Page 23 of Quiet Chaos

I go inside the house before my mind drifts into Sky territory and envision him touching her.

Work has increased. Orders are piling up, and some barrels are ready for production. Like all bourbons, each one has its own unique grain mixture. Briggs Bourbon has a long-standing relationship with local farmers for the best grains: corn, rye, wheat, and barley. All bourbons contain at least 51% corn, but the other 49% mixture makes each one unique. I use 60% corn, 10% rye, 25% wheat, and 5% malted barley. It evens out the sweetness, while adding a nutty undertone to it. We have ten, five, and two-year aged bourbon in charred barrels. Our bourbon is pure, undiluted, when bottled.

Armstrong runs around the back of the distillery all day, and when he gets tired, he winds up sleeping in my office. I’m behind in paperwork. With a lit cigarette burning between my fingers, I grab the next sheet from the pile and the name Seth Sterlingis on the order. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard or seen the name. It only evokes frustration and anger. Since I was a child, I learned from Christine and Charlie that they adopted me. It wasn’t until after my mom died when Charlie revealed my father’s name, Seth Sterling.

Hal walks into the office. I lean back, take a drag of my cigarette, and hand him the sheet. “Do you remember who took this order?”

He examines the sheet before giving it back. “I did. It was weird. The guy came here, wanting to see the distillery, which I told him was off-limits, and then he put in a huge order.”

I blow out the smoke to the side, tugging on the hairs of my goatee, wondering why he came here.

“Is something wrong, Cade?”

He jerks me back to the present. “No. Not at all, Hal. I appreciate all you’ve been doing.”

“No problem.” He addresses me before he goes. “You’re a good man, Cade. You took over this company at such a young age and it has prospered since. No disrespect to Charlie. Just figured I’d tell you and that your mama would have been so proud.”

I smile downward and thank him.

I’ll need to find out what Seth is up to. He’s the president of the Devil’s Warriors, a one percent club, and I want nothing to do with them. At nineteen-years old, I came across him and his warriors. I knew of him, but there wasn’t any sign he knew me. I’m guessing that’s changed. Something to take care of on my own. I stub out the cigarette and slide the order into my top drawer.

When I arrive home, there’s a motorcycle in my driveway. Gunner’s. I’m not in the mood to deal with whatever they’re starting. It’s been a week since Gunner came over to ask her if he can spend time with her, and he’s been by almost every day.They’re sitting close on the deck, whispering, his hand stroking her arm. I’d like to chop his fucking hand off.

Armstrong barrels past me, searching for Sky. I open the sliding door to let him out. I smell something good, so I move toward the range. There’s a pot of chili, shredded cheese on the counter, and a small salad. I assume she ate without me. Figures. After our fight a couple of weeks ago, our communication has dwindled.

I bring the food over to a chair, my back to them, so I can enjoy in peace. The chili is perfect, capturing the right amount of heat. Sky did well. I hear their whispers and laughter. Right when I look over my shoulder, Gunner moves in for a kiss. My hand tightens around the spoon, jaw clenches, and I close my eyes, willing the sight away. There’s silence, which I assume means they’re at it. I take the bowl of chili and move into the living room.

The door slides open, and Armstrong comes by me.

Sky says, “It was nice of you to stop by Gunner.”

Shit! They’re walking this way.

“My pleasure.”

Approaching the living room, they say hello. I wave over my shoulder, and she opens the door for him.

“Are you working Friday? I’d like to take you out to dinner.”

I can picture her sweet smile when she says, “No, it’s my day off. Dinner would be nice.”

My head turns enough to see them out of the corner of my eye. He leans down, kisses her on the lips, and says, “I’ll pick you up at seven.” His hand cups the side of her face, and he kisses her again.

Get the hell out of here, Dick!

He shouts a good night to me, and I grumble the same. Sky cleans up the kitchen and goes to her room.

11

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

Sky - October 2019

It’s been so nice to work again. Every day, I have a sense of belonging and purpose. My boss, Chester, is a good man. After the second day, he said I no longer needed to train. I caught on fast. The restaurant has its regular morning and afternoon crowds. The customers in the morning are mostly elderly and talkative. I appreciate their interest in chatting, but I make sure everyone is served and happy before I visit one of them.

I’ve learned about Garden City and its occupants from the clientele. Mr. Henry has lived here his whole life. He has a habit of holding onto my wrist while he talks about his morning, preventing me from taking other orders. If I mention pie, he releases it so I can go over the list. Of course, they’re always the same pies, but it must bring him comfort.

Ms. Lila reminds me of Ms. Adeline, who has been in my thoughts. When I contacted Ms. Babs about this job, she caught me up on everything. Ms. Adeline passed about a month after I left. A young couple bought her house and renovated it. I asked her if she’s heard from Olivia. Unfortunately, she hadn’t seen her in months, and the last time she did, Olivia was still with Matt.

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