SAGE

by Jessica Caryn

  I had two choices. I could move on or I could find her. I stood up. Yeah I needed a shower and more rest. I glanced around the place. I had to clean up too. She always kept things right. I couldn’t sleep in the bed without her. I couldn’t go on like this. I left the couch and went over to the office windows. I stared at the shop below. I watched them work for a minute.

  The metal doors were open. The sunlight streamed in. Yeah, I would miss this. Greg came in and whistled. I saw the men behind him. I rushed out of the door. I ran down a few steps and jumped to the steel landing. I didn’t take the next flight. I hopped the metal rail and landed on the shop floor as the men came in. Brian and the guys came from around the cars and the heavy machinery. I shook my head as the men threw Billy down at my feet.

  “Ramsey!” Billy coughed. “Help me!”

  I bent down. He was in bad shape.

  “Not this time.” I stood up.

  “You’re wasting your time.” I told the men.

  “Hey stole from our employer.”

  They showed me their guns.

  The boys in the shop were ready.

  Pipes, baseball bat, blow torch.

  We had equipment here, things that will hurt.

  I heard the sound of the metal doors slam shut.

  I smiled when the men realized how this would go.

  They drew their guns.

  “We don’t want trouble!”

  “Take him and leave.” I said calmly.

  Two men rushed forward and snatched up Billy. My boys back up but not much. The men’s exit would be narrow. The tension in the shop meant they were about to get fucked up. They pulled Billy to the doors.

  “Wait. Ramsey!” Billy yelled. “I called Sage!”

  Brian blocked the metal doors.

  The men stopped.

  I walked up to Billy.

  “Where is she?”

  “She’ll meet up with us!”

  I glanced at the men with him.

  “Yeah he called his sister.”

  Fuck. I knew she would come for him.

  “What did he steal?” I asked them.

  They told me the name of the painting.

  I wanted to kill him myself.

  The men said Sage would bring money.

  I shook my head. It wasn’t enough and she knew it.

  “What’s the job?”

  “My boss will tell you if you agree to meet him.”

  “Ramsey, if you can give them the money...”

  I smacked Billy.

  “You stole a priceless painting.”

  Billy eyes grew wide.

  “No it’s worth a few hundred thousand.”

  I gave him a cold stare.

  He fell silent.

  I told the men I’ll meet them outside in ten minutes.

  I took the steel steps two at a time. I threw clothes into a duffel bag and then opened the hidden safe. I pulled out banded stacks of bills and tossed them into the bag. I needed money to maintain. Cash is hard to trace if used properly. It’s also a universal language everyone understands. I closed and locked the safe, zipped the bag, grabbed it, and picked up my keys. I locked up and went down the steel steps. Brian was outside. He had a big ass wrench tucked under his arm. I tossed him the keys to the apartment.

  “You should cut this and her loose.”

  He watched the men.

  “Billy is an asshole. He’ll get you and his sister killed.”

  “B, I need her.”

  Brian shook his head.

  “This woman will be the fucking death of you man!”

  “Oh shut up Brian.” Sal hit him in the chest.

  “You big fucking lug!” She walked around him.

  Brian blushed and I chuckled.

  “We know you love her.” Sal hugged me.

  “Whatever you need, you know we’ll be there.”

  She kissed my cheek.

  “Thanks Sal.” I smiled.

  She walked past Brian.

  “Finish up and come on!”

  “Yes Ma’am.” Brian said

  “She has you trained.” I laughed.

  “Shut up man! “ Brian laughed at himself.

  “Greg got the plates.” He said quietly.

  “Good.” I nodded. “Hit me up.”

  I walked up to the men.

  They opened the truck door.

  I laughed at them. What kind of girly shit were they into. I’m not a female. I won’t be in the backseat of a damn transport vehicle. I asked for the meet up point. I went around the side of the auto shop.

  I pulled the tarp off my motorcycle.

  A few minutes later, my stuff was secure on the back.

  I put on a hooded sweatshirt.

  I started the engine and the men flinched. I shook my head. Billy couldn’t fend for himself with these punks. I waited for them to get in the trucks.

  They pulled onto the road.

  I came out behind them.

  Brian watched from metal doors.

  He knew I could handle it.

  I picked up speed and followed the trucks.

  Now I didn’t have to look for Sage.

  She would come to me.

  I didn’t care about Billy.

  I would do this for her.

  I pushed Sage out of my mind.

  I had to focus on the road.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  SAGE

  Darby, Montana.

  I spent almost twenty three hours on the road. I used the rest stops when I had to. Those quick naps didn’t do anything. The fatigue set in six hours into the drive. I hadn’t felt this hopeless and down on luck in a while. I wanted to call Ramsey but my pride was all I had. Well that and two hundred dollars. The suitcase of money wasn’t mine anymore. I should have said no and let Billy deal. There wasn’t time for regret.

  I saw the sign.

  “Welcome to Montana’s Bitterroot Valley and Darby.”

  It was a cool forty eight degrees but I rolled down the window. I felt the air hit my face and the wind in my hair. I turned into a gas station and pulled to a stop in front of a pump. I went inside to pay. I grabbed bottles of water and snacks. I asked for directions.

  The guy behind the counter told me it was a resort. I couldn’t believe it. This asshole wanted to meet at a high priced place. I thanked the guy, paid for my stuff, and went outside to pump the gas. I filled up the tank, put the pump on the hook, and then got in the truck. I checked the temperature gauge. The needle was still high. The truck would run hot soon. If it overheats, that’s it. I had to get there quick. I drove through town. The charm of the place made me miss the cottage

  I felt that familiar twinge in my chest.

  I wanted to be back in Oklahoma with my friends. I could drive to New Orleans. I wondered if Ramsey still had the auto shop. I wiped my eyes. I had to be done with this weak shit. I saw the turn. I made it and then drove up the tree lined road. It opened to a lavished clearing. The ranch style resort was amazing.

  My thought –

  Why didn’t I experience life when I had the chance?”

  I drove through the entrance and pulled into a parking space close to the Main lodge. I called Billy’s phone and the guy answered. I told him I was there. He said we would meet in the morning. He told me to pay for a room. It would be a two day stay. I ended the call and tried to control my temper. I put my forehead on the steering wheel and did my best to breathe through it. The pain began to fade. I got out the truck and went inside. I reminded myself to be polite. I requested a one bedroom luxury cabin for two nights. I answered questions and was glad when they told me I could pay with cash. They asked for my license. I didn’t mind. There wasn’t much about me that was real. I paid the deposit for incidentals. It meant I had to pay if I wrecked the place. I didn’t plan on it but at the rate I was going, you never know. I was given keys to the cabin and a cute map of the resort. I had to smile because this was a pleasant experience. I could count how many good interactions
I’ve had with people. I went to the truck, got inside, and checked the map. Maybe for the night I could pretend I was here to visit. Tomorrow it would be over but that’s quite alright. I drove through the resort and then turned onto the small marked road. The cabin was at the top of the hill nestled under pine trees. The mountains were in the distance. It was blue sky, trees, and open space.

  The tranquil beauty almost made me cry.

  I got out of the truck, grabbed the overnight bag, and the suitcase full of money. It felt heavier than the normal thirty plus pounds. I struggled to carry it up the stone path but I wouldn’t do a second trip. I made it to the wooden porch, got the door open, stepped inside and then put down the bags. The cabin was intimate and cozy. The artwork in the wooden frames matched the rustic theme. A small wood-burning cast iron stove was in a corner on a small brick platform. It filled the space with warm heat. The oversized bed was perfect for a couple in love. I noticed the spiral staircase. I glanced up at the loft. It had a desk and a sitting area. I could stay here forever! I locked the door and closed the drawstring curtain. The natural charm of the cabin made me comfortable and I was exhausted. I decided to take a bath and then go to bed. I went into the bathroom. I shook my head. How can a bathroom be this damn beautiful? I saw the huge gift basket filled with soaps, lotions, and normal sized shampoo and conditioner. I couldn’t wait to wash off the dust and grime. A few minutes later I was in the shower and the scent of chamomile and lavender filled the air with relaxing mist. I knew I wouldn’t get another chance to live the way I wanted.

  Billy didn’t appreciate my sacrifice.

  He didn’t know what it took to have discipline.

  Billy wanted everything but tried to do less.

  He wanted to shortcut his way through life.

  My heart ached for the loss of my dream.

  I sobbed in anguish.

  I kept losing things, places, and people.

  Billy didn’t have sense when it came to responsibility. He would take from me because I loved him enough to give. The weight of my honesty was too much. I slid down the shower wall and gave into the pain. I cried under the hot jets of water until I was weak. I watched the water swirl as it went down the drain. It reminded me of where I was in life. I was letting it all go and for what? I made the decision because Billy was family. He was all I had.

  I stood up and washed my hair. The fragrant scent of the shampoo calmed me. I was tired. I got out of the shower and wrapped my hair in a towel. I used the body lotion, patted my skin dry, and then turned on the hair dryer. It took twenty minutes to dry my hair. I left the bathroom and walked out into the open space. The warmth from the cast iron stove was comforting.

  I put on my cotton nightgown and got into bed.

  My eyes fluttered closed.

  I wished for a great dream.

  I wanted to pretend this was home.

  I felt my body drift.

  I was in the space between.

  The hot tears stung my eyelids.

  I cried until the pain faded and then I fell asleep.

  I woke up the next morning and reached for him.

  I sat up. Ramsey wasn’t there.

  I checked my phone.

  No missed calls.

  I put it on the charger.

  I went back to bed.

  I was half asleep when my phone chimed.

  I rushed to answer it.

  They would be at the resort soon. I got out of bed, did my feminine routine, and then got dressed. My outfit was normal I think. I had on jeans, a tank top, plaid shirt, and a sweater.

  It took time to tame my wild mass of hair.

  I wanted to be presentable and appear civilized.

  I would probably have to kill these people.

  Billy would not get out of this pain free.

  I plan to hurt him plenty.

  I put on my boots, grabbed my phone, and then left the cabin. I decided to walk to the entrance. I figured it would kill time and help me relax. I walked along the road. The smell of pine and flowers made me feel better. I breathed in the fresh air. I saw horses in the meadow. I wanted to stand at the white picket fence but I couldn’t. I would come back when I could stay awhile. I made it down the road faster than I thought. . I went in the Main Lodge and up to the front desk. I was given another cute little map and pointed in the right direction. I found the dining room easy enough.

  I was seated in a cozy corner by the window.

  I could see the main entrance.

  Wait, I put down my fork.

  I stared at the motorcycle.

  It was parked off to the side.

  I shook my head. C’mon. I knew there was more than one motorcycle like that.

  I couldn’t think about Ramsey.

  Not right now.

  I took out my phone.

  I checked the time.

  I finished eating but the rich flavors couldn’t distract me from the motorcycle outside.

  I dialed the number I knew by heart.

  I bit my lip and waited for him to answer.

  “Yeah.” His voice was sexy and low.

  I didn’t want to admit how much I missed him.

  I couldn’t tell him I needed him.

  “Talk to me.” His demand was calm.

  “I’m in trouble.” The words tumbled out of my mouth.

  I hung up. Fuck. I didn’t need him to come save me. I glanced out the window disappointed in myself. It was because of that motorcycle. I should go out there and kick it over. Well push it over. It was too heavy for anything else. I might hurt myself. Fuck!

  My phone chimed.

  I wanted it to be Ramsey.

  I glanced at it. Billy’s number.

  Now I really wanted to kill them and hurt my brother bad. I answered. They said they were about to turn onto the private road.

  I finished up in the dining room and then went outside.

  I saw the trucks drive in the entrance.

  They pulled into empty parking spaces.

  This was an expensive resort.

  Nothing should happen here.

  Well they could try me if they wanted.

  A man got out of the truck closest to me.

  He opened the back door.

  I saw Billy inside. He tried to clean himself up but I could tell he got his ass beat. The man closed the door and I knew this was classic ransom shit. Did they expect me to drag a suitcase filled with money around in broad daylight? The back door of the second truck opened and a man got out. He walked to me. This guy had the kind of handsome that seemed arrogant.

  I wanted to punch him in the face.

  He smiled and I imagined my hands around his throat.

  I smiled. I would choke the life out of him.

  I saw it in his eyes.

  He knew what I was thinking.

  “I might like it.” He winked at me.

  “I’m sure you would.” I told him.

  “Scott.” He smiled.

  I ignored his greeting.

  “The money is in my cabin.”

  I took the keys out of my pocket.

  I gave them to Scott.

  He tossed the keys to one of his guys.

  He motioned to the guy waiting by the other truck.

  He opened the door and Billy got out.

  “I’ll keep the money as insurance.” Scott said.

  “You’ll keep the money regardless.” I shrugged.

  Billy came over to us.

  He didn’t look at me.

  I waited until he glanced at me.

  “Shut the fuck up Billy.”

  Scott laughed. “He didn’t say anything.”

  Billy went to open his mouth.

  “I’ll fuck you up. I mean it.” I told him.

  He kept silent.

  “Now what kind of greeting is that? “

  Scott was amused.

  “Do you think he’ll slip and say your name?”

  I ignored Scott and watched my brother.


  I shook my head.

  “You did, didn’t you?” I asked Billy

  He couldn’t look at me.

  “Damn it Billy!” I smacked him in the head.

  “Well he was desperate.” Scott laughed.

  “Fuck you.” I glanced at Scott.

  “C’mon Jolene is a pretty name.”

  “You can say it all you want.” I smiled.

  “Billy has a cute nickname for you.”

  Scott snapped his finger. “Damn, what is it.”

  My smiled faded.

  “My men overheard it.” Scott gazed at me.

  “I mean you can’t be mad. Billy feared for his life.”

  I didn’t need to hear anything else.

  I hit Billy and he stumbled.

  Scott grabbed me by the waist.

  “Stop it.” He whispered in my ear.

  “We don’t want to draw attention to ourselves.”

  “Get off me.” I twisted in his arms.

  “We can have it out right here.”

  I struggled to break his hold.

  The fatigue had me fucked up.

  A cabin door opened across the parking lot.

  Great. Now I looked uncivilized out in a public place.

  I stopped when I saw Ramsey.

  He was on his way to us.

  “So you do know him.” Scott said in my ear.

  “I wish I had that effect on you.”

  I pushed his arms off me.

  I walk past Billy.

  I met Ramsey halfway.

  My skin felt warm under his gaze.

  He glanced at my hand.

  “I’m alright.” I said quickly.

  “They bought Billy to the shop. He asked for money. He thought the painting was worth a few hundred thousand. I told him it was priceless and he was on his own. He said he called you.”

  “And you came for me.” I cursed under my breath.

  “Sweetheart, talk to me.” His eyes locked on me.

  I knew where he was with it.

  We fell into our old way of communication.

  “Scott knows my real name.” I told him.

  “He called me from Billy’s phone. I don’t have his last name. His men are on their way to my cabin to get the money. I needed to buy some time.”

  Ramsey glanced over my shoulder.

  “Whatever the job is, it will be extreme. Get close to him, find out what you can. Brian ran the plates on the trucks. They’re rentals. He’ll look into Billy’s last job.”