Another Chance - Book Two

By Zarek Dragon

 

 

The deputy sitting watch at the county lock-up walked over to the cells. He looked down and started, "Donald Snow, I don't know how to tell you this, but your brother was attacked in his home. He was stabbed."

"See, I told you," Rory started shouting.

"He went through surgery and did very well. He lost part of his spleen but is expected to recover," the deputy finished.

"What about the guy who attacked him?" Rory asked. He knew that if Ronnie was going to live, something must have happened.

"He took two rounds of buckshot to his abdomen. The police officer responding to the call found a sawed-off shotgun on the floor close to Ronald's hand. The assailant was announced dead at the scene."

"NO!!!" Rory screamed dropping to his knees. "I knew I should have never sent my brother on that assignment."

"Your brother?" Donnie asked.

"Yes, he was supposed to act like a fag, but only get sucked and fuck your brother just to make sure you were really a fag hater. Part of me wants to kill you for your brother killing mine, but I know you want your brother dead as much as I do," Rory kept sobbing. Donnie didn't know what to think.

"It's been twenty minutes, that boy better show, then he can take us to his brother or we'll put a bullet between his eyes right here," the guy in the house said looking at Jackson.

Jon looked at Jim, "Are you sure that you want to do this?"

"I have to. If anyone else does it, they may know that it's not me," Jim insisted. Then he looked at Zac, "Since the horse is supposedly named Pegasus, they may expect a white horse. Can I use Silver?"

"Sure, and if Gold won't let me ride him back, I'll just double up with Joe."

Jim looked at Gold, "I'm taking Zac's horse to fool some really bad people. They would never believe that you are a Pegasus. Will you let Zac ride you so he can get back to the barn when it's safe?" Gold nodded his head up and down.

"Did he really do that?" Chris was stunned.

"We're used to it," everyone chuckled.

"Dusty, bring your crossbow and see if you can take any out quietly," Jim requested.

Vince opened the back door to Jackson's house, and was getting ready to enter when a figure in black approached him. He knew that it wasn't one of his security officers, so he pulled his knife ready to fight, until the person lifted his hood. He let him go in first instead. He made his way stealthily to the living room where he saw one gunman.

The figure in black threw a smoke bomb to the other side of the room. When the gunman turned his back to see what caused the noise and smoke, the person in black came behind him and snapped his neck. Deputy Dawn sighed and everyone else were a little surprised. Dawn started to tell him that nine more were outside when they heard a lot of commotion. Several security officers, wearing their black uniforms, were able to get close enough to take some of the gang members out with little resistance. There was some gunfire, some yelling and then peace.

"Not anymore," Vince said stepping into the living room.

"Who's with the boys?" the black figure asked.

"A security officer named Jon, he used to be law enforcement," Dawn answered.

Jim looked nervous, but he looked at Jon and Dusty, "OK, let's go see if we can save some lives."

Suddenly Jon's radio squawked, "Jon, bring the boys in, this is over. A few deaths, but none ours." Jim dropped to his knees, thankful that he didn't have to be a decoy.

Jon was getting ready to ask who it was since he didn't recognize the voice right away. Chris stood up and grabbed the radio. "Dad! I was so worried," he cried.

"I'll tell you all about it when you come in. I love you," Archer said over the radio. Everybody started mounting, they couldn't wait to get back to the ranch and then home.

Dawn looked at Archer, "I was worried about you also. When I heard the shots fired and all, I thought that I heard mangling of metal."

"When I saw the passenger of the van stick a pistol out the window, I sped up to put some distance between us and then hit my e-brake causing me to do a one-eighty. I got out of my car with pistol in hand and emptied my clip into the driver. Then I did a roll over the hood of my car, just barely being missed as the van clipped the side of it. They flattened one of my tires. Hitting my car sent the van into a ditch at a hundred miles an hour. The van exploded. Two deputies pulled up just in time to see it. Seeing my car was out of commission, one of them brought me here while the other said that he would take care of the scene there."

"I need to get word to Heather, I know she's worried. Does anyone know the number for her friend across the street?" Dawn asked.

"I should, her friend is my wife," Vince stated with a chuckle.

Vince called his house while deputies were placing the living gang members in a van. A coroner was on his way to collect those that didn't make it. After he hung up the phone, he looked at Nick, "If you ever decide to give up law enforcement, there will be a place on my team waiting. For now, the Sheriff's Department needs guys like you."

"I appreciate the offer, and when I am ready, we'll talk. For now, I see some horses heading this way," Archer stated.

Chris started dismounting before his horse was even stopped. He ran and put his arms around his dad. Archer wrapped Chris in a hug, lifting him off the ground. "Is this really over? Does that mean that we won't be staying with Jim and Joe anymore?" Archer wasn't sure if Chris was happy or sad.

"I think I should stay on the assignment for another week, just to be sure," Archer told Chris, causing him to smile. "Why don't you go help put the horses away so we can head to Heather's?"

Chris walked over to where Jim was holding his horse and Gold. Dusty was talking with Jim. "So Chris, I told Dusty that you would like to see his dad. He doesn't think his dad would mind giving you my free hour."

"Did you tell him why I want to see him?" Chris inquired.

"Not my place, figure that it's up to you if you want to tell him," Jim responded.

"You're Jim's friend so I may eventually tell you, but for now I'd rather not," Chris apologized.

"That's cool, I don't need to know, but if you ever want to talk, I'm here. Though I'm not legally obligated, I like to practice 'Doctor-Patient confidentiality.' You have my word that nothing you say will ever be repeated except between us," Dusty informed him.

In a low voice, barely audible, Chris said, "I was raped." It surprised Chris that he said it but something inside him felt that he could trust Dusty. Jim and Dusty were surprised that Chris had said it.

Dusty looked at Chris, "By who? I'm guessing that your dad knows."

"Yeah, he knows. He wanted to kill the deputy that did it, but said that would be too fast," Chris was talking in almost a whisper.

"Dude, while I don't recommend broadcasting it, you have nothing to be ashamed about. I will talk to my dad; you won't need Jim's free hour. You were a victim, so the State will cover most of the cost and my dad will forgo any additional costs. And you can talk to me, or Jim whenever you want. My dad may want some detail, but you don't have to share any more than you feel comfortable giving. You don't have to give me any details," Dusty rambled.

"Definitely no plans to broadcast it, but I feel better already. As for details, I'll have to share everything in court, if this goes to trial. And I want to let my dad know everything, but would like to do it in front of your dad," Chris started crying and Dusty put his arms around him.

"Say no more, at least for now. Feel free to cry all you want, just don't freeze your eyeballs to my shoulder." With that Chris chuckled a little.

"Thank you, I already feel better. I know that talking to your dad will really help, and I'd love to talk with you. Jim told me how much talking with you helped him," Chris gave a weak smile.

As the gang members were being placed in lock-up, Rory scowled at them. "What the fuck happened? I see five of you not here. Please tell me that the cop and fags are dead," Rory barked.

"Five missing, I'm guessing that would be the five who died. And since this happened while a crime was committed, these seven will be charged with murder. As for you, Mr. Snow, since we no longer need your cooperation, there will be no deals made," Deputy Dawn stated. "Oh and by the way, the 'cop' and 'fags' as you called them, are doing just fine."

"Twelve of you and you couldn't take out one pig and a couple fairies? Let me guess, you offered to suck their cocks," Rory was fuming.

"We never even got to see the faggots, they were hiding on that ranch," one boy started to explain.

"Alejandro would be so ashamed of all of you, if he were still alive," Rory spoke with disgust.

"You lied to me?" Donnie asked.

"Had to make sure that you didn't cooperate," Rory stated.

"Guard, I want to speak with Archer or the police detective!" Donnie yelled.

"What, you like fags now?" Rory spat.

"Hell no, they are still an abomination, but I despise liars just as much. The Bible says that all liars shall have their part in the lake of fire," Donnie looked at Rory with disgust.

After thirty minutes, a guard took Donnie from his cell to an interrogation room. Archer and the detective were there. "This better be good, you pulled me from my son, who really needs me right now," Archer was not a happy person.

"Look, I'm not asking for any deals, but I found out that Rory is a fucking liar. I want to tell my side of what happened in that bathroom and let the chips fall where they may."

"We don't need your side, we have Aerie's and Rory's," the detective said.

"Leave him speak, I'd like to hear what he has to say," Archer asked.

"As you know, I called Rory and told him about the rat. Guess that makes me a rat as well, but I was protecting my gang. We took him into the bathroom just like they said. Rory pulled out a knife and cut his clothes off telling him that he didn't deserve to wear them."

"We already know all that," the detective said. Archer raised his hand signaling for the detective to let him finish.

"I heard that Aerie took the blame for killing him, that's only partially true. After Rory cut off his clothes, he told us to leave the rat there naked. Aerie grabbed the knife with his right hand and held the rat's right arm against the stall using his left arm and body. I was holding the rat's left arm. Aerie threatened the rat that if he talked any more he would castrate him and placed the knife under the bag. Rory shouted 'enough with threats' and pulled Aerie's arm up. Rory was more to blame than Aerie for the rat's death. And just so you know, Rory is the one who has been leading the gang since Alejandro went to prison. He claimed that Alejandro told him to tell whoever whatever."

"And will you testify to this?" the detective asked.

"On one condition. I don't want to be anywhere near that lying bastard or any of them as I know he'll tell them to take me out," Donnie stated.

"I think we can make that deal," the detective smiled.

"Just to be certain, do we have all the gang members?" Archer asked.

"To my knowledge, I know of five not here, but that female deputy says that they were killed. I see no use in protecting them now," Donnie hung his head in shame.

The detective took Donnie to the police station for holding until his trial so that he would be separated from the gang. Rory was fuming, "Any of you see that Judas, take him out, run a shank deep up his ass. If it comes out of his mouth, all the better."

"You don't run this gang no more, Rory. You've been lying to us for some time. While I don't think lying is quite as bad as being a fag, when you lie to the gang, you deserve punishment."

"Ha, coming from someone who couldn't take down a couple fags. You challenging me?" Rory was cocky. "Right here, right now. Whoever is alive when done is leader of the gang,"

"What gang? We're all in here except for those that died for the cause. As for the fags, they played chicken and hid. Not our fault. You weren't there because you were stupid." Rory sucker punched him.

The gang member that had been talking went with the punch and used the momentum to kick Rory in the head. He went down to the ground, but so did Rory. Fire was in Rory's eyes as he got up. He lunged only to have his target sidestep and Rory ran into the bars. The gang member pulled Rory's head back and told him that he was through.

"I said that one of us dies before this is over. You want to be in charge, you have to kill me."

"I told you that there is nothing left to be in charge of. I already know that we're looking at either life or the death penalty, so killing you won't make any difference." And with that, he snapped Rory's neck. "And with that, so ends any deal that Snow may be making."

"You killed Rory, you're probably going to get the death penalty for sure now." Someone said.

"We all may be facing the death penalty; they can only kill me once. If any of you get life, watch out for each other. Don't let anyone make a fag out of any of you."

Archer got back to Heather's and informed them that it is official the entire gang is either dead or behind bars. "What does that mean about your assignment, then?" Heather inquired.

"Unfortunately it is over, but since I did kill someone, I am on paid administrative leave of absence until a thorough investigation can take place. The Sheriff said that with the holidays, it may take until after the first of the year," Archer stated.

"Which means?" Chris questioned.

"That for about two weeks, I get paid to spend time with you and it doesn't affect my vacation time. We just can't travel in case AI wants to talk with me, which I'm sure they will," Archer told his son.

"Can we spend that time here?" Chris asked.

"That would be up to Heather. Maybe we wore out our welcome," Archer teased.

"You'll wear out your welcome when I'm on the other side of the dirt," Heather stated. "I wouldn't get too upset if you never left."

"Me neither, we love having you and Chris around," Jim added.

"Chwis fun to pway wif," Austin put his two cents in.

"Something tells me that we are staying here," Archer smiled. Chris hugged his dad and smiled at Heather.

Christmas Eve, Jim dreaded going to Marilyn's. He had been staying there during the night, so it really wasn't the "going there". It was being made to open a present even though everyone knows how much he hates doing it. He decided that since it makes his family happy, he would do it without hesitation this year.

Marilyn pulled a ham out of the oven and set it on the counter. The dogs were eyeing it as Vince sliced it. "Sorry, ham isn't good for you," Vince told them, but the dogs didn't take their eyes off the meat once. Marilyn set potato salad, pickles, and cheese on the table as Vince brought the sliced ham. Jim set the pickles close to his plate making everyone laugh.

After everyone had eaten, Vince asked if anyone needed any more ham. "I would, but I don't want to get stuffed just in case," Jim stated.

"In case of what?" Vince asked.

"He's hoping that…" Zac started and Marilyn got up and started clearing the table.

"I think she took that as a hint," Vince suggested.

After the table was cleared, Marilyn brought out a cherry pie and set it dead center on the table. She disappeared to bring out a mincemeat pie. She placed it towards Vince. "Did she make one and is torturing me by bringing it out last?" Jim asked looking at Zac.

"I have no idea," responded Zac. "She and Dad made everything, more her than Dad."

Marilyn came out and sat the last pie in front of Jim. He looked at the pie and gave Marilyn a big smile. "I have my present," Jim said.

"I think you're sharing that with me," Zac stated.

Jim gave him a funny look, "She set it down in front of me." Then Jim smiled. "Nick, would you like to try a piece of the best pie?"

"Sure, I'll have a slice of cherry, if I may," Nick responded.

"Oh, cherry is an awesome pie and one of my favorites, but until you've tasted an orange meringue, you've not lived," Jim informed him.

"That's not orange meringue," Marilyn stated. Jim gave puppy dog eyes and stuck his lower lip out. "It's coconut crème." Jim passed the pie to Zac. "I'm teasing, it is orange meringue," she said with a smile.

When Jim asked Zac for the pie back, Zac cut him the smallest sliver he could and handed that to Jim. Jim gave Zac his puppy dog eyes, and started whimpering like a puppy. Kunoichi looked at Jim and started licking his face. Everybody laughed.

After dessert was done, everyone went to the living room and sang Silent Night. Once they finished the first chorus, Vince started handing out presents. He handed Joe a long box. Joe ripped the paper off and opened the box. It was a rifle scabbard for his saddle.

"Honey, you handed him the wrong present," Marilyn stated.

"I handed him the one that said from Marilyn and Vinnie," Vince said defensively. Joe confirmed what Vince said.

"Crap, I must have mixed them up," Marilyn apologized and gave Vince a kiss.

"Well, I think I know what Zac got me," Joe chuckled.

"You're seeing what I got you," Zac said smiling.

"Not according to the name tag," Joe teased.

Vince started to hand Jim a box and Marilyn grabbed it. "That's not our box, that's what Zac gave him. Did I mix all the presents up?"

"Could be, but I do recall you being distracted while wrapping them," Vince admitted.

"Well, this handsome guy kept giving me kisses," Marilyn admitted.

"So I'm guessing I am partially to blame," Vince admitted. "Help me out so we give the right present."

"Other than Joe's does it really matter as long as we each open a present?" Jim asked.

"Well, I know what Zac gave you and I would rather you not think that it was from us," Marilyn stated.

"What did he give me, butt-less underwear?" Jim teased.

"Awwww, you guessed it," Zac teased back.

"Seriously?" Jim asked.

"No, if I gave you that, it would be a more private present," Zac stated.

Vince found two identical boxes. One said to Zac from Marilyn and Him, and the other said, to Jim from Zac. He figured that they were identical presents and handed them out. Jim started ripping his paper, surprising all those who knew his hesitation last year. "What? I decided that I can open one present to make y'all happy. I guess since it's not that big of a deal, so why force you to make me open it," Jim responded. Everyone smiled at him, which made Jim feel good.

He waited for Zac to catch up before he continued ripping his paper. As they opened the box, they each saw a pair of black chaps. The buckle matched the buckle on their spurs.

"Awesome, leather pajamas," Jim kidded.

"Yeah, can't wait to see you wear them," Zac joked.

"Ummmm guys, they're not pajamas," Vince started.

"We know Dad, they're chaps," Zac interrupted. "Still want to see Jim wearing just them," he laughed.

"For a hug and kiss, you might," Jim said trying to wave his eyebrows.

Nick was given a box which he didn't expect. He opened it and there was a pearl-handled, silver plated Colt forty-five revolver. He pulled it out of the box, checked to see that it wasn't loaded and started twirling it. "Haven't done this in a while, so hopefully, it doesn't go flying," Nick stated. When he was done he acted like he was putting it in his holster.

Chris opened his present and pulled out a pair of spurs. Chris smiled, thinking that he's glad Jackson gave him a pair of boots to put them on. He hugged Marilyn and Vince, thanking them. Austin was given another toy car, a blue Lamborghini Asterion. His eyes lit up as he pulled the car out of the box. "You have a really cool looking car," Chris said.

"We pway cars, you use dis one," Austin told Chris.

"What will you use?" Chris asked.

"I use Jim's car. I no pway with both same time." Austin answered.

"Do you like your new car?" Marilyn asked.

"Yes, tank you for giving to me. Hope not upset you that I share," Austin looked at Marilyn.

"No, you are a very generous young man," Marilyn said with a smile.

"I no man, I just a boy," Austin corrected her and everyone laughed.

Brenda opened her and Brandt's present. It was three round trip tickets for them to visit again in June. Brenda couldn't believe what she was seeing. "I know Heather would love for you to visit and Vince and I thought you'd like to see the baby," Marilyn said.

"Baby? What baby?" Brenda asked.

"I no baby, either" Austin pouted.

"Honey, no one said that you were a baby. We're talking about the one I will have. It's due late May to early June," Marilyn stated nonchalantly.

"You're pregnant?" Zac asked. "I noticed that you put on a little weight, but I wasn't going to say anything."

"Maybe you'll have him or her early, like on my birthday?" Jim said.

"Congratulations Marilyn. Any idea of the sex yet?" Heather asked.

"He's going to be a boy and you're naming him Victor," Brandt guessed.

"We have no clue yet of the gender but we decided that if it's a boy, his name will be Zayne and if a girl, she'll be Zaina. Both names mean beautiful and we wanted to stay with the zees since Zac has been so special," Vince stated making Zac blush.

"Appreciate the gift, but not sure I'll be able to travel yet. I'm due the eleventh of May," Brenda explained.

"Well, when you can come, then. The tickets are open to any time between June and November. And if you need an extra ticket for the baby, let us know. You have to bring him or her."

Heather was the last to open her present. She was given a painting of her family, including Jon, Nick and Chris. Jon was faded in comparison, almost ghostly. "How?" was all that Heather could say.

"We took pictures of everyone to an artist. We explained that Jon was your late husband, and that Nick and Chris would be joining the family," Vince explained.

"But Nick and I just recently met and we didn't decide to even date until a couple days ago," Heather was shocked. "This painting must have taken weeks."

"Girl, I saw you light up the first day that you met Nick. I knew then that you were going to marry him," Marilyn explained.

"You weren't even there?" Heather was flustered.

"I was being a nosy neighbor watching out my window when a deputy's car pulled up," Marilyn explained.

"The artist did a fantastic job. Gives the impression that Jon is giving me to Nick. I love this and think it'll go in the living room. Part of me wants to put it over the mantle in place of Jon's picture."

"Don't you dare, he's Jim's father and I think he deserves that place of honor," Nick said.

"Thanks Nick," Jim was getting teary-eyed.

"Yeah, thanks Nick. And I did say a part of me. Jon will always have a piece of my heart, but you have the rest of it," Heather gave Nick a kiss.

"It's getting late, mind if I go to bed?" Chris asked.

"It is getting late, Austin's already asleep. I think I'll carry him and put him to bed, then go to sleep myself," Joe suggested.

"Would you rather I carry him? And Brandt can walk beside me in case I start to slip on ice," Brenda asked.

"That might be better," Joe admitted.

Brandt picked Austin up and said that he's not pregnant. He carried him and put him in Joe's bed. Brandt took off the boy's shoes and shirt. He slid his pants down and looked for pajamas to put on him. Finding Austin's favorite pajamas, he slipped them on the boy. Brandt kissed Austin's forehead and covered him up. Then he left so Joe could get ready for bed.

Jim and Zac got undressed and put on their chaps. "I think we'd get in trouble if we went outside like this," Zac chuckled.

"I think they'd have us checked out if we went out like this, it's a hundred below out there," Jim stated.

"Exaggerating a little, I think. Last time I checked, it was fourteen degrees above zero,"

"Yeah, well you go outside like that and freeze your little wee-wee off and tell me it doesn't feel like a hundred below," Jim cracked.

"Little wee-wee? I'll let you feel this little wee-wee in your ass," Zac shot back.

"Now we're talking," Jim said moving close enough to kiss Zac. Zac had just put his arms around Jim when he heard a knock at his door. Zac opened the door slightly to see Chris's face.

"Are you guys decent?" he asked. "I haven't taken a shower yet."

"Ummmm, all we have on is our chaps, but we can cover up," Zac answered. "Sorry, we didn't think about you wanting a shower before bed."

"I can wait until morning, I guess. What time would be good?" Chris wondered.

"I'm thinking around seven but if you want, I can knock on your door when the shower is free," Zac offered.

"That would be great. And Zac, judging by your jeans, I doubt you have a little wee-wee," Chris laughed as he went back to his room.

"Oh man, he heard us, I didn't think we were that loud," Jim chuckled.

"He may have been standing at the door waiting to knock," Zac suggested. The two took off their chaps and went to bed.

At six, Jim slipped on his Santa shorts and hat, then headed downstairs. He started making breakfast. It wasn't even ten minutes later that Zac awoke noticing the other half of his bed was empty. He slipped on a pair of shorts, knocked on Chris's door and went to see where Jim was.

Finding Jim in the kitchen, Zac put his arms around him. "Your hands are cold!" Jim squealed.

"They wouldn't be if the warm body they were holding didn't slip away during the night," Zac said laying his head on the back of Jim's shoulder.

"When that warm body slipped away, those hands weren't touching it," Jim debated.

"But they still missed it," Zac argued.

"Get a room," Chris said when he came downstairs, his hair still wet. "And thank you for the knock. Cool shorts, Jim."

"You want them? I think this is the last year I can wear them, they're getting tight."

"Go on a diet," Zac teased.

"This is all muscle, baby," Jim stated smacking his belly.

"Sure, if you're not going to wear them anymore, I can wear them next Christmas," Chris smiled. "Do I get the hat, too?"

"Nope, my dad gave me this hat but we can get you your own hat. Tomorrow they should start reducing the price," Jim replied.

"Awesome. What can I do to help?" Chris was excited.

"Well, if you want to finish, Zac and I can go get our shower," Jim suggested.

"I can do that," Chris smiled not even realizing that Jim said shower and not showers.

Chris was setting the food on the table when Marilyn and Vince came in. "See, I told you that the boys would have everything ready before we got downstairs," Marilyn stated.

"I only see Chris," Vince claimed.

"Jim and Zac started it, I finished so they could get their showers," Chris responded.

Jim and Zac came in shortly after. Everyone ate breakfast, then grabbed all the presents and headed over to see Heather and everyone else.

Nick helped put the presents by the tree. Now that everyone was inside, Nick looked at them, "I have my own traditions, but this isn't my house, so how do you do things here?"

"What traditions do you have?" Heather asked.

"Well, as we did last night, everyone opens one present on Christmas Eve. Then once everyone has had breakfast, I hand out the presents making sure that everyone had one before anyone got another one."

"That's pretty much the way we do things, except Jon and I always let Jim pass them out," Heather explained.

"Nick is our guest, if he wants to hand them out, I don't mind," Jim stated.

"Are you sure," Nick asked.

"Go for it," Jim said. Then he whispered, "Just make sure Joe gets Mom's present before mine."

"OK then, if everyone will have a seat, I have a present for Austin, from Santa," Nick started.

"Dat's me, dat's me," Austin got excited.

"Present for Joe from Vince and Marilyn," Nick called out next.

"Awwww, that means that I didn't get anything from Zac," Joe teased.

"We fixed the name tag. What you got last night was from Zac," Marilyn explained.

"Nope, this may be same name tag, but I never saw a present that said from Zac, so he needs to go get me a new one," Joe smiled.

"Yeah, I know what I'll give you, a tickle a day starting now," Zac said moving towards Joe.

"Austin, save me," Joe yelled.

"I open presents, I busy," Austin stated. Everyone laughed.

"Looks like I have two identical presents here, one for Zac and one for Jim from Mom. I'm guessing you should open them at the same time," Nick suggested.

Austin finally got his present open. He pulled it out of the box. "I got a firetwuck," Austin stated.

Joe pulled out a Winchester. He looked to see if his name was engraved like Jim's and Zac's were. Where theirs only had their first name, Joe read "Joseph C. Bolt" and it brought a tear to his eye. "We thought about just putting Joe on it, but thought that you would like that," Marilyn said.

"Joe would have been fine, but this makes me feel special," Joe said as he got up and hugged Marilyn and Vince.

"Chris, I have a big box and it says from your brothers," Nick stated.

"That includes Zac," Jim said as he finished ripping his paper off. He and Zac opened their presents to find black western style vests.

Nick continued handing out presents. Chris couldn't believe the saddle that his brothers gave him. It was solid black with silver trim and had his name stitched with silver thread. "We figured that if you're going to work at the ranch, you might want your own saddle. Now we need to get you your own horse," Joe informed him.

"If you want to keep the saddle at the ranch, Jackson won't have a problem with it. That's where we keep ours," Zac told him.

Joe received a revolver identical to Jim and Zac's from Heather and the holster from Jim. Nick and Chris gave Zac, Jim and Joe black leather slickers for when it rains. Heather received a silver engagement ring with the main stone being a diamond and an emerald on either side. "Nick, I can't accept this yet, we haven't gone on our first date yet."

"But we both agree that we will eventually get married, so I don't see the problem," Nick debated.

"Yeah, Mom," Chris started, "You love Dad and plan to eventually marry."

Heather looked lovingly at Chris when he called her "Mom". "How can I refuse such a cute and handsome face," she said looking at Chris. He smiled.

"What about my handsome face?" Archer said.

"But your son is cute and handsome," Heather teased. Nick faked a pout then grabbed the ring and slipped it on her finger before kissing her. It was then that Nick finished handing out the presents. Chris was a little surprised when he got a present from everyone. Heather gave him a cowboy hat. It wasn't a Stetson like his dad's, but then it wasn't a cheap hat, neither. Brandt, Brenda and Austin gave him a western belt with a silver plated buckle depicting a cowboy on a bronco. And his dad gave him a few western shirts. Chris thanked everyone for making this Christmas so special.

When Nick opened his first present, it was from Heather. It was a bottle of Stetson cologne and a brown western shirt. He sniffed the bottle, "I don't normally wear cologne, but I like this smell."

"I've not met anyone who doesn't" Heather explained. "Jim wears it all the time, more so since he met Zac."

"I really like it," Jim declared.

Nick smiled and opened the rest of his presents. Jim and Joe, not really knowing what to give him, gave him a pair of boots. Zac gave him a western holster for the pistol his parents gave him. As soon as Nick opened it, he put it on and put the pistol in. Having checked to see that the pistol was unloaded still, Nick pulled it out, twirled it a few times and put it back in the holster. Everyone clapped.

Chris gave his dad a black ninja gi. Nick smiled and looked at Chris. "I know you've always been into Ninjutsu and after how you rescued Dawn and them, I thought it was fitting," Chris explained.

They had just finished opening the presents when Nick's phone rang. "Merry Christmas, this is Nick Archer, what can I do for you?" Nick answered in a cheerful voice.

"Nick, this is Dawn. When was the last time you were at your house?"

Nick's voice went serious, "Two days ago, why?"

"You may want to head there, but don't take Chris," Dawn replied.

"Dawn, what's happened?" Nick asked.

"Someone called the fire department this morning, but they think your house caught fire sometime during the night," Dawn informed him.

"How bad?" Nick now looked worried.

"Total loss, other than anything you might have in a fireproof safe. I'm sorry to tell you this."

"Was it arson? Could someone still be out there?" Nick sounded worried.

"They won't know for sure, until the fire is completely out and they can investigate, but the Fire Chief thinks it's electrical," Dawn informed him. "Besides, how likely would it be for them to know where you lived? Not like you were there very often."

"That's true, thanks for letting me know. I'll go check it out," Nick stated.

"Sorry for ruining your Christmas," Dawn apologized.

"You didn't ruin it, sure you gave bad news, but I'm with a great family, so it's still a Merry Christmas," Nick said before hanging up. "Umm, I need to get dressed and run to the house really quick."

"Dad, what happened?" Chris asked.

"Don't want to alarm you, but from what Dawn said, our house burnt down and we lost everything except what we have here. The Fire Chief thinks it was an electrical fire, so hopefully insurance will cover the loss."

"Can I go with you?" Chris asked.

"I don't think it's a good idea, but if you think you can handle seeing it," Nick started.

"I know that you already know, but Chris can continue staying at our house, and the bed is big enough that if the two of you don't mind sharing, you can," Vince offered.

"Yeah, Dad, and the bed is big enough that Shinobi can even sleep with us," Chris sounded excited.

"Well, fortunately, Chris has enough clothes here to go a week between washing them. I, on the other hand, lost most of mine from what Dawn said. Only things not replaceable were pictures of Christine and a few mementoes from things Chris and I did. Anything of value is in a fireproof safe," Nick stated.

Nick and Chris got in the car that Nick was using while waiting on the Tahoe to be repaired. They headed for 2506 Beartooth Dr. Chris was in shock when he saw their house, or what was left of it. "Dad, Dawn wasn't kidding. We lost everything. Boy am I glad that we weren't here."

"Yes and no, if we were here, we may have been able to get the fire out sooner and not lost so much, but I can't say that for sure. It's also possible that we could have slept through it and died. Important thing is, we are alive and so is Shinobi," Nick tried to stay cheerful for Chris, but Chris could tell he sounded a little down.

"I have the pics of Mom on my laptop, so they can be replaced, Dad. As for the mementoes, we know how much fun we had, that's all that matters. We have each other to remind us and don't need things," Chris tried cheering his dad up.

"You are growing up too fast," Nick said smiling at his son. Chris hugged his dad. They got out of the vehicle and approached the Fire Chief.

"Nick, this is your house?" he asked.

"It was, Paul. What can you tell me?" Nick asked.

"For starters, you had a short at the fuse box. That appears to be the point of origin. Judging by the damage done, I would estimate that the fire started around three. Not likely that anyone would have noticed until they woke up this morning," Paul stated.

"I had someone scheduled to come replace that fuse box after the first of the year. We were switching to circuit breakers. I guess I need to cancel that," Nick said with a chuckle. "At least no one was injured."

"If the two of you need a place to stay, we have two spare bedrooms," the Chief offered.

"Appreciate the offer, but we already have someplace," Nick politely turned him down.

Chris smiled. "So is this Chris, I haven't seen him since you guys moved in. Bet you have all the girls chasing you, don't you?" the Chief teased Chris. "You two should come by New Year's Eve."

"I have one who I'd like to be my girlfriend, well two actually, Mr. Sykes, but one is interested in another boy," Chris said.

"Like to be your girlfriend? Haven't you talked to her?" the Chief asked.

"We talk often, but not about dating. I get too nervous," Chris explained.

"That's normal, most people get at least a little nervous because they are afraid of rejection. I bet you that if she's talking to you, she likes you. She's probably just as nervous hoping you will ask her out."

"OK, I'll ask her the first day back at school. If she agrees to go on a date with me, I'll wash a fire truck in the spring," Chris said with a smile. He thought dating Chelsie would be worth washing a fire truck and more.

"And if she says no, I'll buy you something. What would you like?" the Chief asked.

"I would love to have my own horse, but that might be a bit much," Chris responded without a second thought.

"You're on. I have enough confidence in you that if she says no, I'll buy you a horse," the Chief said and shook Chris's hand. Then he looked at Nick, "So when are you ever going to find someone?"

"We go on our first date tomorrow," Nicked grinned. "I was assigned to protect her sons and we just connected from the beginning."

"So I take it that you won't be coming by New Year's then," the Chief sounded a little sad.

"No, we can stop by for a few, visit with you and Darla Raye. You two are still together, right?"

"We just celebrated our twentieth anniversary and for some reason that woman still loves me," the Chief joked.

"Great, we can stop by maybe for lunch," Nick suggested.

"Not much you can do here today, so go back to your Christmas. Enjoy your date tomorrow and you can start cleaning up on Saturday," the Chief advised.

On the ride back to Heather's, Nick and Chris were talking. "Dad, do you think that I disrespect Mom in any way by calling Heather Mom?" Chris asked.

"You mean does it bother me any?" Nick inquired.

"Well, that is part of it, but I don't want Mom to be upset, even if she's not living," Chris was looking down.

"I think your mom would be so proud of you. As for you calling Heather Mom, I don't think that she would mind. In fact, I think that she would be happy that you found someone to fill that void. So, tell me a little about Chelsie, do you have a picture of her?"

"Thanks, I feel better," Chris said smiling. He pulled out his phone and opened his pics app. Chris stopped, looking surprised at one pic.

"Whoa, what was that pic?" Nick said as he was glancing every now and then. He pulled over to the side of the street.

"I'm sorry, Dad. I didn't know it was there. Wallace must have taken a picture, the last time he…" Chris started crying.

"Shhhh, shhhh, shhhh, you have nothing to be sorry about. I want to take your phone to the Sheriff's Department, so they can copy that pic. Then it can be deleted off your phone. Any other pics on there that they should know about?"

"I don't know, I took a few selfies, but nothing I'm worried about others seeing, and I have a pic of Chelsie and Kensi. If you want to look, I don't mind," He was crying in his dad's arm and just held his phone up.

Nick found selfies of Chris at the ranch. Some were with him and Jim. Nick saw a pic of Gold. Other than the one pic of Wallace raping his son, nothing stood out as something to worry about. He did see the two girls but wasn't sure which was Chelsie.

"They both are attractive. What do their moms look like?" Nick asked.

"Are you planning to cheat on Heather already?" Chris looked upset.

"No, but you have a general idea of what they will look like when they get older if you look at their moms," Nick advised.

"OH, well Kensi's mom looks just like her, only older. Kensi is the one who likes Colt," Chris started.

"Which one is she?" Nick asked.

"The one with the dark brown hair. Chelsie and I talk at lunch every day. She's the one with brown hair, not quite as dark as Kensi's. She looks nothing like her mom or dad. I think that she was adopted, but I don't know."

Nick started driving and headed for the Sheriff's office. He handed the phone to the deputy at the desk and told him about the pic of Wallace. The deputy informed them that they would be copying all the pictures over and asked if there were anything that they would rather them not see. "No, I looked through the phone. Other than that one pic, nothing looks private or personal. And unless that bastard is an idiot, you show him that photo, he'll plead guilty." Nick advised.

Finished at the Sheriff Department, Nick and Chris headed to Heather's.

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.

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