best. Gimme a couple hours and I’ll know what we need to order.”

“Thanks.”

He locked up his gun cases with the key, not caring if Spence wondered what was in them, then hooked his arm around Red’s shoulders and steered her around to the front of the building.

Jake was in the process of pressure washing his flatbed, and Rooster paused, hanging back a moment. “What’s your read on this guy?”

Red made a surprised sound, and said, “Myread?”

“Yeah. I’ve trained you well.” He gave her shoulders a squeeze and she breathed a quiet laugh.

“Okay, well.” Her brows stitched together in thought as she studied their rescuer with Marine-worthy scrutiny. “I don’t think he’s lying. Not really. I believe he was Army. And I don’t think he wants to hurt us.”

“I’m sensing a ‘but.’”

Her frown deepened. “I don’t know. Maybe I’m just paranoid…”

“You and me both, kiddo.”

“…but I think…I think it’s okay. For now.”

“Well, that’s good enough for me.”

She sent him a doubtful look.

“We’ll just be careful.”

She nodded.

Jake glanced up and noticed them, and shut off the pressure washer. “Spence get you sorted?”

With the exception of brief interactions with clerks and waitstaff, Rooster didn’t really interact with people anymore; his social skills were rusty. Still, he knew he ought to be polite – if he couldn’t force himself to be outright pleasant.

“Yeah,” he said, aiming for a neutral tone. “He’s gonna take a look. Probably have to order some parts.” A flutter of panic surged in his belly at the thought. Shit, they werestuckhere. He cleared his throat. “Thanks – for your help.” The words felt dragged out of him. He didn’t like having to thank people – owing them.

Jake nodded. “Shouldn’t be more than a few days, then. There’s a decent motel here in town. Nothing fancy, but it’s clean.”

Motel. Waiting. Sitting ducks. Rooster nodded and swallowed with difficulty. “Yeah, maybe…where can I get the classifieds? I’ll just buy another truck.”

Jake frowned. “You won’t find anything worth a damn around here. Not with a full back seat and all the mods on your truck.”

Yeah, but it would get us the hell away from here, Rooster thought. “Still.”

Jake looked doubtful. “I’m sure Marty can hook you up with a paper inside.” He jerked a thumb toward the convenience store. “Can’t promise you’ll have any luck.”

Rooster turned that way, towing Red with him. He had to try, at least. The only thing more unforgivable than failing to protect Red would be to stop trying – even if he failed all the same.