“We’re making some progress. Hope to have things wrapped up in a few weeks.”
“Good to hear. I’ll be sure to let Gus know,” he told me as he poured us both a cup of coffee and placed it on the counter. “And how are things going with Hazel?”
And there it was: the real reason he’d wanted to talk. I knew he’d been looking out for her and there was no doubt that he’d seen us talking and wondered what the hell was going on with us.
“I’d say things are going good with Hazel. Very good, in fact.”
“You know … she’s a good one. She’s a hard worker and she’s great with those kids.”
“I’m well aware of that. More than you know.”
“So she means something to you?”
“Absolutely,” I assured him as I took a drink of my coffee.
“I was hoping you’d say that. She’s been different since you’ve been around. She’s happy. I’d like to see her stay that way.”
“You and me both. I don’t know anyone who deserves it more than she does. I plan to do whatever it takes to keep a smile on her face.”
“I had a good feeling about you. Turns out I was right. I like it when I’m right,” he chuckled. “I’ve been doing what I can to keep an eye on her and those kids. The club has them covered. I know something’s up with her, but haven’t been able to find out anything. She tell you?”
“I appreciate that, brother. She told me that someone killed her parents a few months ago. She’s worried whoever did it decided to come after the kids,” I explained.
“What do you think?”
“Hard to tell just yet. I’ve got my guy looking into it, but either way, I’m not taking any chances.”
“Let me know what you find out. And if you need anything, just say the word.”
“Thanks, Cyrus. I better get moving. You’ll be getting busy soon.”
“Don’t I know it. But busy means money, so I can’t complain. Have a good one, brother.”
“Will do,” I told him as I drank the last of my coffee and headed towards the back door. It was a relief to know the club had her back, and I was glad we were on the same page with keeping her and the kids safe. When I stepped outside, something caught my eye by the dumpsters. It looked like a person curled up on their side, and when I stepped closer, I quickly realized that it was Olivia’s friend, the homeless guy she’s been keeping tabs on. I knelt down beside him and discovered that he was covered in blood and bruises.
I reached out and touched him on the shoulder. “Hey … you okay?”
“Just need to … sit here a … minute,” he stammered. He didn’t open his eyes. I’m not even sure that he could with all the swelling. Also, his voice was strained, making it clear that he was in a lot of pain. His left eye was completely swollen shut and his knuckles were bleeding on both hands. From the look of his wounds, they must’ve wailed on him with a tire iron, but he’d done his best to put up a fight.
“You’re pretty banged up, man. I need to get you to a hospital.”
He winced as he shook his head and moaned, “No … no hospital.”
When I noticed the blood oozing from his gut, I told him, “You need to get checked out. You’re bleeding.”
“Already know that. No hospital,” he growled.
“Okay, then I’m going inside to get some help,” I told him as I stood up. I rushed inside and called out, “Cyrus! Need you, brother.”
“Coming!” he shouted. Seconds later he came barreling out of the kitchen and followed me outside. “What is it?”
“That guy Hazel has been helping out, he’s been beat up pretty bad. Probably needs to see a doctor or something, but he isn’t budging.”
“Sam can be a stubborn old fool,” Cyrus grumbled. When he got over to the dumpster, he looked down at the broken man in front of him and mumbled several curses under his breath. Finally, he bent down and said, “Sam, you alright?”
His breathing was strained as he said, “Been better. Sorry for causing … you trouble.”
Cyrus lifted Sam’s shirt and gasped when he saw the knife wound that covered his chest. “Fuck, Sam. Who did this to you?”
“Group of damn kids … hit me from behind,” he muttered.