It’s been a long-ass backbreaking week. I’m exhausted and glad the weekend is finally here. Sitting on the small front porch of the barrack-like building, I’m sucking down the rest of my water. I smell like the barn since I’ve been in cleaning the pens and shit, though I could give a rat’s ass. I’m alone so that means only me, myself, and I can get a whiff of what’s rolling off of me. Eventually, I’ll go in and take a shower, just right now I’m enjoying the peace and quiet.
I’m very thankful to Tink, and I guess Noodles, for giving me not only a job here at the ranch but one that pays and gives me a place to stay. Actually, I have two places to stay. One at the Blue Sky Sanctuary when I’m working there on one or the other projects and then this place here on Tink’s property. No, it’s not a private cabin or house but since I’m the only one in this fucking enormous pole barn turned into barracks, I’m fine with it. Actually, I do have a private bedroom. There are separate rooms and areas in this building. I’ve taken one all the way in the back, where it only has one large window on the side. A bathroom is attached, which makes it very nice and convenient for me. I’ve not shared with a soul about my issues and, if I can help it, don’t plan on it. Thank God the weather is cooler as no one will thinkit’s crazy that I’m working in jeans or cargo pants. If I’m lucky, I’ll be on my way before we hit spring.
That thought has me feeling sad and I know why. When I’m not working, all I really want to do is be with Dottie. To see those honey-amber eyes, along with all of those colorful tattoos, makes my day. I’m actually grinning a lot more. We haven’t really dug down deep about anything really important in our lives, but it’s just nice to be able to hang around a beautiful woman talking about nothing in particular, though we have shared stuff. Dottie is fun to hang with ’cause she’s got a wicked as fuck sense of humor and doesn’t back down too easy either. Like me, she’s hesitant to get into her past, which I totally understand. So, we keep it simple and current, which for me is good because she fills me in on the ranch, how it works, along with who runs what. When she told me about all the businesses the Devil’s Handmaidens own in town, I was flabbergasted. These are some fucking smart-ass women. Even in my past, I never associated with the smart folks. I leaned toward the rowdy or get into trouble people. The wrong side of the tracks folks, which is totally weird as I’m typically a loner. Well, since I got out of the military I am. I don’t trust hardly anyone, which when trying to make friends it’s hard because there has to be some sort of faith in a person in your life.
Now Dottie, for some ungodly reason, I have faith and trust in her. Maybe it was the first meal we shared when I could tell she didn’t want anything from me. Well, don’t got much to give, but I’ve been approached over the years for all kinds of shit. Had an older man ask me if I’d kill his wife for a few hundred dollars and an old truck. I asked him why and he said he was sick of hearing her talk. Now this was a very rural area and I thought the opposite, that you’d want someone around. Come to find out, he had someone coming around, his wife’s sister, who he was pounding as hard and often as he could. Well, until the day hewas fuckin’ his sister-in-law and had a massive coronary. When his wife found out, she went to the mortuary to identify him, and when she saw her sister in tears rocking back and forth on a chair, she walked over to her. She leaned down and thanked her for doing what she couldn’t. Her sister looked up at her and the wife smiled, saying she was glad he died. Now, her plan was to sell the farm he worked all his life for and head back to where their family was. When I heard this story, I was confused, until my captain took the time to explain it to me. I was actually lucky to be in the command I was with my captain, major, sergeant major, and lieutenant colonel. Some of them still check in with me occasionally, and it was one of them, Midnight, who told me to reach out to Ollie, so I did.
Thinking about that brings a small smile to my face. That first day I was shocked at how Dottie came right for me, no fear in her whatsoever. I’m not a woman hater, but shit, she worries me with her lack of any anxiety, agitation, or alarm in her. Maybe it’s natural to her, or it could be something taught to her by that crazy-ass enforcer named Shadow, who has come to keep her emotions separate from what others know of her. I’ve been to Panther’s ranch and around Shadow. Took a bit, but I’ve seen her without her walls up, and damn, all I can say is that man is one brave son of a bitch. I jump when my phone starts ringing. Grabbing it out of my back pocket, I see its Avalanche.
“Hello.”
“Hey, Halo, ya busy tonight? If not, get cleaned up. I’ll pick you up on the way. We all got invited to a barbecue, so thought you might want to have a night out. Ya know, like doing something fun. No, don’t argue, just get yourself ready. Heading that way, be there shortly.”
Before I can say a word or argue my case, the big man hangs up. Well shit, I didn’t plan on going anywhere. I stand and enter the building, walking directly to my room, which is beyondclean and organized. I didn’t have much when I first hit Timber-Ghost, but between Tink, Noodles, Panther, and Avalanche, I have more shit now than I’ve ever had in my entire life. Looking through the drawers of the built-in dresser, I pull out a clean pair of boxer briefs along with a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. It has trees and the word Montana on it, so I’m thinking it’s appropriate. Lastly, I grab a pair of socks and head into the bathroom. I take a quick shower, get out, dry off, do my routine with the lotion, and then make my way to the sink to shave and brush my teeth. Looking on the long as fuck counter, I grab the largest bottle of cologne that Tink bought for me and spray it on me.Not too bad,I think to myself. Can’t remember the last time I wore any kind of cologne. Next, I brush my long as fuck hair and gather it together so I can put a band on it. Tonight, I’ll leave it down for a change. I mean, both Panther and Avalanche have hair way longer than mine.
After I get dressed and straighten up my room, throwing my dirty clothes right into the washer in the laundry room, I go into the front closet and grab the flannel-like heavy shirt I like to wear. Nights up here in Montana can get pretty chilly, especially since we’re approaching fall, from what I’ve been told. Also noticed the bikers are more in their cars and not riding their motorcycles as much. I mean, what… a week or two ago we had a freeze overnight, then the next day was like in the forties or fifties. I make my way back out to the front porch to enjoy the weather and scenery. Never seen anything so remotely beautiful as the mountains in the background. The air is so fresh it’s crisp and actually, at first, it hurt my lungs it’s so pure. That’s one of the reasons I like it here so much. Not a lot of people but tons of land.
Hearing a vehicle approach, I look up to see a huge SUV making its way toward where I’m at. Looks to be Avalanche driving and I see bodies in the back, though can’t make themout. I stand and start to walk toward the beast of a vehicle when it stops in front of me. Avalanche rolls down the window, letting me know to sit in front. I go to get in and see Dallas, Chicago, Jersey, and George in the back rows.
“Hey, any of you want to sit up here, I can take the back, no problem.”
Chicago and Jersey smile, George shakes his head, and Dallas grins before he tells me why.
“Nope, thanks though, Halo. We all agreed you should get the full experience of riding with Avalanche. All I can tell you is, make sure your seat belt is tight and hang on for dear life; we all do.”
They all start laughing so when I turn to look toward Avalanche, who has a small smirk on his face, my gut tightens. Oh great, what is he, one of those asshole drivers? The words out of his mouth next freak me the fuck out.
“No, Halo, I’m not an asshole when I drive or don’t drive. They just can’t seem to understand I hate being in a car so I might have a heavy foot, that’s all. Now get in, we got to make a stop at the bakery and the florist. Can’t go without some goodies and flowers for Taz. Come on, time’s a wasting, brother.”
Son of a bitch, the guys weren’t lying, that’s for sure. As I’m waiting for Avalanche and Dallas to get back from the bakery and Chicago with Jersey and George to come back with the flowers, I sit in the car and just try to relax. It always takes me longer to find my place inside so I don’t freak out about being in the company of others. Since my POW days, so much shit bothers me. Even the therapist I’m seeing at Ollie’s place was taken aback by all that seems to weigh me down. She’s given mesome tools to use when I’m either having an episode or freaking the fuck out. So far so good, but don’t want anything to happen when I’m with a bunch of people, especially friends of Avalanche and the guys.
Doors start opening and the guys get back in. I had asked Jersey to pick me up a bouquet of flowers to give to the woman, Taz, for letting me come with. Avalanche told me he had two bottles of Enforcer’s favorite booze for their group and for me to give to him. Quietly I thank him for being so cool, which he just waves off. As Avalanche heads back toward the ranch, it starts to dawn on me that all of Dottie’s friends live either on the ranch or close by. Well, with the exception of Panther, but from what the guys told me; they’ve been there for years before any of them even met the Devil’s Handmaidens club. When we get close to the ranch, I ask a question that’s been on my mind.
“Hey, why are there guards at the gates of the ranch? I’m just curious, that’s all.”
I hear the guys in the back before Chicago explains it to me.
“With what those women do, they’ve had problems in the past. So Tink’s dad, who is the president of the Intruders, decided to post guards. Between the two clubs, the sanctuary, and Panther’s group of folks, the ranch is under protection at all times. Think about it, Halo, they are rescuing victims from circuits of human trafficking organizations. They promise to protect the people they bring back to the ranch, either from their current threat or even a past threat.”
I nod my head as that makes sense. When Avalanche stops at the gate, I see a few guys I know like Phantom and Grey, along with a few of the bikers from the Intruders. They all wave and say hi, which I return. Once we get through the gates, instead of following the driveway straight to the ranch, Avalanche veers off to a road I never even noticed as it’s between two tree lines. It’s almost like driving through an archway of trees, as it’s darkerwith all the branches and tree covering. Avalanche keeps driving until up a head I can see some light. Suddenly all the trees on both sides are gone and we are just on a regular road. I start to see a few houses scattered here and there. All are pretty good size, though nowhere near as big as Tink and Noodles’s ranch. After a few more turns we come up to a house in the middle of nowhere. As Avalanche starts to park the car, the door opens and a bunch of kids come running down the stairs. One little boy stops in front of Avalanche, hands out, waiting.
“Teddy, you know the rules. Dinner first. Your mother will kill me if I ruin your dinner.”
“Come on, Uncle Avalanche, what she don’t know won’t kill her. Olivia and I have been waiting on you. I know you have something for us, so please just give it to us. Promise we both will eat our dinner too.”
Avalanche reaches down to where I saw him place a smaller bag. He hands it to Teddy, who looks in and starts to do a who knows what move. His arms are in the air as he’s hopping and swinging around. When he pulls out a huge as fuck brownie, I get why he was all excited. Then he hands it to the young girl, who leans over placing a small kiss on Teddy’s cheek. The young kid turns all shades of pink while reaching back into the bag, this time pulling out what looks to be maybe an apple fritter. The pure joy on both kids’ faces is priceless. The girl hugs Avalanche while the boy gives him knuckles. They both take off toward a pole barn that looks to be where some of the party is happening. I grab the flowers and bottle of bourbon, then I follow the guys toward the buildings, trying not to trip on the small pebbles and rocks on the gravel driveway. When we hit, I guess you call it the patio area, the woman with rainbow hair comes up to us, passing out hugs. As she makes her way to me, immediately she puts a closed fist in front of me, which I bump. Not sure how she knows I’m not a hugger.
“It’s written all over your face. Well, the fear is. Anyway, I’m Taz and welcome to our home. I think you met my son, Teddy, and his girlfriend, sorry nope, his fiancée Olivia. My husband is Enforcer and he’s manning the grills. This little one asleep on my chest is our daughter Mickie. Welcome, we are glad y’all could make it.”
I wait as the guys give her their gifts then I approach, holding the flowers out toward her.
“Thank you so much. I appreciate you opening your home to a stranger. This is for your husband, should I hand it off to him?”
“Yes, Halo, please do. And you’re welcome any time, don’t need an invite. Now let’s get some drinks and some hors d'oeuvres. Though I ask ya not to fill up totally on the snacks as my ol’ man almost bought out the butcher shop. Going to need some hearty appetites so I’m not eating leftovers for months.”
Taz is giggling at herself as she makes her way to what I’m guessing is the outdoor man cave. A huge dude in a vest comes out and when his eyes meet mine, I feel like I’m facing death yet again. That is until his wife walks up to him, giving him a smack in his gut.
“Don’t do it, Travis. That’s Halo, and he’s a friend of not only us but Avalanche and the guys. And if you don’t already know by now, us is the Devil’s Handmaidens. Now go apologize for being a big jerk.”
