Page 28 of Alistair

“Let’s talk to Mama Irene and Claudette. I’m sure they can figure something out. I know that she was able to find a compromise for Claudette and Tony.”

“How does that work?” frowned Clark. “I mean, Claudette is young. Only fourteen or so.”

“Technically, she’s almost two hundred years old,” said Doc. “She has more knowledge about this land and this place than almost anyone. Her mind grew, but her body stayed as it was. But imagine being deprived of love because you died before your time. Now, that doesn’t seem fair.”

“I agree,” nodded Clark. “I’m all for them getting married with us if that’s what they want.” Riley laughed, Doc shaking his head.

“Clark, you’re already one of us, but that just proved it. You are definitely a Belle Fleur girl.”

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Instead of flying into West Virginia, the men rented a large SUV, bought some camping gear, and drove. Halfway there, they received a call that another team was following them. Dan, Rett, East, and Leif thought ten would be better than six.

“Damn glad to have you,” smiled Alistair, shaking their hands at a gas station. “Let’s grab some coffee and supplies.”

The station was definitely a stop for anyone hiking the Appalachian trails or planning to camp in one of the nearby campgrounds. Everything you needed was available. Plus, there was hot food served from a small lunch counter. Sandwiches, soup, even full meals of chicken and potatoes, roast beef, green beans, meatloaf, and more.

“Who’s watching our doctor in D.C.?” asked Rett.

“We turned his name over to the DEA team. They want some revenge, so they’ll be watching every move he makes until they can get a warrant to search his office for the drugs.”

“Christian said for us to be careful up here. The folks in this area are a tight-knit group and don’t fuck around. If they think we’re here to stop something they’re doing, we might have problems,” said Alistair.

“That’s why we were nice enough to bring extra weapons,” smiled Leif. “A few surprises from G.R.I.P. and the team. Plus, Victoria has some tricks up her sleeve, but she said she’d tell us about them when we needed them. The kid likes surprises.”

“Speaking of kids,” smiled Rett. “It’s mid-fall break, and Macie is home from her master’s program. Man, that girl has grown into a beautiful woman.”

“Well, Sam and Mia are both good-looking people. I know they’re probably happy she’s home,” said Alistair. He turned in a circle, looking for something. “Where are Garr and Sor?”

“They went back inside for more snacks. They were worried that this wasn’t enough,” smirked East.

“Why is everyone so much hungrier all of a sudden? Have you noticed that? I mean, Team Big always wins at the table wars, but even they’re eating more than usual. Is it going to be a tough winter?” asked Rett.

“Who knows,” shrugged Alistair. “Maybe it’s like bears getting ready to hibernate for the winter.”

“Hey,” said Gator, nudging Alistair’s arm. “Aren’t those the girls we saw the other night?”

“I’ll be damned,” muttered Alistair. “I guess they’re going straight to the source. Let’s follow.”

Once they were all loaded in the two vehicles, they waited for the girls to fill their gas tank and leave to head up the mountain. It was raining and already starting to get dark, but they seemed to be driving as if they had a deadline. Twice, they pulled over on the side of the road for one of them to get out and pee in the woods. Once, one of them vomited.

“I wonder if they’re experiencing withdrawals,” said Sor.

“Could be. We know the opioids would make them sick as a dog. I’m just trying to keep a safe distance with no headlights. They damn sure aren’t paying attention.”

As they crested the next hill, there was a car waiting on the side of the road. The two girls pulled up behind it and stepped out into the cold, rainy night. With their black SUVs, they were hidden on the roadside, their lights out.

“Sirs? This is Victoria.”

“We know,” smiled Alistair. “What’s up, sweetie?”

“Sir, if you look in the blue case in the back, you’ll find a small silver disc. Connect it to the cigarette lighter outlet in your car, and it will act as a speaker for their conversation. It can pick up conversations as far off as a half a mile.”

“Kid, you’re something else,” smirked Rett. Connecting the disc, they held it toward the vehicles in front of them.

“You said you’d have ten bottles for us,” said a woman.

“I said I’d have ten bottles if you had ten grand. You’ve only got six grand. You get six bottles. See,” he smirked, “that’s basic math.”

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