by Robert Boren
“Maybe I should just shoot you right here, then,” Kim said, getting closer.
“Don’t,” Eric said. “That will start a shit storm, and there’s lots of these Russian thugs around here.”
“Yeah, you listen to man. He dumb but smart.”
Eric took his phone out of his pocket and snapped a picture of the thug.
“What you do?”
“I’ve got a friend at ICE,” he said. “I just sent the picture to him. Now you’ve got to watch your back, ruskie.”
“You not scare me,” he said, standing up.
“Good,” Eric said. “Now get the hell out of here. I’ll let you go this time. Next time I kill you.”
The man walked towards his pistol.
“Leave it,” Kim said, walking closer to him. “I don’t think it’s such a bad idea to blow you away, creep.”
He glared at her, then trotted away.
“Son of a bitch,” Eric said. “I’m so sorry.”
“Stop it,” she said. “How much do you need to do in order to leave?”
“Disconnect the electrical, water, and sewage, then connect the Bronco to the back.”
“How long?” Kim asked, glancing down the street every few seconds.
“Ten minutes’ tops,” he said.
“Do it. I’ll keep watch with the old Python.”
“Maybe you should take off before they come back.”
“No. Get busy.”
Eric shrugged, then got to work. The utilities took less time than she expected. Eric drove the coach onto the road, then pulled the Bronco up behind it. He had it connected in a couple of minutes.
“Okay, done,” he said. “Get in. Let’s blow this joint.”
She smiled and climbed into the motor home, looking around as Paco followed her. “This is nice.”
“It’s okay,” Eric said, getting behind the wheel. He drove forward, checking his mirrors and watching carefully as he made the tight right turn onto the main drag of the park. They got to the driveway in two minutes. Eric looked around in all directions for suspicious looking vehicles.
“Look clear?” Kim asked. Eric nodded and drove onto the street.
“Where can I drop you?” he asked.
“Wherever you’re going in Texas,” she said.
He stared at her. “You don’t want to go there. It’s turning into a war zone.”
“You don’t get me at all, do you?” she asked. “I’m going where you’re going, and that’s that.”
“Yeah, but…”
“Let’s cut through the bullshit,” Kim said, looking at him as he drove. “I know you like me.” She paused for a moment. “No, you more than like me. I can tell. You gonna deny that?”
He sighed and looked at her. “No.”
“Good. I more than like you. You’re gonna have to force me away if you really don’t want me.”
“But Kim, I…”
“Later. Head for the highway before these thugs get wise. I’ll go make sure everything’s locked down for the trip.”
She got up, her pretty red hair swaying, keeping her balance in the moving coach by touching the kitchen counter and dinette table. Paco followed her, tail wagging, watching as she stowed pots and pans and other loose items. When she got back to the front Eric was slowing at the last traffic light before the on-ramp.
“There’s I-75,” Eric said. “Last time to back out.”
She sighed, then got next to him. “That light just turned, didn’t it?”
“Yeah, it’s a long one,” he said.
“Good.” She moved in and kissed him deeply and passionately, until a horn honk told them it was time to drive. She went to her seat as he watched, eyes wide. “You’d better get used to that.” She flashed him a smile. “Drive, already.”
He smiled and drove forward.
Chapter 21 – Hog Run
“This is a long dirt road, and I haven’t seen a place we can turn around yet,” Carrie said, staring out into the darkness. “Wish it was daytime.”
“There’s a big flat spot where we’re going,” Jason said. “Trust me. Turned around in there many times before.”
“With this thing?”
“No, with a big Fifth Wheel Toy Hauler,” he said. “Belonged to Curt.”
“Oh, yeah, you and those hunting trips,” she said. “What happened to him again?”
“He took a job on the San Antonio PD,” Jason said. “Miss that guy. A lot.”
They rode silently for a spell, watching the headlights on the dirt and weeds ahead of them.
“Wish there were more trees. Seems awful exposed,” Carrie said.
“It’ll be fine,” Jason said. “There’s more trees than you can see at night. We’ll have to take it easy on the water out here, but there’s a nice stream that we can wash stuff in.”
“Dishes and clothes?” Carrie asked.
“Yeah, and ourselves. There’s a deep pool with a waterfall about fifty yards from where we’re gonna camp. At night there’s hogs around, but during the day it’s fine.”
“There’s liable to be other people if it’s got a pool close by,” she said.
“We might see folks during the weekend,” Jason said. “It’s Monday night, though. It’ll be deader than a doornail during the week. We can always take off Thursday night if we want to avoid the crowd. Ought to have a good handle on what to do by then.”
“We’ll have to watch Chelsea like a hawk,” Carrie said. “Probably lots of snakes and scorpions out here.”
“Yep,” Jason said. “I think the spot is coming up pretty quick. See how the road is widening now?”
“Yeah. Thank God. I’m so tired.”
“You and me both,” Jason said. “Wonder how Kyle is holding up.”
“He’s probably beat. Not too much beer tonight, okay?”
“Okay,” Jason said. “Yeah, here we are. Look.”
“Oh, this isn’t bad.”
Jason made a wide turn on the big flat area, getting the coach headed back towards the road. He saw Kyle do the same a few seconds later, pulling up about six feet from the side of their rig. They shut down their engines and got out. Jason grabbed an LED lantern and turned it on, setting it down next to the door of the coach. It sent an eerie glow around the space between the rigs.
“Damn, bro, forgot how long that dirt road was,” Kyle said, walking up with Kate.
“Probably good that we’re so far out,” Jason said.
“How you holding up, Kate?” Carrie asked.
“I’m good,” she said. “Slept part of the way.”
“Wish I could have,” Carrie said.
“How about a beer, Jason?” Kyle asked.
“Sure, but only one, then I’m gonna hit the sack.”
“Agreed,” Kyle said. “You ladies want one?”
“I’ll pass,” Kate said. “Too tired.”
“Yeah, I’ll pass too,” Carrie said. Kyle went to the back of his pickup and took two beers out of his ice chest.
“I’ll get out the chairs,” Jason said. He unlocked a side storage compartment and opened it, pulling them out.
“How’s Chelsea?” Kate asked Carrie as Jason brought chairs over. The two women sat.
“She’s been out for the last couple of hours,” Carrie said.
Jason and Kyle set up the other two chairs, sat, and took big swigs of their beers.
“I needed that,” Kyle said.
“Yeah,” Jason said, looking down at the ground. “Shit, look at those hog tracks.”
“We gonna hunt while we’re here?”
“Well, I wouldn’t mind some pork if we can get a young one,” Jason said.
“You clean it and I’ll cook it,” Carrie said.
“They good?” Kate asked.
“Not bad if they’re young,” Carrie said.
“Can you get bacon off of them?” she asked.
“You got to cure that,” Kyle said. “Wouldn’t want to do that in an RV, but if you know h
ow, it’s good. So fresh.”
There was rustling in the motor home.
“Shit, Chelsea woke up,” Carrie said. “I’ll get her settled and turn in.”
“I think I’ll turn in too,” Kate said. “See you in the morning, Carrie.”
“I’ll be in when I’m done with the beer,” Kyle said.
“Same here,” Jason said. The two men watched while the women when into their rigs.
“Jason, we really gonna just hide out here?” Kyle whispered.
“What do you think?” Jason asked quietly. He took another big swig of beer.
“I think you and I are gonna go after the cretins who attacked us,” Kyle whispered.
“Damn straight. Already working it out in my mind.”
“Oh, really,” Kyle said. “Spill.”
“I know the name of that Imam that the housewife killed during the Superstore attack,” Jason whispered. “I’m going to catalog all of his known associates.”
“How? We aren’t in a good place to do research. We’re in the middle of nowhere.”
Jason chuckled. “My dad sprang for a good satellite system. I can get online with it from here. It’s slower than I’m used to, but it’ll work. We’ll find these guys and take them out. Trust me.”
“There’s only two of us,” Kyle said.
“Eric’s on his way here,” Jason whispered.
“Good. I was hoping. He’s better at surveillance and investigation than anybody I know.”
“Yeah,” Jason said. “I’m gonna see if I can raise Curt too.”
“I just talked to him last week. He was thinking of coming back to Austin PD. Having trouble with the management in San Antonio.”
“Really? That’s good for us, I suspect. Maybe we can get Chief Ramsey to bring him on in the field.”
“You think Ramsey is gonna go along with what we want to do?”
Jason finished his beer, then looked at Kyle and nodded yes. “I’m hitting the sack, brother. Don’t stay up all night with your new girlfriend.”
Kyle shot him an embarrassed smile and nodded, chugging the last of his beer. “Later, man.”
Chapter 22 – Unlikely Alliance
Kelly, Nate, Junior, Earl, Jasper, and Fritz were leaning up against a pickup truck, catching their breath after the battle. Sam walked over with Officer Brown.
“I want to thank you guys,” Sam said. “Now let’s have that BAR.” He waited for a reaction, then busted up. “I’m just kidding, but keep it out of sight until we leave, okay?”
“Yeah, I’m about ready to kick somebody’s ass for taking my pride and joy out without permission,” Nate said, looking at Earl.
“Hey, we needed all the firepower we could get,” Earl said. “If you ever want to sell that thing, just let me know.”
“Not a chance,” Nate said. “You know how hard it is to get those now?”
“I don’t want to know about that,” Sam said, grinning.
“You gonna be in trouble with your brass for this?” Kelly asked.
“Not Chief Ramsey,” Sam said. “That guy is a jewel. I just hope the police commission doesn’t deep-six him.”
“If they do, I’ll follow him wherever he goes,” Officer Brown said.
“Yeah, me too,” Sam said.
“I’d like to meet that guy sometime,” Kelly said.
“Funny, he said the same thing about you,” Sam said.
“Oh, really?” Kelly asked. “It wasn’t an accident that you guys approached us today, was it?”
“No, it wasn’t,” Sam said. “Ramsey is worried. This is a lot bigger deal than the folks running Austin will admit.”
“So you’re telling us he might want to join forces?” Nate asked.
“Maybe,” Sam said.
“If this guy’s on the verge of getting kicked out of his position, he might be a bad guy to tie our fortunes to,” Junior said.
“He’s close to Governor Nelson,” Sam said. “If the Austin City Council or the Police Commission move against him, Nelson will stop it dead in its tracks.”
“How high up are you, Sam?” Kelly asked.
“I’d rather not say,” Sam said, a twinkle in his eye.
“Thought so,” Kelly said. “I’m interested in what you're selling. How about you guys?” He looked at his friends, who all nodded in the affirmative.
“Good,” Sam said. “We’ll be in touch. It was an honor fighting with you today.”
“Same here,” Kelly said. Sam and Officer Brown turned and left.
“Well ain’t that something,” Nate said.
“Yeah, it’s something all right,” Kelly said. “Don’t get too thrilled, guys. We need to be very careful. I know Governor Nelson’s a good guy. Voted for him twice myself, and I trust him, but he’s got a big problem.”
“What’s that?”
“The folks in DC,” Kelly said. “The Administration has had him in the crosshairs for a while. They’re liable to use the DOJ against him if we get caught doing anything that’s not above board. They got that asshole Kip Hendrix watching him like a hawk.”
“How do you know all this?” Jasper asked.
“I research things on the internet,” Kelly said. “You might want to skip the porn and do that yourself.”
The men laughed.
“All right, let’s go home, guys,” Nate said. “I could use a few beers.”
“Texas Mary’s?” Junior asked.
“Hell yeah,” Nate said. “Let’s blow.”
The men got into their trucks and headed for Dripping Springs. Traffic was still light so they made it there in about fifteen minutes, pulling into the parking lot of the bar and overflowing onto the surrounding streets. They flooded inside. Chris was in front, on crutches, upper thigh bandaged.
“Damn, Chris, they let you out already?” Nate asked, grinning ear to ear.
“Yeah, just a flesh wound,” he said. “I was lucky.”
“That’s great,” Kelly said, walking up to him and giving him a hug.
“Glad you guys made it through that battle today,” he said. “Somebody’s waiting for you, Kelly. If you tell her I told you, I’ll deny it.”
“Well that’s kinda awkward, given that you’re her ex and all.”
“Her and I didn’t work,” Chris said. “It’s been over for years, and I have no regrets. I love her like a sister, though, so you’d better treat her right. I mean it. That being said, I’d be happy to see you two together, and that’s the truth.”
“My intentions are pure,” Kelly said. “And that’s the truth.”
“Good,” Chris said. “Belly up, guys.”
“On the house?” Junior asked.
“No!” Kelly said. “He’s got to keep this place open, and you got free drinks yesterday.”
“Sound’s fair to me,” Jasper said, grabbing a bar stool. The men continued to stream in, filling the place.
“Bar keep!” Jasper yelled.
“Keep your panties on,” yelled Brenda from the back. “Chris can’t cook right now, so I’m doing double duty. He can still draw beers, though. Maybe he can take care of you.”
“Yes I can,” Chris said, getting behind the bar. He served as everybody celebrated, laughing and joking. Junior quietly walked towards the window and sat down with his beer. Kelly noticed and followed him.
“Think we’re gonna get another visit?”
“We might,” Junior said. “I’m just having one tonight, and then I’m gonna watch the front. You don’t mind, I hope.”
“I kinda had the same idea,” Kelly said.
“Great minds think alike,” he said, a silly grin on his bony, weathered face.
Kelly grinned. “Guess I’ll go get my one beer.” He walked to the bar. Chris slid him a mug of his favorite brew.
“Junior watching for heathens?” Chris asked.
“Yeah,” Kerry said. “We’re gonna stay straight tonight, too. Just in case.”
“Good,” Chris said. “This is
an invasion, isn’t it?”
“Looks that way,” Kerry said quietly. “It’s gonna get a whole lot worse before it gets better.” He glanced at the window to the kitchen.
“Go on back there,” Chris said. “It’s okay.”
“Sure?”
He sighed. “If you want her, you’ll have to take her. She doesn’t like passive men. Trust me. Now get back there.”
Kelly chugged down his beer and walked behind the bar and into the kitchen. Brenda was taking a big tray of hot wings out of the oven. She saw him come in, and set the tray down on the stainless steel work table behind her.
“What are you doing back here?” she asked, taking off her oven mitts.
“We were gonna talk, remember?” Kelly said, walking towards her.
“I’m working,” she said. “Got a business to run.”
He continued to approach. She turned to the wings, getting ready to put them onto paper bowls. He came up behind and turned her around to face him.
“What?” she said quickly.
His arms went around her waist, and he pulled her close.
“Kelly!” she said. He planted a kiss on her. She moaned and snaked her arms around his neck, returning the kiss, both of them trembling. Then she broke it.
“I needed that,” Kelly said.
“Let me get back to work,” she said.
“In a minute,” he said.
“I can’t stand here and make out with you while the food is getting cold.”
“I’ll be out of your hair in a minute,” he said, looking into her eyes, fighting the urge to kiss her again.
“C’mon,” she said, looking in his eyes but not making a move away from him.
“I want you, Brenda.”
“So what else is new?” she said,
“I mean it. You’re gonna be my woman,” he said softly. “We both know that.”
She trembled harder, relaxing into him, eyes softening. “You’re jumping to some conclusions there,” she said softly.
“No, I’m not,” he said, kissing her again, longer, then looking into her eyes. “I’ll let you go back to work, but we’ll talk later.”
“Okay,” she said softly, pulling him closer, turning her head up for another kiss, softer and more tender. “Now, get out of here, please?”