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24. ‘Wildcat’

TWENTY-FOUR

‘WILDCAT'

FRANKIE

Sitting in our meeting room at the ranch, I'm waiting like everyone else for Tink and Glory to arrive. This is very strange; they are never late. Next to me is Heartbreaker. I lean over, shoulder bumping her.

"You did good yesterday, sister, with Cici. Thanks for that, so much was happening I'm glad she had someone there for her. From what Shadow told us this morning at breakfast, Cici's up though still pretty groggy. We're going to try and see her today if you want to come with us."

She looks at me for a second then smiles, which shocks me. Damn, never realized how gorgeous this sister is.

"Um, Wildcat, who's we and why didn't I get an invite to breakfast?"

Someone with eagle ears puts in her two cents.

"I didn't get one either, Heartbreaker. Think I broke up a little personal breakfast party. I mean, damn, Malcolm is one fine piece of meat, if I say so myself, though not as good as my Panther."

Fuck, she did it, the bitch. And with the room full. Every eye is on me as I feel my face flush. Before I can say anything, the doors open and in walk Tink, Glory, and Dr. Cora. That's strange, is one of them sick or something?

"Shit, sorry we're late, got caught up in our conversation. We're going to start with something not on the schedule. Everyone knows Dr. Cora; she's been a part of us forever. No, don't get your panties in a bunch, she's still going to be a part of us, wrong choice of words."

My eyes search out Shadow because our prez never mixes her words up. She's always on top of it in meetings or conference calls. Even that time when that special FBI person called for help and Tink walked him through our process. Something is definitely up when Shadow gives me big eyes.

"Okay, so Glory, Cora, and I had a meeting this morning that Cora wanted. Turns out our doc has been keeping some secrets from us. Well, I'll let her tell you."

Cora looks at Tink with a look that says are you crazy . Tink just grins, her green eyes twinkling, though there is some sadness in them. Wonder why? I think to myself. Then Cora actually stands and looks at all of us.

"Damn it, Tink, put me on the spot. All right, shit, some of you know this and others probably don't. What you all do is beyond courageous and so needed in our country—nope—world. For women who aren't professionally trained to take on the evil and demons who walk this earth, I had to be a part of it. And the reason I needed to is because many years ago, when I was just a kid, a man and woman grabbed me from a park."

She looks right at Squirt, a very small smile on her face.

"Yeah, Squirt, told you I understood. Didn't tell you because that time was about you not me. Anyhow, they kept me for years or until I was an almost fifteen. Then a new girl appeared and I knew my time was coming to an end. One day, when they weren't paying attention, I escaped and ran. I ran so hard and fast, thought I was gonna die. Came upon a small little farm with a mom and a few kids. Long story short, her husband died in a freak accident. She hid me. And that couple came to her farm lying, saying their daughter ran away and they were so worried. Only problem is, Annie saw the scars and listened to my story. If not for that one woman taking a chance, risking her family for me, I'd not be standing in front of you."

She reaches for the travel mug she brought in and takes a drink.

"Annie is suffering with Alzheimer's and it's getting worse. We've obviously kept in touch as I consider her like a second mom and her three kids as my siblings. Oh, forgot to add my parents wanted nothing to do with me when I finally reached out so Annie became my parent, though not legally. I haven't spoken to my parents since I was sixteen. I was going to move to Great Falls to help take care of Annie but my sister, Linda, suggested maybe bringing Mom out to me. Well, the long and short of it is, not only is Annie relocating but so are the two younger kids. Well, young adults. My older sister is a Marine and is overseas in Fallujah. Now that I've regurgitated part of my life story on y'all, I'm going to be stepping back from some of my duties here, and I'm truly sorry. I can't let this woman suffer alone. My sister and brother are barely adults and can't handle this progressive disease. My older sister, Marty, can't get out of the Marines. She has six months left then she'll be coming back to the States. We've talked and she said there's nothing for her in Great Falls and Timber-Ghost sounds like a good place to start again. She's interested in what y'all do, so maybe a new prospect, who knows. Anyway, Tink has been generous enough to sell to me that little building next to the east horse pasture. Well, she did that a while ago. Ollie and some of his folks have been remodeling it and getting it ready for Annie. I can't take care of my family and still manage this family; it wouldn't be fair to any of you. So I'll still be around, obviously, but in a more part-time fashion. For the clinic, Tink and Glory are looking for a replacement. I'll be on a rotation to be their backup and if you bring home large groups of victims, I definitely will help with that. All I ask is that you all come visit. Make Annie's last days brighter and joyful."

Cora sits down softly crying. Glory reaches for her when what Doc just said penetrates my brain. My eyes shoot to Tink, who's watching me with those green eyes that see everything. In a brief second it dawns on me what this woman just did. I don't know what to do until Tink mouths, "Just breathe."

After Cora answers a few questions she leaves, and Glory starts the meeting. I actually have no idea what was discussed until I am called about the intake today.

Glory has to call my name a few times to get my attention.

"Yeah, sorry, Glory, trying to get my brain to catch up. I'm planning on being there during the intake. I think we have around what… thirteen or maybe a few more? Saying that, it's going to be a long couple of days. I know the therapist at the Blue Sky Sanctuary will be on hand, as will Dr. Cora, I think."

Tink raises her hand to stop me.

"Yeah, Wildcat, she will be. Maybe ask Malcolm to come with you so he can get an idea of what happens after a mission. He works the emergency room, right? So he's used to on-the-spot medical treatment. He did very good with Cici from what Yoggie told Noodles."

After about another thirty or forty minutes Tink calls the meeting and everyone stands to leave. Shadow calls out my name to hang for a bit, so I sit back down. Tink, Shadow, and Glory come my way as Rebel shuts the doors and sits right next to me. Goddamn, I forgot how ripped she is. Between her and Raven I feel like a little kid, can't imagine what Tink feels like as she's smaller than me.

"I know we kinda talked about it at breakfast, but did you and Malcolm have words over what's next for Michael? Wildcat, gotta say if I have a vote, I want him gone and I mean forever. I can't talk about it but there is shit that's happened between him, my father, and me that fucked me up. I mean, well anyway, that's all I got."

They all wait to see what I'm going to say. No one rushes me at all, which gives me a second to gather my thoughts before I say what needs to be said.

"Malcolm and I did talk about Michael. Between the four of you and these walls it's devastated him, all that he's found out about his best friend. Saying that, we both know he can't leave the ranch, or well, the clubhouse wet room, whichever he ends up at."

Rebel leans over to me.

"Wildcat, he's here. Transferred him myself early this morning. He's in the far barn in the secret room. No worries, he's still breathing."

They had already decided what was going to happen but wanted to give me a chance to voice Malcolm's and my opinions. Well, here goes.

"There is one thing we both want. Well, two, I guess. First, we want to talk to him alone. No, let me finish. I'm not sure he'd be honest with someone else in the room. Second, and this is the most important for Malcolm, he doesn't want him to die alone. Yeah, I get it, Shadow, but try and see his point of view. They grew up together, became adults, and share so many experiences. If I can, I've got to give this to him. We don't want to watch you work, just call us when it's time, that's all."

Tink looks to Shadow and they do that thing just like Panther and Avalanche. Though these two women have been doing this as long as I've known them. Tink nods and Shadow looks down my way.

"Okay to the second request, though for the first both Rebel and I will be in there. No, hear me out now. If he gets mouthy or downright ignorant, neither you nor Malcolm will want to do anything to shut him up. The two of us have no personal relationship with him so we are your backup. That's all, I don't care for the filth he spills. Do what you must for your ol' man, Wildcat, but let your sisters have your back, that's all I'm sayin'."

Three sets of eyes are on me but Glory is the one who asks the question.

"Your ol' man? Since when does Wildcat have an old man, and who the fuck is it…wait, I'm slow today. Do you mean Malcolm, Shadow? Holy shit, how—no—when did this happen?"

"About give or take fifteen plus years ago. Yeah, we're a work in progress and big mouth over there hasn't given me a chance to share."

This starts another conversation, so by the time I answer all the questions it's another thirty or so minutes. When everyone gets up to leave, Tink asks me to hang back for a minute. When they are all gone, she motions for me to come closer.

"I knew from the moment I saw the two of you together the end result is what I just heard. So after much thought and some talking it over with Noodles, knew that I had to find a way to keep the both of you here where you belong. Sorry, Wildcat, but your home isn't New York anymore, it's here at the ranch. And no, I didn't push Dr. Cora out. That door just closed a bit and then opened for Malcolm. We've not asked him yet and not sure he'll be interested. Time will tell. Know this, sister, no matter where you go or what you do, this will always be home. And your folks, sisters, and brother are welcome anytime. My job as your president, and more importantly your sister, is to take care of you and that's what I'm trying to do. Please don't take offense."

I don't say a word, just stand up and pull her into me, hugging her tightly. They broke the mold when God made her. And this world is a luckier place because she's in it. After a bit we separate, then I smile before I turn and head toward where the intake is going on. I grab my phone and tell Malcolm to meet me at the first bunkhouse whenever he can get there. Also tell him to let my folks know I'll be busy most of the day. Then I take the rest of the walk to get my head in the right place to help these women face a new day. The first one in their new lives.

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