A Shooters Love

Final Chapter

I stood between Murphy and 10k as we waited for Vazquez and Warren to get back from checking out the rendezvous point. "What could be taken them so long," Murphy complained, "I just hope it's not another top secret underground lab," Doc said looking through the binoculars, "That last elevator made me nauseous for a week," he said. "Well whatever is going to happen, I just want to get it over with," I voiced with 10k nodding in agreement giving my shoulder a loving squeeze,"You got that right." 

I looked towards Murphy and smiled as I placed the hat on his head, "We don't  need you getting heat stroke after we've come this far, " I said as he gave me a nervous smile. Addy put down her own binoculars as Vazquez and Warren walked back towards us, "Here we go," she said. The others began to meet them halfway but Murphy remained where he was, I grasped his hand smiling towards him, "Your not alone in this," I told him as he gave me uneasy smile and squeezed my hand before we began walking to everyone else.

"I've got to say Aly, you did a pretty good job on his disguise," Addy chuckled as we met Warren and Vazquez, "Well I figured that by now everyone know what Murphy looks like but not if he is dressed in drag," I commented as they chuckled, "Well I think that I look amazing, " he pouted snapping his fan open. Warren smiled to each of us, "Come on let's get inside," she said walking back towards the little bar as we followed her.  We were all met with the coolness of inside as we glanced around the empty bar. "So is this still a functional bar," Doc asked glancing around as a door swung open behind the bar. "Well 'cept for black summer, we've been in continuous operations since 1967," an older woman said as she smiled towards us, "We've  had a limited menu at times." We all nodded, "well don't just stand around have a seat and have some tea," she said as everyone slide into seats, "Folks call me Auntie," she said sitting down cups of steaming tea, "So where are you folks from." Doc took a sip from the tea, "All over the place," he said, "Most of us come from New York and others from New Mexico and Tennessee," he finished taking another sip. 

"Wow I didn't know people could still be from all over," she commented heading back to the bar. I picked up the mug, blowing on the steam and took a small sip. It was earthy but tea no less as as I continued to sip at it. Warren set down her mug, "Most of all over has gone totally Z," she commented. 10k scooted closer to me as I felt one of his hand rest itself on my exposed thigh. I blushed but smiled towards him, ever since we had shared that special moment together I feel like we had grown closer. Auntie began wiping glasses with a rag staring at everyone, "So what brings ya'll to California," she asked as we all kinda hesitated to answer. Warren sighed setting down her mug and opened  her mouth to speak but stopped when we all heard tired squealing to a stop outside. 

Vazquez moved towards the window glancing out as 10k removed his hand just in case we needed to move quickly.  "Bounty Hunters," he said as I saw Murphy grow even more nervous. Auntie, however, grew excited "Wow today is a busy day," she voiced as she went through the door to fetch more tea. Warren sent us all a glance, "Into position, Aly to Murphy and the rest of us to keep anyone from bothering them," Warren said as we all nodded. I gave 10k a quick kiss before sitting next to Murphy. 

He was visibly nervous as he continued to bounce his leg on the stool. "It's going to be okay," I reassured him, "For now though I need you to cover your face," he nodded pulling the cheetah print scarf over his face right as the bell rung. We all glanced at the group of five that walked in before they plopped down in a table close to the door. Auntie came walking out smiling at the group, " Can I get ya'll some tea," she asked as one of them turned towards her, "Got any of that brown liquor," he asked as she nodded, "I think I can squeeze some out of the still," she said turning to the taps behind her.

"Are you Auntie," he asked in a demanding voice as she slowly turned back around, "That would be me," she said, "Heard you're the one to talk to about The Murphy," he said as Murphys hands began to shake, I placed my hand on his. Who we assumed was the leader sent one of his men outside, "Show her," he demanded as they went to the door. We heard the door open and waited in anticipation as the guy dragged someone in with ropes around their wrists and a bag over their head. He nodded and the bag was removed to reveal the poorly painted z as even Auntie could  not believe these idiots. She played along though as she continued to let them speak, "We're here to claim our reward," he said as Auntie nodded, "Sure let me get ya'll those drinks."