CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

"Seven. Seven chose rehab over jail. That means eight were too fucking stubborn to get help, and they'll be right back doing this shit with someone else," said Garr.

"They will be, but at least while in jail, they'll dry out. They won't have an option, and it won't be a controlled detox. It'll be ugly and fucking painful," said Alistair. "Worst part is we still don't know where Stone is."

"We know he'll be at his premiere," said Leif. "I'd say that's going to be our best bet. He's going to think his brother died in that explosion. The sheriff is going to put out a statement that it was a chemical explosion, and no one survived."

"He'll panic," said Alistair. "He's going to have do his own dirty work or find someone other than his brother. We still don't know where the sister is, either. She might be with him."

For the remainder of the drive, everyone was quiet, trying to figure out their next move. In the eyes of the public, Lance Stone was an action-movie hero. Popular, handsome, and seemingly a philanthropist.

When they pulled into the inn, Iris was seated on the front porch waiting for them. She was rocking slowly back and forth and then stood, smiling.

"I heard the explosion from all the way down here," she said. "You boys stopped those drugs?"

"Yes, ma'am. We did," said Tailor.

"Good. That's good. Fine work, all of you. Dinner is on the table in warming dishes." She stood and stumbled a step, nearly falling before Tailor gripped her waist.

"You okay, Iris?" he asked.

"Just tired, son. Just tired," she said, shaking her head.

"Come on. You're eating with us tonight, and we're cleaning up," he said. He walked her to a place at the table, fixing her a plate, and watching as she picked at the food. The men spoke mostly of things happening at home, the kids, grandkids, upcoming wedding.

"Hey, did you guys know that Macie was nearly done with her dissertation for her PhD?" grinned East. They all looked up, smiling, shaking their heads. "Yeah, man. She'll be Dr. Macie Gray Cooper. She's going to be working out at G.R.I.P. I don't know why I thought she was so much younger than all of us, but I guess she's only a few years younger."

"Five," said Garr quietly. They all slowly turned their heads, staring at him. "She's five years younger than we are."

"Is that right?" smirked Tailor.

"Yeah. That's right." He pushed his plate aside and walked out onto the front porch.

"I'm no expert," said Iris, "but I'm going to guess that he's sweet on this girl, Macie. That's the reaction of a man who is showing he has feelings for a woman when her name is mentioned."

"Macie? I would have never guessed," said Leif. "I mean, she's pretty, unbelievably smart, and I think she plays some sort of instrument, doesn't she?"

"Piano," said Gator. "Mia plays violin, and they used to play together at the holiday events. It was amazing. I honestly thought that's the career she would have chosen."

"What is she getting her PhD in?" asked Iris.

"Engineering," said Alistair, leaving out the part about it being weapons engineering.

"Now, that's a girl worth keeping. Is she pretty?"

"Gorgeous is more the word I would use," said Rett. "She's almost exotic-looking. I'm surprised she hasn't met someone at school."

They dropped the subject of Macie, hoping that Garr would come back inside. When the meal was finished, the men took care of the dishes and leftovers and cleaned the kitchen. Leif and Gator chopped the rest of the wood for Iris. Rett and Dan fixed two leaking faucets, and Alec and Tailor repaired the steps leading to the front porch.

"I can't thank you boys enough," she said when they finished. "I'll sleep better knowing that the chores are done. Thank you."

"It was our honor, Iris. Thank you for making this place feel like home for a few days. We have to head out tomorrow, but if you need anything at all, you call us," said Alistair. She hugged all of them and went upstairs to bed as most of the men followed. Alistair looked at Dan and Leif, nodding toward the front porch.

"Where'd you go?" asked Leif, staring at Garr.

"For a walk."

"You wanna tell us why the mention of Macie's name sent you running?" asked Alistair.

"Nope."

"Garr, she's a grown woman now, not some kid in middle school." He turned sharply, staring at his friend. "Yeah. I know. She's twenty-seven years old, brother."

"She's still just a kid," he growled. Dan just laughed, shaking his head.

"Nope. Not even close."

"I don't know how she feels," he said quietly.

"Find out," said Alistair. "Isn't that what you all told me when I was falling for Clark? You won't know until you ask her."

"She's coming home for the holidays," said Dan. "She'll be finished with her last exam the first week of December, and then she'll be home ready to start at G.R.I.P. Seems like the perfect time to let her know how you feel."

"I don't. Maybe," he said, shaking his head. "I need to do this right and speak with Sam first. If he doesn't want me near her, I'll stay away."

"He won't care as long as you're good to her, Garr. You're one of the best men I know. Sam won't have issue with you dating his daughter. Neither will Mia."

"I'm just not sure. I want to be sure before I say anything or do anything."

"Well, you've got time to think about it. Maybe you should go visit her at university. See if she feels the same about you. I mean, it's football season. Use the excuse that you want to go up there for a game. I'll bet she'd love to have you there," said Leif.

"I'll think about it. Thanks."

After talking about mindless topics a while longer, the men turned in, ready for a restful night's sleep. As they packed the car, Tailor went inside to say goodbye to Iris. It was 0430, so he didn't expect her to be awake yet, but he didn't want to leave without letting her know.

"Iris?" he said, knocking on her door. He knocked again. "Iris? It's Tailor. We're leaving."

"Damn," said Alec. "Open the door."

She was lying on her back, looking as if she were sleeping peacefully. Her hand was cold, and they knew that she was gone. Beside her were the photos of her sons and husband.

"Well, she got her wish. She went in her sleep," frowned Tailor. "I'll call the coroner."

"I'll get her will," said Alec.

Postponing their departure for a day, they waited for everyone to show up to take Iris away. Tailor and Alec made sure that her burial preparations were handled and that she would lie beside her family. When they gave the will to her attorney, he nodded at the men.

"She was a feisty one," he grinned. "That woman knew what she wanted, and there was no changing her mind. She was a force."

"We know someone just like her," said Alec with a sad smile. "I'm glad she's with her boys now."

"Same, son. To think she's left this house and the property to be used for good, well, that's just how Iris was. You boys can go now. If I need anything, I'll let you know."

"Will there be people at her funeral? I don't want her buried alone," said Tailor.

"Son, there will be a whole damn community at her funeral."

"Good. That's good," he nodded. "Thank you for taking care of this." The attorney nodded, moving to speak with the coroner and other authorities. Taking one last look at the inn, the men loaded into the SUVs and drove away. Alistair stared at the men in the vehicle.

"Time to go home, boys."