Hidden Summit

now.”
    “What does that mean? You mean kick you to the curb?”
    He gave a little shrug. “The reason no one knows where I am or who my close friends are is because I’ve been threatened. My store was burned down. And the reason no one but me and the D.A. knows where Katie and the boys are is because we can’t take the chance that they would be threatened to get to me. We won’t be going back to Sacramento, where we’ve lived almost our entire lives, because we’d make too visible a target in the unlikely case of revenge.”
    “Where will you go?”
    “Not sure. Katie likes it where she is, but that’s not a final decision. I like it here, but that’s not a final decision, either.”
    “And after the trial? Is your life in danger after the trial?” She wanted to know.
    “Always possible, if you consider revenge. But I’m not a mobster testifying against mobsters.... I’m just a guy who was taking out the trash. I’ll keep this new identity and start over, but I’m not planning to hide in deep cover like secret witnesses in a marshal’s program. You know—like never make a phone call to friends or visit them. Every witness to any crime faces the possibility of revenge, I guess. But if the guy is locked up, getting rid of me won’t help him. Might even make things worse for him. I think I’m at risk before the trial. Which is why I’m going to visit Katie and the boys before I have to go testify. While I can…”
    “You should,” she said.
    “It would be hard to give you up, but like I said…”
    “Right—cut my losses. Well, not before you cook and serve me that sea bass, that’s for sure.”
    He smiled at her. “Maybe after I finish the dishes?” he asked.
    “Maybe after you finish me,” she said. “But unlikely. If you decide to go away, I won’t try to hold on to you. You’re free to go, you know that. But I’m not going to give you up just because you come with a few complications. You’re too good in the kitchen.”
    “I don’t want to put a strain on you....”
    “Oh, I think we’ll manage. Now before we enjoy a splendid meal and some wild monkey sex, is there anything else you should tell me?”
    “You mean other than a crazy ex-wife and a murderer who could be after me? No, that probably covers it.”

Twelve
    J ack actually heard the motorcycle pull into town before he saw the biker. The Harley had a fierce rumble, like someone had poked a screwdriver into the muffler a few times. On purpose. He glanced out the side window behind the bar and saw a roadster with high handle bars parked right next to the bar. Seconds later its rider ambled in.
    He was a big guy with a lot of leather and hair, long retro sideburns and a shaggy goatee. And it kind of surprised Jack to note a wedding band.
    “Afternoon, pardner,” Jack said.
    “Hey,” the guy answered. “Just a cup of coffee while I think about food. And while you’re pouring that, can I trouble you for the restroom?”
    “Absolutely. Right through the kitchen there. Be sure you hit the one with the sign on the door and don’t make a wrong turn into the cook’s residence.”
    “I’ll do my best,” he said, making his way through the door.
    He was back momentarily, looking a little spruced up. His long hair, which had been a little matted down where it wasn’t wild and crazy, had been combed into a fresh pony tail; he might’ve washed his face.
    “Get the bugs out of your teeth?” Jack asked.
    “Pretty much,” he said, lifting his coffee cup. “It’s a beautiful day out there.”
    “This place really lights up in spring,” Jack said. “Where you headed?”
    “Don’t know,” he answered. “Just around. What’s good today?”
    “There’s the irony,” Jack said. “There’s no choice, but it doesn’t matter—everything is good here. It’s whatever the cook dreams up. Today it’s a seafood bouillabaisse—there was a special on lobster and scallops.”
    “Damn,” he said. “That sounds awesome!”
    “It is. Has a coconut base and Preacher said to be sure to tell anyone who’s gonna eat it, there are peanuts in it. Not a lot, but they’re there. The way he tells it, people who are allergic to peanuts can’t take the smallest amount.”
    “No problem. I love peanuts.” He looked at his watch. “Am I too early for some of that?”
    “I think I can talk him out of some even though you’re a little ahead of the dinner crowd. Excuse me a second.” Jack went to the kitchen door to