31. ‘Sheriff George’

THIRTY-ONE

My SUV could probably drive this route, even if I fell asleep behind the wheel. Goddamn, just thinking about getting some shut-eye has my body shiver. The last three weeks have been a nightmare, for sure. When we finally got to the Thunder Cloud Knuckle Brotherhood second camp, shit had already gone down. From what I’ve pieced together, Cliff and the brotherhood had some kinda plan but it didn’t play out the way they thought it would. Not sure if Raven altered the course or if that asshole Johansen flipped it. I do know the farmers making their way up there probably saved Raven’s life. When Cliff saw Johansen and the rest of the farmers, he knew his gig was done, and I’m thinking his thoughts were to take out as many innocents as he could. He didn’t realize Raven would give her life so an innocent wouldn’t die. She fought tooth and nail with Cliff, altering his opportunity to shoot Johansen. Then when the old prick had the upper hand, he pointed the gun directly at Raven and from what I’ve been told she didn’t beg him, just stood there, head held high. Then Ollie’s sharpshooter, Spirit, took Cliff out. Unfortunately, he committed one final atrocity. He shot Raven.

So, I’m on my way to Gertie’s. I need to see her and feel something good. All the filth is getting to me. My God, what these animals have done to women and children, I don’t think the devastated looks in the eyes of the victims will ever leave my mind. All I can do is pray the Devil’s Handmaidens club will be able to take the victims and help them to become survivors. And the club is struggling with their president Tink out of commission for an unknown amount of time. It was touch and go for her. From what Reed told Gertie and me, she’s lucky to be alive.

Driving up to the gate, I see the guards standing there. Yeah, Tank has taken protecting the Sterlings to the next level. He called in a favor from his friend, Nova, who then reached out to a friend of his who owns a security company. They are the ones at the gate and along the driveway. Since they know me, I’m not stopped but in the beginning they did check my credentials until Nova himself told them to knock it the fuck off, as they knew I was the sheriff of Timber-Ghost.

When I approach the house, I see Rowan and Joshua running around chasing each other. It’s good to see them having fun with all of this shit going on. They can just be kids, finally. Even with their age difference, Rowan at sixteen and Joshua almost three, they are so cute together. Thank God Gertie raised her boys to judge people on who they are, not what they look like. I pull the truck next to Gertie’s pickup. Before I can shut my vehicle off, Rowan has Joshua up in his arms while the little bugger pounds on my window with a huge grin on his face. Rowan has a smirk on his.

Waving at them to back off, I open the door and step out. Joshua has his arms out toward me so I grab him and land a kiss on his plump little cheek. He’s still at the age that’s acceptable.

“Unc Geo.”

Yeah, Gertie has the little guy calling me uncle or as he says unc.

“What’s up, Joshua? Having fun with your big brother? Don’t let him cheat ’cause Rowan does whenever he can.”

I watch the smirk turn into a pout. These two I’ve spent quite a bit of time with. Rowan even gave me the go-ahead when he caught Gertie and I kissing one night before I left. I believe his words were something to the effect of ‘it’s about damn time’ to which Gertie told him he owed the jar. She don’t give a rat’s ass if they swear just not around her, one of her few rules.

I follow Rowan into the house where Gertie is setting the table. It’s smells like heaven and my stomach growls loudly. Joshua laughs like a hyena.

“Hi, Lawman, sit down, lunch is ready. Whatcha want to drink?”

Before I sit, I put Joshua in his chair then grab Gertie and plant one on her to the moan of Rowan and the giggles of Joshua. We’re both smiling when I pull away and go grab a seat. Gonna enjoy this hour ’cause after this, I’ve got to go to Ash’s and that definitely won’t be anything even remotely enjoyable. I’ve been dreading it the last three days since I got the call. I look up when Gertie grabs my plate and walks back to the stove. When I watch her pile food on my plate, I can’t wait to dig in. She places a plate full of pork chops covered in bacon and tomatoes, fried okra, and Gertie’s mozzarella and parmesan buttermilk quick bread. When she looks at me, she smiles.

“I got huckleberry pie with some homemade ice cream for dessert. Again, what do you want to drink?”

I ask for some milk and as I’m about to dig in, Joshua grabs my arm and shakes his head.

“Good boy, Joshua, our lawman has to learn our ways. Rowan, your turn to say grace.”

I watch the three of them cross themselves and Rowan says a prayer about gratitude for the food we are about to eat. Then he adds prayers for all of those injured and recovering. They cross again themselves and start to dig in.

“Damn, I mean, darn, woman, this is fantastic. You spoil me, Gertie.”

“It makes me happy, so just shut it and eat. That means you too, boys.”

We eat as we also joke and the feelings inside keep growing and growing. Each of Gertie’s boys is a good man. The older ones have found their calling in their professions. I know Alder is feeling some pain with what’s going on with him and Bray, but only time will tell what’s gonna happen. That girl has been to hell and back. After dinner and a huge hulking piece of huckleberry pie, with Gertie’s homemade vanilla ice cream, I say my goodbyes to the boys just as they start to watch the movie Up. Rowan’s a good kid to watch that movie yet again with Joshua. Gertie walks me to my truck.

“You think you’ll make it back tonight, Lawman?”

“I’m gonna try but can’t guarantee, Gertie. We still have a bunch of the Thunder Cloud Knuckle Brotherhood that got away. I can’t let my guard down or rest until we catch them because they have it out for Tink, Ash, you, and the rest of your boys. I can’t let anything happen to you because if it does, part of my heart will die. Now give me a kiss so I can get this shit done. Been putting it off too long. Yeah, don’t say it, Gertie, we’ll do our best for them.”

She lifts up on her toes and presses her soft lips to mine. Now that Sterling is dead, she seems more comfortable in her own body. I know some but not all of what that bastard did to her. From what I do know, I wish he was alive so I could torture and kill him again and again. Need to take some lessons from Zoey because I know she can take an asshole right to the edge then she brings them back over and over until they are screaming and begging for her to end them. When Gertie pulls back, I caress her face and put a kiss on her forehead. Then I get in my vehicle and head to the next stop.

Arriving and parking in front of the homestead, I shut the SUV down and just sit there. It’s a beautiful day in Montana. Clear blue sky with the sun shining. I would be able to enjoy this beautiful view if not for my next job duty. Taking a deep breath, I exit my vehicle and walk up the stairs. The home is gorgeous and not very old either. I hesitate before I knock twice on the door and wait. When no one comes to the door, I knock again. This time I hear movement behind the door. The door opens and Ash is standing there looking like he’s ready to hit the floor. He’s beyond exhausted and spent. Son of a bitch, I told this kid to call if it got too much, but no, better to take it on all on his own and kill himself. I push him outta the way as I’m already on my phone.

“Panther, hey. I need you to send Avalanche and one of your other guys to Ash’s. Yeah, he’s about to break. No haven’t said a word yet, he can barely open the front door. Yeah, I’ll be here whenever they can get here. Thanks.”

Ash is glaring at me but I don’t care. My next call is Ollie.

“Ollie, hi. Yeah, it’s time. Get your parents, sisters, and brothers here as soon as you can. I don’t know how bad it is, but from Ash’s face it’s not good.”

When I hang up this time, I raise my eyebrows and he finally moves aside, letting me in. What I see has me stop dead in my tracks. His house is wrecked. There looks to be dirty plates, cups, and silverware on the end table, while I see a few beer cans lying on their sides in front of the sectional. With the open floor concept, I can see the kitchen is beyond trashed. Pots, pans, and cookie trays all over the stove and counter. The sink is full of plates and the lights on the dishwasher indicate the cycle is done. The floor has crumbs and who knows what else all over it. I turn to see Ash slumped over in one of those oversized chairs he has in the alcove of the great room. I walk over, sitting in the one across from him.

“Son, why didn’t you call for some help? You know everyone would drop everything without a thought.”

“I can’t. You don’t understand, George.”

“Then make me, Ash. Are you trying to kill yourself because if you do, then what? You got a plan in place so when we put you to ground everyone can figure out what you want done?”

“No, you smart-ass, I don’t have any plans in place. I’m lucky to grab a shower or use the toilet. My ranch is going to hell and I barely know my name. So what do you suggest I do?”

“I’ve already started it, all I ask, Ash, is don’t fight it. This is gonna probably be the hardest thing you’ll ever do. I believe in you ’cause I know you got this, son. You have to trust me.”

Just as he finishes, a knock at the door has us both turn that way.

“Sit, Ash, before you fall on your ass. I’ll get it.”

Walking to the door, when I open it it’s not only Avalanche and one of their crew but Avalanche, Panther, George, Jersey, Dallas, and Chicago along with two other men I don’t know. When Panther’s eyes meet mine, he smiles.

“Hey, Sheriff, thought you could use more than four hands. Tell us what to do and we’ll do it. Come on, men, let’s check on Ash first.”

Just as they move farther into the house, I hear car doors slamming. I turn back to the door to see Bronagh, Paddy, Ollie, Paisley, Orin and his husband Stefan, Oliver, Bennett and Betty, followed by Brooks. I’m sure his wife Gabbie is at the high school where she’s the principal. Hangin’ in the back is Onyx. I didn’t expect to see Bray as the therapist from the Blue Sky Sanctuary has her over there to keep an eye on her. From what I hear she’s doing a little better. I hear something like a squeak and when I look, I see Onyx is carrying a pet carrier. Oh shit.

Ash is off his feet moving quickly toward Onyx, who’s placed the carrier down and is waiting on Ash.

“Is that the ‘one’? Are you sure, Onyx?”

“Once again, even though this is number eight hundred twenty-three that you’ve asked me, this is the ‘one.’ Now, let’s get this done.”

They are walking my way, which has me tapping Ash on the shoulder.

“Which way?”

“Oh shit, come on, I’ll show you.”

The entire group of O’Briens follow behind Ash. I bring up the rear. Another reason to keep it clear. This is gonna go one of two ways and neither is inviting.

Ash walks down the hallway then turns down a half hallway to a closed door.

“Who’s going in first? I mean, well fuck, y’all know what I mean.”

To his credit, Paddy with his wife, Bronagh, step forward, each grabbing a hand.

“The three of us are going in first. What’s the saying, yeah that’s right, bite the bullet.”

Paddy flings the door open to a state-of-the-art gym. There is every machine you could think of and those you have no idea what they are for. The woman on the machine doesn’t turn or even act like she was listening, which I knew she was. This woman never misses a thing. When I see the O’Briens rushing to her, I noticed the belt that has her attached to the back of the chair of the machine.

“Awe, my baby. Brenna, sweetie, what do you need?”

“For all of you people to leave. Just get the hell out now, please.”

No one says a word until Ollie and Onyx step up and crowd her on the machine. Onyx crouches down and gets right in her face.

“Enough, Brenna. I don’t want to but I will if you don’t stop this bullshit. When Ollie was ready to end his life, I was able to get his head out of his own ass and now look at him. There is nothing that is so bad that you disrespect yourself and those who love you. Sister of my soul, look at me. I mean it, damn it, LOOK AT ME.”

I watch as Brenna struggles to not look at her sister until Onyx grabs her chin and moves her head first left then right.

“You see all of these people, Brenna, they are here because they care and want to help you any way they can. No, zip it. I get feeling down or upset, even depressed, but to blow off people who love you and want to help take care of you. Look at that man right there. He’s slowly dying and you aren’t helping. Either shit or get off the pot. Because if you push everyone away then when you finally decide you want, no need, someone we might all be gone and you will be all alone.”

It takes a minute before her eyes shift and she takes in who is in the room. I see her eyes getting wet then they start to fall down her cheeks. For some, more tears, for others, less. When her eyes finally stop on Ash, her face turns white, eyes get big, and the sob comes out first before she breaks. Before anyone but Onyx can move, Ash is pushing everyone out of the way and when he gets to her, Brenna’s sister gently puts her into Ash’s arms.

“I don’t want you to feel trapped, Ash. There are no promises I’ll ever walk again. I’m paralyzed from the waist down. Why would you want to be stuck to someone like me? My God, Ash, you’re gorgeous, smart, and a cowboy to top it off. You can do so much better; I know it and so do you. Don’t let guilt ruin your life. Just let me go.”

We all watch as Ash continues to hold on to her tightly, not saying a word for a bit, but when he does the room goes quiet.

“Brenna, not sure how many times I have to say the same thing. I’ll take you anyway I can. You know what A stór means. You’re my treasure. Don’t go predicting the future. No one said you’ll never walk again. Especially right now after they repaired your spine and are having you take it easy. You’ve already been on your feet and have taken tiny steps, so don’t go trying to fake everyone out.”

I hear all the intakes of breath. No one even knew she was able to stand with support. I’m glad Ash said it out loud because he told me last week how thrilled he was when she tried with both the physical therapist and him at her side. Prognosis from what I hear is guarded but good. The fear of what happened to her has cross-circuited her thinking.

“Ash, damn it, why did you say that? Now if I don’t walk, it’s another letdown or failure. I’m not sure how many more I can handle. I didn’t keep Tink safe, nor did I save those people in my gym. How many were killed? Cliff shot one of his own, right in front of me. Blew his brains all over me and never blinked an eye. Yeah, he was getting frisky but still. Murder and death surround me.”

Hearing laughter, everyone turns to see my daughter Zoey, or as they all know her by her club name Shadow, laughing and holding her sides. She starts to make her way to her club sister, still chuckling before she reaches down and gives her a hug. Everyone is shocked but kinda getting used to the enforcer actually having a heart. Then she grabs Raven’s cheeks, bringing them nose to nose.

“I know you think you’re funny but seriously, sister? You’re our technology officer so how does mayhem and death follow you? Yeah, you’ve had a few things happen recently but it wasn’t your doing, it was Sterling’s and the brotherhood’s. Now you can sit around and have your pity party, or you can be the Devil’s Handmaiden who Tink and I knew you would be. Suck it up, friend, ’cause we have a ton of work that needs to be done. Not to mention the human trafficking circuits that are out there we need to dissolve and innocents to rescue. As far as being paralyzed, Raven, we all are in one way or another. Some physically, some mentally, and some both. Don’t let it beat you down. Now everyone is gonna go outside while you and my dad talk. It’s overdue and you will feel better once it’s over. Then we can all visit and shoot the shit. That’s an order not from me but from your prez, who couldn’t be here. She does send her love and she said to expect a call from her in a day or two.”

I watch as Shadow, along with Panther and Avalanche, start shooing everyone out. When it’s just Ash, Raven, and me, I slowly start to walk over to her but she raises her hand.

“Sheriff, I believe I owe you an apology. Haven’t been feeling myself lately. Can you meet me in the great room, please? I don’t want to have this conversation here. Ash, will you give me a hand?”

Watching the two of them together, in my heart I know it’s gonna be okay. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but Raven is young and a fighter. She’s got this, especially with Ash at her side.