Chapter Seven
When Matt saw Luke put down his guitar and leap from the stage, he waited to start the band up again. It was only after the drunken fool had been yanked from on top of the girl that he recognized the lush.
Once Luke reappeared, he ambled closer. “Sorry about that. I told security not to let Zed back into the place. Guess he snuck in when Jake wasn’t looking.”
“Jake?”
“The guard. Oh right, you don’t know him. He’s the new guy they just hired. I met him earlier today.”
“Yeah. I was late coming in. Sorry about that. Needed new guitar strings.”
“Hey, no problem. Is the girl okay?”
“What girl?”
“The one you just saved from a bad experience. I’ve seen Zed really hurt folks when he’s in that condition. The dude blacks out and becomes freaky. It’s why we kicked him out of the band. Well that and for stealing money from the tip jar.”
Luke didn’t try to hide his shock. “That perv was your previous singer?”
“Yeah. Hey… at one time, he had talent. But the alcohol and drugs fried his voice and his brain.” Matt looked out the window behind the stage where they saw Jake getting tough… still arguing with Zed to leave. Matt’s disgust grew. “He’s so much worse. Can’t afford the good product now he’s been kicked out of the last group I heard gave him a chance. Probably buying street crap that fries the brain.”
“If it doesn’t kill you first.”
“That too. I hate to see him like this. The man always had a mean streak, but he controlled it around us. Guess some people you just can’t save.”
“Ain’t that the truth. Fuckin’ drug producers could care less who gets hurt as long as they make their money.” Luke’s attention swerved as the crowd became louder. “Oh, oh, the animals are getting restless, let’s give ‘em what they like.”
He gave the signal and played the first few chords of one of his most popular Waylon songs – Hard-headed Woman – and the band kicked in. The edgy drinking crowd filed onto the floor and happiness reigned once more.
While he performed, Luke made a mental note about this character, Zed. If he could get together with the guy and pick what was left of his brain about where to buy, he might get a lead into the people producing and selling the fentanyl-laced shit.
From day one, he’d started putting out feelers but had to keep them on the down-low, so Matt and the others didn’t catch on. No way he wanted to get his ass kicked out of this band.
Without intending to, his eyes picked out the two girls at the bar. He watched as the feisty one gathered her hair behind her head and tied it back. Only one other woman he ever knew had masses of curls that same color, and she’d saved his life. A mesmerizing voice sounded in his head, rattling him - I’m so proud of you, Luke. Her fleeting image made him lose the beat of the music he’d begun playing as backup for Matt’s song.
If he questioned himself as to why he’d instinctively interfered earlier, some might put it down to him acting like a cop, thinking about the poor girl being abused. But if the truth were known, it had been because she was the spitting image of the woman who still visited his dreams… her soft smiles and veiled winks in the school hallway letting him know he mattered.
On those restless nights, he’d luxuriate in that wonderful fantasy for as long as he possibly could. Eventually the real world would interfere, and he’d awaken only to find himself filled with that horrible loneliness of being unloved.
As this night wore on, his eyes continually sought out the girl who’d shaken his core more than he’d liked. She laughed a lot and looked to be having fun with her friend. His gaze continually returned to her, making him feel an attraction he couldn’t afford right now. Yet his willpower dimmed as the hours passed and yearning overcame his reluctance. A sad feeling flooded; one so alien, he didn’t quite know how to handle it.
Admittedly, in his lonely times, Luke often searched for a playmate to help him get through the nights. He’d turn on the charm and rely on his charisma in the sex game to get whoever he wanted. Of course, it was an act he’d perfected along with his skills as a cop. The female gender tended to fall for tall, muscular bodies, but in his case, it seemed to be more his bad-boy vibe that attracted them like kids in a candy store.
There were times he’d be slightly interested in the chase and other times when he could care less, depending on how long since he’d last had sex. But so far, he’d never been romantically involved. His eyes again found the blonde, and he watched as she arched her back as if she had an injury.
Before he knew he would, he finished the song and gave Matt the signal he wanted a break. The minute he stepped from the stage he became surrounded, and it took a little while to break away so he could approach his subject.
“What’s wrong with your back? Did that idiot hurt you?”
“What?” She swiveled his way, and her smile faded. “Hi, to you too.”
Her friend broke in with a happy grin and made room for him to stand next to them. “Can we get you a drink?”
He turned on the charm to her companion. “Thanks, Sugar. Already had my quota. Sticking to water now.” He pointed to the blonde. “Happened to see our friend here rubbing her back and wondered if she was hurt in the scuffle.”
The ignored girl being the topic of conversation spoke up. “Why… you worried I’ll sue because I was attacked in your joint?”
Her shocked friend blurted out, “Honey. Stop being so mean.”
Shit! These girls were in a relationship. His heart dropped and his hand clenched. Shit.
Before he could leave, the friendly talkative one added… teasing noticeable. “Honey fell hard but she won’t admit it stings. Says it’s just a bit of a scrape.”
“Honey?”
“Her name. Honey Bolder. Mine is Melanie Sear. We’re schoolteachers at—”
“You gonna give him your bra size too, Mel? He doesn’t care.” Honey’s voice dripped with derision, and her eyes shot sparks of warning. As was her custom, Melanie ignored her as if she weren’t there. “What do they call you?”
“Luke. Nice to know you.” He reached to shake.
Melanie took his hand. Then she gestured to her friend. “She’s just mad cause she hates being a spectacle. Now she won’t even dance with me, and your music is so good.”
“Why, thank you, darling.” Luke motioned to a good looker further down the bar. When he approached, he introduced him to Melanie. “Meet one of our off-duty bartenders. He’s a nice guy and loves to dance. He’ll be glad to partner you, won’t you, Jess?”
“Damn right. Be happy to.” Jess stuck out his hand, and Melanie giggled before taking it and followed him to the floor.
“You always play matchmaker to the women drooling over you? Great way to keep your groupies happy.” Her voice sounded dry… the disgust obvious.
Luke bit his lip to keep from laughing. If she only knew how often he made a move like this, she’d understand. He could care less if Melanie had a dance. Or if Jess got a partner.
All he cared about was finding out why she made him want to cry.