Crazy Butte

10

"You're ATF. Was Asher?"

"Yes. So was Vic. Carl is FBI."

"Is George really dead or did he just disappear? What about Danny and the governor?"

"Danny and George are really dead and the governor is really as evil as he says."

"What did Asher mean when he said that he was right?"

"Our first night together, he told me that he couldn't see you and him married. He couldn't see any future with you and any kids. What he saw was you and I with kids and he was holding Heaven and was watching us from above. He loved you more than anything in this world. He wanted to protect you, love you, make you his. He was getting out of the force at the first of the year."

"What is your mission or objective?"

"I can't tell you other than currently its guns missing from different police department evidence lock-ups. The office has George's laptop. They are close to busting it open. I don't know what's next."

I was overwhelmed. I need a drink! But all I have is beer and Coca-Cola, no Jack. "I will go with you to talk to these guys."

"No!"

"Yes! Either with or without you. I'm going! They shot him as we were leaving to get married! I will have my say!"

"Shorty, please understand that I need to protect you from the evil that these guys are capable of spewing. I've lost Asher, I can't lose you too. Please! Let me keep you safe!"

"Then how can I deal with all this anger in my heart? All this sadness? I'm suffocating! My heart hurts so bad, Griff!"

Griffin opened his arms and I ran into them. And cried my heart out. Griff cried with me. We curled up on the sofa. Neither of us talking for a while. "I'll stay away from the jail. I'll stay away from the men who shot Asher. Understand this though, I only do this for you. I trust you to get justice for Asher."

"Thank you shorty! I love you! It will make it easier to get justice, knowing that you were not trying to get in the way or into trouble. I know that you mean well. You want to avenge his death. And we will, but you facing them in jail, is not the way to do it. And if something was to happen to you too? It would kill me! Then Vic and mom will lose three of the five kids that they love with all their hearts."

"I understand. I just wish that it didn't hurt so much!"

"What can I do to make you feel better?"

"You're doing it. I just need to be held. What about you? How can I help you?"

"You're doing it."

"I love you Griffin."

"I love you too shorty!" Someone knocked on the door. "I'll answer it." He got up and checked the window. "Tara, go to the kitchen. Its my boss." I did as I was told. Griff opened the door. "Come in..... Can Tara hear what you have to say?"

"Actually I need to talk to her. I have questions for her." I heard a deep voice, just not as deep as Griffin's or Asher's.

I stepped out from the kitchen with a beer for Griff and a coke for me. "Would you like something to drink?" I asked the men who were currently standing in my living room.

"No thank you Ms. Wilks. We need to ask you some questions."

"Alright. Please have a seat. What can I help you with?" I sat on the sofa next to Griffin.

"The police statement said that they came about nine-twenty and found you leaning over Asher Tucker on the ground and you were covered in blood. Does that sound right?"