Without

by E. E. Borton

  Waking up the next morning before the rest of the house, I started breakfast for the family. I knew Rick was just trying to establish his dominance, but his words about me taking advantage cut deep. Putting all the drama aside, I needed to contribute more to the family.

  After glaring at Joey when he came downstairs and taking the jabs and jokes from Uncle Perry, I helped check items off the household to-do list. When our home was spotless we headed outside for yard work and tending to the gardens. It felt good working side by side with the people who saved my life and welcomed me as one of their own.

  By early afternoon we finished the list and prepared to make a trip into town. This was part of a daily routine for Perry and Joey. It allowed them to keep up with news in the community and be extra hands for any projects or repairs that needed to be done.

  When we headed out Joey told us he had an errand to run. He said he’d be back for dinner. Perry didn’t like the idea of him going off alone, but Joey wouldn’t allow either of us to tag along. I had a good idea where he was going.

  We reached the edge of town and Perry wanted to stop in and see Doc. I graciously declined, knowing I’d run into Kelly. I thought it best to give her a little more time before I showed my face. I walked into the museum to find Bruce and Parker hammering away on the steam tractor.

  “Good timing,” said Bruce. “Parker’s swinging that hammer like a little girl. He’s all used up.”

  “Ever had your ass kicked by a little girl?” said Parker, surrendering the hammer to me. “I gotta go take a Bruce. I’ll be back in a few.”

  I made short work of the hammering on my side. I tightened several bolts as Bruce stood back to inspect the progress. He was looking to have the third tractor running in a few days. Another steam tractor meant another field could be plowed and crops harvested by fall. (I wondered if the garden I planted on my parents’ land survived the blast.)

  “I want to thank you again for helping us out by going up to the campground.” said Bruce. “I still have heartburn about asking you to do that.”

  “It turned out well,” I said. “I made a couple new friends and got to see a waterfall.”

  “Got a little more than that from what I hear,” said Bruce, grinning. “I guess you should be thanking me then, huh?”

  “That kid has a big mouth,” I said.

  “Who does?”

  “Joey.”

  “Joey didn’t say anything to me,” said Bruce. “You just did, though. I was only teasing you ‘cause I knew she went up there to fetch you down. When you two came strolling back the next morning, I just figured you stayed up there ‘cause it was getting dark. Damn, son. You don’t mess around, do ya?”

  “I –”

  “So you’re bangin’ Kelly,” said Parker, walking through the back door, pulling his suspenders over his shoulders. “Nice. Tell me every detail, boy.”

  “Shut up, you old pervert,” said Bruce. “Leave him alone.”

  “Guess I’ll just have to find out what it’s like for myself then,” said Parker.

  “You’ll have to find your shriveled up pecker first,” said Bruce. “When’s the last time you saw that thing?”

  “When I put it in your mouth while you sleeping last night.”

  “I’ll never get that visual out of my head,” I replied. “Thank you both for that.”

  “You’re welcome,” said Parker, picking up a wrench.

  After working with those two for an hour, my face was hurting from laughter. Uncle Perry joined us, adding his jabs to the mix. When Bruce was satisfied they’d put in a good day’s work, he walked me out back to where they made their peach flavored gasoline.

  He showed me how to operate the moonshine still, taking care to point out all the dangers involved in the process. It had a simple elegance and beauty as the late afternoon sun reflected off the polished copper boiler and condensing can. All the fittings were brass, and lead-free solder held everything in place. Turning a valve, Bruce poured a fresh jar for the gang.

  It wasn’t hard for Joey to find us after he finished his errand. He told us he could hear the laughter from the street. As I poured him a glass of spirits, he motioned for me to step inside with him.

  “Everything’s good with me and Tucker,” said Joey. “I thought you’d want to know. It felt good burying the hatchet after so many years. We had a couple drinks and laughed about how silly all this was.”

  “I’m proud of you, brother,” I said. “I had a feeling that’s where you were going.”

  “Yeah,” said Joey, lowering his head. “It’s the least I could do after getting you in so much hot water. I had no idea she heard what I said. I’m sorry about that, bro. Is everything okay with you two?”

  “We’re working on it,” I said. “I think we’ll be fine.”

  “Listen, J.D. and Tucker told me about what you did to them on account of what I said. My big mouth almost got them killed. Were you in some kind of Special Forces or something?”

  “No,” I said. “I was never in the military.”

  “Dang,” said Joey, shaking his head. “Those two were born in those hills. Sneaking up on them ain’t easy at all. You shook ‘em up a bit.”

  “Not my intent,” I said. “I’m guessing they’re still a little sore about that.”

  “Naw, they’re just sore they didn’t see it coming. I think they’ll be paying more attention now, though. It’s probably the reason why they found those strangers camping on the edge of their land. J.D. said he got close enough to see the color of their eyes through his scope.”

  “Any trouble?” I asked.

  “He said he didn’t go down introducing himself, but one of them had some scars on his neck,” said Joey. “They said you might be interested in that.”

  I stopped breathing.

  “Why would they say that?” asked Joey. “You know them?”

  Fighting back the urge to grab the AR and run full speed up into the hills, I wanted to be careful not to let Joey think something was wrong. It had to be them.

  “Cousin?” said Joey, bringing me back.

  “No,” I said. “I can’t think of why they’d say that. Maybe they’re worried they’re heading for Stevenson.”

  “Maybe. I don’t know, either,” said Joey. “You think we should go check them out?”

  “No. If J.D. and Tucker aren’t worrying about them, neither should we,” I said. “We’ll just keep our eyes peeled for the next couple of days.”

  “Okay,” said Joey. “How about another drink?”

  “Sure.”

  It was difficult thinking about anything else. I was still laughing and slapping backs, but my mind was in those hills, working out how to get my hands around that scar. I’d leave early in the morning before anybody awoke.

  J.D. was smart enough not to give Joey any details, knowing he’d go after them on the spot. (More than likely, it was also the same group that attacked River and murdered her husband and little girl.) It meant he was smart enough not to let the cowards out of his sight until I arrived. I took smaller sips from my glass.

  At the end of their day, Doc and Kelly came through the door to find the five of us sitting around the still. I tried to block her view of me handing my glass to Bruce. It was a weak attempt, but I earned a smile from her.

  “I told you she’d come lookin’ for me,” said Parker.

  “I thought our date was tomorrow night.” said Kelly.

  “Honey, I don’t want to date you. I just want to –”

  “Parker!” said Bruce, kicking him in the shin.

  “Dance,” said Parker, rubbing his leg, glaring at Bruce. “I just want to dance with her. Jeez.”

  “Looking forward to it,” replied Kelly. “I’ve seen your moves. I hope I can keep up.”

  “Many have tried; all have failed.”

  “Since you’re all going to find out anyway,” said Kelly, looking at me and warming up the lasers, “I’m inviting him over for dinner tonight, and Do
c’s going to stay here with you for a bit. When you’re all done talking about what’s happening at the house, Doc’s going to spend the night at the clinic.”

  She dropped her bag and reached up for the zipper on her jacket. Walking over to Parker, she slid it down, showing the ninety-year-old man her bikini top with more cleavage than he’d seen in half a century. Leaning over him, putting her chest a few inches from his face, she braced herself on the arms of his chair.

  “He’s staying at the clinic because what I’ll be doing is going to be loud, sweaty, and non-stop until we both pass out from exhaustion.”

  It got so quiet a pin drop would’ve sounded like a hammer being thrown through a glass window. Parker couldn’t open his eyes wide enough to take in the image in front of him. Kelly kissed him on top of his head, zipped up her jacket, and walked away.

  “Well, guys,” I said, standing and picking up her bag. “I’d love to stay, but it seems like I have plans this evening. You gentlemen have a good night. Sweet dreams, old-timers.”

  “I hate you,” said Parker.

  Waiting for me on the sidewalk in front of the museum, she was standing with her arms crossed. There was no smile when she took her bag from me. I couldn’t hide my smile when she took my hand.

  “Is he still alive?” said Kelly, keeping her eyes forward as we walked.

  “Barely,” I replied. “That was quite a show.”

  “I’m still not happy with you.”

  “I didn’t expect that you would be,” I said. “At least not this soon.”

  “That’s what pisses me off the most,” said Kelly. “It’s hard for me to stay angry with you when it’s harder not having you around. It’s not fair.”

  “I’m glad you’re having a tough time with that.”

  “Don’t get cocky. That little show back there was for them. I’m still not sure what I’m going to do with you.”

  “At this point I’m happy we’re walking down the street holding hands, talking about what an idiot I’ve been. That’s enough for me.”

  “Wow,” said Kelly. “You really do want to get laid again, don’t you?”

  “Yes, I do.”

  Her mood lightened as we continued our stroll to the house. I did my best to put everything else out of my head, but it wasn’t easy. I knew in less than twenty-four hours I’d be face to face with the monsters that had brutalized her and River. I’d be closer to redemption than at any other point in my life since Sam died. I wanted to kill them for what they did to Kelly. I was going to make them suffer for what they did to Sam. In my mind, all cowards were the same.

  When my foot hit the first step on the porch, I felt the eyes return. Scanning the well-lit area, I didn’t see anything moving behind me. My guns weren’t on the dresser this time. I felt the weight of them on my belt as I stepped onto the porch. Kelly turned around, reaching out for me.

  “Dinner will have to wait. I know what I’m going to do with you now.”

  Nothing else mattered. The eyes in the woods would have to wait.

  Chapter 47

  (Day 46)

  Number One

  Everything she told Parker and the boys that was going to happen, did. Trying not to disturb her peaceful sleep, I slid out of bed. It wasn’t easy finding all my clothes and gear in the dark. They had come off so fast – being thrown in every direction – that it took me several minutes to follow the trail to the front door. As I closed the door behind me, I didn’t feel comfortable leaving her alone and vulnerable, but everyone in town knew I’d be with her. Nobody expected me to leave before dawn to go hunting.

  I entered my house as quietly as possible to retrieve the assault rifle and shotgun. Familiar with the layout, it wasn’t necessary for me to use a lantern. I came out of my skin when I heard the whisper.

  “You looking for these?” said Perry, lighting a candle.

  “Christ, you scared the shit out of me.”

  “Keep your voice down,” said Perry, illuminating my AR and shotgun, resting against his chair. “Don’t wake the girls. Come out to the deck. The others are out there.”

  “Good morning,” greeted Doc.

  “How was your night?” asked Joey, smiling.

  “Gang’s all here,” I said. “I guess you guys figured it out.”

  “We all know Kelly’s story,” said Perry. “We know about how she ripped up his neck. This isn’t your battle to fight alone. Or did you forget about my granddaughter being burned to death and my daughter being raped?”

  “No, Uncle Perry, I haven’t forgotten. But I wasn’t about to put either of you in harm’s way. You’ve done too much for me already. I was going to do this for you – for everyone.”

  “Not your place to decide, son,” said Doc. “Damn near everybody in this town has been affected by them.”

  “Doc’s gonna go home in a bit and wake up Kelly,” said Perry. “Then they’re coming here to wait for us to get back. They deserve to know what’s going on, but I understand why you didn’t tell them. We know they’d try to stop us.”

  “Kelly already has trust issues with me, Doc. She’s going to be pissed that I wasn’t the one to tell her.”

  “No, she won’t,” replied Doc. “I’ll make sure of that. I’ll make sure they all know why it had to happen this way. All you boys have to do is come home in one piece, okay?”

  “That’s the plan,” I said.

  “We need to get moving,” said Perry. “Those aren’t the type of men that stay in the same place for long.”

  After I was handed my weapons and pack, we headed for the hills. Having Perry and Joey with me made finding Tucker’s property easier. As the sun was rising we walked up his drive to find him sitting on the porch.

  “Figured you’d come early,” said Tucker. “Figured you’d have company, too. Momma’s got some breakfast waiting for us. We need to eat fast and catch up with J.D. He’s a three-hour hike from here.”

  Jasmine Cromartie, their mother, greeted all of us with smiles and some of the best biscuits I’ve ever had. She was a large woman with a large personality. She treated us like we were her family.

  “It’s so good to see all you boys together again,” said Jasmine, piling more on our plates. “I’m so glad all that nonsense is behind us.”

  “Me, too, Miss Jasmine,” said Perry. “We’ve both been blessed with good children. A little hardheaded sometimes, but who isn’t?”

  “Perry,” said Miss Jasmine, reaching out for his hand. “I’m sorry I couldn’t come down from these hills when you lost your grandbaby. My old, tired legs barely get me out of bed these days. But when my boys told me what happened, I just cried and cried.”

  “Momma was a mess, Perry,” said Tucker. “It was like she lost one of us.”

  “I thank you kindly, Miss Jasmine,” said Perry, patting her hand. “That means the world to me. It’s been tough on River, but she’s doing fine now. Got this one here to thank for some of that.”

  “It’s nice to finally meet you, child,” said Miss Jasmine. “J.D. speaks highly of you. Says you’re quite the woodsman with a sneaky side. I’m glad you’ll be with them.”

  “I don’t normally ask folks to make me a promise, Miss Jasmine, but I’d like to ask you for one if you don’t mind.”

  “No, not at all.”

  “Promise me I can come back anytime for more of these biscuits,” I said, holding one in front of my face. “Good Lord, I can’t stop eating them.”

  “Promise made, baby,” said Miss Jasmine, laughing from her belly. “You’re all welcome anytime. Anytime at all. That goes for your families, too.”

  “When this business is over, I’ll be back,” said Perry. “Donna and River would love to see you again.”

  Loosening my belt, I gathered with everyone in front of the house. Miss Jasmine walked us out, telling us to grab ahold of each other’s hands. As we bowed our heads, she prayed.

  “Lord, bless these men and the job they need to do in your name. Give them the
strength, wisdom, and steady hands to bring your wrath upon the demons on our land. Demons that have brought violence, pain, and death to the peaceful followers of your words. Lord, watch over all my sons as they send those motherless dogs to you for their final judgment. I’d be mighty grateful if you’d see fit to send them to hell to burn in agony for all eternity. Amen.”

  Amen.

  I was surprised to see Uncle Perry take the lead. It would’ve been a mistake for me to speak my mind, asking him to stay behind because I thought he’d slow us down. There were moments on the path I had to trot to catch up with him. He was a man possessed.

  As we approached the last place Tucker had seen J.D., I damn near had my second heart attack of the day when he popped up a few feet away from me. It was like he stepped through an invisible doorway. (These men were very capable hunters.) He motioned for all of us to gather close.

  “Nine of them,” whispered J.D. “They’re in an old cabin Tucker and I used as a fort when we were kids. It’s one big open room inside. There’s an outhouse thirty yards behind the cabin that they’ve been using. Last night at dusk, all but two gathered around the fire after dinner and got hammered. I expect more of the same tonight. That’s when we need to hit ‘em.”

  “They won’t have good night vision because of the fire,” said Tucker. “And they’ll be lit up all nice and pretty through our scopes. Five of them should go down quick. The other four may find a way to start shooting back.”

  “The cabin is down in the valley on the other side of this ridge,” said J.D. “There’s a creek that runs behind it. If any of us need to go down there, that’s how we do it.”

  “Scar survives,” I said. “He dies slow.”

  “Scott,” said J.D. “His name is Scott.”

  “Berryman?” asked Joey. “Fucking Scott Berryman?”

  “Yep.”

  “You know all of them, don’t you?” I asked.

  “We do,” said J.D. “We know ‘em all.”

  “Damn it,” said Perry. “I can’t believe Scott would do those things to Kelly and River.”

  “Why’s that?” I asked.