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  Bobby lowered his head with a heavy exhale. Something was definitely weighing heavily on his mind. Kim spoke again.

  “Bobby Styles, let me inform you of something you may not have considered,” said Kim. “She did not need you to come here.”

  “What? That don’t make sense. She asked me—”

  Kim smiled and stared into Bobby’s face as his voice trailed. “Do you believe Nia needed you to bring her that bike or her clothes? Do you not think she could have retrieved it herself without you knowing a thing? Or that she simply could have abandoned it all and bought what she needed from elsewhere? But if she had, she would not have you here, all to herself.”

  Kim rested his head on his knuckles. Bobby exhaled again, and their eyes met.

  “What about you, young man?” Kim asked. “How is it that you feel about the matter?”

  Bobby took a deep breath. “To tell you the truth, I don’t—”

  Nia suddenly trotted from the back of the warehouse, clad in a half-top and denim miniskirt, along with her biker gloves, heeled boots and tinted glasses. Her stride was brisk as she switched her way toward the entryway of the warehouse. With a bright and cheerful grin, she pounced up to Bobby and pressed her lips upon his cheek.

  “Thank you, baby,” said Nia.

  “For…for what?”

  “You packed my hair stuff…my brush, my curling iron and everything!” Nia explained. “That’s why you’re my favorite person. You’re so thoughtful.”

  “Well,” Bobby scratched his head nervously. “I know how much it means to you to have your hair tight.”

  Nia smiled at Bobby, and then turned to Kim.

  “I already know what you’re going to say,” Nia sighed. “After everything that’s happened, it’s time to cut and run, right?”

  Kim gave Nia an accommodating glance, his eyebrows going up.

  “Well, I can’t. I still have stuff to do.”

  “‘Cut and run’?” Bobby interjected. “What are you talking about?”

  Nia took a breath and turned to Bobby. “See, thing is, we found out the other day that those guys, you know…Corp Hudson’s people…they’re after me.”

  Bobby scoffed. “I could have told you that. I was at the Jazz Hall that night, you know.”

  Nia shook her head. “That’s not what I meant. They’re not just trying to arrest me or collect a bounty. They want to use me for something…study me or something like that. And old man Kim here thinks I need to be getting out of this city, like that’s going to help.”

  Bobby turned to Kim with a grin. “You ought to know better than that. Nia’s not the type to run away from anything.”

  “And besides,” Nia added. “Ain’t like I can run from them anyway! I mean, they found my house when I was a kid and got to Mom… Hiding don’t work. No, what I gotta do is take Hudson down…cut off the head and the body dies.”

  Kim sighed. “Still so stubborn.”

  “Stop worrying,” Nia grinned. “This is me we’re talking about here. They ain’t got nothing for me. I mean, if you’d seen that thing I dealt with last night, you’d be convinced too—they can’t beat me!”

  “What ‘thing’?!” Bobby interrupted. “I thought it was just soldiers.”

  Nia swallowed. She’d opened up a can of worms. She’d forgotten that Bobby and Charlene escaped before she fought Armstrong’s enhanced form.

  “Well, see, they had this thing… this monster. Bullets weren’t even slowing the dude down. But, I beat it!”

  “Oh yeah?” Bobby stammered. “How?”

  “Um…I was just stronger, I guess.”

  “You think they’ve got…more like that ‘thing’? Or like the dude from the other night, with the gun for an arm?”

  Nia looked into his eyes. Damn—here I go. Bobby must be scared out of his mind right now after what happened the other night. I keep forgetting he’s not like me.

  “Now don’t you worry,” Nia smiled. “I’ll keep looking out for you, Bobby!”

  Bobby’s attitude changed. His eyebrows furrowed and his fists closed. He was suddenly a man facing a challenge to his manhood.

  “I don’t need you to be ‘looking out’ for me, Nia. I can take care of myself.”

  “Chill,” Nia laughed. “We can’t all be fearsome like me. You just keep worrying about that sweet music you play…for the club, and for me…and let me handle the light work. I mean, after beating that thing last night and the dude with the gun-arm, I know those guys ain’t got nothing for me. As soon as my client gets back to me, it’s back to business.”

  “Client?” Bobby wondered.

  Nia nodded. “Yeah, I got, um, a new job.”

  He gasped. “That was fast! Is it somebody we know?”

  “Bobby, not all my clients meet me at the Jazz Hall, okay?”

  “Oh…so who is it? I know it ain’t Drakonis again, is it? You ain’t learned your lesson from the last time?”

  “No, it’s somebody else, somebody you don’t know.”

  “Huh. I thought I knew all of your clients,” Bobby muttered.

  “Well, you don’t!”

  Kim interjected. “And what do you plan to do in the meantime, Nia?”

  “I’m just going to chill for a minute,” she answered, grateful for Kim’s timing. “Practice the kickboxing; get my plans in order; wait until I hear from my client.”

  “And just where do you plan to do this ‘chilling’?” asked Kim. “Surely you do not plan to stay here?”

  “Why not?” Nia shouted. “You stay here!”

  “I am a quiet old man who tinkers with machines and does not draw attention to himself. You on the other hand are loud and dangerous. It would not look good for you and I to be seen together here.”

  “But I can’t stay with Bobby anymore; Charlene damn sure ain’t having that,” Nia mumbled. “I don’t have any options. There’s no way somebody like me can just walk up into an apartment building and apply for a lease.”

  Bobby spoke. “I know somebody running some apartments down in the waterfront. He doesn’t do the background check as long as you’ve got the money, and as long as you got someone to put in a good word. Since he’s a friend of mine, we should be able to hook you right up.”

  “For real?” Nia cheered. “That’s what’s up!”

  “Just make sure you got enough cash to make my man keep his mouth shut and you should be all right,” Bobby went on. “I was thinking about telling you about his place sooner, but…you know…I was kind of enjoying your company at the crib.”

  “I’ll just bet you were,” Nia giggled. Then she reached into a pocket and drew a clip of money. “Does this look like enough cash for your man to keep his mouth shut?”

  “Damn, is that real?!” Bobby gasped in awe. He had never laid eyes on so much money at once before.

  Nia pulled some money from the clip and handed it to him. “I know you lost out last night, so here…from me to you, as an apology.”

  Bobby accepted the money without another thought. “Thanks. I lost big when those people snatched me…they messed up my biggest gig of the year.”

  “I hope that kind of makes up for it,” Nia said apologetically.

  She actually expected Bobby to refuse the money.

  “Well, I don’t know if I’m going to get that record deal now or not, but what the hell…you ready to go?” Bobby continued, stuffing the cash in his pocket. “Gallagher’s not a night person…we need to get on the ball if we’re going to catch him before he turns in. Let’s go back to my spot so you can get the rest of your stuff first. We can load it in my jeep after you drive me back home. Charlene is at work, so we shouldn’t have any problems if we go now.”

  As Nia and Bobby turned toward the building entrance, Kim called out to her.

  “Nia!”

  Nia turned to him. “Hmm?”

  “Guard yourself.”

  Nia and Bobby climbed on her silver sport bike, Bobby clutching Nia’s sides as she started t
he ignition.

  “You know me, I’m always careful!” she assured her mentor.

  Nia and Bobby sped off, the motorcycle roaring into the dark and starry horizon. Kim shook his head, watching them until they were out of sight. He sealed the doors of the warehouse and retired for the evening, the quiet of his peaceful domain returning once more.

  Nineteen

  Bobby and Nia pulled up to the house that Nia once called home. Bobby jumped off the bike before Nia even turned it off, rushing directly for the door.

  “Bobby…” Nia muttered as she stepped up behind him. “How long until Charlene gets home?”

  Bobby groaned. “Not long enough.”

  He immediately charged into the house and turned to the first door on the left, Nia’s door. The drawers were empty: as suspected, someone, presumably Hudson’s men, had searched the house and confiscated all of her weaponry, along with what money she’d stashed there. Her clothing and other personal items remained. Bobby and Charlene took the time to load Nia’s things into large plastic bags earlier. Her bed was dismantled and ready for transport.

  “She was just waiting for you to come back for your things,” Bobby added. “Come on; let’s get this stuff into the back of my jeep.”

  Nia looked down as he bolted back and forth past her.

  He must be tired…maybe he just wants to hurry up and get me out of here before Charlene gets back. Yeah. He doesn’t need any more drama.

  “What you waiting on? Come on!”

  Soon, the loading was complete. Bobby climbed into his vehicle and started the ignition.

  “Just follow me on your bike,” Bobby said. “Won’t take but twenty minutes to get to Gallagher’s on the expressway.”

  Soon, Nia was riding on her motorcycle, following Bobby’s jeep. It reminded her of the time when he’d first brought her to his house; though only a year had passed since then, Nia felt nostalgic.

  Nia pulled up beside Bobby’s jeep so she could see his face. He was smiling when he turned his head quickly to return the look. She couldn’t figure out why he seemed so elated, now that they were away from the house.

  Is he actually happy to see me moving out?

  Soon they arrived, parking in front of a small row of buildings that made up a residential area just off the coast of the bay. Bobby leaped from his jeep and locked it up.

  “The first building…” Bobby said. “This is it.”

  “This shack?” Nia griped. “As much money as I got…”

  “Hey, if this ain’t up to your demanding standards, feel free to look somewhere else,” Bobby snapped back. “Ungrateful ass…”

  Nia trotted up to Bobby and clutched his arm, resting her head on his shoulder. “Baby, I’m sorry. But why are you so stressed?”

  “Look, I’m just…dealing with a lot right now,” he responded, raising his head to the sky with a heavy exhale. “I need to relax, I know. Everything’s cool right now, right? Charlene and I aren’t in any more danger, are we?”

  “I already told you, no,” Nia said, her hands slowly sliding down until she no longer held his arm. “What, you don’t believe me?”

  Bobby exhaled. “Well, come on; let’s get you a place to live. You’ll love it down here. You got the beach right there, and it’s real quiet so I doubt anybody will come here looking for you.”

  “Yeah, and it’s not that far from Charlene’s house, so I’ll be close to you, too!” Nia cheered.

  Bobby immediately stormed ahead of her and entered the building, shaking his head.

  What? Nia thought. What did I say?

  Nia caught up and followed Bobby inside. The building’s wooden construction did little to stifle the sounds of the outside. Nia liked that. Since they arrived, the soothing sound of the moving waters relaxed her, especially in the presence of a man she found most attractive. The air was much fresher than that of the inner city as well. And being able to hear what was going on outside with ease would make it easier for her to react in the event of danger.

  The building and the surroundings had a certain flavor, a cozy, undemanding essence that made Nia actually look forward to staying there. She preferred a simple place to disappear to when her missions were over, and while it lacked some of the benefits of staying with Bobby and Charlene, the soothing atmosphere and fresh air made up for it.

  At the front desk sat a chubby and balding man wearing a red flannel shirt that was a bit too small. He smelled of trout and sand but when he laid eyes on her and Bobby and when his rosy smile lifted his hefty cheeks, Nia actually felt the place was even more inviting.

  “Bobby!” grumbled the man in a raspy voice. “Long time no see, buddy boy!”

  “Gallagher, you still up, man?” Bobby chuckled, clasping the man’s palm in friendship. He then turned to Nia. “This is Gallagher, a good friend of my mom’s. He took me and my mother in when I was a little kid, after my dad ditched us, even though she couldn’t afford it. He let us stay here until my mom could get back on her feet. I promised him that I’d pay him back any way I could when I could, so I always donate to his little building and help him find good tenants.”

  “Damn, Bob, you’ve got some crazy connections in this town!” Nia laughed.

  “All comes from doing right by people,” Bobby sighed. “That’s all I do.”

  “Doing right, huh?” Nia muttered. Trying to tell me something?

  “So is this that mystery woman you’re so in love with, Bob?” Gallagher grunted. “Finally introducing me to the lady of your dreams? You’ve been hiding her from me for so long…”

  Bobby stammered. “Well—”

  Nia immediately stepped forth and reached out to shake the man’s hand.

  “What’s up? I’m Nia.”

  “‘Nia’?” Gallagher coughed. “I thought the gal’s name was Charlie or something, Bobby…”

  Bobby cleared his throat as Nia stepped back, twisting nervously.

  “Gallagher,” Bobby spoke, “My friend here needs a place. Can you hook her up?”

  “For a friend of yours, no problem!” Gallagher responded. “Just so happens an efficiency just got freed up recently. Is she, you know, reliable?”

  Nia grunted. “Excuse me, I’m standing right here. Trust me; you’ll get your rent money on time. Early if you want.”

  “Oh, okay, little lady, excuse me,” Gallagher laughed. “We’re going to get along just fine, I can tell. So when do you want to move in?”

  “How’s tonight sound?” Nia spoke again.

  “It’s going to cost you…” Gallagher said. “You know, first month, last month, security, all that jazz.”

  Nia filed out a mass of hundred-dollar bills and glared upon Gallagher with her most charming, pouting look.

  “Uh, is this enough?” she said whimsically.

  “Well! This’ll do just fine,” Gallagher gasped, snatching the money. “Just what do you do for a living, girlie?”

  “I’m a dancer,” Nia lied. “Look at me; don’t I look like I’d make a lot of money dancing? I work way uptown…need to live as far away from there as possible, you know? I can’t have fiends knowing where I live.”

  Gallagher scratched his rough chin. “I guess I can understand why you’d want to live somewhere inconspicuous. You seem nice enough, and your money’s good. So you’ve got yourself a deal. Here’s the key. Room 2-C, the first door on the right hand side when you get to the second floor.”

  Nia turned to Bobby. “Well? Are you going to help me move my stuff in?”

  “What you mean?” Bobby said. “You’re strong enough to—!”

  Nia scowled.

  “Go on, Bob,” Gallagher interrupted. “Be a gentleman! Help the lady out!”

  Bobby sighed. “Yeah. All right. Let’s get the bed first.”

  Bobby and Nia spent a few hours moving and arranging her things into the room. The bags of clothes sat on the floor along with the suitcase filled with her weapons and equipment.

  Under closer examination,
Nia felt the modest room held some promise. It was a square with three doors, one leading to a closet, one leading to the bathroom and one leading out. On the eastern side of the room was a small opening leading to an even more humble kitchen. Heating came from a central unit through ventilation ducts and gave the room a comfortable atmosphere without drying out the air.

  Less the kitchen, it was a bit smaller than the room she rented in Charlene’s house, but for the reduced rent she would be paying, Nia thought it was worth it. A single window opposite to the door allowed Nia to view the outer front of the building, and the rear of the structure faced the waters, so it was unlikely anyone would be able to approach her without her noticing. Though a simple place, it was quiet, secluded and cozy.

  Bobby and Nia reconstructed the bed and positioned it near the window before laying sheets upon it. Nia sat upon the mattress and crossed her legs as Bobby wiped his brow and turned to the door.

  “Thank you, baby,” Nia smiled.

  “We both know you didn’t need my help with this stuff,” Bobby said back. “You’re probably way stronger than me. So what’s up?”

  “You’re right, Bobby,” Nia replied. “It wasn’t about the extra pair of arms or you doing the heavy lifting for me or anything like that. It was the principle of you helping your girl out.”

  “See, Nia, that’s just it,” Bobby groaned. “You’re not…”

  “Shush. Never mind that right now,” Nia said as she stood and wrapped her arms around Bobby’s waist, pulling him as she stepped backwards toward the bed. “I’m not going to let you go until you properly thank me for saving you. I’ll use force if I have to.”

  Bobby could not help but to laugh. “Girl, you got problems.”

  With a wily grin, Nia took hold of Bobby’s belt and instantly swung him around, slinging him until he flopped on her bed!

  “What are you doing?!” Bobby gasped, leaning on his elbows.

  “Don’t you think you should give me a housewarming present?” Nia wondered, leaning on the bed over Bobby, holding herself up with her arms, bouncing her hips left and right. His eyes followed her hips, and then Bobby shook his head and tried to clear his head.