“I have it. And some ammo.” Jarod cleared his throat. Melissa had asked him not to. For some reason, Jarod had insisted. His wife knew but hated the thought. “And she knows.”
It helped. There were two highly trained people that were armed and wouldn’t panic. Three if one were to count Abby. With everything that had happened to the former nurse, she had insisted on bringing her own weapon. And Sam knew she wouldn’t overreact.
“Let’s get everyone together. We need to contact the local authorities again.” Sam only hoped the local police would listen. She knew in more conservative areas, they wouldn’t necessarily follow the letter of the law.
()()()()()()()()()()()()()
Allison hastily placed herself between the men and Geraldine who was howling in pain. Not having pepper spray or anything else to defend herself with, having unfortunately left it at the bed and breakfast, she had nothing but her brains to shield her friend.
Five men, ranging in different heights and weight, stood before her. They’d thrown their empty coffee cups to the ground. One of the men was wearing a cross. “I have a question for you. What would Jesus do?”
It was obvious none of the men had expected the question. They’d probably thought Allison would scream or attack them. She’d been through similar as she had attempted to do her job. Remaining cool and calm was the best thing in a situation such as this.
“No response?” Allison made certain to look each man in the eyes. Her gaze was steady upon the man who was wearing the cross necklace. “I see at least one of you is a believer. So once again I ask, what would Jesus do? Would he physically or verbally assault someone who was different?”
“What would a faggot like you know about Jesus?” The man with the cross was clenching his hand into a fist. It was clear Allison had struck a nerve.
“A lot more than you would.” Allison noticed how the other four men were inching towards her. She would have to be cautious in her words. “I went to church until I graduated high school. I’ve read the bible ten times, front to back. How many times have you?”
The five men halted their movements. “I could quote you numerous verses from the bible how your behavior is a sin. Shall we go with the one thing I live my life by to this day. Do unto others as you would have them to unto you.”
“The bible didn’t mean faggots and niggers.” Allison couldn’t believe her ears. Even with the world crumbling around her, she never thought she’d live long enough to hear someone say the N word.
“That’s what bigots and judgmental fools say to justify their hatred.” There was still muffled moaning from her friend. Allison wanted to get Geraldine to the bed and breakfast. Better would have been a hospital or doctor but knew Geraldine would never agree to that. Not that she could blame her.
“That being said, why don’t we just agree to disagree.” Allison had retrieved her cellphone. “I won’t have to call the police and file a complaint for assault on my friend. After all, scalding hot liquid can scar.”
Not knowing the phone number, Allison began dialing nine-one-one. All she would have to do was hit the send button. She knew Geraldine didn’t want the attention or have to go through questioning. But she had to get these men to leave her and Geraldine alone.
“Jackson, these unnatural people are not even worth it. Let’s get out of here.” The man who had first spoken expelled a deep breath. His hand was no longer clenched in a fist.
“You’re right. Besides, we have a construction site awaiting us. Let’s go, boys.” The man glared at Allison a few more moments before joining the rest of his crew.
Finally, Allison was able to check on Geraldine. “I’m sorry about those creeps. And I’m sorry I couldn’t help you more. We need to get you back to the bed and breakfast.”
Geraldine was crying. It was partially from the physical pain. But it was mostly from the emotional pain. The men sounded just like her father and brothers. Was the rest of the world this unaccepting? Were there only a select few like those that resided at the bed and breakfast?
Gentle fingers were wiping away her tears. Geraldine struggled to breathe, let alone speak. “Get me out of here.” Already, there were so many eyes upon them. She had become what she had never wanted to become, which was a spectacle.
“Gladly.” Allison took possession of Geraldine’s duffle bag before making certain the taller woman was leaning on her. “Penny is waiting for us so we’ll be able to get out of here without worrying about transportation.”
The moment Penny saw the pair, she was out of the car. The still dampened shirt informed Penny something had happened. Instead of asking, she helped settle Geraldine in the back seat. “I’ll obey the speed limit but get us back as quickly as I can.”
“Thank you.” Allison was grateful when Geraldine leaned against her. She knew how vulnerable the cowgirl had to be. And what happened when they returned to the bed and breakfast?
Someone had to help Geraldine. If Jackeline remained there, Geraldine might feel more comfortable with having Jackeline help her. Allison felt slighted, even though she could understand the thought process.
The ride back to the bed and breakfast was made in silence. Every so often, Allison would feel Penny’s eyes upon her. She wanted to say what had happened. For now, Geraldine was all she could think about.
Once they arrived at the bed and breakfast, Allison continued to help Geraldine inside. “Do you have a key?” Geraldine hated that she had checked out. Now, she had nowhere to stay. “My room it is.”
Geraldine hesitated. It was one thing to lean on Allison, to accept her friendship, but to have her in the same room as she tended to her wounds? That was something she wasn’t prepared for.
“Until we can find Thelma or Jessie so that you can get your room back, you are staying with me.” Allison attempted a stern expression. Rick told her she couldn’t even feign being mad. “So let’s get moving.”
The cowgirl wanted to argue. But she knew better. Besides, Geraldine was in a bit of pain from the scalding coffee. In a way, she was lucky. The fact she layered her shirts to make herself appear more curvaceous actually aided in not being so severely burned. “Ok.”
It wasn’t long before the pair were in Allison’s room. “On the bed.” Geraldine swallowed. She hadn’t performed her usual rituals. It would mean the hair on her chest would be more noticeable. Still, she complied.
Allison cautiously undid the buttons on the blouse. It was a bright red and brought out Geraldine’s eyes. Allison had to admit if she hadn’t known the gender her friend had been assigned, she never would have known.
Pink skin was revealed. It caused Allison to swallow. She hadn’t expected to be sexually turned on by seeing Geraldine without a shirt. She wasn’t certain why. “I think it’s just a minor burn. Think your blouse and undershirt helped. I’ll get some cool washcloths. That should be enough to help with the stinging.”
Geraldine could only nod. Had she read Allison’s body language? Had she seen the spark in her eyes? It was the same look Allison had graced her with when seeing her from the window. Before she had known her true nature. It couldn’t be. Could it?
()()()()()()()()()()()()()
Lucy had the feeling they were being watched. It could be the paranoia she had been experiencing, even before the protestors showed up. It was one of the things Lucy was realizing about herself. Just how uncomfortable in life she was.
They were at a little restaurant with a western theme. It resided in the parking lot of the local mall, not far from the theater they were to watch a movie at. The shows didn’t start for another hour, so they had time to kill.
“Have you ever been to a place like this?” Lucy was brought from her thoughts. Looking at the décor and the menu, she could say never. She merely shook her head as she continued to study the patrons and employees of the restaurant.
Dallas could feel neglected. But she knew Lucy was different than most women. After nearly being run over and the confrontation with
Dina, she couldn’t blame her friend for being cautious.
“I used to make certain I stopped here every time I was in Albany.” Lucy finally made eye contact with Dallas. “My travels stopped bringing me here. Plus, I’ve begun being more open to trying new things.”
“Really?” Lucy wasn’t big on change. It was part of her personality. It was why taking the vacation had been so difficult. Leaving her comfortable existence had been more trying than she had pretended.
“I’m at that point in my life where I need to find what I’m truly about. To find the people I’m supposed to rely on.” Dallas sipped her tea. “I guess what I’m saying is the new thing is to find where I belong and never take life for granted.”
“That’s beautiful.” Lucy began playing with her napkin. While Dallas’ words were thought provoking, it was the sensation someone was watching them causing her to be nervous. “I know where I belong, at least physically. But the people I want to surround myself with? I’m not so certain.”
“Traveling so much, I’ve never had roots, outside my moms’ home. They are the only people I truly consider friends.” Dallas leaned forward. “I’ve felt a connection with those at the bed and breakfast. I’m not certain why.”
Dallas wondered if she told Lucy she felt the greatest connection to her if it would scare her. The way Lucy continued to glance around the restaurant and pick at her napkin, Dallas figured now was not the time for such declarations.
“In that way, we are sort of opposites. I mean I have my mom and that’s about it, like you.” Lucy finally focused fully on her date. “But I don’t think I could ever live anywhere but Michigan. It isn’t the most progressive of states, but it’s where I was born and raised. It’s where my business is. I wouldn’t know where to go or what to do to start over.”
“I love Montana. Its landscape is beyond anywhere I’ve been.” Dallas leaned forward. “Yes, I’ve been to Michigan several times in my travels. Even broke down in a small town called Ypsilanti.”
“I’m not that far from there.” Lucy could feel herself relaxing. It was a nice sensation. One, she realized, she wasn’t accustomed to. In fact, the napkin was finally free to rest peacefully. “I drive through there when I go to the basketball games couple times a year.”
“Go blue I take it.” Lucy nodded enthusiastically. It was wonderful to see her companion relaxing and enjoying herself. Dallas knew it wasn’t her, but still hated to see her friend like this. “I can root for the wolverines. Though I’m partial to the buckeyes.”
Dallas laughed at the shocked expression. “I’m only teasing. I don’t really follow sports, college or pro, much. It’s a hazard of traveling so much. Or perhaps I never inherited my mom’s love for sports.”
“I never played or anything.” Lucy hesitated as dessert was finally served. She wished they hadn’t asked for a delay in being served the nummy looking concoction. “Just love watching. Better live though.”
It was like night and day. Lucy was fully relaxed. She was speaking freely. And she was definitely enjoying the dessert she had ordered. Dallas couldn’t remember being this happy. It was odd to think, but just watching Lucy being Lucy was giving her a warmth she never thought she’d find with someone.
“Perhaps if I’m in Michigan and I have the time, we can take in a game sometime.” Lucy was actually blushing. Dallas felt like she was back in high school. Just a kind word or thought would cause her friend to blush.
Sadly, that friend had succumbed to peer pressure and taken her life. It was one of those things that haunted Dallas. And why she always tried to step in when someone was in trouble.
“Fancy meeting you here.” Dallas groaned at the familiar voice. “You are famous for bringing one girl after another here.” Dina was dressed for a night club with a bright blue sequined dress. “But you never brought me here. Is that because I’m special and not one of your sluts?”
Before Dallas could react, Lucy was standing. In fact, she was eye to eye with Dina. “Thank you.” Dina took a step back. She hadn’t expected that. “For showing me what a piece of trash is. Though I’ve seen a few over the years, I’ve never seen anything like you.”
Dallas cursed her inaction as the punch was thrown. It connected directly with Lucy’s jaw. Dallas managed to keep Lucy from falling to the ground. When she turned toward Dina, her eyes were as feral as a black panther.
“Get out. Before I call the police. Before I call your family.” Dina only laughed. Dallas made certain Lucy was able to sit in the booth before returning her hatred upon Dina. “You think this is a joke. You are the joke.”
There would have been a strike to Dallas’ face if not for the waiter. He had a grasp upon Dina’s wrist. “I’ll show the lady out.” Dallas nodded her head and made a mental note to tip the man well.
Lucy was crying. It wasn’t from the blow, though her jaw ached beyond words. “I tried. I thought I could do this. That I could fight like you do. But when I stood up, I was shot down. Take me to the bed and breakfast. I’m heading home in the morning.”
Dallas would comply. But she wouldn’t give up without a fight. Dina had become violent. It was time her family knew exactly who she was. And it was time Lucy knew exactly what she had done. And how proud she should be.
Chapter 10
Sam was sitting at a desk in what had once been the study of the plantation. She could almost feel the ghosts of the past. It was one of the things she loved about The South and places along the east coast. There was a great deal of history.
Some good, some negative. It was one of Sam’s regrets. That her vacation in Europe had not been so “adventurous” and she and Abby had had more time to explore the history. Perhaps in a few more years they could have a real vacation.
Unfortunately, Sam had to focus on why she was here. She had gathered Thelma and Jessie. Abby was sitting next to the desk. Melissa had reluctantly agreed to care for her granddaughter as she would have liked to be in on the meeting. To know exactly what was happening. Jarod was waiting for the police to arrive on the porch.
Kathy and Candy had reluctantly returned to their business and family. All it would take was a single call or text from any of them and they would return. It had been a difficult goodbye. They’d both been through enough they didn’t want to leave their friends alone at a time like this.
They were grateful Sam and Abby were there to assist them. Sam took a deep breath. “I’m not going to show you pictures of what I found. I will tell you someone, recently, has been over the boundaries to your property. They’ve left some hateful messages.”
Already, there was the image implanted in Thelma’s mind. It was enough. No one should have to see images like that. Thelma wondered how those of color had endured it for so long, without losing their minds or the will to merely live.
“I saw the text message. I’ve sent it back to my computer experts in Middletown. It should only be a little bit before they can trace it or at least discover where the burn phone, if it was a burn phone, was purchased.” Sam could see how ill Thelma was. She needed to tread lightly.
“Of course we’ll work with the local authorities, but I want to make some suggestions. I know you want your boarders free of fencing.” Sam had printed out a property map from the local agency. Best not known how she had hacked in.
“What kind of suggestions?” Jessie was sat next to Thelma on the loveseat. Jessie hadn’t seen her wife like this since…Since Thelma had been recovering from her attack and was fighting to regain her memory.
“There’s a new technology. It’s really just an evolution of the sensors used on doors that open automatically.” Sam hated this part. Watching the pain. Watching the fear. Knowing she could only do so much to prevent it.
“I already have one of my top techs flying in. It will only take her a day to set up the perimeter, with your permission.” Sam could see the glazed look. “My people can monitor from anywhere in the world. We partner with other agencies. They could respond as fast
, if not faster, then the police.”
“What about animals?” Jessie knew it was probably a consideration. But she didn’t know what to say. This was something new to her. While having dealt with bigotry and hatred her entire life, to have to actually fear for her physical safety was new and disturbing.
“They are more than just sensors. When movement is detected, images are sent to our computers.” Sam waited to see if there were more questions. “Someone is on call twenty-four-seven. I’ve had no issues with it. No false alarms to date and been using it for six months. We will be staying until Friday, so you’ll have me and my father-in-law, who are ex-police, on the grounds.”
“I just…” Jessie was terrified. More so for her boarders, the ones she and Thelma had promised safety to. “Is there anything we can do? Besides follow what you say? I mean…”
Abby leaned forward. “I know this is a lot to take in.” The former nurse remembered what it had felt like when she had realized she was under attack. If only because of her wife, she had been targeted. And there was the mental abuse, that had turned into physical, from her ex-husband.
“No one wants to live life in a glass bubble. But someone has it in for you. Probably because you are attempting to do really good things.” Abby wanted to say more. But what was there to say?
“I’ve read a lot on social media.” Thelma finally managed to speak. “I try to stay off it, but one also needs to know what is happening in the world. I just never thought it would reach us. How stupid is that?”
“It’s not stupid.” Abby was on her feet. She was kneeling before her lookalike. “We all want to believe that the evil in the world won’t touch us. It’s people like us that have to fight it. Even if it’s only providing someone a safe place for a night or two.”
Emerald eyes closed. Thelma knew her friend was correct. But now Allison, Lucy, Dallas, Jackeline, Geraldine and anyone else staying at the bed and breakfast were in danger. How could anyone protect them?
Kindling Page 14