Page 18 of Falcon

The old ladies paused as customers stared.

“Can I ask why?”

“Because we don’t want your kind in here,” Jess retorted.

“A taxpayer?” I taunted, amused. I guessed where she was heading with this.

“A slut for those criminals,” she hissed.

The old ladies drew in their breaths sharply.

A haughty smile crossed my lips. “A slut?”

“Yeah. We’re decent folk here, and now one of our own is dead, and your pimps are behind it,” Jess continued. Several people made noises, some in agreement, others horrified.

“Ah, I see. In that case, don’t bring your cat to my practice again.”

Jess drew back as shock rose.

Then I added, “Not even in an emergency because I won’t treat it.”

Jess cut me off. “But there isn’t…”

“Excuse me, I hadn’t finished. I don’t care if there isn’t another veterinarian around because, like you, I can be a cunt and refuse service, just like you. Calamity was questioned because Carter Smith used to work at the scrapyard before we bought it. Carter’s never worked for Rage MC. And judging by the rumours, your upright citizen was heavily into drug running. Something we aren’t…”

“Says you!” Jess interrupted.

“Says the sheriff’s office. In fact, since Rage moved here, drug usage has significantly dropped. Maybe because we made it clear we won’t tolerate drugs in our hometown. Cates asked a few questions before sending Calamity, my husband, home to my bed. Calling Calam my pimp only shows your own twisted mind. I wear a wedding ring proudly. My husband has never been convicted of a crime and is lauded as a hero for staying to defend a town when he was a civilian.

“Calam nearly died there, shot through the throat and was bleeding out. If not for his brother holding the two ends of his jugular vein, Calamity would have been dead. My man is not a criminal, you judgemental cunt. But don’t worry. You wanna be poisonous, fine. I’m surprised you can turn away our custom, considering the cost-of-living today. But we’ll take our wages elsewhere. And trust me, it’s very hard-earned lying on our backs all day and not going out running businesses,” I sneered.

Everyone watching knew we were hard workers. But prejudice is just that.

“Come on, we’ll head over to Moon Showers. From now on, this establishment is blacklisted,” I announced.

“Think that bothers me?” Jess jeered.

The smug smile crossed my lips again. “It’s not only old ladies who buy here linked to Rage. It’s our employees, their spouses, families, and so on. Word of mouth is a bitch. I give you six months before you’re closing shop.”

A woman who’d been listening put her basket down, which was quite full, and left. Two further women did the same.

Jess paled as she suddenly realised what I was saying and what she was witnessing. She’d expected the town to stand with her, and it was clear not everyone would. Before Jess could say another word, I exited the shop.

“Let’s head to Moon Showers and be prepared to spend, girls,” I ordered.

Oakley rubbed her hands together. “I’m always ready for that!” She grinned.

The owner of Moon Showers looked up as we entered. New to town, Natalie had struggled with gaining customers, as The Bath and Body Shop had been established for several years. We had tried to shop fairly between the two establishments, but screw that.

“Hi! Welcome to my store! Today I’m giving a free soap with every purchase over forty bucks,” Natalie said, her smile forced but genuine. Sales hadn’t been great for her, I guessed. Well, Natalie’s luck was about to change.

“Girl, you better have some cardboard boxes out there, bag’s won’t be enough!” Penny warned with a grin as we grabbed baskets. I sent a text to Mina, Carmelle, Demi, and Amberlea telling them to get down here and spend. Natalie was flabbergasted as they turned up, and after telling them what had happened, they rolled up their sleeves and started shopping in earnest. Mina, Aurora, and Grace, all with large social media followings, posted videos about where they bought their items from.

“Wow, I can’t believe you did that!” Natalie gasped.

“You’ve got an online presence?” Mina asked, and Natalie nodded, and Mina posted again, standing by an amazing display of bath bombs.

“My fame comes in handy sometimes,” Grace replied, grinning. She’d been famous for bashing her ex-husband over the head with a leg of lamb. He’d been drugging her and cheating on her with her friend. Grace had taken offence to that and brained him. He’d survived, and she became infamous for it, with most taking her side. Everyone agreed Savage was damn brave for being with her.