His Old Lady - Debra Kayn Page 0,81

ever a robbery or trouble at the lounge when it was open. Could the weapon still be inside the box?

Chapter 35

Curley

The crowd of Tarkio members inside the clubhouse parted, making a path for Curley. He stepped forward and grabbed the paper from Paco.

"Everybody, quiet down," he shouted, picking up the phone and dialing the first number on the list.

Angela picked up on the third ring. "Hello?"

"Angela...Curley. Have you seen or heard from Faye?" He rocked toe to heel in his boots as she confirmed his worst fear. "If you do, can you have her call the clubhouse?"

He shook his head at the others, letting them know Faye wasn't there.

"Yeah, she's got the number. I need to let you go. Thanks, Angela." He hung up and dialed the next number.

Stephanie had the same answer. She hadn't heard or seen Faye since Thursday night at work. He left the message for her to have Faye call if she heard from her, and then called Jenna.

"Hey, Jenna. It's Curley. Have you seen or heard from Faye today?" He held his breath.

"No, I haven't seen her since Thursday at Promise," she said.

He exhaled. "Do you have any idea where she'd be? Or if there's anyone in Superior who would know where I can find her?"

He grasped for any little clue on where to look. Frank sat in the driveway of his house in case Faye returned. Hammer and Chrischris opened Promise and stayed there on the off-chance she showed up at work while it was closed.

"She is...was always in her greenhouse. Besides work and the normal errands, the only people she hung out with was us, I believe. Have you called the others?"

"Yeah." He swallowed. "Nobody has seen her."

"That's strange." Jenna paused. "Maybe she's at home and just not answering her phone."

He hadn't told her that Faye's bag was in his house and her car in his driveway, or that he'd already checked the whole area for her, including having Elliot ride over to Grandma June's house. "Why wouldn't she answer the phone?"

"Well, Cal called me this morning, and as soon as he brought up Faye's name, I hung up on him. I've already told him to stop asking me about her before, and I mean it. If Cal called her, she wouldn't want to talk to him. I could see her not answering the phone in case he was bothering her. She doesn't want to encourage him. I don't know if she told you, but the guy is infatuated with her...it's creepy."

He squeezed the phone receiver. "Do you know where Cal lives?"

"Not exactly. Celia, his ex, got the house after the divorce, but he's probably at the lounge. It's Saturday."

"Okay, thanks. If you hear from Faye, have her call me at the clubhouse." He hung up and looked for Paco in the crowd. Finding him, he motioned him closer. "Find out where Cal Williams lives. He's the owner of Hot Springs Lounge. I'm riding over to Superior and talk to him now, but I'll want to check his house."

"Give me five minutes." Paco hurried in the direction of the meeting room.

He didn't have five minutes. Faye could be anywhere, needing him.

Priest approached him, motioning across the room. "Whip and I will ride with you."

"Thanks." He strode through the crowd and pushed his way outside.

His frustration and worry got the best of him, and he turned and punched the brick wall. Pain ricocheted up his arm, and he shook his hand.

Priest lit a cigarette and shoved it in Curley's mouth. He lipped the smoke, letting the physical pain in his hand distract him from his heart exploding.

If something happened to Faye or she was hurt, he'd never survive. He'd kill anyone responsible, and they might as well throw him in prison because he wouldn't stop there. He'd burn Missoula down around him.

"We'll find her." Priest stayed a yard away. "She's around here somewhere."

"She's had problems with Cal, her old boss. He was harassing her. Hell, he even showed up at her house twice when I was there. I should've killed the son of a bitch then."

He took his two rings off his hand and pocketed the jewelry, knowing his fingers would swell. Walking to his Harley, he checked the gas tank. The return from California seemed like weeks ago, instead of a few hours.

"I need gas to make it to Superior." He lifted his gaze and whistled, attracting the other bikers.

Banks jogged over. "Need something?"

"Get a gas can." He unscrewed the cap.

Usually, putting gas