Page 57 of In It for the Long Ride

“Federal –” Patrick started to announce himself.

I wasn’t feeling that merciful, I’d pulled my pistol before the elevator sounded. The minute my son’s eyes registeredacknowledgment of that gun, I raised it. He stood, but I anticipated as much and caught him in the forehead despite his attempts to avoid me.

Patrick jumped aside when the gun sounded and Easy pulled his pistol and aimed it at him.

“No,” I growled, shoving his weapon down.

I left the three men to grapple over what had just happened and started toward the desk. Damien fled. He shot out the side door onto the roof, leaving Joplin to stare.

“You’re a big man aren’t you, Montana?” Joplin charged, throwing her hair over her shoulder.

She rounded the desk and for a moment, I thought she might attack me.

“You’re safe,” I put my hands up, aiming the gun at the ceiling. “You’re safe. You’re fine. We’re going home now.”

“Fuck you. Fuck you. I ain’t going home. You just stole my home. Crystal sent you, didn't she?” She trembled with rage and her eyes glossed with tears. “Tell my sister to never look for me again.”

She turned and sprinted after Damien.

“Joplin!” Easy barked.

He and Easy both shot after her, but I saw through the window that the chopper was already lifting.

How the fuck was Easy going to explain that?

I knew Patrick was watching me. I could feel his eyes on me. I set the gun on Demetri’s desk and lifted my arms, locking my fingers behind my head.

“Do it,” I consented, knowing I’d left him no choice.

I’d signed my own life away, but at least Daisy would be safe. Blaze would be fine. Damien was not the cruel snake his brother was. He might put some hit out on me from within the prison, but he wouldn’t prey on the women. He’d been an advocate for Isabella, I inwardly reminded myself.

He grabbed my wrist and maneuvered my arm away from my head. “I appreciate that. I know it’s hard for someone of your belief system to protect a cop. If it weren’t for you, I’d be dead right now. He was a quick draw.”

I blinked and stepped away.

He shrugged and smiled.

“Are you… alright? I know it's been a while since you were discharged. You probably haven’t had to do that in a while.”

“Y-yeah,” I agreed.

The elevator dinged and the room flooded with agents.

“This man saved my life.” Patrick repeated, and stuck to his tale, through every report and the grand jury that followed.

He gave me a third chance at life, and that was something I’d never forget.

For now, I couldn’t wait to get home to my ol’ lady. That was really something the way she’d dressed up when Trista came home. I couldn’t wait to see what she’d wear for me…

THE END

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