Athena Sisterhood

by Dharma Kelleher

  “Burn the place down,” said Labrys matter-of-factly.

  Savage shook her head. “No, the smoke could be toxic. And the fire could spread to the other businesses. When the Horse Thief Tavern caught fire a few years ago, it nearly wiped out the entire south side of the square.”

  “We take it,” said Shea. “Bonefish made bail this morning. I bet she’s planning on running. She’s not gonna leave all this inventory behind. We load it into that van out there and haul it someplace safe. Then I call Bonefish and tell her we’ll return it if she gives us Lizzie Black.”

  “Where will we take it?” asked Indigo.

  “Black Rock Mine.”

  “How we gonna take the van?” asked Fuego. “No, wait. Lemme guess. Havoc here knows how to hot-wire cars.”

  “I do, actually, but I prefer using these.” Shea grinned and held up a set of keys she found in the office.

  “Wait a minute,” said Orphan. “You’re not gonna let Bonefish get away after all she’s done, are you?”

  “Nope.” Shea’s smile vanished. “We take her out, too.”

  Chapter 54

  Within an hour, they had the van loaded. Shea handed her motorcycle keys to Indigo. “Her name’s Sweet Betsy. Try not to wreck her.”

  “Long as no one’s running me off the road, I’m fine.”

  Shea hopped into the van and led the other women onto the two-lane highway up to Black Rock Mine. Billowy steel-gray clouds drifted silently under a higher cottony blanket. As the morning waned, the temperature hung just above the freezing mark. Rain would be bad for the motorcycles behind her, but snow or sleet could make the road downright treacherous.

  While she struggled to focus on the job at hand, thoughts of Jessica crept in. Her heart ached. She’d lost so many people in her life to violence. Her mother, her sister, Monster, too. She couldn’t lose Jessica.

  She had tried so hard to escape, to live the life of a stand-up citizen. But the past wouldn’t let her go. It stalked her like a predator, twisting her, until she became a predator herself.

  Until now she had killed only out of self-defense, in the heat of a fight. Never in cold blood. But if everything went according to plan, that would change.

  At the mine’s security fence, a cold drizzle fell, peppered with bits of sleet. The gate was chained and secured with a combination padlock. Shea stepped out of the van. From the lock pick set, she selected a homemade shim she’d made years earlier from an aluminum can. She inserted it between the shank and the lock and twisted. The lock popped. She tossed it on the side of the road and pushed the gate open. Indigo, who waited on Sweet Betsy just behind the van, gave Shea a thumbs-up as she hopped back in.

  The windshield fogged as the loaded vehicle bounced along the road leading to the mine’s parking lot. She shivered. Seven years she had served for boosting cars. And yet here she was, driving a stolen van full of illegal drugs, trespassing on county property. It felt like a homecoming of sorts. A world where she knew the rules. A world where she belonged.

  She parked the van behind the excavator at the far end of the lot. If Rios or some other county employee showed up at the mine office, the van would be out of sight. She slipped on her motorcycle helmet and gloves and walked up to Indigo, still sitting on Sweet Betsy.

  “This is a nice ride,” said Indigo with a curt smile. “Can I keep her?”

  Shea grinned. “Sorry. Not for sale. But I have others like her.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind.” Indigo climbed off the bike. “What now?”

  “Soon as I hear back from Bonefish, I’ll let everyone know. For now, I’m headed to the hospital. Gotta check on Jessica.”

  “Want some company?”

  “Yeah, that’d be nice.”

  Indigo hugged her. “You got it, sister. I’ll tell Savage.”

  —

  After stopping by the information desk, Shea found Terrance and Elon sitting in the waiting room for the Intensive Care Unit. Orphan, Indigo, Fuego, and Savage followed her inside. Labrys had a class to teach but promised to listen for Shea’s call when Bonefish got in touch.

  After introducing everyone, Shea asked, “How is she?”

  Terrance pointed to a nearby chair. “Maybe you better sit down.”

  Shea sat, a tremor of fear rising up her chest. “What’s wrong?”

  “They took Jess back into surgery to remove the bullet near her spine.”

  “Did she say anything before they took her into surgery?”

  “From what I’ve been told, they’ve been keeping her sedated. Didn’t want her moving around and risking further injury to the spinal cord.” Terrance looked down at the floor. “I hope you don’t mind. I told them she’s my sister.”

  “No, that’s cool. When will we know some answers?”

  “Not sure. She’s been in surgery for two hours. Don’t know how long something like this takes.” Terrance glanced at the other members of the Sisterhood. “Y’all do whatever it is you needed to do?”

  Shea shrugged. “Sort of. We’re waiting on a phone call.”

  “Well, the less I know the better.”

  Shea clasped Terrance’s hand as her eyes watered. “Thanks for being here, T. You truly are my brother from another mother.”

  “Yeah, and you’re my sister from another mister.” He chucked her on the shoulder, before embracing her in a long hug.

  Shea held on longer than she normally would. Terrance felt solid in a way that nothing else in her life did. How does he manage to stay out of trouble? He’s an ex-con same as me. Maybe I should listen to him more often.

  She let go of him. Across the room Orphan bawled silently, while Indigo and Savage sat next to her. Shea found herself walking over.

  “Orphan?”

  Orphan glanced up, her face wet, red, and puffy. “Havoc, I’m so sorry! If I hadn’t gotten involved with Bonefish, this never would have happened to Jessica. You must hate me.”

  “I don’t hate you.” It was the truth. “You got in over your head with some bad people. I’ve been there. More than once. What happened to Jessica and Pipes. Even your boyfriend. It ain’t your fault. Blame rests solely on Bonefish and Lizzie Black. And we will make them pay.”

  Orphan stood and hugged her. “Thanks, Havoc.”

  Shea’s phone rang. “Hello?”

  “Well, well, someone’s been mighty busy. And here I thought we killed you,” said a familiar, authoritative voice.

  “Happy to disappoint you, Bonefish. I’m not an easy one to kill. Neither is my girlfriend.”

  “Girlfriend? I don’t know anything about your girlfriend, but I am interested in getting my inventory back. It’s time for me to skedaddle. Unfortunately, the feds have seized my bank accounts. So if you know what’s good for you, you’ll return what you took.”

  “You can have your inventory back when you give me something I want.”

  “And what, pray tell, is that, Ms. Stevens?”

  “Lizzie Black. You turn her over to us, you can have your drugs.”

  “Lizzie? Are you insane?”

  “Those are the terms. Take ’em or leave ’em.”

  “Normally, I wouldn’t be inclined to surrender one of my business associates to a common hoodlum such as yourself. However, circumstances being what they are, I can see my way into making this arrangement.”

  “Great. Meet me at the Black Rock Mine. Two hours from now.”

  “Oh dear, that simply will not do. Meet with you and your girl gang out in the middle of nowhere? Do you think I’m stupid? That’s a setup if I’ve ever heard one. Here’s my counteroffer. Back of the Blue Coyote Gallery. I think you know where that is. Six o’clock this evening.”

  Shea considered the suggestion. Going after them on their home turf seemed like a bad idea, especially with all of the potential witnesses having dinner and drinks around the square. “Now who’s setting who up? No deal. The mine. Two hours.”

  “Well, guess I’ll have to hit the road without my merc
handise. No worry. Lizzie Black’s very capable. She retrieved my product from you last time, she’ll do it again. But this time, I’ll insist she finish the job. She’ll kill you, your girlfriend, and your kid.”

  Shea tensed her jaw. She sucked at negotiating. That’s why Terrance was the business manager and she built the bikes. She couldn’t afford to put Annie or Jessica at risk any longer. “Fine. I’ll meet you behind the gallery at six. But so help me, if you double-cross me, you’ll be sorry.”

  “Not to worry. I may deal in illicit substances, but I’m an honest businesswoman. I take my customer service very seriously. I’ll have Lizzie Black wrapped up like an early Christmas present.”

  “See that you do.”

  Chapter 55

  Shea phoned Labrys shortly after hanging up with Bonefish. The call went straight to voicemail. “Deb, meet us behind the gallery at six. Bring your gun.”

  For two hours, Shea waited nervously for an update on Jess’ condition. But she was still in surgery when Shea and the other Athenas headed to the mine. There had been no call back from Labrys either.

  At five o’clock, they arrived at the mine. The rain and sleet had slacked off to a light misty drizzle. After a brief strategy discussion, they unloaded the van and stashed the tote bins full of drugs under the sluice box of the mine’s old wash plant where the ground was dry. Returning the drugs wasn’t even a consideration.

  “You mind if I ride shotgun with you?” asked Orphan as they prepared to ride to the gallery. Her face was pale, her lips blue. “I’m freezing my ass off out here.”

  “Fine with me,” replied Shea. “Just so you know, we’ll be leaving the van at the gallery. It’s a liability. Once we’ve taken care of Bonefish and Lizzie, you’re riding on the back of someone’s bike.”

  “At least I’ll have a little time to warm up.”

  They rode in silence most of the way back to Ironwood, which suited Shea just fine. She needed to focus on the task at hand. A surreal calm descended on her, her energy coiled deep within her, ready to strike.

  “I’ve never killed anyone before,” said Orphan as they entered the Ironwood city limits. “Have you?”

  “Yeah,” said Shea, keeping her eye on the road.

  “Who?”

  “People trying to kill me.”

  “What’s it feel like?” Orphan’s voice wavered. “To have killed someone?”

  “Empty mostly. Like you’ve become something you never thought you’d be.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “It’s crossing a line you can’t uncross,” said Shea dryly. “Can’t explain it more than that.”

  “Yeah, I think I get your meaning. Just never thought my life would turn out like this.”

  “Me neither.”

  A few minutes before six, Shea parked the van twenty feet from the rear of the gallery, the high beams lighting up the back door like a stage. Bonefish waited for them in front of the door, shielding her eyes. Julius and Tony from the Tenth Inning stood on one side of her, while a burly man Shea didn’t recognize was on the other. All had guns in their hands. Lizzie Black was nowhere in sight.

  Fuego pulled up on the right side of the van, while Indigo and Savage parked on the other. Shea was miffed at Labrys’ absence, but not surprised. “Well, guess this is it.”

  An H3 Hummer roared down the alley from the other direction, while a black Caddy sedan cut off their escape route. The drivers of each vehicle popped out and drew their weapons.

  “Oh shit, Havoc,” cried Orphan. “It’s an ambush.”

  “Keep cool, Orphan. We may get out of this yet.” Shea climbed out of the van. “Where the hell’s Lizzie Black?” she yelled to Bonefish and her crew.

  “Lizzie’s inside. Where’s my inventory?”

  Shea pounded the side of the van. “Inside. Show me yours, I’ll show you mine.”

  “Fair enough.” Bonefish turned to the burly man on her right. “Reese, go fetch Lizzie.”

  Reese disappeared inside the gallery. Orphan climbed out of the passenger side of the van holding the Smith & Wesson Shea had loaned her. When the gallery door opened, Lizzie emerged with her hands behind her back.

  Shea drew her Glock, took aim at Lizzie.

  Lizzie dove behind the gallery’s metal door, wrists unbound, and fired the revolver she’d been hiding. The van’s driver-side window shattered. The air erupted with gunfire. Shea jumped into the driver’s seat hoping to use the van’s engine block for cover.

  Orphan screamed and fell, scarlet spreading across her chest.

  “Cover me, Indigo!” shouted Savage amid the relentless drumroll of bullets and cries of pain. “Hang on, Orphan!”

  Shea turned to Tony and Werner, who were firing from behind a stack of wooden pallets. She dropped them with one shot each.

  Bullets punched holes in the van’s windshield. Another thunked into the front grille. Steam spewed from the radiator, obscuring Shea’s view and filling the air with the reek of antifreeze. Shea caught a glimpse of Bonefish shooting from behind a Dumpster. Shea fired. Bonefish dropped, screaming in agony for someone to help her.

  Two gunshots whizzed past Shea. She locked eyes with Lizzie, who was shooting at her, shielded by the gallery’s back entrance. Shea squeezed off two rounds but hit only the metal door. When Lizzie didn’t return fire immediately, Shea thought her shots had penetrated. No such luck. Lizzie ducked around and fired again.

  “Lizzie! Reese! Help me!” screamed Bonefish. “Please!”

  Reese dashed out of the building as Lizzie Black unleashed a volley of lead. A couple of bullets zipped over Shea’s head, while the others peppered the van’s engine.

  A flash of fire blew past and struck the ground in front of Reese, engulfing him in flames. Shea glanced behind her. In the narrow alley between the gallery and the next building, Labrys stood, throwing a second Molotov cocktail. It arced and exploded near Bonefish, setting her legs ablaze. Bonefish’s screams grew primal and incoherent.

  Lizzie fired two shots toward Labrys then ran to Bonefish. Shea lined up her shot and fired. Lizzie’s head exploded, splattering the nearby Dumpster with gore.

  For a moment, the silence of the encroaching night returned except for the dying hiss of the radiator and the screams of the wounded. Shea realized her heart was pounding. Is it over?

  “Havoc! Savage ¡Ayudame!” Fuego reclined on the ground cradling her arm as she called for help.

  Indigo ran over to Fuego with a first-aid kit.

  “How is she?” asked Shea.

  Indigo pointed. “Go help Labrys.”

  Shea found her ex-girlfriend moaning and clutching the side of her throat. Blood had pooled around her and squirted periodically between her fingers.

  Shea was looking for something to use for a compression bandage when she spotted the iconic silver earrings dangling from Labrys’ ears. Shea had left them in the key dish by her own front door. How did Labrys get them back?

  Icy anger filled Shea’s heart as she realized the truth. “You fucking bitch. You shot Jessica.”

  “S-sorry,” Labrys choked.

  Shea yanked Labrys’ hand away from her throat and held it to the ground. Blood gushed in a series of spurts. Labrys’ eyes went wide with terror. Shea covered the dying woman’s mouth and nose until her lids drooped. The spurting stopped.

  Shea’s heart thundered in her chest, staring at Labrys’ lifeless face. Tears blurred her vision. Shea wiped her face and walked away.

  The smell of burned flesh drifted on a faint breeze. Shea shuffled to where Bonefish uttered barely audible cries. “Please. Kill me.” Her legs and torso were scorched with second- and third-degree burns.

  Shea raised her Glock, her finger resting on the trigger. Then stopped. “No. No quick death for you.”

  She found Indigo wrapping gauze around Fuego’s arm. “How is she?”

  “Just a graze, fortunately. I got the bleeding to stop.” Indigo turned to her. “How’s Labrys?”


  Shea looked down at the blood coating her hands and arms, then shook her head. “Didn’t make it. Is Orphan okay?”

  Indigo grimaced. “Savage is with her. Doesn’t look good.”

  Sirens screamed in the distance.

  “Shit,” said Shea. “We gotta get outta here.”

  “How?” asked Fuego, wincing. “We’re blocked in.”

  Shea pointed toward the narrow alley that Labrys had walked up. “We should be able to fit through there. Indigo, you take Fuego’s bike. VP, you’re riding bitch.”

  Shea ran around the van. Orphan lay in a puddle of dark liquid, her blood-spattered face looking waxy in the pale glow of a nearby streetlight. “How is she?”

  Savage stood and closed her eyes. “She’s gone.”

  Anguish squeezed Shea’s heart. “No, there’s gotta be something you can do. CPR or something. You’re an EMT, for God’s sake.” Shea felt for a pulse on Orphan’s neck and then her wrist. Both were cold and lifeless. She started doing chest compressions until Savage gripped Shea by the shoulders.

  “Havoc, stop! There’s nothing we can do.” The sirens were getting closer. “We need to leave.”

  Shea sat back on her heels, tears streaming down her cheeks and throat. Shea wiped her face, smearing blood across it in the process. “We can’t leave Orphan’s body here.”

  This was her sister all over again. Shot dead in the street by some asshole. It had felt wrong then to leave Wendy’s body. It felt equally wrong to leave Orphan, a fellow prospect.

  Savage pulled Shea to her feet and out of her head. “We gotta get moving unless you want to be arrested.”

  Shea took a deep breath and jumped on Sweet Betsy. Police cruisers with blue and red lights flashing charged down both sides of the main alley. Shea slammed the bike into first and followed Indigo and Fuego between the buildings, with Savage hot on her heels.

  Chapter 56

  In the Iron Goddess restroom, Shea scrubbed furiously at the blood on her hands, arms, face, and chest. Her shirt and bra, both splotched with ruddy brown stains, lay in a heap on the floor. She kept thinking about Labrys. Those fucking earrings glinting in the light. The look of surprise and horror as Shea let her die.