I’m going to beat the shit out of a man tonight.
My smile can probably be seen from Mars.
And I’m not a sick fuck. I’ve never enjoyed hurting people. I generally try to avoid it.
But this guy is practically begging for it.
He choked my girlfriend right in front of my eyes. It’s only fair that I make sure he knows exactly how that feels to experience.
I’m currently getting the rare opportunity for a phone call with my brother Sterling. He’s calling to check in on the ranch and his wife, Eden.
“She’s been good. She helps Dallas with her boys now that they’re both living in the bunkhouse. Eden is constantly dropping off baked goods here and at Holden and Rosie’s place.”
“I miss her cooking so damn much. Fuck.” His voice crackles through the secure line.
“You remember when we went to see her at that motel room?”
He doesn’t answer right away. I tap my boot on the floor, waiting.
“I do, yeah.”
“Did you tell her about what we did when she left?”
“No, but I know she suspects. I never got the chance to talk to her about it before I left.”
“She told Dallas something.”
He’s silent again. I have the phone on speaker to free up my hands as I paint the black and green camo face paint onto my skin.
“She’s a smart girl. I didn’t want to tell her about it before I left because I was worried she wouldn’t feel safe there.”
“Dallas knows. Unfortunately, I might have to repeat it.”
He sighs. “Whatever you do, make it disappear this time.”
He means the body.
“If it comes to that, I plan to. Wish you were here to help me with it.”
“As much fun as that sounds, I can’t be. Try not to scare my wife off before I can get back.”
“I won’t. She’s happy here. She and Dallas seem to have bonded.”
“Good. I have to go. I’ll be home in July, a few days before Eden is due.”
“Be safe.”
“Yeah, you too.”
He ends the call. I finish painting my face until my skin is covered in a camouflage mask. I look down at the blue dot on the phone. My name flashes on the screen above the moving target driving down the highway, headed toward Redford Ranch.
I grab the hunting rifle leaning up against the sink and load the bullets into the chamber.
I walk out to the living room when I hear deep voices. My two older brothers are there, waiting for me, dressed in dark camouflage with face paint matching mine.
“You ready?” Cash asks.
“Oh, yeah.”
