Chapter 10 #2
“Thanks.” She set her napkin on the table. “I wish I didn’t have to work tonight.”
“Can’t you call in sick?” Simon asked.
She shook her head. “Can’t. It’s all hands on deck.
There’s a motorcycle rally in town tonight.
Rene is going to need every waitress available.
He expects the Crawdad Hole to be packed.
Standing room only.” She sighed. “At least I’ll be so busy, it will make the night pass quickly. I just feel bad for you.”
“Why?”
Her lips twisted. “It can’t be fun hanging out all evening in a crowded bar.”
Depending on the nature of the motorcycle clubs that would be there, he might have to be especially on his toes to keep Holly safe. He shrugged nonchalantly. “I can handle it.” He hoped he was right. It might be a night to ask for reinforcements from his teammates.
They finished their meals, paid the ticket, drove to the edge of town and parked behind the Crawdad Hole Bar and Grill.
Simon leaned across the console and took Holly’s hand in his. “Are you going to be all right tonight?”
She pressed his palm to her cheek. “I’ll be fine. Thanks for caring.” Then she pressed her lips into his palm. “I’d better get inside. The parking lot is already starting to fill.”
Simon followed her into the building and staked his claim on a barstool at the end of the bar, where he had his back to the wall and a good line of sight that encompassed the area Holly would work.
Within the next two hours, the place filled with men in leather jackets, their arms, necks and any other exposed skin covered in tattoos. For the most part, the MC members were respectful of the waitresses. Not once did they try to cop a feel or grab Holly.
Still, Simon remained tense, ready to launch into action should Holly need him.
She worked the crowd, taking orders, carrying heavy trays of drinks, all the while smiling at customers.
At one point, Simon offered to carry a tray for her, but she shook her head. “I’ve got this.”
Simon remained on his barstool, feeling guilty that he wasn’t helping.
Rene slapped a plastic tub on the bar in front of Simon. “If you want to help, go collect the empties.”
Simon gave the bar owner a nod. “Thanks.”
Rene laughed. “Don’t thank me. I’m not paying you.”
With a laugh, Simon took the tub and worked his way through the tightly-packed tables, collecting the empty bottles, mugs and plates. He was sure to keep Holly in his peripheral vision, always aware of where she was and who was around her.
When Cody West pushed through the entrance, Simon frowned.
He’d prefer dealing with the motorcycle clubs over Cody any day.
Completely predictable, Cody made straight for Holly, who was carrying a heavy tray full of drinks.
Simon slammed the tub he carried on the nearest table and pushed his way through the men in leather jackets to get to Holly.
Holly, unaware of the man advancing on her, bent to unload her tray a drink at a time. She’d set the third of five in front of a customer when Cody approached her from behind.
Still too far from her to help, Simon shoved at people standing in his way.
“Hey!” A giant of a man with a shaggy gray beard hanging down over his chest, wearing a black leather jacket, stepped in front of Simon. “Calm your ass down before someone takes you out back and teaches you some manners.”
Simon shook his head, his gaze on Holly talking with Cody. When the bastard grabbed for her hand, she glared at him.
“Excuse me, sir,” Simon said. “My girlfriend is in trouble. I need to get to her ASAP.”
The big motorcycle club member frowned and looked over his shoulder to gaze in the direction Simon had been headed. “Oh, in that case,” he stepped to the side, “don’t let me hold you up. Need help?”
Simon shook his head. “No, thank you. I think I can handle it for now.”
“The name’s Mace Lafayette,” the big guy said. “Yell if you need backup.”
“Thanks, Mace.” Simon continued pushing his way through. When he was within three people of reaching his goal, Cody grabbed Holly and hauled her up against his barrel chest.
Simon shoved through the men in front of him, making one of them spill the beer he held.
“Son of a bitch,” the man yelled.
Simon didn’t stop to apologize. He reached for Cody, clamped a hand on the man’s shoulder and yanked him backward and off balance.
Cody released his hold on Holly, teetered, steadied and spun, his cheeks a ruddy red, eyes blazing. “What the fuck!”
“The lady isn’t into you,” Simon said. “Leave her the fuck alone.”
Behind Simon, a voice said, “Dude, you made me spill my beer.”
He ignored the man and his beer, more intent on keeping Holly safe.
“Holly’s my girl, not yours.” Cody balled his fists. “And I’ve had about enough of your interference.” As Cody cocked his arm, the man behind Simon clapped a meaty hand on Simon’s shoulder. “You owe me—"
Cody swung.
Simon saw it coming and dodged to the side.
Cody’s fist missed Simon and landed in the face of the biker who’d been behind Simon.
The biker roared and punched Cody.
Cody fell back into another man wearing MC leathers, who fell into another biker, and the Crawdad Hole became a free-for-all fight between biker gangs and locals.
Holly raised her tray like a shield and worked her way back to the bar.
With fists flying and men shoving, Simon couldn’t fight his way through the melee to get to her fast enough.
Rene, the bar owner, rallied the wait staff and sent them to the back storeroom as he pressed his cell phone to his ear.
A man clocked Simon in the chin, spinning him around. He didn’t have time to fight his way through a dozen pissed-off bikers. He had to get to Holly.
When the guy came at him again, he was ready. He dodged the punch, grabbed the man’s arm as it flew past his ear, yanked it down and twisted it up and behind the guy. Then he heaved him forward, toppling the other men standing in Simon’s way.
Now, with a semi-clear path, he clambered over the pileup and vaulted over the bar. As he cleared its shiny surface, the bar owner raised a small airhorn canister and blasted noise that cut through the shouts and yelling.
“Sit down and shut up or get the hell out!” Rene called out. “The sheriff’s department is on the way.”
A few men continued to shove, half-heartedly, while others gathered their friends and hurried toward the door.
Simon made for the back storeroom. Before he reached the door, the waitress he knew as Danny ran out, her eyes wild. “Help! Someone help! A man grabbed Holly and carried her out the back door!”