Page 114 of His Old Lady

Grandma June had already paid off the mortgage. Walker had made his wishes known that he wanted her to sell and put the money into the nursery, but there was no reason to go that route anymore. Faye lived with him. That was her home now.

"I don't know. I think it makes more sense to build the greenhouses next spring. I don't think anyone can construct them fast enough to have them up before the snow flies. That'll give me this year to help get Promise running to full capacity and extra time at home." She sat up straighter. "Before I forget, Tracy says hi."

While they talked and got caught up, Curley stayed tuned to Faye's body. Any sign of tension building within her, he'd get her out of here.

From his position, he could hear low voices in the room of other visitors talking to their chosen inmate.

Soon, there were only fifteen minutes left. As if Faye knew what he was thinking, she turned in the chair and set the phone on the table. At her sign to trade spots with her, he sat in the chair and picked up the receiver.

Right off the bat, Walker asked, "Does she know?"

"All's good there." He leaned on his elbow, changing the subject. "We're going to the courthouse and getting married next month. I want the paper, saying she's mine."

Walker nodded. "About time."

Throughout the years, Walker never broke his vow to cover Curley's crime when he had every reason to tell anyone who listened, especially Faye. He would never forget Walker's loyalty.

"Damn, brother. You're looking a little rough around the edges." Walker studied Curley's face. "I thought by now you'd be growing your hair out."

And just like that, he had his brother back.

Emotions choking him, Curley rubbed his head. He owed Walker more than he'd ever be able to repay him.

"Fuck you," he mumbled, swallowing hard.

Walker's eyes narrowed, and he held Curley's gaze before dipping his chin and chuckling quietly over the phone. "I'm not that desperate yet, but if you have a couple tits hidden away and some meat on your ass, I'd probably take you up on the offer, you son of a bitch."

Curley raised his free hand and placed it on the Plexiglass. Walker leaned closer, working around the cuffs locking his wrists together, and put his palm on the other side.

"Tarkio, for life," he whispered.

"Even after I’m dead," whispered Walker.

Curley cleared his throat. Walker sniffed, his expression hardening.

"You realize she's going to have you surrounded with plants in a year or two. The girl can make anything grow." Walker winked at Faye, who couldn't hear the conversation.

"Yeah, I suspect you're right." He shrugged. "The place could use a little sprucing up."

"Yeah, probably not a bad thing." Walker cocked his head. "Never pictured you a bar owner."

"Me, neither." He huffed. "Best damn decision I ever made at the time, but I'm happy to go back to wearing the V.P. patch full-time."

"I hear you."

"Hammer has a knack for pouring drinks. It'll be good for the club." Curley continued talking—though he couldn't remember exactly what was said.

Today's visit was a long time coming. Breaching the barrier that he'd put up so long ago was taken down for Faye's sake. For his sake. For Walker.

Walker leaned back as far as his chain would allow and looked to his left. "Time is almost up, brother. Don't be a stranger."

"I won't." He reached for Faye's hand. "Watch your back."

Walker's gaze intensified. "Always."

Curley handed the phone to Faye to say her goodbyes. When she finished, he stood, and a guard appeared at his side. Putting her in front of him, he pressed his hand against her lower back. Before he could step away from the partition, he looked back at Walker, standing with the chain dangling in front of him.

Their eyes met and locked. Understanding passed between them.

That was the last time they'd hedge the topic of what put Walker in prison, and he could let it go. Brotherhood withstood resentment and guilt. They were Tarkio to the core.

---