Page 11 of Faking it with the Green Beret

I’LL BE THERE – The Jackson Five

After a second dayof trying to find a short-term rental that allowed big dogs and had a decent-sized yard, John picked up dinner and headed out to see Boss. He didn’t want to drag this out or take advantage of Elizabeth’s generosity—and definitely not give her reason to change her mind about giving up Boss. He didn’t think she would, but they’d only spent a few minutes talking, mainly about Boss. Normally, he’d try turning up the charm with someone who looked like Elizabeth, except she hadn’t sent any signal that she was interested.

He hadn’t figured out if she was merely reserved or if the guarded look in her stunning blue eyes had to do with him reclaiming Boss. As attractive as she was, she came off as the no-nonsense type, from the cut of her simple, chin-length blond hair, her minimal make-up—not that she needed it—and her casual clothes. She drove a newer model, mid-sized sedan. Flower baskets hung along the porch of her modest, farm-style ranch. The property was surrounded by several acres of woods. Nothing pretentious about any of that. It was the kind of place he’d love to have for him and Boss.

A gray sedan pulled up on his tail as soon as the gate opened. He’d thought it odd that Elizabeth had a security gate living on a rural road. Now, his internal alarm triggered. He pulled through far enough to let the gate close, preventing the sedan from following him. Though the male driver honked, John didn’t budge.

Dude, you have to get buzzed in on your own.

He kept an eye on the vehicle as he parked in front of Elizabeth’s house, about thirty yards past the gate. He didn’t see the driver buzzed in, nor did the car back away.

Boss scrambled down the steps. Elizabeth trailed, wearing tan pants and a blue blouse.

“You expecting someone else?” He pointed to the gray sedan behind the gate.

“No.”

A scrawny, dark-haired male got out of the car.

Elizabeth’s eyes widened. “What do you want?” she called to the visitor.

“I need to talk to Ariana.” Wearing ripped jeans and a baggy T-shirt, he looked rough. His words slurred as he shook the gate. “I saw her drive in there.”

“She doesn’t want to see you.” Elizabeth’s tone had gone drill sergeant serious. “Leave now, or I’ll call the police.”

Police? The security gate and this punk showing up pinged a danger signal to John’s brain. He positioned his body between Elizabeth and the man at the gate.

“I’m not leaving until I talk to Ariana.” He eyed the decorative white posts lining the front of the property, telegraphing his intentions a split second before he climbed the fence.

Immediately, John was on him, blocking his way. The guy’s eyes were shiny and rimmed with red.

“Ariana!” the man called past John.

“Stay inside,” Elizabeth yelled over Boss’s barking. She sounded nearer now.

The intruder slurred out more words. “I love you, baby. It won’t happen again.”

John kept his gaze trained on the guy’s eyes and empty hands as he continued shouting to this Ariana woman, wherever she was.

“This is private property.” Elizabeth held Boss’s collar as he continued to bark. “If you don’t leave, I’ll release the dog and call the police.”

“You heard the lady. It’d be best if you go.” John went into full enforcer mode.

“This is none of your business.” The guy came at him.

John planted his feet and leaned forward in anticipation. Though the kid struck John’s chest with both hands, John didn’t budge.

The impaired visitor didn’t fare as well. He stumbled backward a few steps, barely staying upright.

“I’ll give you that one, but if you touch me again or pull a weapon, I will put you on the ground, break your arm, and toss you over that fence. How’s that going to look? Leave now and call after you sober up. If she wants to see you, you can have a conversation like two civilized adults.”

The guy’s right hand slowly reached toward his back pocket.

“I hope you’re reaching for a phone because I’m a Green Beret. I’ve taken out way worse assholes than you,” John warned, planning his defensive maneuver if the kid pulled a weapon.

The guy backed away, still unsteady on his feet. “You’ve made a big mistake.” He waved a finger and scowled as if he could intimidate John.

John advanced in case the kid thought he could dart around him.

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