Crazy Butte

11

After we get home I get drinks for everyone. The guys all go into the spare room and bring up the video. They spend about two hours analyzing every frame. They counted the same truck passing my house twenty-one times before the fatal trip. That made it premeditated. After a few more views, they came out of the bedroom.

"Shorty, we also saw governor coming around today. So don't be surprised if he stops by. I'll handle him." I nodded. "Tank and Rock are going to add more cameras. We need some on the ends of the house. They are also going to be spending a few nights with us."

"Ok. I guess that means no sex. After all you and Ash say that I'm loud." I whispered to him. He laughed and pulled me to him.

"I'll keep you quiet." He whispered in my ear.

"Griff! You'll want to see this." Tank said from the window.

We looked out of the window and saw the owner of Duluth Cattle had pulled up in my driveway. I pushed my way outside. "What do you want? To see where your boys killed my man in cold blood? Well it happened right where you're standing. That's where Asher lay bleeding to death in my arms."

"I just came to tell you that I'm sorry for what happened. I would never condone anyone killing someone else. I had respect for Slasher. He helped me out when I was having trouble with a cop."

"Well I have proof that your boys thought differently. They harassed me at the bar and then stalked my house until we walked outside to shoot Asher four times. All we wanted to do yesterday was get married! Now we must bury him instead!"

"I fired those two Saturday. They stole the truck. I had been looking for them. I didn't find them in time. I'm so sorry for your loss. Slasher will be missed by many."

I felt Griff at my back. "Thank you Mr. Warren."

He nodded and left. Soon after, we were sitting at the table when we heard several bikes coming down the road. Griff looked out and swore. He dialed his dad's number. "Hey, we are about to have company. The governor is coming up the road." He hung up. The guys armed themselves and waited to see what was about to happen. The bikes went around the block, then came to a stop out front. "Shorty, where's Ash's gun? I might need it." I went to get both of Ash's guns and made sure they were loaded. I brought them back to Griff. We watched as the governor got off his bike and talked to his twenty men. Griffin made sure he was fully loaded with all four guns, then went to the door. "Shorty, if you see any guns come out, go to your bathroom with your phone and lock the door."

I went and kissed him. I didn't care who saw me. I love Griffin. "You be careful, love! Or answer to me!" He returned the kiss. Then opened the door. I went to the window.
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Griffin's pov**

I could be walking to my death, but after seeing my brother shot up like that, I want revenge.....or death. Didn't matter which. But I knew that was the wrong way to think. I must think of mom, dad, and Lana. Most importantly, Tara. She would have lost everyone she loved the most. I can't do that to her! So I have to play this out right. I have to survive and give her the life she deserves.

I walk out to greet the governor. "Afternoon Griffin. We came to pay our respects for your brother. We brought stuff to lay on the spot. Would that be alright with lady Slasher?"

Wow! We shook hands. "I think that would be fine with her. As you would expect, she's very tore up. They were supposed to marry when it happened. Slasher was right here when he was shot."

I pointed to the spot where there was still a slight red tint on the concrete walkway. "I need to clean it better. The cops left the blood there. Give me a minute." I turned to Tank. "Can you ask Tara for some bleach?" He went to do as I asked. He came back a moment later with it and a broom. He and Rock cleaned it up better. "Thanks guys. I'm sure that Tara would hate to see that everyday." We heard dad and a few others coming down the road as some of the governor's men started laying items that reminded them of Slasher, on the ground.