The Vow (Black Arrowhead #1) - Dannika Dark Page 0,90
on our bumper. I didn’t have to look to know it was Kaota. Hopefully he’d cleaned the mess off the road before catching up with the convoy.
The car ahead veered off the two-lane highway and onto a service road.
“We can’t go any farther,” Lakota said. “That turnoff goes right up to the Council’s private property.”
“They have a jail out here?”
“No. But once they get their paperwork together and interview Tak, they’ll call Regulators out to transport him to the nearest Breed jail. They have a holding tank on the property here, from what I’ve heard.”
Lakota slowed the vehicle when they made a right turn down a private road. He waited for a moment before moving on. The light inside our truck diminished as Kaota chose to park at the turnoff.
“He better not do anything stupid,” Lakota murmured.
“So what’s the plan?”
Lakota pointed to a gas station and switched on his blinker. “Fill up my tank before we hit a few bars. Running Horse isn’t exactly a big town, so there aren’t a lot of places to go. Most of the Shifters spend their free time drinking. The women sometimes go to the bingo hall ten miles down the road but not so much lately. I’ll be inside for a few minutes while the tank is filling up. The Vampire who runs this place is pretty friendly—a straight shooter. From what I know, he’s helped the Council a few times because of chatter he’s overheard in the parking lot. One of the perks of being a Vampire.”
“And he’s just going to tell you whatever you want?”
“Not everyone around here’s a prick. He doesn’t seem to have any loyalties that I’m aware of. Just let me worry about all that.” Lakota parked next to the pump on the far right. “Fill her up with the cheapest octane. And wash the windshield while you’re at it, wife.”
When I narrowed my eyes, he gave me a devilish grin.
After Lakota headed inside, I got out and selected the option to pay cash inside. It was a slow-moving pump, probably designed that way so people would get bored and buy an expensive drink inside. The tiny convenience store only had eight pumps. When I noticed the warning sign about cell phones sparking a fire, I flipped the switch on the handle that locked the flow of gas before moving away from the truck so I could make a call.
I wandered to the edge of the parking lot and checked my phone, which I’d charged in the truck during the drive. When I saw it had enough juice, I called Hope.
“Mel, is that you?”
I laughed. “Who else would be calling from this number? How’s everything going?”
“Sorry, I wasn’t paying attention. I’ve got everything under control.”
She was such a terrible liar. “Are my brothers helping?”
“Too much,” she bit out. “They won’t let me lift a thing. When I stood on a chair to mount one of the racks, Lennon actually carried me outside. Were you able to get Shikoba to strike a deal?”
“Believe it or not, yes.”
She let out a shriek of excitement. “I knew you could do it! That’s the best news I’ve heard all day. This is going to be perfect. I can’t believe you did it!”
Though I was giddy right along with her, I was still uncertain how things would play out, given the recent developments with Tak.
“I have an idea of how we can market Shikoba’s name with the pieces,” she continued. “I think he’ll be pleased, and I hope to meet him soon. Does he know I need an immediate shipment?”
“Yes, I spoke to him about that, and he said he can arrange a delivery next week.”
She breathed a sigh of relief. “That’s so perfect. I owe you for this, Mel. I might have underestimated how tough it would be to close a deal with a man like Shikoba, but I also underestimated how good a negotiator you are.”
I chuckled. “That’s for sure. I’ve got a few loose ends to tie up, but I should be home tomorrow,” I said with a heavy heart. Leaving Lakota behind wasn’t something I was looking forward to, but I would only interfere with his investigation. “The next day at the latest. I know that’s cutting it close to our grand opening, but there’s no way I’d miss that. I’m really sorry for dumping all the labor on you, but I’m glad you’ve got some help.”
“Naya’s been an angel,” she confirmed. “I miss you.”