Another Chance - Book Two

By Zarek Dragon

 

Archer was waiting inside when Donnie came home. Sitting in an overstuffed chair facing away from the door, Donnie didn't even notice him at first. Archer stood up and recognized the boy he had chased earlier. "Hello Donnie," Archer said causing Donnie to do a quick spin.

Since Archer wasn't in uniform, he didn't know what Archer wanted, but he went pale. He thought that maybe the gang had sent him, "Honest, I am trying to comply, but the faggots are too sly. I did give them a message."

"You's got somethin' aginst gay folk, shithead?" Ronnie asked.

"Yeah faggot. You and your kind are an abomination. Y'all deserve to be wiped off the earth. You've only escaped because I'd have nowhere else to go," Donnie stated.

"What kind of message did you send?" Archer asked.

"Alejandro will love this. I broke into the gimps room, he had a bear with the name that Cornhole goes by. I took the knife that Alejandro gave me and sliced the bear from its balls if it actually had any all the way to its neck. Then I spread all that stuffing around the room. Don't you think that's funny?"

"No I don't. Donnie Snow, you are under arrest," Archer informed him as he displayed his badge.

"No, no, no, you can't arrest me. I was doing God's work. See?" Donnie said opening a Bible to Romans chapter one.

"Shit fer brains, ya cain't believe nuthin' ya read. That thar book also says God loves everone."

"Do you wonder why I hate you so much? You call me all kind of names but my own, you sleep with another guy and half the time, I can't understand what you're saying because you were too lazy to learn proper English. Man, I should have slit your throat the first day I came here," Donnie said, then looking at Archer, "Does packed-fudge have to come with us?"

"He is your legal guardian. I'll do my best to make sure this is your last day with him as your guardian, though."

"Thanks, I appreciate that," Donnie said, not catching what Archer was hinting at.

Archer didn't take Donnie to the Sheriff's Department. Instead, he went to the Cody Police Station. Since the murder happened in the city, it was technically their jurisdiction. The detective handling the investigation appreciated Archer giving him lead. "For starters, why don't you tell us what happened in the bathroom? We know you were there and all we need is a DNA sample to prove it." Donnie spit in the detective's face. "Thank you for providing that sample."

"You're making this harder on yourself," Archer advised. "We know that you didn't kill the boy. We know that it wasn't intentional. Give us your side of the story and the DA may offer you a deal."

"That rat got what he deserved. He warned the gimp faggot instead of just breaking his legs as he was asked. I turn seventeen in a month so I'm still a minor. So I'll spend what, a year and a month in Juvie away from this abomination?"

"If you cooperate, that may be the case, but we plan to try you as an adult. Imagine a sixteen-year-old in with hardened horny criminals. Why, I bet you will even grow to like male sex," the detective stated.

"Fuck you," Donnie responded.

"See, already propositioning me and you've not even gone in yet."

"So, I was in the bathroom at the time. All I was doing is following Alejandro's orders."

"Alejandro is in prison, probably dropping his pants for whoever wants him. How did he give the orders to you?"

"Same way as always, he tells his lieutenants and they tell us," Donnie replied.

"Us? Who is us?" the detective asked.

"I don't know their names. I only know the lieutenants. They are Jim Bolt, Zac Schoen and Cornhole, er… I mean Cornelius Jones."

"Have those three picked up immediately," the detective said.

"Belay that, he's playing you," Archer advised. "Jim Bolt is the brother of their target, and one of the boys I've been protecting. Zac is Jim's boyfriend, and Cornelius is the boyfriend of their target." Donnie started laughing.

"You think it's funny?" the detective stated.

A female dressed in business attire walked into the room. "This interview is over. Either charge my client or we are walking out of here," she stated boldly.

Donnie smiled, stood up and started for the door. "Donald Snow, you are under arrest. You are hereby charged with accessory to murder, breaking and entering, destruction of private property, and stalking. We may add more charges as they are discovered. Now sit down and wipe that stupid grin off your face. As for you, Counselor, I suggest that you advise your client to cooperate and maybe the DA will go easy on him."

"How did you obtain a DNA sample without me being present?" the counselor asked.

"He spat in my face," the detective informed her.

"And his confession to breaking and entering, was he read his rights?"

"Shit no, dipshit ne'er gived 'em a chance, but I's thar and will testify as ta what his sorry ass telled me," Ronnie stated.

"You'd really testify against your own brother?" she asked.

"He done telled me that he would slit my throat, whatta ya'll think?"

"You're dead, cum breath. If I don't get out of here, Alejandro will make sure someone gets you." Donnie stated in an agitated voice. "My living there was the only thing protecting you. And if I do get out, I'll do it myself."

"Let me do the talking before you dig yourself into a hole," the counselor told Donnie.

"I think it's too late for that. We don't need anything more from him unless he wants to help us in exchange for a lighter sentence. If you wish to confer with your client, we will leave the room. Just know, when he leaves this room, he is going to a cell."

Everyone left the room except Donnie, Ronnie, and the counselor. "Excuse me, but may I have a word with my client alone?" she asked Ronnie.

"I am dipshit's guardian. I didn't hire you and he surely didn't hire you. Who did?"

"What happened to your accent?" Donnie asked.

"I am educated, educated enough to know that I can get away with things if people think I'm not. Now Counselor, answer my question or leave."

"I was hired by Gangs Against Gays," the counselor stated. "And if you are planning to testify against my client, I must ask you to leave."

"As I said, I am his guardian. You do not have my permission to talk with him without me being present."

"Ronnie, you'd rather me go to jail?" Donnie asked, hoping that his brother really cared about him.

"Dipshit, you were part of a murder, you threatened me, and you killed a teddy bear. And I'm not sure what else you've done. If it were up to me, I'd as soon throw you in jail and lose the key. Heck for the bear, I'd throw you under the jail. I never asked for you to come live with me, but I put up with your sorry ass so you wouldn't have to live with some stranger."

"I seriously doubt that I can get you off," the counselor started.

"Oh, take off your clothes and you can get me off alright. I'm already getting hard," Donnie commented.

"Not that kind of getting you off. Personally, I think you're being more stupid than your brother was acting. As I was saying, I don't think I can get you off. We will continue to plead not guilty in hopes of being offered a lighter sentence as part of a plea deal. You cannot cooperate with them or you will lose my services. I will shoot for an arraignment by tomorrow. Whatever bail is set, GAG has offered to cover. I advise you to not speak to anyone, not even your brother."

"I have no intention of cooperating," Donnie stated. With that, the counselor walked out of the room. The detective and Archer walked in.

"Unless you fired her, I guess it's time to book you and place you in a cell until your arraignment," the detective said.

Archer left and headed for the ranch. He arrived as they were unloading the truck. Chris was placing the bales onto the conveyor. He looked like he was struggling but enjoying every bit of it. Archer walked over and started helping his son.

After the truck was unloaded, Ryan came out with a pitcher of lemonade and some glasses. "So, how did things go with this Ronnie or Donnie, whatever his name is?" Jackson asked.

"Donnie is in custody. He was with Rory and Aerie when they killed the boy at school. He confessed to breaking into Joe's room and slicing the teddy bear."

"So is it over?" Joe asked, not sure whether to believe it or not.

"We aren't sure on that. We don't know if anyone else is involved. The detective handling the case has made arrangements to speak with Alejandro in prison."

"So when can I start breathing and stop worrying?" Joe asked.

"As soon as I started protecting you. You have my word that I will die before anything happens to you," Archer insisted.

"I hope it never comes to that. I like having you around," Joe grinned.

"Apparently, so does Jim and your mom. Jim already gave me permission to date, what are your thoughts?" Jim was looking at Joe to see what he said.

"I never knew Jim's and now my dad I guess, but I think he would approve. If Jim gave his blessing, you have mine." Jim smiled at Joe.

"They want me to continue my protection detail until at least a week after the trial. After that, I would like to ask your mom out," Archer informed them.

"Does that mean we are staying through Christmas and after the New Year begins?" Chris asked with the biggest grin of all.

"I think this assignment was very beneficial for you. I don't think I've ever seen you this happy."

"I have the one burden lifted, I found some awesome friends, especially one who helped lift that burden. I see you happier than ever. Not sure what you were like before Mom died, but I can imagine you are almost as happy, name one reason why I shouldn't be happy at this time. And don't you dare mention the trial. It's not happening at this time and you advised me to not let it bother me."

"I think you're right, I've never been happier than I am now except when Christine told me that she was having a boy. I think Heather does make me as happy as I was with Christine, or at least close," Archer smiled.

"I know Mom would be happy for you," Chris stated with a little sadness in his eye, or maybe it's from the love he feels from his dad. "I wish I could have actually known her, but hearing you talk about her, she was a very loving person and she wouldn't want you to pass up someone because of her."

"No, and I feel that she does approve of this relationship. It's the first time I've ever felt like she was pushing for it. You love your mom, but you would have really loved her if she were around. You remind me so much of her. Fact that you approve tells me that she does," Archer said looking at his son. Chris smiled knowing how much his dad loves him.

"If I tell you something, promise you won't get mad?" Chris asked.

"Say it like that, you have me worried," Archer stated.

"I feel guilty for not telling you about what he was doing to me. I feel that I should have known you wouldn't get upset with me over it and sometimes I feel like I may have enjoyed it," Chris explained.

Archer put his arms around Chris. "Son, what you are feeling right now is perfectly normal. I can understand why you didn't say anything sooner. Give it some time and if you decide you are straight, bisexual or gay, as long as you are happy, I will support you a hundred percent."

"I love you Dad," Chris stated lovingly.

"When this is all over, I've been given two weeks to spend with you. It will count towards my vacation time, so do you want to go someplace, or do you feel a need to talk with a counselor about how Wallace made you feel?"

"Do you have to take the time off? If we go someplace, how can you date Jim's mom? And if I see a counselor, who would I have to see?"

Archer was still hugging his son, "I suppose if you don't want to go anywhere, I can tell the Sheriff that I don't need the time off. I mainly wanted it to catch Wallace, but since he's in custody… As to who you would see, anyone particular you would like?"

Jim suggested Dr. Bear before Chris had a chance to talk. "If Jim's suggesting him, he's who I want to see," Chris looked in Jim's direction and smiled.

"When I was really depressed, his son helped me out and he gave me two hours of free counseling. I only used an hour. I'm friends with his son, so maybe I can talk to him and he'll let you have my other free hour," Jim suggested.

"Can you and Dad join me? I don't want to go alone," Chris looked down.

"Dr. Bear let Dusty join me, said it was my call. He'll probably say the same to you."

"Sure it won't embarrass you talking about what Wallace did to you in front of me?" Archer asked.

Chris didn't answer at first. He looked down and looked like he was thinking on the subject. After several seconds had passed, Chris looked his dad in the eye, "It might, but I think you need to know everything. I don't want to hide any of this from you."

Archer pulled Chris in tighter and kissed his forehead. Jim smiled at the love he was witnessing. It made him think about how much his dad had loved him. He was sure more than ever that his dad would approve of Nick marrying his mom.

After they finished their lemonade, the boys headed for Jim and Joe's place. Heather greeted them with more lemonade and Jim laughed. "What's so funny?" Inquired Heather.

"Ryan gave us lemonade before we left, but I'm sure your lemonade tastes better," Jim stated as he grabbed a glass.

"Thanks Mom, umm, I mean Heather," Chris said. Heather smiled at Chris' slip.

"If you want to call me Mom while you're here, you can. I don't mind," Heather told him. Chris smiled. "Where's Nick?"

"He should be along, he didn't want to be directly behind us in case anyone else followed us," Joe stated. "He caught the guy who broke into my room."

"So does that mean he won't be staying here much longer?" Heather looked a little sad.

"I'll let him explain how long he'll be with us, but they want to make sure I am safe before they end his assignment."

"In that case, he should just move in with us," Heather joked.

"You really like him. He's already talked with Jim and me about dating you. Just so you know, including Chris, all three of us approve. If he makes you happy, we think you should," Joe informed her.

"I already knew that, and he does make me happy. I know Jon would approve too," Heather never looked so happy and beautiful to Joe as she did that moment.

When Archer pulled in, he saw the boys on the porch cuddled around a heater drinking lemonade. He laughed as he got out of his car. "Did they tell you that Ryan gave us lemonade before we left?"

"They did, but said that mine was better," Heather remarked.

"Not going to argue there, and you are definitely prettier than Ryan," Archer chuckled.

"Why Nick, are you getting fresh with me?" teased Heather, fluttering her eyelashes at him.

"Maybe not as fresh as that lemonade looks."

"Boys tell me that you've been talking to them," Heather smiled.

"About a few things, you may want to be more specific," Archer was acting coy.

"I think you know to what I am referring. But that aside, I hear you caught the person who broke into Joe's room," Heather turned more serious.

"First, I believe that I do and yes, I have been talking to them. They all gave me their blessing. Dawn said that she would stay with the boys just for safety sake, if you would like to go out Friday, the day after Christmas. As for the latter, the boy confessed to me before he knew I was a deputy. His brother said that he would testify against him. Arraignment is tomorrow."

"But if he's caught, why does Dawn need to be here?" asked Heather.

"We aren't a hundred percent sure Joe's safe yet. Not heard anything about Jim being in danger. Wrecking his car was a crime of opportunity, not something planned. From what I've been told, Joe was only targeted because he's dating Cornelius Jones."

"He prefers Buster," Joe informed Archer.

"OK, Cornelius Buster," Archer teased and then smiled at Joe. Joe shook his head and smiled.

Jim leaned over to Chris, "Your dad will definitely fit in with this family. Can I unofficially adopt you as one of my brothers?"

"I've been an only child all my life. I've always wondered what having a brother would be like."

"Until Mom brought Joe into the family, I've always been an only child. I was about your age and I never regretted one minute of having Joe in my life," Joe stated.

Joe overheard Jim. "And having Jim as a brother, you can't find a better friend. I must warn you, he'll do his best to keep you happy."

Chris looked at Joe, "I think I can already see that. I want what the two of you have."

"Then it's unofficial, you are my brother, Bro." Part of Joe felt jealous that Jim called Chris by the name he used with him, but he knew that Jim wasn't detracting anything from his feelings for him. Jim was just letting Chris know that he was part of the family.

"If you're unofficially Jim and Joe's brother, that would make me unofficially your mom," Heather grinned.

"Dad, you do anything to ruin this, I may have to divorce you and move in here," Chris announced.

"Ummmm, I haven't even dated Heather yet," Archer stated.

"Well, I know I don't have to do anything special to win over your son," Heather chuckled.

"Milady, you being you is special. Though we've yet to date, and there is so much yet for me to learn, I know without a doubt that you will make me and my son happy. I want so much to propose to you now," Heather saw something in Archer's eye as he spoke. It reminded her so much of Jon.

"If you did, I might say yes, but I would like to get to know you better. I feel that same attraction that drew me to Jon. I see the love you have for your son and feel like it bleeds over to Jim and Joe."

Archer got down on his knee and took Heather's hand. Jim, Joe and Chris were a little surprised but elated at the same time. "Heather Bolt, would you do me the honor of dating me in hopes of becoming my wife?"

Heather laughed. "Nicholas Bartholomew Archer, I would be honored to date you. As to becoming your wife, the chances are nearly a hundred percent."

"YES!!!" Jim, Chris and Joe shouted at the same time.

"I think we made the boys happy," Archer stated.

"I think we all seem to be, I know I am as well," Heather smiled.

"At the risk of ruining this…" Archer started.

"Dad?" Chris interrupted.

"I know what I'm doing, son," Archer said quietly to his son. "Heather, I've known for days and having seen how you are with your sons. I know beyond a shadow of doubt that you are the person to fill the void in my life by Christine's death. I don't care if it takes a hundred years before we marry, just knowing you are with me, dating or married, you make me so happy. And how did you find out my middle name?"

Heather chuckled, "When you work for a law firm, you can find out things about most people, including your middle name. Just so you know, our dating is more a formality. I don't want to marry right away, but I do know that you are the person I want to marry when the time is right. I already feel so close to you and Chris. Our boys have gotten close, so everything is right, really." Chris sighed knowing that his dad didn't ruin things.

"So it's official. We date until we both feel the time is right?"

"Sounds like a summary of what I said, now shall I put burgers on the grill?"

"No, I stopped and bought nine steaks. Let's put them on the grill. I want to celebrate!" Archer announced.

"You didn't get any for Colby, Kunoichi, or Shinobi?" asked Jim.

"Trust me, Shinobi will get enough from Chris or me, and I suspect that your two know how to work the room to get enough as well."

"And Austin won't eat a whole steak," Brenda declared.

Heather took Archer to the indoor grill. Too much snow around the outdoor one. Archer put the steaks on the grill and shooed Heather out of the kitchen. While the steaks were cooking, he wrapped nine potatoes in foil and placed them on the grill. Then he started prepping salad.

Archer placed the salad on the table and went to pull the steaks and potatoes from the grill. Everyone started dishing up their salad. Archer came back and set the potatoes down. As he put the steaks down, Jim eyeballed them. None of them looked rare. Everyone else grabbed a steak and Jim grabbed the last one. He wasn't going to say anything as he appreciated Nick buying all this to share with them, but he was disappointed.

Jim ate his salad and cut a piece of his steak off to give Kunoichi. Archer noticed that Jim was giving more steak to the dogs than he was actually eating. "Something wrong with your steak, Bud?" he asked.

"No, just cooked a little longer than I like," Jim confessed.

"I'm sorry, I'm used to fixing medium for Chris and me. How do you like them?"

"He likes them bloody. He picked that up from his dad. For them, the bloodier the better," Heather informed them.

"So, get the grill hot, set the steak on it, flip it and pull it," Archer stated.

"That sounds good," Jim smiled.

"I'll remember that next time. Sorry that I cooked it so long, I should have asked how everyone liked theirs."

"I should have said something, but Mom went in the kitchen with you, so I thought she might have said something," Jim responded.

"I'm sorry, I should have. I just didn't think about it at the time. Jon and Jim always said that if they take a bite and the momma screams, it's just right," Heather apologized.

"Moooooooo," Austin said and everybody laughed. Jim acted like he was going to take a bite of him and Austin giggled.

After everyone was done, the dogs licked the plates. "OK, dishes are done," Jim quipped.

"I think for that, you should do the dishes," Heather remarked.

"No, I'll do them since I overcooked Jim's steak," Archer suggested.

"I'll help you," Heather offered.

"Why don't you two cuddle on the couch, Joe, Chris and I can do them."

"Hey, how did I get sucked into this?" Chris asked.

"By being a brother," Joe replied. "Come on, we always enjoy talking while we do dishes. You joining us, Zac?"

"Jim washes, I rinse and you two dry," Zac stated.

The boys were in the kitchen and Chris looked at Jim. "Did you even eat half your steak? I think Kunoichi got most of it."

"Yeah, she wasn't moving from you. She really enjoyed it," Joe added.

"I know she did, but it was too done for me. I don't see how people enjoy their steaks that dry," Jim replied.

"Well, not everyone has fangs and drinks blood," Chris teased. Jim put his arms around Chris and acted like he was biting his neck. "You're getting me wet with your dishpan hands."

"Glad it's you, normally Jim and Zac pick on me," Joe laughed. Zac put Joe in a big bear hug. "Great, I had to open my mouth, now I'm wet, too."

"Great, my boyfriend makes my brother wet. I'm the one you're supposed to excite."

"Well you made Chris wet," Zac teased.

Jim grabbed the sprayer and turned the water on. He sprayed Zac in the crotch. Not to be undone, Zac grabbed a glass and poured water down Jim's crotch. When Chris and Joe laughed, Jim and Zac turned on them spraying water or tossing glasses worth at them.

Brenda came in to see what the commotion was all about. Without thinking, Jim turned towards her, still spraying water. "WHAT THE…" she yelled. "I suggest that you boys clean this kitchen before Heather sees it. If it were up to me, I'd give each one of you a spanking. Glad Austin isn't in here. If he ever does this, he won't be able to sit down for a week."

"Sorry, Aunt Brenda. I didn't mean to get you wet," Jim apologized and had to stifle a laugh thinking 'That's Uncle Brandt's job.'

"Clean this mess up before your mother sees it and your apology will be accepted."

She went upstairs to change, but as she passed through the living room, Heather asked if things were alright in the kitchen. "Unless you want to kill four boys, you don't want to go in there," Brenda stated.

Heather grabbed her camera and headed for the kitchen. She took a picture of the boys' faces when she got to the door. "Sorry Mom, for getting the kitchen soaked, but we are cleaning it up," Jim offered.

"Well you are cleaning it and it'll save me cleaning the kitchen tomorrow, so did you have fun making the mess?" Heather was smiling.

"I did, I want to stay here permanently, I think I'll like these two as brothers," Chris responded.

"Yes, well unless we get a fourth bedroom, two of you will have to share when you move in here," Heather informed them. Archer caught her saying "when" and not "if."

"What if we remodeled the upstairs? The bedrooms are big enough that I could easily give up a third of my room or there is that space between Joe's room and the front wall. We could easily add another room," Jim suggested.

"You've really thought about this haven't you?" Heather stated. "You really want Chris and Nick as a part of this family."

"It's going to happen, and I like both. We should see what needs to be done and I'd be willing to help pay. And then when Nick has assignments leaving Chris alone, he can stay here," Jim pressed for the remodel.

"Yeah, I'd much rather stay here, where I know I'm safe," Chris added.

Archer's eye started welling up, thinking how he allowed Chris to be hurt, even unintentionally. "I'd be willing to cover the entire cost if it protects my son," Archer stated in a solemn voice.

"Until the remodeling is done, Chris can use our spare bedroom whenever needed. I want him safe as well," Zac threw in.

"I can't say how happy I am that I took this assignment. I have been blessed in many ways by this family," Archer smiled, his eyes were still welled up, not only from thinking how he let Chris down, but also how happy he is to feel the love surrounding this family.

After the boys cleaned the kitchen, Jim called Dusty and asked if he could meet him at the ranch tomorrow. "Chey and I have plans for lunch, but we can come out after," Dusty offered.

"You know how much I care about Cheyenne, but this is kind of personal. If it were about me, I wouldn't care so much, do you know Deputy Archer's son Chris?"

"I've met him once or twice. He's a year younger than us so I've not had a chance to really get to know him."

"Well, he's the one this is about. He'll be with me."

"OK, after our plans, I'll drop Chey off and come out to the ranch. I can go get her after we talk. I'm sure she'll understand," Dusty agreed.

In the morning, the boys went to the ranch. Archer said that he had to go to the arraignment but would be out when it was done. Sitting in the courtroom, Archer was surprised that they brought Rory in. He hadn't realized that he hadn't been arraigned yet. The DA mentioned that Rory confessed to the murder, but that they knew he was merely an accessory. He also mentioned that he thought Rory was a danger to himself as well as the community if he were allowed to be given bail. The judge agreed and denied bail.

Donnie was brought in next. The DA read off the charges and the judge asked Donnie how 'does he plea'. "My lawyer couldn't make it today, but she advised me to plead not guilty. She's in conference arranging my bail money," was Donnie's response.

"Your Honor, his own counselor couldn't be here even knowing how much he needs her right now. Mr. Snow has already broken into the home of the intended target and caused destruction. He has followed the intended victim. The state feels that unless he remains in custody, he will attempt to carry out his 'mission.'"

"I'm only doing what Alejandro ordered. And if you read the Bible, those people are an abomination," Donnie stated.

"Carrying out what Alejandro ordered? When was the last time that you spoke with Alejandro?"

"I never have, but I can tell you that Rory spoke with him last Wednesday."

"Is that so, how do you know that?" the DA asked.

"He told me so," Donnie argued.

"Detective, would you like to tell the court what you found out yesterday?" the DA asked looking at the detective.

"When I called the prison to arrange a meeting, the warden told me that would be difficult," the detective started.

"Because Alejandro is a servant of God and you aren't good enough," Donnie interrupted.

"No, because the day Alejandro went to prison, some guy tried to 'use' him. Alejandro tried to fight back and was shanked. Before he died, he did get 'used.' The guards found him with sperm running out of his rear, and his blood covering the floor."

"Alejandro is dead?" Donnie was shocked and then yelled, "All the more reason why Cornhole and his boyfriend should be planted six-foot under."

"I have enough evidence to put you in Alejandro's cell. I'm sure those same guys will enjoy you being there. That is unless you cooperate and I can make other arrangements."

"I think I've heard enough. Donald Snow, you are hereby remanded to the county lock up until your trial. Bail is denied and your trial will begin on next Monday, December twenty-ninth at seven thirty in the morning. You may want to make sure that your lawyer is present."

Archer left the courthouse and headed for the ranch. As he was driving, he noticed that a black van had been behind him from the moment he left the parking lot. He got on the radio to ask for assistance, but noticed that someone had cut his cord. Archer pulled out his cell and used speed dial to call the station. After he knew that someone was aware of his situation, he picked up speed. The van did the same. Archer was doing eighty miles an hour on one twenty. He passed the turn to the ranch and so did the van.

Sitting in county lock up, Donnie looked at Rory. "When was the last time that you talked to Alejandro?"

"Wednesday when I told him what we had done. He said that he was disappointed that one of our members betrayed us, pleased with you and wants you to take my place. I probably won't be getting out."

"You do that so well," Donnie stated.

"What's that?"

"Lie, see I was told by the detective that Alejandro was killed the same day he went to prison. How could you have spoken to him?" Donnie asked.

"You ever think that maybe the dick lied to get you to cooperate? I'm telling you, Alejandro is alive and wants you to take my place."

"And how am I going to do that when I'm going to prison, myself?" Donnie inquired.

"You won't be going. Within the next few minutes, that deputy that arrested you will be dead and so will your brother. After that deputy is dead, the boys will take out the gimp and his brother. They won't have enough evidence to try you. I bet you get released before nightfall."

Ronnie was at his house with his "lover". "We may have to leave in a hurry. My brother threatened to slit my throat so I agreed to testify against him. Seems that he is in a gang that doesn't like gays and they may come after me."

"You what? Wait, what happened to your accent?"

"Sorry that I was fooling you with it, but I had to keep up all appearances lest I slipped. Start packing what you'll need, but minimal. The Sheriff still has my car so we may need to leave on foot."

"Listen here packed fudge, I enjoyed using your ass and mouth, but I'm not really gay," Ronnie's "lover" stated as he locked the door.

"What did you just call me?" Ronnie asked.

"Packed fudge, I'm the one who told your brother that you're one," the "lover" said as he pulled out a knife.

Ronnie looked like he was starting to sweat. "You may want to put that butter spreader away before you get hurt," Ronnie advised.

"Only one going to get hurt is a little faggot willing to betray his own flesh and blood. If you don't fight me on this, I'll make your death as quick and painless as I can."

"You know I've been acting hick, right? Did you know that most hicks keep firearms around the house?" Ronnie tried warning him.

"I sure do, and I emptied all five rifles."

"You found all five rifles?" Ronnie was surprised but took off running towards his bedroom. He locked the door knowing that it bought him only a few seconds. When his "lover" kicked it in, Ronnie had a pistol aimed at him.

"OH, did I mention that I found your pistol, too?" Ronnie pulled the trigger and all it did was click. His "lover" smacked him sending Ronnie reeling onto the bed. "How about one last fuck before I slit your throat so you can at least die happy."

"I could give you a blow job?" Ronnie offered.

"No way am I sticking my dick in your mouth." The lover grabbed hold of Ronnie's pants as Ronnie tried crawling over the bed.

"Wait, can I see your face as you fuck me? I want to see if there was ever any real passion."

"Yeah, enough passion that I'm going in dry and fast. I'll have you squealing like a stuck pig." Ronnie turned over while his "lover" pulled out his dick to fuck him. As Ronnie turned, he aimed his sawed off shot gun and pulled the trigger, not once, but both barrels. His "lover" fell on him when the buckshot shredded his abdomen. The knife that the "lover" was holding pierced Ronnie's side. He dropped the sawed off shot gun.

At the ranch, Chris tried calling his dad to see how things went. "His phone is going straight to voicemail," Chris sounded worried.

"Try calling the Sheriff's Department. They might be able to tell you what's happening," Jim suggested.

"Jim, can I have a word with you?" Jackson asked.

Jim walked over to Jackson, "What's up?"

"I'm wondering if Chris is going to continue coming out here with you. He's an excellent worker, so if he is, I need to put him on the payroll."

"He seems to enjoy coming out here, and his dad is going to start dating my mom, so I suspect he'll want to continue," Jim offered.

"Then I'll get his hire packet ready. Can you ask him to fill it out before he leaves?"

A sheriff car was pulling in the driveway. As it parked, Dawn got out. She didn't look happy. Chris ran over to her, "Why are you here, where's my dad?"

"Chris, I don't know everything, but there was an incident on the one twenty. Your dad was involved. I heard shots being fired and the squawking of brakes and then was told by the Sheriff to get out here to you boys. Don't ask me any questions as that is all I know."

"You're lying, what aren't you telling me?" Chris asked in a panicked voice and then started to cry.

"I told you what I know other than the fact that your dad is a very good deputy and he loves you very much. I promise you, whatever happened out there, your dad will be alright," Dawn tried to hide how worried she really was. She looked at Jackson, "How much longer will the boys be here? I'd like to get them home soon so it's not so open."

"Under the circumstances, maybe it's best that they go home now. Do you know anything else?" Jackson was concerned.

"Honest truth, only other thing I know is someone called in about shots being fired over on Duggleby Dr. That's where Ronnie and Donnie Snow live. I'm worried that everything is hitting the fan."

"Then, is taking the boys to their home safe? Sure, here is more open, but they could get 'lost' in the trails and no one could find them."

"Not a bad idea, except I would want someone with them. And I need to call their mother. She may not be safe."

"You can use my phone; I can have one of my security officers go with them. Jon was law enforcement up in Montana," Jackson offered.

"That will definitely work. Does your security use radios?"

"Yes, they do."

"Then get things in motion. I don't know how long they need to be 'lost', it could be days." Dawn picked up the phone and dialed the Bolt residence. "Heather, this is Dawn with the Sheriff's Department. I'm not sure how to tell you this but things are happening. We are making sure the boys are safe, but are afraid that you may not be safe at home. Is there any place that you can go?"

"I can go across the street, she's almost like a sister to me." Heather spoke into the phone.

"Good, take everyone there with you. Don't go back home for anything until Nick or I tell you that it's safe."

"Is Nick there? Can I speak with him?" Heather sounded worried.

"No, he's not with me at the moment."

The boys had their horses saddled plus one for Jon. He walked up to see what was going on. "Deputy here says that there may be trouble. Want you to take the boys and get lost on the trials. Don't use your radio unless, the Deputy, Archer, Vince or myself call you. Stay with the boys, but if we ask if you are with them, say no. We wouldn't ask unless there was a problem here."

Dusty pulled into the parking lot. "Crap, I forgot that I asked him to come out," Jim stated. He ran over to tell Dusty that they won't be able to talk and he would call him when it was safe.

"If it's not safe for you, I'm staying. Chey is already aware that I may not be back for a while. She said that she'll see me tomorrow if I don't make it back tonight."

"I appreciate you being a friend, but we may be camping out for days," Jim warned him.

"Then Chey will see me when this is resolved. If this is as serious as you make it sound, you may need my help," Dusty was determined to be there. He pulled a crossbow out of his trunk.

They prepped a horse for Dusty and headed out. It was starting to get dark and Zac led them to a cave. "This should shield the fire from prying eyes, and us from the cold. Dad and I discovered it last week."

"Glad you did because we need a fire, but I was worried that it would give our position away," Jon stated.

"Dad and I piled some firewood and kindling in here. We're planning to camp here in the spring," Zac shared.

"How big is the cave?" Jim asked.

"The entrance is just big enough to ride our horses in single file, then about twenty feet in, the cave opens up to a space about the size of your living room."

As they were about to enter the cave, Jon's radio crackled. "Jon, have you seen the boys?" Jackson's voice called out.

"I think I saw them at that fishing hole Vince and his son were at last week. What's up?" Jon responded.

"Can you see if you can find them? I have a buyer for that horse Jim has been trying to sell. You know how much he's been wanting to sell Pegasus, but the guy said that he needs to leave in a couple hours."

"How much did the guy offer?" Jon asked.

"He said that he would go as high as ten grand, but if he's not here in thirty minutes, he would kill the deal."

"Shit, I'll see if I can find him. I know how much he hates Pegasus. See if you can talk him into an hour."

"OK, some of that I think I understood, but what was going on?" Dusty asked.

"Not sure on all of the specifics, but there are ten guys and if someone doesn't show up claiming to be Jim in the next thirty minutes, someone will be killed. Hopefully they give that extra half hour that I asked for." Jon pulled out his phone and called Vince.

"Nice code work, so you think we have an hour? I have fifteen officers surrounding the house and barn trying to get eyes on them now. Sheriff's Department is sending any available deputies and the Police Department has offered their services even though we are out of their jurisdiction."

"Good, but they best not come into the parking lot. If the gang sees them, they may shoot somebody," Jon advised.

"They are aware of that and are getting as close as they can without being seen. They will come the rest of the way by foot," Vince responded.

"You know, Jon may not be able to get him here within a half hour, that's why he asked for an hour," Jackson told the young man who seemed to be in charge.

"I'll let him have that hour, but if he doesn't show by then, the deputy dies. Then another hour and this boy dies. Another hour after that, he dies, saving you to watch them all bleed out."

"Please, kill me before you hurt Colt. He's looking forward to his date with his new girlfriend and I'm a judge. And gay at that. I know how much you must hate me," Ryan tried.

"So, you have a girlfriend, little man?"

"Yes, but does that matter now?" Colt was trying to not cry, but he was scared.

"Matters a bunch, I'll save you for last. Gives you at least four hours to live."

I hope you enjoy the story and that it draws you in, wanting more. If you have any suggestions or concerns, don’t hesitate to email me.  Thoughts and suggestions are always welcomed and may or may not be implemented. Concerns will be considered and addressed as much as possible.

Also, I have created a mailing list.  If you would like to be added to it to be informed of new submission, please contact me at Zarek Dragon.  Please let me know that you read it on The Story Lovers' Website.