Mike rang up their items, his movements quick and efficient. Well, he said as he bagged their purchases, good on you for standing up to those guys, they’ve been causing trouble around here for weeks. Jason raised an eyebrow at this information, but said nothing, simply handing over his credit card to pay for their items.
As Mike handed them their receipt, he leaned in slightly. Just be careful leaving, okay? Those types don’t usually give up easily. Rosie thanked him for his concern, her grip tightening slightly on the dog’s leashes.
Jason took the bags in one hand, his other arm protectively around Rosie’s shoulders as they made their way back to the store’s exit. They hesitated briefly at the doors, scanning the parking lot for any trace of the bikers. They were gone.
The sun had sunk lower, stretching long shadows across the asphalt and cloaking the scene in an unsettling stillness. As Jason and Rosie exited the store with their purchases, a wave of relief washed over them. The area around the gas station appeared clear of the bikers and their motorcycles.
Rosie released a long, relieved breath, circling her arm through Jason’s as they began their walk home. Thank goodness that’s over, Rosie whispered, her voice barely audible above the soft panting of Dolly and Peggy. The dogs seemed oblivious to the tension, trotting happily alongside their owners.
Jason nodded, his eyes still scanning their surroundings as they walked through the gas station’s pump area. The setting sun cast long shadows across the pumps, creating an eerie landscape of light and dark. After a few moments of cautious silence, Rosie spoke again, her voice hushed.
Do you think they really feared your threats? Will they leave us alone now? Jason’s response was measured but realistic. It’s hard to say, he admitted. Police rarely pursue animal-related complaints unless there’s serious injury involved, but I’m hoping my warning was enough of a deterrent.
They continued walking, the rhythmic click of the dogs’ nails on the pavement a comforting counterpoint to the ambient sounds of the evening. As they passed the station’s peripheral vision, his muscles tensed as he spotted the bikers, their motorcycles now parked at a distance. Though they appeared preoccupied, their presence set Jason’s nerves on edge.
Rosie, noticing Jason’s sudden tension, followed his gaze, her grip on his arm tightened slightly. Maybe we should cross the road, she suggested, her voice trembling slightly. Take an alternate route home.
Jason considered her suggestion for a moment before shaking his head. No, he said firmly, the sunset is coming soon, and I don’t want to show them we’re afraid, we’ll keep going, just stay close to me. They continued their walk, trying not to stare or pay any attention to the bikers.
The dogs, sensing the tension, walked closer to their owners, their earlier enthusiasm dampened. Jason and Rosie slowed their pace just as they passed the parked Harleys. Just as they walked past the bikers casually, thinking they might make it home without further incident, Tucker sprang into action.
With a sudden aggressive movement he attempted to kick at the dogs. Jason reacted instantly, pushing Rosie aside and pulling hard on the leashes. But despite his quick reflexes, Tucker’s boot made contact with Peggy.
The small dog let out a sharp yelp of pain that quickly transformed into a growl. Before anyone could react, Peggy had sunk her teeth into Tucker’s boot, refusing to let go even as Jason attempted to pull her away. The peaceful evening had shattered in an instant.
As Jason struggled to control Peggy and protect Rosie and Dolly, the air filled with Tucker’s curses and the shocked exclamations of nearby witnesses. The confrontation they had hoped to avoid had found them anyway, and now they faced a dangerous and unpredictable situation. In the chaos following Peggy’s defensive bite, Tucker’s curses filled the air.
Damn mutt! he yelled, shaking his foot in an attempt to dislodge the determined Dachshund. You’ve ruined my boot! Despite the seriousness of the situation, Rosie couldn’t help but interject, her voice sharp with a mix of fear and pride. Dachshunds may be small, but they’re fearless.
You should have known better than to try and hurt them. Jason finally managed to pull Peggy away, her small body trembling with adrenaline, as she continued to growl at Tucker. The biker’s thick leather boot had protected him from injury, but his pride was clearly wounded.
Enraged, Tucker attempted another kick, this time aiming for Dolly. Jason’s voice cut through the tension like a knife. Don’t you dare try again, he warned, his tone deadly serious as he held up his phone, or the police will hear about this.
The threat of police involvement seemed to give Tucker pause, but before the situation could de-escalate, Vince joined the confrontation. His earlier attempts at friendliness were gone, replaced by a venomous anger. You’ve taken this to another level, Vince spat, his eyes darting between Jason and Rosie.
We were offering you peace simply with a picture, because we love your movies, but you treated us like we were lower than your servants. He paused, a malicious grin spreading across his face. You think you’re high and mighty with your celebrity status? Let me tell you, it won’t keep you safe.
We know where you live. The internet these days is so full of useful information, and more of us will come to your home. The threat hung heavy in the air, the implications clear.
Jason’s jaw clenched, his mind racing as he considered their options. After a moment of tense silence he spoke, his voice low and controlled. If you were real men you’d settle this man to man, Jason challenged, his eyes never leaving Vince’s face.
Vince and Tucker exchanged a glance before Vince responded. Our biker gang isn’t just a gang, it’s a pack, and a pack stays together. Fine, Jason said, his tone indicating he was done with their posturing.
What do you propose? The biker’s grins widened, a predatory gleam in their eyes. Meet us here at the gas station at four a.m. tomorrow morning, Vince said. Bring your dogs, we’ll take you to a secret location for a little—challenge.
Tucker’s laugh carried a malicious intent as he added, let’s see how your little mops fare against real dogs. Rosie’s protests were immediate and vehement. Absolutely not, she exclaimed, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and fear.
We’re not putting our dogs in danger for your sick games. Her hands balled into fists at her sides, and her eyes darted nervously toward their two small dogs, who were now huddled close to her feet. But to Rosie’s shock and dismay, Jason nodded his expression unreadable.
We’ll be there, he said, his voice calm and steady, almost unnervingly so. His words hung in the air, final and unwavering, leaving no room for debate. Rosie’s face twisted in disbelief as she took a step toward him.
Jason, what the hell are you thinking? she hissed, lowering her voice as if the bikers might still be within earshot. This isn’t just some stupid dare, this is our dogs’ lives we’re talking about. Jason didn’t answer…
He turned on his heel and began walking away from the men, his hands buried in his hoodie pockets. Rosie’s repeated questions, sharp and desperate, fell on deaf ears as they made their way back toward home. His silence only fuelled her frustration, and she quickened her pace to match his, her voice rising as she pressed him.
Do you even care what happens to them? she snapped, her heart pounding with anxiety. Do you have any idea what you just agreed to? Jason remained quiet, his jaw tight, his gaze fixed on the path ahead. The tension between them crackled like electricity, unspoken words hanging heavy in the air.
As they walked the sun dipped lower, the warm light of the afternoon giving way to the long, creeping shadows of evening. The once familiar neighbourhood around them seemed to shift, taking on an eerie, unwelcoming quality. Every rustle of leaves, every distant engine sound made Rosie flinch, her eyes darting nervously over her shoulder.
Jason, on the other hand, seemed completely unfazed, his stride steady and purposeful. But even he occasionally glanced back, his movements subtle yet cautious. Neither of them said it aloud, but both were acutely aware of the possibility that the bikers might still be watching.
The dogs trotted anxiously at their sides, sensing the tension in the air. Rosie kept them close, her knuckles white as she gripped their leashes tightly. She glanced at Jason again, her expression a mix of fear and frustration.
By the time they reached their small house, the once vivid colours of the sunset had faded into muted greys, the darkness pressing in around them. Rosie fumbled with the keys, casting one last wary look over her shoulder, before they stepped inside and locked the door. Jason did a thorough check of the perimeter, ensuring they hadn’t been followed.
Finally, in the safety of their home, Rosie couldn’t hold back any longer. «‘You owe me an explanation,’ she said, her voice trembling. «‘Why would you agree to this? What are you planning, Jason?’ Only when he was certain of their safety did he finally break his silence.
«‘I know you’re worried,’ he began, his voice soft but firm. «‘But I need you to trust me. Accepting that challenge was a tactical move to prevent immediate danger.’ Rosie’s eyes widened in surprise.
«‘What do you mean? How does agreeing to meet those thugs again, with our dogs no less, prevent danger?’ Jason moved to the window, peering out into the darkening street before drawing the curtains closed. «‘If I had refused, they might have followed us home to-night. This way we bought ourselves some time.’ Despite his explanation, concern was still etched deeply on Rosie’s face.
«‘But surely you’re not actually planning to go through with it? To risk our dogs in some twisted fight?’ Jason shook his head, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. «‘Of course not. I have no intention of engaging in any fighting, dog, or otherwise.
I have a better plan.’ Rosie’s posture relaxed slightly, though worry still clouded her eyes. «‘What kind of plan?’ «‘I’m going to settle this to-night,’ Jason said, his tone resolute. «‘Just trust me.
I’ll deal with this situation before it escalates further.’ Rosie’s eyes widened in alarm. «‘To-night? Jason, that’s too dangerous. We should call the police, let them handle it.’ Jason shook his head.
«‘The police can’t do much without concrete evidence, and if we involve them now it might just anger these guys more.’ Despite her obvious concern, Rosie nodded slowly. «‘I do trust you,’ she said softly. «‘Just be careful, okay? Whatever you’re planning to do.’ With a reassuring smile, Jason kissed Rosie gently before heading towards the door.
«‘I will. Just for safety measure, lock up behind me and don’t open the door for anyone.’ As Jason stepped out into the cool evening air, he could hear the faint sounds of Dolly and Peggy playing inside. The normalcy of the sound contrasted sharply with the tension of the situation, strengthening his resolve to put an end to this threat quickly and quietly.
His first stop was back at the gas station. The same cashier from earlier was still on duty, looking surprised to see Jason return so soon. «‘Everything okay, Mr. Statham?’ the cashier asked, concern evident in his voice.
Jason nodded, keeping his tone casual. «‘Yeah, just forgot something earlier. Say, those bikers who were causing trouble, do you know anything about them? Where they might hang out?’ The cashier’s expression darkened.
