Page 16 of Finding Limits

“Because it was you who taught me, when I was five years old, that a man should never hurt a woman. I’ve got through my whole life never lettin’ ya down but that bitch made my wife cry. You’re comin’ along to keep me in the good Lord’s graces.”

“Garrett, I think you got struck off His graces a long time ago.” I shake my head, clutching hold of the fuckin’ pie while he pulls out the drive.

“Mrs. Mason is very busy,” the housekeeper who opens the door informs us.

“I’m sure she is, but you run along and you tell her that Mayor Carson’s here to see her, anyway.” Garrett doesn’t wait for an invite as he steps over the threshold and I follow him, watching as he studies the foyer like he’s never been here before.

“I see she wasted no time in redecoratin’,” he says under his breath while we wait.

“Mayor Carson, what an honor.” We both turn around when the clipped, female voice comes from behind us. Bianca Mason has pointy features much like her brother. She’s dressed in a navy, pinstripe, pantsuit and heels that add a foot to her tiny frame. Her long, red hair is too vibrant to be natural and she has it pinned up tight on top of her head like it's the only thing holding up her fake-assed smile.

“I don’t think there's any need for familiarities, we’re practically neighbors.” Garrett smiles as he holds out his hand for her to shake. She takes it and I see the tension in her knuckles as she squeezes.

“Here.” He reaches over, takes the pie I’m holding out my hands, and offers it to her. “My wife insisted that I bring you somethin’ to welcome you to town.”

“How sweet.” She smiles through her tight lips as she takes it. “I hear you keep your wife busy back at the homestead, three little ones must be a lot for her to handle.” She twists her lips as if she's struggling to keep them elevated.

“And yet, she makes it look easy,” Garrett smirks. “I hope you enjoy that pie,” he gestures his eyes down at it. “Ain’t nothin’ better than locally sourced ingredients, we just so happened to have a delivery to the ranch yesterday,” he informs her in a voice so full of charm that it covers up his rage.

“I’m sure it will be delicious.” She passes it over to her housekeeper.

“Well, me and Mitch here just wanted to let you know that if ya need anythin’, you can give us a call. Folk in this town look out for each other.” He makes that last part sound like a threat as he heads for the door to see himself out.

“And did you extend that kindness to my brother and nephews?” Her question stops him in his tracks and when he turns back to face her, there’s an arrogant snarl on his lips.

“I extend my kindness to anyone who wants to help my town flourish.”

“Your town?” She lets out a tiny but very condescending laugh and I feel the tension building in Garrett.

“He’s the mayor, ain’t he?” I step in before he loses his shit. “And you're welcome here, ma’am.” I look up at the wall where there's a huge portrait of her with her husband and two teenagers that I assume are her kids. “You all are.” I make sure she sees the threat in my eyes before I lift my hat to her and then move past Garrett, opening the door for us to leave.

Garrett holds her stare for a good few seconds before he follows me out and I wait until we’re inside the truck before I speak.

“You didn’t really put any of Bucky Hall in that pie, did ya?” I check.

“What kinda sick fuck d’ya think I am?” Garrett starts the engine.

“Well, I could tell ya some stories.” My answer seems to lighten his mood and we both laugh as we pull away. Seeing the smile back on his face calms my nerves, but it does nothing to help the problem that I got back home.

“So, what do you do around here all day?” The girl finishes her bowl and then moves into the living area, slumping herself onto the couch where I woke up beside Mitch this morning. I still can’t believe that happened, but all I seem to be able to focus on is the fact I didn’t have any nightmares. I slept without my memories haunting me.

“Ummm, well, I prepare dinner for when Mitch gets home, I watch some TV, and sometimes I read.” I lift up the book I’m getting through for the third time since I’ve been here.

“You read this?” Savannah doesn't look impressed when she lifts up the worn copy of Moby Dick.

“Quite a few times, that and the Secret Garden are the only books here.”

“You know, if you need anything, all you have to do is ask. Me and the girls have been looking forward to meeting you,” she assures me.

“I appreciate that. And I don’t want you to think I’m rude but?—”

“You don’t have to explain, we all understand,” she cuts me off and I smile at her, despite not entirely believing what she says. I’m sure they would feel just as awkward around me as Josie does.

“So, you and Mitch?” I can tell she’s trying far too hard to stop herself from grinning, and I don’t know how to answer her. I don’t know what to think of what happened just now myself. I can’t remember the last time I slept without Solomon or Abraham creeping into my head and turning everything black again.

“Mitch is a very kind man.” I shrug, not wanting to talk about something so private with a stranger.

“And he’s hot as fuck,” she points out.

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