Page 116 of Truck Up
“What the fuck is he doing here?” He grumbles as he rushes toward the open bay door. In the process, he kicks a rolling toolbox, sending tools scattering across the concrete floor.
I have my back to it so I can’t see who’s here. A part of me doesn’t even want to turn around to find out. My life is shitty enough as it is. I don’t need another asshole adding to the disaster I made all on my own.
Especially when that asshole is most likely a Koch brother.
I hear some grumbling and the low rumble of voices, but it’s not loud enough that I can make it out. Knowing Ash, he’s ready to start a fight. If he does, I’ll get up. But as long as they remain somewhat civil, I’m staying out of it. For Amelia. I’ve done enough damage to our relationship. I don’t need to add more fuel to the already raging flames.
“I just want to talk,” I hear someone say. I keep my head down and groan. It’s Linden Koch. The instigator of all my current problems. He’s the last person I want to talk to right now.
“No one wants to talk to you,” Ash says.
“Please, I’m not here to start shit,” Linden says. “I just have a few questions for Christian.”
I sigh and drop my head. Linden wouldn’t come here unless it was important. Especially not alone.
Tossing the wrench on the ground next to the bike, I resign to speak to him. It’s the only way to get him to leave. Plus, I’m curious about what he has to say.
“It’s okay,” I say to Ash. “I’ll talk to him.” I grab the shop rag I have slung over my shoulder and wipe the grease off my hands. It doesn’t do much to clean my hands, but it gets the worst of it off.
“You don’t have to talk to him,” Ash says. He furrows his brow and frowns at me. “He knows better than to come here.”
I squeeze Ash’s shoulder and give him a reassuring nod. “It’s okay. Let me handle this.”
He stares at me for a moment before he turns his glare back to Linden. “Don’t try anything stupid or I’m coming for you.”
Linden raises his hands in surrender. “Like I said. I’m not here to start shit. I just have a few questions.”
Ash takes a step back, but he doesn’t leave. He hovers behind me like he’s my bodyguard. It almost makes me laugh. The last thing I need is a bodyguard. I’m a stronger, faster fighter than him anyway.
“Alright, you got my attention,” I say.
Linden looks over my shoulder at Ash. “Can we talk in private?”
“I ain’t leaving you alone with him.” Ash puffs his chest out and the glare on his face deepens.
“It’s okay,” I say. “I can handle this. Get back to work before you get behind.”
“But I don’t trust him.” He insists.
“Yeah, well, neither do I.” I turn to Ash and wave him back inside. “He’s not going to do anything. Besides, you can see us from your workstation. If I need help, come running.”
Ash hesitates for several seconds before he finally gives me a single nod and heads back inside.
I turn back to Linden. “Okay. Talk.”
Linden rubs the back of his neck and looks around nervously. I can’t tell if it’s because he’s checking for hidden dangers or he’s nervous to ask me his questions.
“What happened to Amelia’s arm?”
His question is not accusatory. From his tone, he doesn’t think I did that to her.
“Ask her,” I say. If I tell him the truth, it will only lead to more questions. Questions I cannot answer.
“I did, and she won’t tell me.”
I cross my arms over my chest, ready to stand my ground. “If she’s not ready to talk, then I can’t help you.”
He furrows his brow. “What does that even mean?”