“Bit?” Sawyer asked.
Nodding, I said, “Short for Elisabeth. Anyway, we stopped to eat and we ran into them. I was having a word with Sp–Kristie,” I corrected again, “when we heard Bit having an issue with a man. I was gonna just separate them, but…” I looked over to Falcon for some interference.
Falcon leaned his elbows on his knees. “He and a few guys with him were wearing colors for a rival club. One we thought was disbanded. They’re bad news.”
“And Sp–Kristiesaid they’d seen him before. Because of what they’re mixed up in, we couldn’t leave the women or let them go home. Not until we do some recon on these guys.”
Sawyer nodded slowly. “Were you followed?”
Falcon answered, “No. We hightailed it out of there while the place was in chaos. We’ll take them with us after we’ve done our job for you, but appreciate you letting them wait here.”
“They’ll be safe here,” Sawyer said. “Now, the delivery needs to get to its final destination by the end of week. That’s why I need your help. My guys won’t be here in time. So, we’ll head out the day after tomorrow if that’s okay with you.”
“So we’re delivering cows?” Falcon asked.
Sawyer grinned. “I’m what you’d call a genetic supplier. In other words, I raise seed bulls. Sure, I have some beef cattle for local markets, but the real money is in bull jizz. Of course, technically we’re hauling semen straws… frozen bull jizz.”
“So we’re helping you haul cow spluge?” Squatch chuckled.
“Bulls. Champion bulls.” Sawyer said.
“Can I ask why you need help hauling them?” Falcon questioned.
Sawyer went on to explain how expensive this bull jizz was and that there’s plenty of competition. “Like with any other business, there’s friendly competition and not-so-friendly competition. I’ve had smaller shipments hijacked and this delivery is for a major account. If it doesn’t get there? I’m fucked. That’s where you come in.”
“Any idea what to look out for?” Falcon asked.
Sawyer said, “The other hits were smash and grabs. Fucking bikers, busted up my rigs, stole or trashed what was inside, rendering it useless.” He held up a hand. “No offense. I was told you guys are solid.”
Falcon smiled. “None taken. But are you expecting the need for force then, or you just need an escort?”
“Hopefully, just an escort. But I can’t promise no violence,” Sawyer asked.
“No problem,” Falcon said.
“Let’s talk payment. Money is tight. All tied up with the ranch right now, but I can offer some beef next time you’re up this way.”
“The deal is with Petrov, but I’m happy to take some steaks off your hands. We head to Jersey fairly often,” Falcon said.
Sawyer stood. “Sounds like we’re set. Let me show you to the bunks.”
After a short walk to a side house with bunks and a small kitchen, Sawyer invited us to anything in the fridge, but told us to head to the main house in the morning for breakfast and said he’d go over the final plan and details afterwards.
“Excuse me, Sawyer,” I said as I followed him out of the bunk house. It was dark out but there were lights scattered around the ranch, illuminating the grounds. He stopped and turned, so I continued, “Can I go check on the ladies?”
Sawyer nodded. “Angie probably has them set up in the guest room. I’ll walk you up.” We were getting closer to the front porch when he asked, “These women. They yours?”
“Ours?”
“Spoken for?” he asked.
“Who you asking about?”
“The one you called Bit.”
“I don’t believe so, but you should ask her. I honestly haven’t seen them in a while.”
“Good to know. And just so we’re clear, I’m not a fucking creep. Just don’t wanna step on toes.”
