Salvation At Sunset (A McGinty's Of San Antonio Series Novel Book 5)

by Donalyn Maurer

  “Well, I think you are. Look around. You see any monkeys in here?”

  The father jerks back slightly.

  “This establishment does not serve animals, but there’s a feed store in the next town down. How about you go get you and your little monkey some slop from there. She has to use bathroom; best you not have her do it around here.” the sheriff warns with a smile.

  The girl looks back and forth between her parents then around the diner. Everyone I knew that was always nice to me was giving her dirty looks. She grabs onto her mom’s waist and leans in, her eyes still searching the room, on guard. When her eyes meet mine and I see her fear and confusion, shame fills me. I try to convey to her that I’m sorry, I don’t understand either, and we keep each other’s eyes for the longest time. I wonder why my parents aren't saying anything. When I see them both snickering my heart breaks.

  “We’ll just be going,” the man says and he and his wife and daughter start for the door.

  Before they clear the door the sheriff barks out, “Monkey!”

  The father lowers his head before turning back.

  “Yes, sir?” he asks never meeting anyone’s eyes.

  “We got lots of trees around here. Lots of rope too. Come around here again may show you three real nice ones side by side. Get me?” the sheriff asks and the man nods, the sheriff's threat clear.

  “Yes, sir.”

  My eyes fly back to my mom when she finally speaks. “Who do those niggers think they are?”

  “A dumb nigger is what they are.” My dad says and they go back to eating.

  My mom's eyes are full of tears. I think everyone at the table is crying. Not just for the family but for her. For those two little girls.

  “I had heard my parents and others in that town use the N-word often, but I didn’t know what it meant. I had never been outside that hell. I remember when I realized they were saying it as an insult in regards to another human and the color of their skin I almost threw up. That girl, I’ll never forget the look on her face while she was watching her daddy take that abuse. That day she and I both came to realize there is evil in this world. That evil wasn’t just the Sheriff, but my parents, my friends and their parents and the pastor of the First Baptist.”

  My mom gets up and walks over to the window deep in thought. “I buried myself in my school work. I read a lot. Books took me away from where I was. On Sundays, I sat in church and began studying the congregation. I really started listening to the pastor’s sermons after that. Like most kids I never really paid attention. But now, I heard the hate and bigotry being preached all in God’s name and I knew I had to get out. The God they worshipped was and is not my God.” She shakes her head. “I watched my friends that I played with every day, unknowing like me, begin following in the path of their parents. I sat in that church, lived under that roof and bought my time. I made a plan to run, but the night I realized my parents planned on selling me to the Cooper’s, I didn’t wait, I left empty-handed. I had just turned eighteen.”

  Victoria and I both get up at the same time and make our way to her and wrap our arms around her and hold tight. We stay like that for a long while before we break and go back to our seats.

  “Thank God they’re getting Garrett’s sister out of there.” Macie says and we all agree.

  My mom’s phone goes off. “It’s your dad.”

  “Hello?” My mom nods. “Okay. We’re all good.”

  A few seconds later, all our phones go off. I answer and when I hear Garrett voice my body relaxes a little.

  “Baby?” I ask and he sighs too.

  “Hey, I wanted to call and see how are you are. We’re making really good time. There’s not much traffic. Probably going to hit some backup when we get to Houston, though. We’re about an hour and half out. How are things there?”

  I turn and look out the window. “We’re okay. Just been talking. My mom shared a story. Garrett, I’m really worried about you going in there. Please be careful. I knew these people were bad but my God, their souls are darker than I thought.”

  “Yeah, I know. We’re going to be careful. Listen; try not to think about it. Just get some rest. How does your cheek feel?”

  I raise my hand to my cheek. I’ve been so worried I hadn't thought about it. Now that I have, I realize it’s throbbing. Victoria's watching me and I know she’s going to be on me as soon as I hang up.

  “I feel fine. It doesn’t really hurt anymore. How about your ribs?” I ask trying to change the subject.

  “Baby, I’m fine. I’m calling bullshit on you not being in pain. The only thing that’s going to keep my mind clear and focused is if I know you really are okay.”

  “Okay yes, it hurts. Victoria is giving me her nurse’s eyes. I have a feeling as soon as I get off the phone I’m going to get it, so no worries.” I smile when he chuckles deeply.

  “I’m a nurse too. She’s about to be double teamed.” Macie calls out and winks at me. I smile gratefully and give my attention back to Garrett.

  “See? Don’t worry, okay?”

  “Okay. Well I’ll let you go but I’ll try to call again before we pick her up. Let you know we’re about to go in, okay?”

  “Okay. I love you.” I whisper.

  “I love you too.”

  As soon as I hang up the phone, Macie and Victoria are on me. Tara walks into the kitchen and opens my fridge. My mom goes to my cabinets and starts searching through them. I’m assuming they’re going to prepare breakfast. Luckily, last time I stopped by the grocery store I bought more than usual because Garrett is over a lot. Anna and Violet enter and begin to help out. Within a few minutes, a fresh pot of coffee is ready along with a pitcher of orange juice. Pots and pans are being placed on my stove top and eggs are being scrambled.

  I’m pulled from watching our moms’ and Victoria when there’s a knock on the front door. Macie answers it and in walks Sheriff Cullens. Jaycee rushes to him and gives him a hug.

  “How you doing, Jaycee?” He holds her tight and gives her a kiss on the head.

  “I’m okay. You?” Her face conveys the guilt she still feels

  “Now, sugar, I told you to stop making that face. I’m just fine.” Jaycee still gives him a sad look. “Jaycee, you better smile or your face is going to get stuck like that and Blue’s not going to be happy. He likes your face the way it is so stop it.” he jokes and Macie bursts out laughing. Soon everyone is laughing, even Jaycee.

  “Good.” He smiles at Jaycee and gives her a squeeze. “Listen,” He addresses everyone in the room. “I want to let you know everything is good. Don’t panic. Tad was released and he has tails keeping a close eye on them. We have men outside your front door, two at the back, and Patrick’s men doing perimeter checks so I don’t want y'all to worry. I just heard from Duke. He’s still up in Lubbock with Savannah, Brock, Paige and Callie visiting Abigail and Linc but he told me he spoke to Bradley and he and Connor are heading over with some fresh clothes and woman stuff.” The Sheriff says and throws his hands out. “I don’t know what that entails but I’m sure whatever it is, it’ll make you all happy.” He states confused and all the women laugh at him. “Alright. I'll let Bradley and Connor in when they get here.” After he receives around of thanks you from all of us he heads back out front.

  I move to the table and sit down.

  “Eat. I can see you’re in pain. As soon as you get some food in your stomach you need to take your pain medicine.” Victoria says in my ear, placing a plate with eggs and bacon in front of me.

  I don’t even fight her I just nod. My face is throbbing like crazy and my head is pounding. My mom sets a glass with orange juice and a cup of coffee down in front of me. I eat what I can. I take a couple of sips of my juice and a few sips of coffee. It’s enough to satisfy Victoria because she hands me one of the pain pills. I take it without argument and gaze out the window. I know Tad’s out on bail, but my thoughts and heart are with Garrett. I can’t worry about anything else right now. I’m not
sure how I long I sit there, but eventually I feel the effects of the medicine kicking in and my eyes start drooping. The pain is almost gone and my body is relaxing.

  “Come on.” My mom comes and stands next to me.

  I nod and stand as Jaycee’s phone goes off.

  “It’s Abigail. I’m sure she’s freaking out. Do you mind if I let her and Nick know what’s going on? I’m sure my Uncle Duke and Uncle Brock are worried sick too. Aunt Savannah and Aunt Paige are probably a nervous wreck.”

  “Of course, Jaycee. I don’t mind.”

  She tries to smile but just can’t quite do it as she watches me make my way up the stairs. I climb in bed and lay down. My mom pulls the blanket over me and sits down.

  “It shouldn’t be much longer now.” I nod. “It’s about to hit the three-hour mark. We should hear something soon. Rest. I’ll wake you when we know.”

  “He said he’d call before they went in. I’m going to stay awake and wait.” I turn on my side and lay my head down on my mom’s lap and wait for the phone to ring.

  “Bella. Bella, honey. Wake up. We have news.” My mom voice calls to me softly.

  I slowly open my eyes and look over and see her and Victoria standing next to me.

  “Hey, we have news.” Victoria smiles.

  “What?” I ask trying to sit up.

  “They got her. They got her and Hans. Nash, Patrick and Johnny are bringing them back now.

  “She’s okay?” I’m so relieved, thankful for the ordeal to be over.

  “She’s fine. I don’t know all the details but they got her.”

  “Wait. You said Nash, Patrick and Johnny.” I look between the two of them. “Where’s Dad? Where’s Garrett? Everyone else?”

  “Honey, they went in.” My mom says softly.

  “What?” I bolt up and my body starts trembling. I’m shaking so much I can’t control it

  “We knew this, baby.”

  “Isn’t the rally going on?” My breathing coming out in pants.

  “Yes.” Victoria responds in a whisper.

  “Oh, God.”

  It’s been almost two hours since we last got a call. No one has heard anything from anyone. Bradley and Connor arrived over an hour ago and tried to calm us all down. Bradley is trying to distract us with facials and manicures. He and Jaycee argue over the color he wants to put on her fingernails.

  “Jaycee, doll face, its purple. It’s almost pink. See?” He holds a pink bottle of nail polish next to the purple. “Step outside the fluffy cotton candy box. Spread your wings and fly into purple-ville.” he begs and grabs her hand, holds it down and begins unscrewing the top of the nail polish.

  “Bradley you’re nutter butter.” Jaycee jokes and Bradley stops what he’s doing and his face goes completely serious.

  “Jaycee, Blue and I have both talked to you about this. You’re a big girl now. Use your big girl insults. Nutter butter is not offensive. I am not offended, not in the least.” He shakes his head as he starts painting her nails as everyone in the room laughs softly.

  I can’t help but laugh at them too as Connor makes his way over to me.

  “Do you mind?” He points to the empty seat next to me.

  “Not at all.” I smile and he sits.

  “You doing okay?” he asks. Connor is beautiful. He has blonde hair, a goatee, green eyes and he’s built. He has to be over six feet tall and there’s not an inch of fat on him.

  “Yeah, I’m okay.” I reply. Victoria and Macie are starting to paint their nails on their own. Ana, Tara, Violet and my mom are sitting quietly watching us.

  “Let me see your face.” he orders. I forgot he’s a nurse too. When I woke up, and heard Victoria and him talking about some of the doctors they both work with, I remembered.

  He softly touches my chin. “It’s about time for another dose of medicine. How’s the pain?”

  “It’s okay. Hurts but I can take it. I’m not taking another pill until I know Garrett is okay. I’m so worried this is going to break him even more than he’s already broken.” I blurt out without thinking.

  “I think Garrett is much stronger than you think. He left that godforsaken place but now he’s going back to save his sister and father. That’s not someone who’s broken. I grew up in a small suburb right outside Mobile. I love Alabama. Love the south. Love the food. Everything about the south, I love. Sadly, a lot of people in Mobile and a lot of the south don’t love me back.” he shares keeping his eyes on everyone at the table. “The Klan, they have enough hate to spread over the color of one’s skin, their race, religion and someone’s sexual orientation. Gay was not something you wanted to be where I came from.” He glances over at me gauging my reaction. I give him an understanding look and he goes on.

  “I always knew I was gay. Always. But during my years in that town I was the straightest man you’d ever meet. I played every sport there was. Worked on cars. Chewed tobacco. Dated women. I even joined a UFC club and I was good. I hold several titles. After I’d win a match I’d smile and grab on the ring girls for everyone to see while inside it made me sick. Not the girls. The girls, beautiful. The lie made me sick. Finally, I met someone. Not Bradley. Before him. Fell in love or what I thought was love. I was ready to come out to my parents but truthfully even though I knew they loved me, I was terrified. They never said yes or no on how they felt about homosexuality. Never shared their feelings on same sex-relationships.” I give Connor my attention and when he takes a deep breath, so do I.

  “So this guy and I start dating in secret of course. It’s was still the first time I ever acknowledged outwardly in any way at all that I wasn’t traditional.” He laughs but it’s not a ha-ha laugh. It’s full of hurt and regret. I find myself feeling his pain. “I told Jeff, my ex, I wanted to be with him. I knew we couldn’t stay there, in that town, and be together so I asked him to leave with me. I asked him to start a life with me and he said yes.” Connor takes another deep breath.

  “We decided we were going to meet at my place that same night after he got off and work and take off. Jeff and I both agreed we couldn’t just run off. We had to tell our parents. When I arrived home, Jeff’s truck was there. I figured he’d talked to his family and it went well. But it his father and brother that were waiting for me, not him.” He looks down. “Besides calling me every name in the book, and telling me I was abomination and going to hell, they started beating me up,” he shares me and I gasp.

  “Connor…” I’m in agony for him.

  “Babe, don’t.” He takes my hand. “Apparently, Jeff hadn’t told them I was a UFC fighter. A UFC fighter with four titles.” He laughs and this time it sounds sincere.

  I give him a shaky laugh because even though they may not have hurt him physically they harmed him with their words.

  “I was able to put them both down without breaking a sweat. I was surprised when my dad busted in my front door carrying a shotgun. For a brief moment I thought he’d heard about everything, me coming out. I was scared I was about to see a side of my dad that would break my heart. I should have known better. He aimed that shotgun at Jeff’s brother and dad and asked what the hell was going on. Jack’s dad told him to keep his queer son away from his boy. That I was corrupting his son. Confusing him. That I was no man. I was faggot. I’ll never forget when my dad walked up and aimed that shotgun at Jeff’s dad. “That’s my boy you’re talking about. Your son was lucky to have him. Your son isn’t man enough to stand up and be who he is. He’s a coward and my son is too good for him. Get out of here and don’t come back or next time I won’t hesitate to fill you full of buckshot, you hear me?” They left after realizing my dad was serious," Connor says with a smile, his eyes turning glossy.

  “That night I took my things that were already packed and went back to my parent’s home. My mom held me so tight in her arms that I broke down and cried. I don’t think in all my years I’d ever cried. Real men didn’t cry.” He mocks the archaic saying. “It was thirty years worth of tears I let ou
t that night. My mom dried my eyes and my dad brought out a bottle of his aged scotch. He’d had that bottle for years and never opened it. He told he was saving it to share with me the day I became a man. He said, “Today is the day." They knew. I never asked how I just loved them so much for knowing.” He smiles.

  “That night my dad told me that I’d find someone worthy of me. Someone proud to be with me. He told me that he was worried about the consequences if I came out while living there. Those small towns, they go into people’s bedrooms if you know what I mean. There are laws that are in place that would put me in jail for simply being with who I love. My dad told me he wanted me to move on and get out of there. That broke my heart. The thought of leaving my mom and dad.” He bows his head. “I told him I didn’t want to leave him and mom. My mom assured me that wouldn't happen, I wouldn't lose them. They'd be with me wherever I went.” He looks back at with his beautiful smile gleaming. “We packed up, sold our houses and all of us moved to Dallas. I used some of my prize money and went to nursing school which was what I really always wanted to do.” He leans into me playfully and shoves my shoulder. “A year later, I met Bradley. I wanted to hold off on giving him my heart. I was worried I’d get hurt again. But Bradley being Bradley, he stole it and ran off. Came here to San Antonio. Didn’t take me long to follow. Then I met his parents, his family, the McGinty’s, they’re a rare breed.” He looks at all the McGinty’s sitting at the table. “The lie I lived for three decades could have scarred me. I could have brought resentment, caution, and fear with me here, or I could have kept the lie up and stayed in the hell, but I didn’t. I didn’t because of the love of my parents and the McGinty’s. I surrounded myself with people who are accepting of me, and of course the real love of my life, my husband, Bradley.” He stands up but looks down at me. “Love, it really does heal. They say love makes you blind. Makes your forget things. Makes you dumb, a fool. That’s the truth. Love healed me. Love made me a blind fool to the memories of those who judge me as something bad. Love made me dumb and forget those days in Mobile.” He reaches down and cups my cheek. “Just love him. Love him blind. Love him dumb. Love him so much he becomes a fool to his memories. He’ll be so consumed with your love he’ll have no other choice but to forget and heal.” he instructs me with a smile and caress of my hair.