She remembered that Sam parked there, too. “I didn’t wait to look at your car. He was coming my way.”
Sam looked thoughtful. “Could be someone after you, or it could be someone after the night deposit.”
“Or both.”
Sam’s brows raised. “Sure. Anyone who knows my routine would know what time you girls go home.” He opened a drawer and pulled out a revolver. When he saw her looking at it, he smiled. “We small-business owners can’t afford much insurance, other than this.”
The sight of it made her feel immeasurably better, if he was proficient. “Do you know how to use it?”
“Point and shoot… What’s hard about that?”
She frowned, feeling less reassured now. “Shooting the right person is a good idea. I’ve called for help. Don’t shoot my help.”
“You called the cops?” He didn’t seem thrilled at that idea.
“No.”
Then he smiled. “Your bikers.”
She shrugged. “They won’t ask stupid questions and won’t mind taking action. So don’t shoot them.”
“You sure? I’ve never had the chance to shoot anyone, and I’d hate to miss out on a perfect chance.”
“I’m sure. Don’t shoot Max or Rafe.” She hesitated for a minute. “I guess not Brad either… or whomever is out there.”
Sam put the gun back in his desk. “Hell, you’re no fun at all, girl. They like you a hell of a lot, you know.”
The roar of several motorcycle engines reached them, and Simone peeked out through the greasy window. She didn’t want to address Sam’s comment. Not now. “The cavalry is here.”
“And no shooting.”
“Don’t sound so disappointed.”
“Hell, if I can’t shoot someone, it don’t mean nobody should get shot. Someone ought to be shot.”
She thought about her tires and her tiny bank balance. Well, that would be tomorrow’s problem. For now, she had to get home in one piece. “Tell me about it, Sam.”
When they rolledup to Simone’s car, it was clear that she’d been right, not hysterical or imagining things. The tires had been slashed good. She’d need new tires. Rafe looked around. He figured whoever it was would have taken off once Simone was safe in the office, but you never knew. He sat still, watching for any movement, any sign that a person was still around. Doubtful with the roar of the bikes, though.
“See anything?” asked Max, perching and tense on his bike, as though he’d leap off and pursue any movement.
Rafe sighed in disgust. “Nah.”
“Damnit. I was hoping we’d end this shit tonight.”
He nodded at his friend’s sentiment, sharing it.
After a bit he got out his phone and called Simone. “Are you in the office?”
“With Sam.”
“I think we scared off the stalker.”
She laughed, though she didn’t sound truly amused. “You can’t exactly sneak up on a person with those machines, can you? I heard you a block away.”
“I think it’s cool that it scares the bad guys off. Saves getting a person’s knuckles dirty and bruised.”
Max grunted his approval at Rafe’s words.