“I can honestly say I’ve never experienced it personally.” Allison couldn’t look Thelma in the eyes. “But I’ve seen it on the news. I think I buried my head in the sand or something.”
“You’re not the only one.” While Thelma had experienced violence, it wasn’t because of bigotry. “I’m sorry. And I’m sorry but we don’t have a room. We do have a hideaway bed. If she’s not comfortable sharing with you, I’m certain Jackeline would be more than happy to share.”
“I’m more than willing to share. But it’s up to Geraldine.” Allison’s eyes closed. She was near tears. It was partly because she was being rejected. Mostly, it was because Geraldine was being forced to make a decision. “I’ll let you know.”
“You do that. And tell her we’re sorry. If she needs anything, just let us know. We’ll be more than happy to assist. In any way we can.” Thelma placed a hand on Allison’s shoulder briefly. “I’ll send up the hideaway bed and some burn cream.”
“Thank you. I’ll let you know what she decides. I best get back. She was attempting to care for her wounds herself.” Allison was feeling sick to her stomach. Was it what she had chosen to eat? Or was it the stress of the situation?
Thelma watched as a defeated Allison climbed the stairs. She never flinched when she felt the arms wrap around her from behind. “I’m afraid we’re in over our heads.”
Jessie was afraid her wife would waver. Thelma had already dealt with so much trauma. They both had. She could remember having to maintain her distance as Thelma recovered.
“I don’t think we are.” Jessie took her wife by the hand. She led them to the front porch. The sun had long ago set. The air wasn’t oppressive, but the humidity was noticeable. “I think we are dealing with more than we anticipated. But look at what all we’ve already been through.”
The pair was seated next to one another on the loveseat bench. Jessie had her arm wrapped around her wife, as Thelma had her head resting on a convenient shoulder. “We’ve been through a lot. From what I gather, nothing compared to what Sam and Abby have been through.”
“You can’t compare what one goes through to another.” Jessie kissed her wife on the top of the head. “We had such dissimilar childhoods, yet we both had difficulties to overcome. We will help each of our friends do the same.”
Thelma knew her wife was right. It was overwhelming, especially hearing what had happened to Geraldine. “I know we will. Why I have to tell you something. Geraldine had hot coffee tossed on her. She’s staying with Allison, for now. Since we don’t have the space, I told her we could provide a hideaway bed. Whether she remains with Allison or maybe seeks Jackeline, just have to wait and see.”
Jessie’s first reaction was to track down whoever had harmed Geraldine. It wasn’t merely because she was staying at the bed and breakfast. Helping people was a part of Jessie. Just because she wasn’t a firefighter anymore didn’t mean she wouldn’t continue to offer to help.
“I’m just grateful Jackeline is here to help, if necessary.” Jessie knew just because she had grown up with Jackeline as her friend didn’t mean she understood everything she had experienced. It was best to have Jackeline there.
Before Thelma could respond, there was a sound from the driveway. Jessie carefully extricated herself from her wife’s grasp. “Jessie, don’t. Get Sam or Jarod. Please.”
“I’m just going to turn on the floodlights.” Jessie made her way to the front door. She managed to hold the door open and flip the switch to the lights that illuminated the driveway and part of the front lawn.
As the lights illuminated the driveway, a cross came into view that was burning. Jessie instantly had herself between Thelma and the blazing rainbow painted cross. Without a thought, Jessie had her cellphone in hand. Instead of calling the police, she was calling Sam.
“Front porch.” It was all Jessie spoke. Her heart counted the seconds it took for Sam to make it to the porch. The former SVU detective had her weapon drawn as she made her entrance. Jessie pointed to where the cross was slowly burning.
“Get inside. Secure the doors and windows. And call the police.” Sam wanted to call Jarod. He would be her only backup until the others arrived. It made her wonder where the police were from her previous call reporting the hate crimes.
Sam didn’t wait to see if her clients obeyed. Slowly, she made her way toward the blaze. There was a sound. It was instinct as Sam tucked and rolled. Mere inches from where she had been standing, a bullet impacted.
Instead of returning fire, Sam sought cover behind one of the cars. “The police are on their way. I have a gun. I am a former police officer. It’s your call if you want to get caught red handed. Either way, I promise you one thing right here and now.”
Cautiously, Sam rose to her full height. She held the gun steady in her hand. It was something she always had in the back of her mind how at one time she couldn’t even hold a weapon steadily with one hand.
Another shot rang out. Sam could feel the heat from the bullet as it nearly grazed her left ear. “I will personally track you down. I will make certain you face the full extent of the law and that my new friends are safe from your hatred. The name is Samantha Walker. You might want to google it.”
There was nothing but silence. After nearly five minutes, Sam decided it was safe to move. The cross had nearly burned entirely. There was just the base that remained. It was enough to show this was a hate crime. Now, would the Georgia police pursue it as such?
Chapter 11
The police were useless. It wasn’t because they didn’t care. In fact, Sam had found the detective sent to investigate once again quite charming. The expression on his face when she had introduced her wife had been priceless.
Sam had actually felt sorry for the man. He wanted to do more but was handicapped by laws and his superiors. Luckily, Sam had never had to deal with that. Even in the early years, no one iced her out when it was known she was a lesbian.
It was time. Sam hated to be the bearer of bad news, but she needed to make certain everyone staying at the bed and breakfast knew exactly what the dangers were outside the bed and breakfast walls.
It meant an uncomfortable dinner with everyone. Sam had taken the time to privately inform Thelma and Jessie what was transpiring. Of course, her mother had insisted on knowing. Jarod was also let in on everything happening. Reluctantly, Melissa was watching out for her granddaughter.
“I’m sorry for making everyone nervous.” Sam sat at the head of the table. Abby was at her right, fittingly. Jarod stood behind her, again fittingly. “And I’m sorry this fine establishment and amazing owners are being targeted.”
Dallas was not one to hold her tongue. She knew Geraldine, Allison and Lucy would. While they were fighters of sorts, they were not like the truckdriver. “We all know about the picketing by the so-called Christians. We’ve all chosen to remain.”
As Dallas remained studying the raven-haired delight, she realized something. She should have realized it merely by the words Sam chose. But Dallas had been focused on what they already knew. “Things have taken a turn for the worse.”
Sam wasn’t about to mince words or withhold any punches. “I’ve already spoken to the local police about everything. This afternoon, things took a dangerous turn. I was shot at after discovering a rainbow-colored cross in flames in the driveway.”
The former detective allowed the words to hopefully sink in before proceeding. It was crystal clear Dallas wasn’t the only one of the boarders who was only mildly phased by the revelation.
Jackeline had seen so much. Sam’s mother had confided in her some of the things her friend had endured in Atlanta. Sam was in awe of the strength and fight Jackeline had. Of course, merely being the person she was born to be had instilled that.
“There are signs this has been in the planning for months. Someone has been on the property for at least the duration of the renovation of the bed and breakfast.” Sam could see how upset Geraldine, Allison and Lucy were becoming.
>
It was time for a change. Abby rose from her seat. “You are all strong, young women. I’ve been where you are. Unfortunately, more times than I can count. I was lucky to have Sam fighting for me. You do as well.” She glanced at her father-in-law. “And of course Jarod.” She winked, hoping it would ease the mounting tension.
Thelma was sick to her stomach. She sat at the opposite end of the table. Jessie was holding her hand. This was the last thing she had intended. All she had wanted was to offer a safe place for those in the LGBTQI community to relax. Hopefully make a friend or two. And if something were to kindle…
Instead, someone had determined what they were attempting to do was evil. That because they were accepting of all people, they deserved to be punished. It could happen anywhere, Thelma wasn’t naïve. But it was here. It was in her home. And it was happening to the people she cared for.
“For those that don’t know, I served in various police departments, including New York City, as a detective. Jarod spent the better part of thirty years as a beat cop. Between us, we have enough experience to protect you.” Sam could see she was losing the innocents.
At least it wasn’t physically, yet. It was a thought that haunted Sam. Not just a thought. It was faces. It was names. There were too many who had become caught up in the crossfire.
“I have a team on their way here. They are all trained, in one way or another, to protect and serve.” Sam took a deep breath. She was losing her train of thought. “I’m sorry. This isn’t comforting.”
Abby placed her hand on her wife’s shoulder. “What my wife is attempting to say is that we have experience dealing with violent people. That we have helped quite a few people, including ourselves.”
“We are attempting to work with the police, but there is inequality in laws here in Georgia.” Abby hated the thought. There were so many places dealing with bigotry. “But if anyone can be persuasive, it’s my Miss Kitty.”
Sam’s cheeks colored at the nickname. She knew it was so those at the table would hopefully begin to relax, if only a little. “Well said, Miss Thumper.” Sam couldn’t contain the grin when Abby’s cheeks reddened slightly.
“If anyone needs someone to talk to, I, Abby or my mother will be able to see you through this.” Sam couldn’t help looking Geraldine in the eyes. “If anyone wants to return home, one of my coworkers can provide an escort home. No charge.”
Geraldine was like a child in so many ways. Not only was she coming to terms with her true identity, she was living in a world so different from the one she had grown up in.
The cowgirl felt a hand upon her knee. It was fitting Allison wouldn’t leave her side. Geraldine wasn’t certain what to do. She had said she would stay but had ended up running. She remained sore when she moved just right.
Instead of being vocal, Geraldine remained silent. She would once again sleep on it. Only this time, she would make certain Allison was aware of her decision, along with everyone else.
Allison was out of her element. While she had discovered the ability to stand up for herself, and more importantly others, she was still growing into the woman she would become.
The cashier hated to admit she was uncertain. Still, Allison wanted to think she was willing to stay and fight whatever the bigots of the world threw at them.
But there was Geraldine to think of. Allison remembered how good it had felt when she had stood up for her friend. But it wasn’t only her friend she had been speaking up for. It wasn’t the point, yet it was definitely a plus.
Lucy couldn’t understand how people could be so hateful. Though Michigan was widely considered a Red State, where she resided it was mostly liberal. There had been a few incidences in her store. Overall, people supported her.
It was why Lucy still had a store. There were so many small stores like her own that had been run out of business as soon as one of the big chains had set up shop. Loyalty was what kept her store thriving.
Thriving enough for Lucy to offer positions to both Allison and Geraldine. She could offer them a paycheck, but she could also offer them understanding. Most importantly, she could offer some semblance of protection.
Perhaps after this ordeal was over with, Lucy could enlist Sam’s services. Or at the very least, she could ask the former detective for advice or a service located near where she resided.
Dallas knew what she was going to do. Whether it was dealing with a crazy female predator or an insane man who thought she wronged him or the trouble the bed and breakfast had attracted, she would remain.
The only thing that might change Dallas’ mind would be if Lucy chose to return to Michigan. She would find anyway to tagalong with the little lady. Not that she didn’t trust Sam.
It was her nature to protect people. Growing up when she had, there were numerous times when she had had to protect her mothers from bigotry. Even from her own teachers. Dallas would forge their signatures just so they wouldn’t see the hate filled messages sent home.
“I can also offer assistance.” Sam’s head turned toward the familiar voice. While it had been years since Jackeline had visited her mother’s bed and breakfast, she spoke on occasion with Jackeline. “If only a shoulder to lean on and comforting words.”
Thelma decided it was time to speak. She felt the continuous warmth of her wife’s hand grasping hers. “I never wanted any of this. I stand by what we said when the protestors first arrived. We will fully refund your money and help you home. I’d rather you be where you want to be and safe.”
“No disrespect to Sam and her agency, but I would be remiss in making certain my guest, now friends, were safe.” Thelma’s voice nearly cracked. It was from thirst, but mostly it was from emotions.
“As I said before, I’m not one to run.” Dallas rose from her seat. She’d had enough of the talk. There was danger. Possibly quite serious danger, but so what? “The only way I’ll leave is if Miss Lucy chooses to leave. I’ll be the one escorting her.”
Lucy’s mouth opened and closed. The old urges to reach out to her mother were resurfacing. But she had come so far in only a few days. Why should she leave now? “There’s only, sadly, a couple more days to my vacation before I have to drive back. I’m not about to be scared away.”
Dallas was beaming. While she hoped she was part of the equation, Dallas was hoping more so that Lucy was thinking for herself. In a way, she was proud of Lucy.
Allison knew Geraldine would be the last to speak. It was how she had survived for so long. The cowgirl would rarely stick up for herself and allowed others to dictate her life. Allison would have to be careful how she worded her intentions.
“No offense to Sam or her coworkers, but if Geraldine is returning to Oklahoma, I’ll be the one driving her.” So much for using caution with her word choices. “If she wants to leave in the morning, I’d have just enough time before I had to return home.”
Geraldine felt the spotlight upon her. She knew Allison hadn’t intended it that way. Her cheeks reddened before she found her voice. It wasn’t strong, sadly. “I can see it through. It’s only three more days for me.”
Sam had hoped the four women were strong enough to remain. But she wouldn’t have blamed them for leaving. “I won’t lie to you. The threat to your safety is beyond just picketing.”
The cellphone chirped. “I’m sorry, I have to take this. It’s one of my associates.” Sam turned to Abby. “If you can think of anything else, please.”
Abby watched as her wife left the room. She turned to the remaining women, and of course Jarod. “All I can add is commonsense is required. If you leave the bed and breakfast, you don’t necessarily need an escort. But do let someone know. Also, in pairs or groups is best.”
Dallas was restless. She wanted to go for a run or at least a walk. It was part of the reason she had become a truckdriver. Her soul became restless if immobile too long.
Lucy wanted to hold onto Dallas. She had made a big speech about taking care of one another. But Lucy wasn’t so certain she
was capable of taking care of anyone, other than herself.
Allison was ready for her room. There was too much happening and too many people. At least she wouldn’t have to worry about her blood sugar becoming too low. Water and a little alone time with Geraldine was all she wished for.
Geraldine was regretting saying she would remain, even if it was just overnight. But when she felt Allison’s hand upon her leg once again, she knew she could do this. In fact, there was something flowing through her mind.
“I’m sorry to have left you.” Sam placed her cellphone back in her pocket. “That was a pair I’ve come to rely on for a long time now. Olivia is a former SVU detective and computer expert. Tessa works for her. I’ll be straightforward. Tessa was in prison. She was born into the Italian mob and was forced into a life of crime because of her family. They both can be trusted.”
“They are also seeing one another, though we aren’t supposed to know.” Abby couldn’t help adding the last part. She was like her mother-in-law in that way. A little nudge here and there was always a good thing.
Sam shook her head as she knew what Abby was up to. If her mother had been there, Melissa would have done the same thing, if not something a little less subtle. “Anyways, they will be here to setup the cameras.”
“Joining them will be a pair that technically are bounty hunters.” The glances exchanged were not surprising. Sam hastily continued. “They can work any security. I promise you that. Tessa and Olivia will be here before nightfall. Mitch and Maxine, aka Max, will be here in the morning.”
“I suggest, until then, you all enjoy your evening.” Abby stretched. She was itching to see her daughter. She was certain Miss Alex was up to no good by now. “Between Sam and Jarod, you will all be safe.”
Allison wasn’t certain what to think. But she knew what she wanted. “If you’ll excuse me, I think I’m overcome with all the information. I’m heading up to my room for the night.”
Kindling Page 16
