Steamy Storms

Chapter 8 (Finn)

Finn closes the zip after he packed yet another bag and sits on his bed for a while. His head is a domain of lightning's if he moves his head. He has to pass through the breakfast and living area to his truck, and that will be difficult to face his colleagues after his behavior last night. Creston Peak is not that large and this team's reputation is for sure on everybody's lips this morning. Elizabeth will probably also know by now. He can't remember all he said, but at that stage he didn't care a damn.

Finn enters the living area and all eyes turn to him.

"Somebody waiting at your truck, dude," says Graham.

Finn looks out. "What the hell is she doing here?" He let go of his bags and his fingers comb through his hair. "Shit."

"Hey, be kind, Finn," Kristof steps in. "She is the victim here."

"She is not the only victim." He doesn't want to be rude to his friend, he realized after it is verbalized.

"O yes, I forgot, I'm the other one for taking one for no reason at all."

"What? Did you punch Kristof too?" comes from different corners.

"Why man?" again Graham.

Finn glares at Brent who doesn't participate. He better not react. Finn bends to collect his bags.

"Buddy, behave, maybe you can rectify this," Kristof whispers with his hand on Finn's shoulder.

Elizabeth glides off the bonnet when she sees him. Finn tries to gather words or sentences but he is brainless. He throws his bags on the back of his pick-up and while inhaling his breath, he puts his hands in his pockets, just to make sure not to grab her in his arms. "What now?" It came out much harsher as what it was suppose to be.

"Cool it, cowboy, I come in peace."

Finn snores. "That's another way of treating a bastard." Elizabeth leans with her back against the vehicle.

"And treating a Tarzan."

Finn frowns.

"I heard you tried to hang Brent on one of your trees last night."

He shakes his head. "Shit. Who was the reporter this early in the morning?"

"Was last night, after they heard my name numerous times during Brent's conviction. I actually had two visitors."

"I'm sorry, Liz, I lost it last night."

"Can your carrier swing us away from here, to have a proper chat without the herd of baboon's checking us out?"

Finn looks back to the house and nods. "Sure. Happy to. I'm not exactly their favorite person today or maybe forever." He opens the door and waits for her to get in before he closes it softly and walks to the driver's door.

"Headache?"

He sees the smile on her face. "How did you know?"

"The mannerly way you closed the doors."

"Your visitors informed you. Where to?"

"The next corner or any place else, where we are not watched."

Finn takes the nearest street out of town and turns onto a gravel road with trees next to it. After shutting down the engine, his head leans back against the seat's head pillow. "I don't know where to start apologizing. Don't know what your informants told you? Hell, I don't even know what I said all the time. I was drunk of fury and then drowned myself into another blood group." He wishes her to speak, but her silence lets him continue. "It was not Kristof, Liz. I hit him, while he was innocent."