Austin

by Stone, Piper

  “If you cause any shit, your ass is on the street. You feel me, bro?”

  Laughing, I grabbed his hand, bending back his fingers. “Oh, I feel you. Asshole.”

  He made a pained wheezing sound before taking a decided step back, acquiescing to my control. I waited a full five seconds before letting him go, shooting the other jerk who acted as if he was prepared to make a go for his hidden weapon a nasty look. Fortunately, he backed down as well.

  I took long strides into the bar, taking a few seconds to enjoy the band. They were damn decent. As I scanned the bar, I couldn’t help but notice an entirely different atmosphere than years gone by. While the place wasn’t polished, it certainly wasn’t the shithole I remembered. Scorpion had done a damn good job. I pushed through the crowd, admiring not only the well-lit bar, but the cocktail waitresses, every one of them gorgeous as fuck.

  But no one was as beautiful as Franny.

  Shit. There I went again, allowing her to crowd into my thoughts. I’d promised myself I wouldn’t do that, but as with everything else lately, I’d failed miserably. There were televisions positioned in several corners of the room, and lo and behold, the mechanical bull had survived after all these years. For some reason, the sight of it gave me a smile. I’d spent a couple of nights trying to control myself before being tossed out for being underage.

  I continued my path until I caught sight of Hawk and the others. An instant pang of regret and guilt slithered into my system, forcing me to stop momentarily. Fuck me. What the hell was I doing? I was scared of nothing. I powered on, moving to within a few inches of the table before Reaper noticed me.

  “What. The. Fuck?” He jumped up from the table, a blank look on his face. “A sight for sore eyes. Jesus, man. Where ya been?”

  “Vader?” Scorpion huffed, slowly rising to his feet. “We thought… Never mind. It doesn’t matter what we thought.”

  “That I was dead?” I asked. Maybe I should be. I scowled, the damn thought like fingers clamping around my throat.

  Hawk grinned, lifting his bottle of Budweiser. “I told you guys I had a secret.”

  “You fucking asshole,” Mustang chided, the first one to move in my direction, a huge grin on his face. “You look like…”

  “Shit?” I finished, finally cracking a huge grin.

  “More like a brick shithouse, dude. What’s with the bald head?” Scorpion moved closer, taking his turn in giving me a quick hug.

  The same uncomfortable feeling as before pooled into my system. Everything still felt awkward and I hated it.

  “When did you get into town?” Reaper asked.

  “A few days ago.” I walked closer to the table, noticing that Scorpion was already motioning for a waitress.

  “And you didn’t call us? You’re a shithead.” Mustang laughed before yanking out one of the chairs and motioning to it.

  “I had a few things to do.” I sat down, glaring up at the closest television. Whatever sports program was on couldn’t have interested me any less.

  “Yeah, he did,” Hawk teased.

  “What the fuck happened to your hand?” Scorpion growled.

  I flexed it, pissed at myself I hadn’t removed the bandage. “Nothing. Just a little burn.”

  “Just a little burn. Damn, brother. Nothing ever bothers you.” Reaper shook his head.

  “Milly. Bring us another round and for my long-lost friend here, a brewski and a whiskey chaser,” Scorpion ordered, remembering what I used to drink all the time.

  “Yes, sir,” Milly laughed, winking at the others.

  Everyone finally sat down and there was a moment of silence, the kind that was agonizing as hell.

  “Where ya staying?” Mustang finally asked.

  I shrugged, tapping my fingers on the table then struggling to remove my jacket.

  “Fuck. More tattoos as well. Plus, you’ve put on some weight,” Scorpion muttered.

  “Been staying with Hawk, but that’s about to change.” I shoved the leather jacket over the back of the chair, glancing from side to side. “Nice place you got here, Scorp.”

  “I’m happy with it. We’re making money. I’ll tell you that.” He laughed, lifting his bottle.

  “What do you mean that’s about to change?” Hawk asked, leaning over.

  I gave him a look, a smile curling on my lip. “I bought a house today.”

  “What?” He jerked back in his seat. “I’m… impressed as hell. A Harley and a house in one day. When are you moving?”

  “Taking possession tomorrow.”

  “How the hell can that happen so fast? What about the closing?” Mustang piped in.

  “Paid cash. Makes it easier.” My answer seemed to surprise the group of them, all four whistling.

  Reaper shook his head. “Our boy has been holding out on us. What were you doing, some hustling all those months you disappeared?”

  I turned my attention back to the television, noticing a bulletin from some local news channel scrolled across the bottom. Something about the fire. “I made investments years ago. Cashed a few of them in.”

  “You old dog, you,” Hawk half choked after taking a sip of his beer. “Good for you. Where is the place?”

  “Off Castle Rock Road.”

  “The old Benson place?” he asked, his tone incredulous.

  “Yeah. Ain’t much now but it’s gonna be.”

  The four of them looked at each other, once again not saying anything as Milly brought the round of drinks, her eyes falling on me and staying. When she left, Scorpion leaned over. “She’s single, my friend, and I can tell she likes you. Milly is very picky.”

  “I don’t need a girlfriend,” I snorted then grabbed the whiskey, chugging at least half.

  Hawk chuckled and this time, I gave him a hard glare. He held up his hands in response.

  “The same Vader. A man of few words but one hell of a drinker.” Mustang lifted his shot of tequila, tossing it back.

  Sighing, I took a swig of beer, knowing that I was acting like some spiteful child. These were my buddies, men who’d been by my side through thick or thin, bloodshed and the most deplorable conditions. And every one of them would have laid down their lives for me. I lifted the crystal tumbler, looking each one of them in the eyes. “I’m glad to be home.”

  My words seemed to create relief in all of them. As each one held up their glass, they gave me a respectful nod.

  “You have no idea how glad we are to have you home, buddy. We missed ya, big lug.” Reaper’s grin became infectious, including with me. As we toasted, a slight warmth crawled into my system. It really was good to be home.

  Over the next few minutes, I was brought up to speed on each one of their lives, including the women who’d managed to snag their hearts. I was jealous, more so than I would dare to admit, especially to myself. And once again, my thoughts drifted to Francesca, visions of her luscious body covered in ice cream a mainstay. Fuck, I was horny.

  Then I noticed several shots of the motel, the catastrophic effect the fire had really had on the place. It was a total loss, the charred remains actually giving me a chill.

  Hawk shifted his gaze, following mine. Even out of the corner of my eye, I could see recognition shifting into my buddy. A freaking gas leak. I didn’t buy that for one second. I’d heard the explosion, had caught the wretched odor, something I knew damn well. What the fuck was really going on?

  Hawk leaned over, keeping his voice low. “You were there.”

  I locked eyes with his, refusing to acknowledge.

  “Jesus, buddy. What the hell?”

  “Nothing to tell, Hawk. Let it go.”

  Whether or not the others had any idea what we were talking about I wasn’t able to tell, other than the slight hitch in the conversation.

  “What are you going to do with the place, Vader?” Mustang intervened.

  “Not sure yet. Great setting with a lake past some big trees. I might open it up.”

  “Good place to settle down and
raise a family,” Reaper added.

  They all laughed, Scorpion pushing my arm. “It’s up to you, buddy, but I can tell you that settling down has been the only reason I’m finally able to sleep at night. My lady, Caroline, is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

  “Yeah, well, I ain’t you.” I drummed my fingers on the table, hating the tension that remained weaved through all of us.

  Hawk cleared his throat. “The renovations might take a while. You’re welcome to stay for as long as you need.”

  “I’ll take you up on that, but only for a few nights. I plan on moving in as soon as I can.”

  There was another look shared between all of them. I’d always been the hardhead, the one who refused to follow any kind of rules. This was no different.

  The elephant in the room was freaking difficult to tolerate for all of us. I couldn’t take it any longer. “What about Snake? How the hell can you forget about Snake so soon?”

  The silence was deafening.

  “We’re not forgetting, Vader,” Reaper said quietly. “We’ve all honored him in our way as well as together. The only thing is you were missing. You’re a part of us. We’re a unit. Do you remember that?”

  “And the fucking guilt?” I demanded, glaring him in the eyes.

  Reaper sighed, raking his hand through his hair. “We’ve all dealt with it in our own way. You have to figure out what that is and how you can handle the pain and no, it’s not easy. I still have nightmares even though they’ve lessened.”

  “What about these assholes trying to crucify us all over again?” I wasn’t certain why I asked because I didn’t really give a damn.

  “Nothing concrete,” Scorpion said, rolling his eyes. “I wouldn’t worry about it if I were you.”

  “Have you been to the grave?” Mustang asked, unable to look me in the eyes.

  “Not sure I can.” The answer was as honest as I could give. I’d driven by the cemetery entrance, remaining there for almost ten minutes, but the anguish had been too intense, dragging me to a very bad place.

  “You need to,” Scorpion added. “That’s the only thing that’s going to help. At least it’s a start, a way to say goodbye.”

  “That’s fucking shit,” I said under my breath, finishing the last of the bourbon.

  Goddamn, the four of them shared the same look between them, as if they knew something I didn’t. Or perhaps they were well aware I was the one to blame for Snake’s death. Either way, while I enjoyed seeing them again, I needed some space.

  And some air.

  As I moved to a standing position, reaching for my wallet, Hawk grabbed my arm. “Where are you going?”

  I gave him a look, yanking out a twenty and tossing it on the table. “I have some things to do.”

  “Come on, Vader. You can’t run from your feelings for the rest of your life,” Mustang advised.

  “I ain’t running from anything. I’m trying to figure out what the hell I’m going to do with the rest of my life.” I yanked my jacket from the back of the chair, hissing under my breath. I wasn’t good company for anyone at this point. It was entirely possible I’d never be.

  As I walked out of the bar, a light rain had begun to fall, the mist peppering against my face. I stood in the middle of the parking lot, the various sounds from music to laughter filtering around me. I hated it. I loathed anyone allowing themselves to be happy.

  After jumping on the bike, I zoomed out of the parking lot, going way too fast. As I powered through the streets, moving around every car that stood in my way, a feeling of exhilaration rolled through me. Maybe I’d done nothing but shift into my avoidance mode, another statement often used by the great psychiatrist, but at least I could breathe.

  I shifted gears, making a turn without even thinking. My destination? Franny’s house. I pulled down the street, finally slowing more within following the rural speed limit until I reached her place. This time, several lights were on. The beauty was home. After allowing the bike to idle for a full minute, I revved the engine, the roar obviously loud enough that within seconds, the front light was turned on.

  That’s when I pressed down on the gas.

  I had to let her go. There was no other option.

  The decision was final, but the ache deep inside would remain for one hell of a long time.

  Chapter 9

  Vader

  There was nothing like a Montana morning. When the skies were clear, you could see the mountains clearly. Even from Hawk’s front porch, the view was still magnificent. I hadn’t paid any attention before that the leaves were erupting from the trees, their bright greens and floral hues providing a colorful backdrop to the ranch.

  Even the sounds from the horses and cattle seemed more pronounced, the ambience the perfect setting for an amazing life.

  But it wasn’t my life.

  I heard the sound of the front door and stiffened, my grip on the coffee cup tightening. I hadn’t seen anyone for a solid day, spending the time purchasing an older truck as well as supplies for the house. By the time I’d gotten home the night before, everyone was in bed.

  As Hawk eased onto the other side of the stairs, sitting down and immediately staring up at the mountains, I took another sip of my coffee. Bryce had done everything to make my stay more comfortable, including leaving a note that she’d left a plate for me in the refrigerator. I’d eaten the food just to be hospitable, not because I felt like eating.

  I was surprised when he remained quiet, still giving me my space.

  Suddenly, I felt like a damn heel. “She picked me up on the side of the road.”

  Hawk turned his head, a slight chuckle erupting from his throat. “The senator?”

  Nodding, I’d never felt quite this embarrassed before. “Franny. I don’t know why she stopped. I sure as shit wouldn’t have. It was dark, the rain falling, and she was all alone.”

  “Interesting.”

  “There was this immediate connection between us. I know it sounds crazy, but I’ve never felt that kind of electricity before. Anyway, we were on our way to Missoula and one thing led to another.”

  “You stopped at the motel.”

  “Yeah. Something I certainly never would have thought would have happened. But damn, it was one of the best experiences.” I couldn’t help but laugh. “She’s an amazing woman.”

  “What about the fire?”

  “Woke up to a smoke-filled room. She was unconscious and when she came to, it was made clear she didn’t want to hang around.”

  “I can see why.”

  I finally looked at him, studying his face. “What aren’t you telling me?”

  “She’s married.”

  “What?”

  “Well, divorced and from what I read, it didn’t go very well. Her ex is a high-powered attorney in town, a real snake from what I can tell.”

  I took a deep breath. “You checked into her personal life?”

  “She’s a United States Congresswoman and someone who’s created her own share of enemies with her views on the ranch community. Her life has been center stage for a couple of years. Trust me, it was easy to find out all the dirty details about her divorce. My guess is that she was afraid her husband would use the sordid event against her.”

  Sordid. Since when did two adults engaging in a night of passion become sordid? “Well, if it makes you feel any better, I’m not going to see her again.”

  “That doesn’t make me happy, Vader. You deserve to have a life. I’m just worried that you won’t appreciate the kind of scrutiny you’ll get if anyone finds out about your relationship.”

  “We don’t have a relationship. We had…” Brutal, incredible sex.

  He laughed. “I get it. Just take some time and think about what’s important to you. That’s all I’m suggesting.” He moved to a standing position. “If you need any help with the house, I know a few of my ranch hands would be glad to lend a hand. Hell, I wouldn’t mind adding calluses to these fingers.”

&nb
sp; I chuckled. “Thanks. I might take you up on it.”

  As he started to walk away, I noticed he stopped short then moved down the stairs. I glanced in the same direction, noticing dust from an approaching vehicle.

  “You expecting company?” I asked.

  “Nope.” He took a couple of additional steps, shielding his eyes from the morning sun. “It’s the sheriff.”

  I struggled to my feet, sucking in my breath, my gut telling me this wasn’t about some friendly visit. As the car came to a stop in front of the house, I did everything I could to keep from bristling.

  The car door was opened slowly, the sheriff taking her time to get out of the vehicle. As she approached, she glanced from Hawk then to me before removing her sunglasses.

  “Morning, Sheriff Robertson. What brings you out this way?”

  The sheriff walked closer, obviously scrutinizing both of us. “I wanted to see if you’ve heard from a friend of yours in the last couple of days.”

  Hawk shot me a quick look. “A friend?”

  “Austin Bridges. Isn’t he one of your buddies who joined the Marines with you?”

  I could tell by Hawk’s body language he was pissed. He was also already in his protective mode, the one I’d seen dozens of times.

  “What do you want with him, Sheriff?” Hawk asked.

  “I just need to ask him a few questions. Have you seen him?”

  “I’m Austin Bridges. I remember you, Sheriff, only you were a newly hired deputy if I seem to recall.” I moved down the stairs, taking my time.

  She offered a half smile. “I never forget a face, but you look different, Austin. The Montana Bad Boys. I wondered if you would remember.”

  “Oh, I remember. What do you need to talk to me about?”

  “Were you by any chance at the Big Sky Motel last Thursday night?” As soon as she asked the question, she looked down at my bandaged hand.

  “Why are you asking?” How the hell did she figure that out and if she believed it was a gas leak, what the fuck did it matter anyway?