Warning Shot by Dustin Stevens

Author:Dustin Stevens [Stevens, Dustin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-01-09T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-One

The sharp sting of the glass in Ringer’s palm has receded. In its place is the icy tingle of plasma seeping out over it, starting the healing process. Not bothering to wrap it up, not wanting anybody to think it is a remnant of his encounter with Byrdie this morning, he leaves it uncovered. With his hand curled into a loose ball, it is balanced atop the table in the corner of The Wolf Den.

In his opposite hand is a beer. Between them rests his cellphone.

Opposite him are the two remaining deputies of the Wolves. To the right is Gamer, an enormous whiskey barrel of a man with thick arms and a head shaved clean. Tossed over his shoulder is a hand towel, used to wipe down the shimmer of sweat that seems to cover his arms and head ten months out of the year.

To the left is Snapper, his name derived from the twisted assortment of teeth jutting out over his bottom lip. So prominent there is no way for him to ever keep them tucked back, rarely does he even try, a mouth breather in the purest sense.

Without Byrdie, the two have shifted around the table. Instead of four men positioned like the points on a compass, they are now arranged as the lines on a peace symbol.

Three men, all with their own corner of an equilateral triangle.

The crowd that had assembled this morning has since dispersed. Like the trio of men currently sitting around the table, the membership has been split into thirds as well. Rotating every few hours, one third was sent out to continue looking for Kyle Clady. Another was told to resume normal Sunday activities, making a point of being seen with their families and out in the community.

Those that remain have assembled here, awaiting orders from Ringer.

Much like the decision to get involved with Byrdie personally this morning, the time for laying low and allowing things to simmer has passed. While every effort will be made to not draw attention, beyond that, the Wolves will no longer be sitting back to react.

“What did she want this time?” Snapper asks. Like Ringer, his hand is curled around a beer, though no more than a centimeter is missing from the top of it.

His features set in a glower, Ringer stares at the table before him. He lets the question linger a moment, feeling the acrid taste on his tongue, before flicking his gaze up to Snapper.

“Same as always. Stir shit.”

Left deliberately vague, he allows either of the men to press for further comment. When neither does, he leans back, catching both in his periphery.

“I guess she called in someone else to finish the old lady.”

“You shitting me...?” Snapper begins.

“Why?” Gamer snaps, his voice forceful enough to draw over a few glances.

Not wanting to start any more rumors, to give the appearance of discord with his remaining deputies, Ringer glares at Gamer. He holds the pose a moment, making sure his point is made, before saying, “My guess is because Byrdie made such a mess of things.

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