Fly Before You Fall

Getting a Ride

"Jeez, man, this is nuts." Topper spoke as they studied the damage done on the Cameron property.

Ashton squinted his eyes at the electricity pole that had all but fallen over and was now just leaning against the guest house.

"Agatha's a bitch." Rafe spoke shaking his head at the damage.

Ashton chuckled knowing Rafe was more concerned about losing his 'party spot'.

"Damn right, she is." Kelce agreed.

"I mean, I just... I can't get it out of my head." Topper spoke as he put his hand on his temple looking like he was reliving everything. "It's just on repeat. 'Your move, broski.'" He spoke.

"Bro, he had a semiautomatic pointed at your head."

Ashton recalled the words shaking his head. He knew they were dangerous people out on the cut but he hadn't been expecting an actual gun to be involved.

"Someone could have really gotten killed." Kelce spoke.

"That's what I'm saying. It's insane." Topper agreed.

"Safety off." Kelce spoke. "I can't believe Aimee used to hang around those thugs."

Ashton turned to look at Kelce.

"They stopped being friends years ago." He spoke, his tone somewhat defensively.

He knew how hard it had been for Amelia to transition from Pogue to Kook. How long it had taken people to accept her.

He wasn't going to let anyone associate her with the psycho who had pulled a gun on Topper.

Even though Ashton couldn't get the image of Amelia begging that same guy to help. The way she had looked at him to save her...

"Yeah it makes sense now." Kelce spoke.

"That Pogue. They're freaking Pogues, man." Rafe spoke. He looked at Topper. "You know you should get a piece."

Topper looked taken off guard.

Ashton was too. Were they seriously considering getting armed?

"What do you mean?" Topper asked.

"You gotta fight fire with fire and defend the homestead." Rafe spoke patting his arm. "Right?"

"Yeah." Topper agreed not even seeming to think much of it.

"Better than being caught without one." Rafe spoke. He turned to look at Ashton. "You know what I'm talking about, right? Diego knew the game."

Ashton hesitated when he heard his brother's name mentioned. It was rarely ever said in his house, hearing it was like hearing a ghost's name.

"Yeah." He muttered absent mindedly.

"Listen, guys." Topper spoke. "I'm gonna get him back, all right? I'm making it a little project of mine."

"Yeah, you should." Kelce spoke looking proud.

"Count me in." Ashton spoke without really thinking about it.

But the minute Rafe turned to him with a grin he knew he had said the right thing to impress the older boy.

He patted his shoulder.

"That's what I'm talking about. Solidarity will keep our side of the island safe."

"Yeah and I'm sure those damn Pogues will have no problem targeting Aimee - gotta keep our own safe." Kelce spoke.

Ashton nodded. "Definitely."

He had to keep that menace away from his girlfriend.

"Where is Aimee anyway?" Rafe asked. "I thought she was doing that sleepover sh*t with Sarah."