Wrench - Steele Riders

“He could be waiting outside for me.” The fear pouring off of her is palpable.

“I’ll check the surveillance camera.”

Mitchell walks into the produce backroom as if on cue. “I’m glad you’re here. The guy just finally left the parking lot. He was lingering.”

“Who?” Mitchell hands me his phone where he took a picture. I don’t know him, but I know who to look out for. “Text me that pic. I’ll have the guys on it. This asshole doesn’t get anywhere near Mackenzie. Understood?”

“Yes, sir.” We’re about to leave the backroom when my phone rings.

“What do you want, Flex?” I bite out.

“Hey, the owner of the car is here,” he says as a matter of fact.

“How did he get there so fast?” I whisper.

“It’s been four hours since I ran the number. He drove in from Arlington and has been searching for her with a picture. The girl is his niece.”

“He’s not alone. There was another fuck at the grocery store, spooking her out. What did you tell him?”

“I told him we found the fucker on the side of the road, but he listens like he’s fucking deaf.”

“Put the fucker on the phone.”

It takes a minute, but then he gets on the line. “Where the hell is she?”

“Excuse the fuck out of you. Hello, Mr. West, I’m here bothering your employees for doing me a favor. Now do you care to explain why you reported your car stolen just to get your niece back?”

“That’s not your business. You little nobody. I’m going to sue your ass and take everything you own.”

“For what? Finding it dumped on the side of the road?”

“You found it on the side of the road?” he asks, as if Flex didn’t already tell this asshole the same thing.

“Yes, and it looks like something’s wrong with it, but we didn’t know who the car belonged to until we ran the VIN. We had it towed because it’s a hazard on the roads at night, so you owe me for towing charges.”

“I don’t want that piece of shit car. I want my niece back?”

“Who is this mysterious woman you’re referring to?”

“Yes, someone said they believe she works at the grocery store, but no one can give me any answers.”

“Have you filed a missing person’s report?” I ask, needing more information.

“She’s too old to file one.” I knew that. Unless the person’s missing and considered in danger they don’t do a report. Leaving on her own free will isn’t a crime.

“Okay, well then if you want the vehicle, I’m sure you can have it towed.”

“I want my niece.”

“What the fuck do you want me to do?” I bark out, holding Mackenzie a little tight. She rubs my back to calm me down and it works like a motherfucker.

“Tell me where she is.”

“How the fuck am I supposed to know? I’m a busy man. I’ll be back in an hour at my garage. Don’t be there.”

I hang up on the bastard and turn to Mackenzie. “Dash, tell me is the man after you your uncle?”

“The one in the store, no. He’s his muscle, but the guy on the phone was my uncle.” I run my hand up and down her back. I’m not letting them take her from me—she’s mine. I want to know why they want her so badly.

“He’s at my shop right now, but I’m not going to let him get anywhere near you.”

“Oh God. This is all a mess. I should run again.”

“You’re not going anywhere unless it’s with me.”

“He’s going to find me. You’ll be in danger.” Damn it, I need to get her somewhere safe and then get my answers. The thought of them hurting her runs through my head, making me want to put a bullet in each of them.

“Dash, I’m not going to let him anywhere near you.” We sneak out, and I help her inside my truck, pulling out as soon as I’m in my seat.

“How did he find me?” she says softly to herself.

It’s my fault. Eager to please Mackenzie and not chuck the fucking beater, I led him to her. “To look for the parts needed, my staff pulled the VIN and it registered as stolen.”

“Stolen? I didn’t steal the car,” she exclaims her eyes.

“I didn’t think you did. It was reported two months ago.”

“That bastard. How could he do that?”

“That’s what I said,” I offer. “Did he give you the car?”

“I don’t know how he faked the stolen thing. I bought the car out of a dealership when I turned eighteen. I was still waiting on the title when I ran away. How can he report my car stolen? It’s in my name.”

“It’s not. It’s in his name, but I’m betting he forged a transfer of title. I’m going to take you to my house for now and then we can figure it all out.”