“Squirrel hunting,” Paul chuckled, shaking his head.
“What I’m saying, Paul Draker, is that you have to show them your nuts.”
Carefree laughter, from both directions. The best kind.
“Nah. I’m saying take care of yourself. And make sure you just get out enough, so enough of the good guys can take notice of you, and all the things that make you special. That’s all. No big mystery. You deserve more than you grant yourself.”
“I am in no position to hook up. You took care of me. But I lost my mom. Then I lost my lover. I’ve been an orphan, pretty much, since high school started. Even if I found someone who loved me completely and took perfect care of me, I’d always be a little skittish. Like a rescue dog.”
“But one with nice nuts. Just keep showing your awesomeness to people, Paul. It would be selfish to have the good guys miss out because of what the bad guys have done.”
“Totally.”
“And him?”
“Awaiting trial. I put Tom Hamilton in charge. He is preparing some heavy civil suits to go with the criminal charges. And I’ll make sure that Brad Jensen never bothers anyone again. If he gets out, he’d be watched like a hawk.”
That was a lie, but one he told to make sure Tina didn’t worry. Turns out Brad was facing a murder charge for a guy in some hillbilly shithole north of town. Chief Hannah found out while doing the wrap-up investigation after Brad’s arrest, and told Paul about it. And also, for the rape of a mentally handicapped man. Jensen wouldn’t get out. Jensen would be caged up for good.
“Good. Fuck McKay, fuck Jensen, fuck Keegan and everyone like them. All the users and abusers.” Tina stood up, and Paul followed. They hugged again.
“Well, kid. I wish you all the best with your squirrels and your nuts. I have a gig that’s 48 hours away in a pub on the side of the highway, and I want to get there in time to practice.”
“You’re actually doing it.” He really was proud of her.
“Fuck yeah I’m doing it.”
She was off to her new adventures, and Paul watched her all the way as she piloted the Harley out of the gates of the Cro’s Post.
When she’d gone, he kept standing there until he couldn’t hear her engine anymore.
Tomorrow, Tina’s would reopen, under new management.
Tina herself would be rocking and rolling up and down the Appalachian spine at indie pubs and quirky bars. Tom Hamilton will run up his bills to take care of the problems Sutherland Ridgefield and Brad Jensen made Paul’s. Big Jim would read the headlines on the morning drive, people will pray and party, love, laugh and cry.
The seasons would roll on.
Sometimes, the bad stuff brought out the good stuff. Sometimes, just sometimes, a close call gave you what you needed to actually have a fighting chance.
Like the smell of a burnt match clearing the air. Sulphur and brimstone, to get rid of whatever was there before.
The mountains up here were mild, but it did look like it was going to be a heavy winter, with potentially, a lot of snow. A blanket of white could cover most of the hills and most of the trees. And the snow started to melt, spring would be here. And fresh green shoots would push through the scarred rocks and black soil and shoot towards the sun.
Paul Draker went back inside his cabin, shutting the door behind him.
He turned the TV on to some mindless documentaries. He got into his pajamas and some really cushy slippers, and took some treats from the fridge. He ate a whole dessert and then settled into a nest of blankets on the couch.
Soon, he fell asleep, his phone on silent.
So, when Tom Hamilton began calling, he didn’t hear it.
About the Author
Peter van der Walt is the author of the Fairbridge series of LGBT-Thrillers. South African born, Peter publishes out of London and his fiction and non-fiction span the globe. He divides his time between writing, reading, pursuing experiences and being a family man. His interests include hiking, dogs, homemaking, art, business, LGBT rights, comparative religion and investing. His first great love, however, will always be telling stories.
So more likely than not, you’d find him in the middle of writing something new.
Follow his blog at www.petervanderwalt.com or on Twitter @PetervanderWalt.
You can also like the Rowdy Parrot Facebook page or subscribe to the YouTube Channel of Rowdy Parrot Limited.
COMING SOON
CURSED LAND
…The Explosive Conclusion of the Paul Draker Trilogy…
Acknowledgements
As always, there are too many people to thank.
First and foremost, I would like to take the opportunity to thank the fans and the readers. I literally work for you guys – and I appreciate the support and enthusiastic engagement you have shown. I am immensely grateful.
Shaun de Waal – my editor, for his patience, his knowledge and his ability to help me navigate through the lonely months of the first draft or two. Your kindness to me has been exceptional, and I trust the universe will reward you threefold.
For Darryl, Paulo, Chris, Lauren, Ilana, Rob and the crew – for bringing what I couldn’t.
Sylwia, Kieran, Crystal and the legal and accounting team – for running a very tight ship.
Mauritz Badenhorst, who was kind enough to be the latest Fairbridge cover boy.
Penny, Paige and the PR team – for working so closely with both the publisher and myself – to make sure that the story isn’t just told, but heard.
FMC Devens is a real prison, and I am indebted to the Federal Bureau of Prisons for information on the facility. I have taken some license, as always.
I would also like to thank all the boys that treated me better than Brad treated Paul. It’s scary out there in the dating pool, and don’t romanticize, it’s always been.
It’s hard enough out there not to have to fear our lovers.
I’m sorry it didn’t work out, if it was me. You’re forgiven, if it was you.
May we all be better men for having known each other.
Brimstone Page 22