Free Riders - Horizons (III) by K.M. Liss Page A

allegiance.
    “Thanks guys, you're the
best. Really appreciated.”
    Kicker and I got on our bikes, Col stood at
my side.
    “While I remember, I'd be
grateful if you could take a look at Tiffany's Mom's truck. It has
a dangerous tilt on it and they haven't got a lot of cash for
repairs. Would you mind?”
    “Not at all, I love
tinkering with trucks, as you know. I'll see the lady right. I just
need the phone number and address and I'll run over when
convenient. What's her name?”
    “I don't know... Err, Mrs
Johnson, I guess?!?” I laughed “I'll sort out some details when we
get back,” I explained. “Right now I've got a little unpleasant
business to attend to... a spot of reformation at the vice den
Mickey is operating. Comin' along for the ride?”
    “Wouldn't miss it for the
world,” Kicker replied, with an evil little grin spreading across
his face. “The greaseball has it comin' to him. He practically
forced Cherry to her knees. You know she supports her mom? And
she's got late stage motor neuron disease? Mickey took advantage of
my girl, big time.”
    “No, I didn't know that.
Poor Cherry. I feel kinda responsible, letting him get away with
it.” I also felt so mean judging her actions in the light of that
news.
    “You weren't to know. But
he forced her into tricking for him. Cornered her with threats
about her job. But since she's been with me, and I told him, in
strong terms, what I wanted to do to him, he's been sweet as cotton
candy.”
    “I guess your bull riding
rep might have helped.”
    Kicker laughed. “You think?”
    “You're the toughest piece
of ass, pal. That's all I'm saying. I wouldn't want to get on the
bad side of you.”
    “I'm gonna pass, if you
don't mind. The bar is calling. I'm gonna have a nice quiet drink.
I need one after my evening,” Col said.
    I started the engine, Col got on the back of
my bike, and we rode the few hundred yards up the main street to
Riders Bar. We were just in time to see Lucky departing, heading
out of Olson, back toward the ranch.
    It was Sunday evening, Mickey's night off. I
had a quick look inside and waved to the bar-girls as Col made his
way up to the bar. It was quiet tonight, only a few customers
standing barside, chatting to the girls. We left the bar and walked
to the side door, the entrance to Mickey's rooms, where he lived
above the bar. The accommodation came with the job.
    I knocked on the door and then pressed the
door button. It buzzed loudly.
    “Mickey, open
up ,” I called up to his window.
    A moment later the blind shifted sideways
and his face appeared.
    A few minutes later the porch light went on,
and he opened the door. The way too skinny asshole stood before me
in his jocks. His arms were crossed, and he was full of fake smile
and his usual shit attitude. His small, dark beady eyes darted
between the two of us and came to rest on mine. His hair made me
feel sick as it hung in greasy strands around his face. I don't
think he could ever have washed it. Not with anything more than
water anyway.
    “What's up boys?” he
asked, warily.
    “I need a moment of your
time.”
    “Why? And why now? Can't
it wait? I got company upstairs. That kind of company?”
    “It won't take long. Where
d'you wanna do it? In the back room in the bar, or here on the
doorstep?”
    “Here's good as any. Can't
be fucked to put my clothes and shoes on to be honest. All coming
off again, ain't it...” he smirked at me and it made me want to
heave. Who in their right mind would fuck him?
    I felt so sorry for the woman upstairs at
that moment. She must be blind or desperate.
    “Right. I'll be short and
sweet and to the point. I should have done this a while back.
Here's your new Riders bar rules of operation. It's the verbal
version... for now... okay? But you will be getting a written one.”
I watched his eyes narrow further to creepy black pinpricks in his
face. He reminded me of a demon I'd seen in a TV horror movie
recently. “Number one... ensure