by Aden Lowe
I calculated my distance, then hurled the rock up and over the vegetation to strike the ground, as well as branches and leaves on its descent, a couple dozen feet away.
At the sudden crash and thud, the man whirled. Who the fuck? He leveled the rifle toward where the rock had fallen, then braced himself and fired from the hip, and kept firing.
Behind me, Azia gasped aloud, but luckily, the echoes of the gunfire covered the sound. I raised the crossbow, took aim, and released the bolt. It struck his chest and penetrated his clothing, but not far enough. The fucker wore a damn ballistic vest. Shit.
Screaming with rage, he fired madly in my direction until the rifle just clicked as the firing pin struck empty cartridges. Furious, he slung the useless gun away and ran toward me. "You can't have her! I won't allow it! She's mine!"
My hackles went up and the territorial bastard in me came up, full throttle. I stepped out of my concealment. "That's not your fucking choice." I pinned the sights of my .45 on his head. Fuck that vest, it couldn't keep me from blowing his skull to bits.
"You don't understand!" He came to a stop, his red face twisted in fury, or something like it. "She. Is. MINE!"
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Azia
Detective Jergens' words flipped some kind of switch in me. Why would he do this? I didn't even know him. He was the police! He was supposed to help! How dare he? I left the tree Flag told me to stay behind, and moved out where he could see me. "Why?"
Startled, both men turned toward me. Flag scowled. "Azia, I told you—"
I held up my hand, telling Flag to stop. He frowned, but he broke off what he was saying. I turned to the detective. "Why did you kill my friends?"
His face contorted with anger. "They took your time from me. I had to."
My heart thudded in my ears. "You never had my time. And never would have. I didn't even know you." I took a step forward and pulled the gun out of my pocket.
His face went pale. "No. That isn't true. I know everything about you. I know how much you love red roses. I know how you hate spinach. We're getting married as soon as I get everyone out of our way. I even bought us a house. You don't mean those things. I understand." He raised one hand toward me, as if appealing for reason. "I get it. The idea is new to you. But you'll get used to it. I'm sorry to surprise you with it like this."
"You were going to kill Carrie, weren't you? That's why you sent the roses." Now that I had the chance, I needed to hear it.
He nodded. "She was the last one standing in our way. She has to die, so we can be together." He smiled. "You didn't remember me when I picked you up to identify your neighbor. I've watched you from afar for years. Ever since you moved to the Flats. I knew then, I had to have you. I made sure you thought that boy you were mixed up with had died. His grandfather was happy to confirm it. All this time, I watched and waited. But it's time now. You're mine."
It all made sense now. Richard annoyed me in college, but he seemed harmless. Sure, he was a little off, a little unbalanced. I always just thought he lacked social skills, and almost felt sorry for him. "You made it look like Richard Riley was behind all the murders."
He nodded and smiled, evidently proud. "I did. It was a stroke of genius. Imagine that little prick, thinking he could win you over. Letting him take the blame worked perfectly. You came to hate him, and he'll go to prison for a nice long time, if they don't give him the needle."
My hands shook, but I gripped the gun tighter and flicked the little switch for the laser. The little red light landed on his chest.
"Azia! No!" Flag dove for me.
I pulled the trigger, determined, but Flag's arm hit mine and knocked it upward. I dropped the gun and screamed at him. "NO!"
"No, Azia. I won't have you take on that burden." He spun, his own gun in his hand, pulled the trigger, and Jergens collapsed in a boneless heap. "I'm sorry, baby. I couldn't let you kill him. You don't want that on you." He wrapped his arms around me. "It's all over now. He's gone. He can't hurt you anymore."
I collapsed against him, sobs wracking my body. "I know. He just made me so angry." Even now, knowing he was dead, the anger still beat through my veins. I wanted to pick my gun up and shoot him, over and over and over.
Flag lifted me, cradling me against his chest. "Let's get you inside." He stalked toward the cabin and carried me in.
Tears still flowed, but the sobs subsided a little. Now, my muscles shook uncontrollably, and my heart beat insanely hard. Flag pulled a chair out with his foot and deposited me there.
"Sit here. I'll get you something to drink." He rummaged in the shelves where he seemed to keep everything and came up with a whiskey bottle. Placing a metal coffee cup before me, he poured what looked like a large quantity in. "Drink."
I shook my head, trying to keep the contents of my stomach in place. "I can't. I don't drink whiskey, just a glass of wine once in a while." The very idea made my skin crawl. My mother practically swam in the stuff her whole life.
He gave me a long look. "Azia. One shot will not make you an alcoholic. It will calm your nerves and decrease some of the reaction. In this case, it's medicinal." He moved it closer. "Now, drink. All of it."
Doubtful, I picked up the cup, and sniffed carefully. The fumes hit me full in the face, and I shook my head. "No." I put it back on the table.
"Goddammit, Azia. Drink, or I'll pour it down you. This is important. One big swallow. That's all it is."
I tried to take a deep breath but my lungs refused to do the job very well. I knew he wouldn't hurt me. I trusted him. If he said this was important, I had to do it. I grabbed the cup, poured the stuff in my mouth and swallowed. It made me feel as if I were choking, then burned all the way down to my stomach. I gagged, certain it would come back up, but it stayed.
"Now, breathe. Slow and even. Count every inhale."
I followed directions, and he counted with me. By the time we reached fifty, breathing was noticeably easier, and the shaking subsided. I thought I might even survive.
"Better?"
I nodded. "Thank you."
"Okay. I need you to stay here while I clean up outside. Think you can do that?"
Lethargy crept through my muscles. "I'd really just like to lie down."
"Perfect. Let's get you tucked in. I won't be long." He led me to the bed, helped me with my clothes, and covered me up. He kissed my forehead just as the world faded away for the emptiness of sleep.
***
Flag
I waited a few minutes to be sure she slept. Fuck, she scared the shit out of me. Outside, I got to work. I dug my bullet out of the fucking cop's skull, then tied him to the cargo rack of his ATV like a fucking deer. It would take nearly an hour to get to the old mine with the ATV, though the return hike would take a different route and be faster.
The big machine made easier work of the rough terrain than I expected, slow-crawling across shale slides and lumbering through holes. In just under an hour, I pulled to a stop at the mouth of the mine. It suited my purpose perfectly.
I had no idea who left the rough opening in the earth. When I found it by accident, I explored the first few feet enough to determine it was very old, and probably not on any geologic maps. Ancient looking hand-hewn timbers supported the walls which had been chipped away with tools. Other than that, I knew it went at a steep down grade, and at about sixty feet or so, it hit water.
The narrow opening required me to untie the body and turn him, so I just put him on the seat, leaning back. Putting the machine in neutral, I pushed it through the entrance with the headlights on so I could see. As the shaft began to slope downward, I got behind the bike, gave it a hard shove, and watched as it rolled, faster and faster, down to the bowels of the earth. After a moment, it splashed down and the lights went out. Good. Gone.
Back outside, I looped my rope around a support for the upper corner of the entrance. Two hard pulls and the wood gave way. The ground rumbled as the timbers failed, and the entrance caved in. Whe
n it was over, I cut my rope free, coiled it over my shoulder, and left.
The cop had simply disappeared, and he would never be heard from again. The body would never be found. Even if I couldn't dispose of his vehicle before the authorities found it and started looking for him, they would have nowhere to look. They might find where he rented the four-wheeler if he used his real name, and after a search, they would determine he had been a victim of the rough terrain or a predator. After all, what do you expect when city people come to the backwoods?
***
Azia
I woke slowly and stretched before memory rushed back and I sat up fast.
Flag sat at the table, watching me. "Morning, sunshine." He grinned, and suddenly, everything that seemed wrong with the world became just fine.
I stretched again and smiled. "You should come join me."
He shook his head. "I'd love to, but Trick will be here in a few minutes. You might want to get dressed. I'd hate to punch a good buddy for seeing my woman's tits."
Pleasure warmed my belly at the rough words. In any other man, I would have considered the language crude and offensive. With Flag, it was just how he was, and it fit him. And I really liked that possessive streak. I dressed, and managed to visit the outhouse without getting bitten by a bat or poisonous spider before a man on a dirt bike drove into the yard.
Flag hooked his arm around my neck and shoulders and pulled me in close. "Azia, this is Trick. Fucker is always late to the party."
Trick laughed. "Fuck you, man. If your place wasn't out here in prehistoric territory, wouldn't have taken so long." He turned to me and offered his hand. "It's nice to meet you Azia. If this bastard doesn't treat you right, just let me know. I'll be glad to knock some sense into him for you."
I shook his hand, liking him immediately. He had kind eyes. "I'm glad to meet you, too. Thanks. If he gets out of line, I'll hand him over for training."
He smacked Flag on the shoulder. "You do right by her, man. You got a good one there."
The two of them worked outside to remove any trace of Detective Jergens. I heard them talking about a car and a gorge, but I didn't want to know details, so I didn't ask. The only thing I needed to know was that the monster could never harm anyone I cared for again.
Inside, I cleaned up, packed our things, and returned things to the way I first found them. The plastic covers went back over the couch and bed. All the dishes got a thorough washing, and this time, I left them all upside down on the shelf, covered with a dishtowel. Next time, I wouldn't have to wash them before we could eat.
When the men returned, Flag looked around with a satisfied expression. "You took care of everything already."
"You said you wanted to be back on the road as soon as possible. I figured I could help out."
"Thanks, baby. You did a great job." He leaned in for a kiss. "You all ready, then?"
I nodded, flushing under his gaze. "The sooner the better."
My man chuckled and laid a heavy arm around my shoulders and escorted me out. The truck sat loaded and ready, so all he had to do was lock up. Trick's dirt bike sat ready to go, and he already started it up. Flag helped me in the truck and waved him to go on. The drive out was just as scary as the one in, but at least I knew to hold on tight this time.
The trip passed quietly, and a few hours later, we pulled into Carrie's driveway. She ran out and as soon as I reached the ground, flung her arms around me. "Thank you! Oh God, I'm so thankful you're safe now."
I hugged her back, tight. "I'm glad we both are. And I'm glad it's over." We released each other in time to see X-Man meet Flag with a fist bump. I didn't miss the definite blush on Carrie's cheeks as she glanced at her protector. I smiled, glad for her.
Inside, Carrie's home was uncharacteristically quiet. "The kids are with my folks." Another flushed glance at X-Man. "I thought they would be safer, just in case." She gestured toward the patio door. "Why don't you guys head on out and fire up the grill. Azia and I will bring stuff out."
The TV drew my attention. The same newscaster that talked about Chris' murder sat there with a Breaking News banner over her head. "Wait. What's this?" We all waited to hear.
The law enforcement community is searching for one of their own today. Detective Matthew Jergens, seen here, was last seen leaving work yesterday. When he didn't report for duty this morning, or answer repeated calls, his Captain sent a patrol to his home. Officers found Detective Jergens' home empty and his car gone. According to a police spokesman, evidence found inside the home leads police to believe Detective Jergens may be a danger to himself or others. If you see the detective, please call the law enforcement tip line. The number is at the bottom of your screen now. We'll bring you more on this story on NewsFirst at Six. We now return to your regularly scheduled program, already in progress.
Carrie frowned. "Well, that's odd. Something big must be up, or they'd have kept that quiet I think." She clapped her hands. "Enough of that, though. We have celebrating to do. Come on. You guys get out of here."
They followed orders, like good boys, and Carrie led the way to the kitchen where barbeque supplies covered every flat surface. "The four of us will never manage to eat all this, Carrie!"
"That's okay. Leftovers. Will you mix the dressing into the coleslaw? I'll finish making the sweet tea."
"Of course." I washed my hands and grabbed the things I needed from the fridge. "Did you get along well with X-Man?"
Her face went red, but she only nodded.
"I guess I should take that as better than just okay?" Happy for her, I mixed in the dressing, but didn't press her further. If she wanted to tell me, she would.
Finally, she declared everything ready. "Will you go out and ask them what they want to drink?" She busied herself with glasses and ice.
I slipped through the patio door, so intent on my errand I didn't even register there were other people present. Flag met me near the door and took my hands in his about the time I realized another couple sat at the picnic table.
"Come on, baby, I want you to meet Lauren." He led me to the table, all proud and possessive like he was when I met Trick. "Azia, you remember Trick, and this is his wife, Lauren."
The stunning woman stood and hugged me. "I'm so glad to meet you, Azia! Flag is such a good man, he deserves to be happy." She smiled past tear-filled eyes. "I lost count of how many times he's saved Trick and me from disaster." She leaned in to hug Flag, too.
"It's an honor to meet you, Lauren." I glanced up to Flag, surprised to see his cheeks flushed a little. Her praise surprised him. "You're right. He is a good man. And I intend to hold onto him forever."
He looked down at me. "You do, huh?"
I nodded. "Absolutely. I'm not letting go of you again."
THE END
EPILOGUE
Six Months Later
Azia
I felt the tears coming. My shirt refused to behave and lay right over the baby, and my hair confounded all my efforts. To top it off, Flag wanted us to stop by and see the new house one last time before we moved in. All I wanted to do was take a hot bubble bath and go to bed. But he was so excited about the house, I couldn't disappoint him. Giving up, I left the bathroom of the little rental house we'd taken in Tennessee while we waited for our place to be built on the land he already owned.
The shirt and hair really didn't matter anyway. It was already close to dark, and I wouldn't be seeing anyone but Flag. He always said I was beautiful, no matter what. And what's more, I thought he really meant it. His reactions certainly spoke loudly. A little smile crossed my lips. Never in my life had I imagined the kinds of things he wanted to do. But he never failed to bring me overwhelming pleasure and love.
"Okay, I think I'm ready."
He stood from his seat at the little breakfast bar and put his phone away. Yes, he had a real one now. He even used it sometimes. It stayed at the house when he had to go on missions, of course. His favorite thing with it was taking pictures. He loved being abl
e to save images to enjoy again later. The thing had to be overflowing with all the pictures he took of me.
"Fuck, baby, you're beautiful." He bent to kiss me, and I floated to the car. Twenty short minutes later, he pulled into our driveway, where his truck already sat.
Emotions overwhelmed me for a moment as I stared at the beautiful house, and I had to blink tears away. Tomorrow, we would start moving, and I could finally get the baby's room ready. Excitement replace the tears quickly, and I hurried to get out of the car and go inside. Maybe he would make love to me in the kitchen again.
He flipped the lights on as we went inside, nearly blinding me after the dark outside.
"Welcome home!" Several people shouted in chorus, all smiles, as they stood around my new living room.
I glanced at Flag in confusion. "What's this?"
Carrie separated herself from the others and came over. "It's your housewarming party, silly. I'm so glad to see you!" Her warm hug made me feel right at home. Having a best friend was one of the best things in the world.
X-Man came over, smiling, and slipped his arms around her waist. "You ready for the big day, Azia?"
I laughed, giddy with everything. "Yes, I am! It's like a dream." So much so that I sometimes woke from a nightmare where it was all taken away from me. I put that thought away quickly before the tears came again. "I can't believe you're both here!"
"We wouldn't miss it." Carrie smiled up at X-Man. "Besides, it gave us an excuse to get away from the kids a little while." They had fallen for each other right away, but Carrie worried how her children would react, so she took things very slow for their benefit. I didn't think she needed to be concerned though. The kids all loved X.
He stepped back to take a call, and I sensed Carrie's fear. She knew what those calls meant, as much as I did. "Got it. Out here." X-Man leaned down to kiss my friend. "Sorry, darlin'. I have to go now."
