Read Online - Black Gold 2 - Double Black by Clancy Nacht, Thursday Euclid - Free Book Online Page A

that the man might eject him from the premises. “Young man.” He offered a massive hand to shake. “I’m Robbie.”
    Cole took Robbie’s hand and gave it a tentative squeeze. “I’m Cole. Nice to meet you, sir.”
As Robbie returned the squeeze, Cole looked at Goldie for reassurance, wishing he’d come closer so Cole could hide behind him.
Goldie bounded out and leaped into Robbie’s arms.
The large man chortled and shook his head. “Boy, you’re getting a little big to be flinging yourself at old men!”
“I’m not big at all!” Goldie play-poked Robbie’s chest and dropped to his feet. “I missed you.”
Robbie shook his head. “I was here two days ago.”
“That was two days ago. You should move in.” Goldie pouted. Honest to goodness pouted at Robbie. Was this guy more than a security guard?
“With my wife and kids?”
What in the world was going on?
Goldie nodded. “Yes. Everyone!”
    Robbie rolled his eyes and then turned around to retrieve a pair of baggy pants from the SUV. He tossed them at Goldie. “Go cover your ass already.”
Cole stared wide-eyed at the exchange between the pair. His fascination gave way to dread at the prospect Goldie might leave them alone while he changed. Trying to keep him from leaving, Cole blurted, “So uh…how would Jethro feel about Robbie moving in, Goldie? Heh. With his wife and kids.”
    “JETT WAS THE one who suggested it. Though that may have been for the pancakes Robbie’s wife makes more than any affection for Robbie.” Goldie winked at Cole and patted his shoulder.
He was acting a little weird. Was Kansas really so devoid of black people that he might be afraid? Goldie looked over his shoulder at Robbie.
     
In fairness, Robbie had been hired to be intimidating.
     
“Let me run inside and put these on.” Goldie held up the jeans, ducked inside, and switched his pants.
    The two men appeared to be making awkward conversation. Cole kept his head down and nodded a lot. Goldie wondered what they were saying, but Robbie probably wouldn’t tell him.
    Goldie ran back out and pulled his cap lower. “So what do you think? Do I pass for the hoi polloi?”
“Perfect!” Cole smiled as he looked Goldie up and down. Then he glanced over at Robbie and looked away. “So, um. I’m gonna get in the truck.”
    True to his word, Cole turned his back to them, opened the door, and climbed into the vehicle as Robbie looked on.
Goldie eyed Robbie. “You weren’t mean to him, were you?”
    Robbie raised his brows and his hands. “Me? Mean?”
No, Robbie wasn’t mean to people, exactly, but he could be daunting. Jett was understandably defensive about Cole, but that Robbie was cool toward him made Goldie wonder if he was doing the right thing. Jett and Robbie had hit it off right away.
Leaning in, Goldie whispered, “Do you think that’s Jett’s son?”
    Robbie narrowed his eyes at Goldie. “I think you should get a test. You should be asking yourself why you want that to be his son. You like him, don’t you?”
Goldie crossed his arms and nodded. “I can’t help it. He’s so much like Jett. Robbie, I’m not going to have a family like you do. I mean, Jett and I…and he’s… Well, Jett won’t have another chance.”
“Goldie, Jett doesn’t want a chance at having a child. You know that.” The words were no less gutting because they were true or coming from Robbie. “I know. I just…”
    Robbie’s hand rested heavily on Goldie’s shoulder. “You want one.” That wasn’t a question. On the spot, Goldie felt very uncomfortable. “Someday.” Robbie’s thick fingers curled into his skin. “Someday soon.”
    Goldie looked at the SUV, wanting to escape. “It doesn’t matter. It’s not even that. I just like having company.”
Grabbing his other shoulder, Robbie pulled Goldie to face him. “Of course it matters. You can’t keep that to yourself. You’re gonna have to tell Jett.”
Goldie looked everywhere but into Robbie’s eyes. “It