Free The Junkyard Boys by SH Richardson

Monday.”
    “Ok, just be careful.”
    “Always, baby.”
    Range gave my hand a quick squeeze, got out of the truck, and made his way over to the man on the bike. As he approached, the stranger removed the bandana that was covering his face, and took his helmet off. He didn’t smile or look like a weary traveler in need of motorcycle parts; he looked more like a rattlesnake ready to strike at any moment. His eyes narrowed on Range as he tilted his head to the side like he was contemplating something. I knew I shouldn’t have, but I turned the key in the ignition just enough to roll down the window so I could hear what they were saying.
    “Can I help you with something? The yard is closed on Saturday.”
    “Don’t need parts, man, looking for Buck.” He took the bandana and wiped the back of his neck with it then placed it in his back pocket. He placed his hands on his handlebars as he waited for Range to reply. I could see that Range was contemplating telling this guy Buck was retired and was no longer running the junkyard. Range was too smart to give this guy Buck’s location without a damn good reason.
    “And who’s askin’?”
    “A friend of the family.”
    Considering Range just told me Buck didn’t have any family, I knew this was a bunch of bullshit and this guy was definitely up to no good. Range would know as well and make it real clear he was not welcome and to leave immediately. I should feel good about that, but for some reason, I just couldn’t.
    “He’s not here and won’t be back any time soon. I’ll tell him you stopped by when I see him.” Range stood at his full height and looked the guy right in the eyes, telling him he was not one to be fucked with. The strange man returned with a sly smirk and nodded his head. He removed the bandana from his back pocket and retied it around his face. As he was securing his helmet on his head, he looked right at me and winked, started the bike, and took off down the road. My heart was beating so fast I thought I was having a panic attack. By the time Range made his way back to the truck, I was completely shaken up by this whole experience.
    “What did he want? Is everything ok?” Range grabbed my hand and brushed a soft kiss across my knuckles. I immediately felt safe in his presence and my anxiety began to decrease. He had a small smile on his face and used his other hand to tuck a piece of my hair behind my ear.
    “Everything’s fine, baby, he was just looking for Buck. He won’t be coming back.” I took a deep breath through my nose and slowly released it out my mouth, instantly feeling better about the situation. Perhaps he was right and we’d never have to see that man again. I prayed he was right, but in my heart, I knew it was just the beginning.
    ***
    Range drove deep into the yard and parked the truck on a paved portion of a dirt road. As far as the eye could see there were stacks upon stacks of cars that had been crushed and piled on top of each other. Standing in this place gave me a strange and eerie feeling; like the cars were oversized tombstones and spirits of past lives were floating all around us. I involuntarily shivered, although it was quite warm out. Range walked around the front of the truck and placed his arm around my waist as he stood next to me, taking it all in.
    “It can be spooky as fuck out here if you’re not used to it.” I was amazed at how well he knew what I was thinking. I snuggled into this side and held him around the torso. He felt so warm and safe. I wanted to hold him like this forever. I inhaled his scent and closed my eyes, perfectly content in his strength.
    “Come on, baby, let me show you around.” Reluctantly and with a huff, I let go of him in time for him to take my hand and lead me around this vast yard of gutted and deserted vehicles. I was surprised to see just how big this place really was. Not only did it house cars, but boats, motorhomes, tractors, and all sorts of machinery. There were