“It must be something about this place.I know it sounds strange, but my racing brain takes a proverbial breath more, without the shit in my brain bubbling over.”
There was no way in hell Rocko was going to admit that it happened when Apollo was around.That was one step too far.
“When—” Apollo began to ask, but the crunch of gravel behind them had him stop mid-sentence.
“Well, she’s a beauty,” someone said behind them.
They turned to find Jagger and Griffin walking their way.Rocko was grateful for the interruption.His feelings of peace weren’t something he wanted to explore.Christ.He could imagine what Apollo would think if Rocko came out and said,I believe it’s you who makes me feel that way.Hell no.Absolutely not.He was already the outsider; he didn’t need to be the crazy outsider on top of that.
“Will it work for what we need?”Apollo asked.
“Yes.”Jagger nodded.
“What are you picking up from the salesman, Griffin?”Apollo asked.
“He’s jonesing for the deal.We could work him down.”
“What’s it worth?A fair price,” Apollo asked Jagger.
“I’d go no higher than $569,000.”
“Okay, let’s go make a deal.”
Thirty minutes later, Apollo’s team was the proud owners of a speedboat and on their way back to the compound.The boat would be delivered once the ice had fully cleared, which should be any day now.Griffin had refrained from further shots at Rocko’s expense, but he knew that wouldn’t last long.The guy was predictable, if anything.When they arrived back at the compound, Rocko made his excuses and headed for his trailer.He’d had enough peopling for one day.
Thankfully, someone, likely Rosaline, had stocked his trailer with all the basics necessary to get by, so if he wanted to, he could prepare his own meals.Rocko ignored the food and picked up the open bottle of whiskey to pour himself a healthy drink.He downed the first shot straight, relishing that familiar burn before refilling his glass with a mix of soda, whiskey, and ice before sitting at the kitchen table and taking a deep breath.What a fucking day.One moment, he was relaxed; the next, it felt like he was walking a tightrope.Maybe itwasbetter to return to Florida.He sighed.Tomorrow, he’d let Apollo know he was leaving, which should be a relief to everyone.
On autopilot, Rocko flipped open his laptop and switched it on.He opened his email to check on the progress of a couple of cases back home.His boss sent him regular updates, but he hadn’t had time to check them on his phone earlier.After a deep swallow of his drink, Rocko opened his inbox and found three emails from work and one surprise email from Ray back in Fire Lake.He hadn’t expected that and hesitated, finger hovering over the keyboard.
What am I afraid of?
“Get over your shit,” Rocko growled as he pressed the keyboard and opened the message.
Hey buddy,
How’s it going in New York?Has it even thawed there yet?I wanted to check in and see if you need anything.Things are moving pretty quickly back here since Stryker took possession of his family’s stolen property.With Brick’s help, he’s rented the land out to ranchers in the area until he decides what he wants to do with it.Town officials are still trying to track down relatives of the other parcels of land that Joe Berry and the veterinarian, Cross, stole.
On the other hand, I have some more personal news: you’ll need to fly back out to Fire Lake sooner rather than later.I asked Ghost to marry me, and he said yes.I’m getting married, man.Holy shit.Never thought I’d be a husband to anyone.So, plan on coming to the wedding, buddy.We don’t have a date yet.I’ll get back to you with more concrete information.
I hope everything is going well with Apollo’s crew.We’ll talk soon.
Ray
Well, shit.Rocko downed the rest of his drink and poured himself another, not bothering with the mix this time around.
“Married.”Fuck.
Rocko slumped back into his chair and stared at the screen.Emotions and thoughts ran the gamut from happiness for his friends to the ever-deepening loneliness he held closer than any person.In all his thirty-five years, this moment might be the lowest.Rocko tipped his glass back and savored the burn and warmth filling his body.
He felt it even before the knock at the door.Apollo is nearby.Rocko’s body relaxed, and his mind quieted.He stared down at his empty glass, waiting.Seconds later, there was a knock on his trailer door, and the reality hit.Apollo filled the doorway when Rocko opened it.
“What do you want?”
“Can I come in?”Apollo asked.
“It’s your trailer.”
“O-kay then.”Apollo stepped inside, his big frame filling the doorway.
