Knight Shift Read Free

about the store’s new direction, two identical, deep red motorcycles pulled into the parking lot. The sight made those standing outside do a double-take when the men took off their helmets and they saw riders as identical as their motorcycles. Not only did they share the same flaming red hair, they wore the exact same outfit from the leather jackets down to their shoes.
    The twins, Taylor and Tadd, looked to be in their early twenties and were regulars at the store. Although they only shopped about once a month, each of their visits became the talk at the water cooler for weeks after. They were shopping for some new outdoor toys and to indulge in their favorite pastime—harassing local Humans.
    As they approached the entrance, Taylor held the door open and said, “After you, twin.”
    Tadd shook his head. “No, age before beauty.” He raked his fingers through his loose red curls and puffed out his chest.
    Taylor laughed and punched his brother, making him gasp for air. He countered, “I’m so much better looking than you.”
    After knocking each other around for a while, they finally entered the store. The news of their arrival had spread quickly and the workers scattered like bugs when a light is turned on.
    A worker close to Penny groaned and said, “Them again? Couldn’t they have waited for one more hour? My shift would have been over.”
    Penny looked at the arrivals and asked, “What’s wrong with them?”
    “Those are the Hamilton twins and they like to go by Smoke and Fire. They wreak havoc whenever they come in.”
    “Why doesn’t Mr. Thompson forbid them to shop here?”
    A voice from behind Penny said, “Because they spend more money in one of their shopping sprees than we typically make in several weeks.” Penny turned to see Mr. Thompson standing next to her with an expression that made her chuckle.
    As they watched their unwelcomed guests walk down the main aisle, Penny asked, “Are they really that bad?”
    When Taylor made a couple of shoppers shriek and head for the door, Mr. Thompson said, “Yes.”
    The other worker added, “They scare the shit out of me.”
    Penny asked, “What do they typically buy?”
    Mr. Thompson replied, “A little of everything, but they’re partial to extreme sports. They like to race motorcycles and I know they’ve purchased just about every piece of hiking equipment we offer.”
    Penny nodded, grateful that she had knowledge in these areas.
    Seeing another store employee run for cover, Mr. Thompson suggested, “Penny, why don’t you go save our store? Consider this a test of your manager abilities.”
    Penny squared her shoulders and said, “I think I will.”
    An employee leaned over to Mr. Thompson and asked, “Do you think it’s wise to send her in alone?” Although he spoke teasingly, his expression was serious.
    Penny had grown up around a rough male crowd so she wasn’t easily intimidated. She stretched out her muscles and said, “They don’t scare me.” When she saw one of them pinch a customer’s backside, she scowled and said, “Someone needs to teach them some manners.”
    Just before she was about to head toward her targets, Quinn whispered, “You might want to bring this with you?” He handed Penny a packing knife.
    She rolled her eyes and pushed it away, saying with confidence “I can handle these two unarmed.” As soon as she walked away, her confidence began to waver. By the time she approached the twins, they had a female customer pinned against a rack of shirts. The woman’s scared expression gave Penny the confidence she needed and she cleared her throat loudly and asked, “May I help you, gentlemen?” Once she had their attention, she waved off the trapped girl, who didn’t hesitate in scurrying away.
    Penny was 5 foot 6 so the twins towered over her petite frame. They both smiled down at the woman with the long, strawberry blonde hair and bright green eyes.
    One twin looked down at her and, after he glanced at her