Five
Clint
It was almost eleven. I was still sitting on my front porch, nursing a glass of whiskey. I didn’t want to be out here, but I needed to clear my head after the drama earlier with Dad and Ms. Gladys.
As soon as Gladys left the house, my father grabbed a drink and shot it back in one gulp. I knew what his issue was, but I would not interfere. They were adults and could handle their own mess. My mom died over four years ago, and I know my dad was alone in that big house. Well, not really. He had all the ranch hands to help with the horses and maintain the extensive property. Sammy went to see him at least every other day. Even me and the guys, and Gladys, visited him at his place every week.
Hearing the door open, I continued facing the front. Sammy was sound asleep, and Brandon would have made a lot more noise, so I wouldn’t think he was sneaking up behind me. In our line of business, that was kind of a big deal. That left only one other person.
“Hey, Clint. I couldn’t sleep. Thought I’d come out here and get some fresh air.”
Glancing in her direction, I almost smirked. She probably thought she looked like a schoolmarm with her baggy pajama bottoms, fluffy slippers, and long-sleeved nightshirt. To me, she looked like a woman who needed protection. An innocent compared to my stained soul. Yeah, this wasn’t a good idea. I shouldn’t want her so much, but my need for her increased whenever she was in my presence.
She stood near the door, waiting for me to say something. So I did.
“No one’s stopping you. It’s a free country.” Wow, yup, I was an asshole.
“Listen, I’m not sure why you’re so damn grumpy. I didn’t expect to be here either. Ebony and Steven thought this was the best place for me. If you don’t want me here, maybe they need to make other arrangements. I’m not trying to stay anywhere I’m not wanted.”
She was right. My attraction to her was my problem, not hers. There was no reason for me to be such as ass. I scrubbed a hand down my face. Sniping at her for thirty days was not how I wanted to live. I wanted something I couldn’t have, but that didn’t mean I had to treat her this way.
“Ignore me. It’s just been a long day. For you as well, I imagine. Have a seat.” I motioned toward the seat next to me. “I promise not to bite,” unless she wanted me to. Then all bets were off.
“Thanks.”
The silence was our companion for a while. I didn’t know how to open the conversation. This wasn’t a problem I had in the past. I did not really need words in with my late wife. But this was different. I turned slightly so I could look at her without twisting my neck. “So, Tamara, what’s your story?” Figured I’d start with the basics. If something happened and I needed to step in to protect, I’d better know what I was dealing with.
She sighed before glancing at me. Her hands were pressed, trapped between her knees. “You’ve read my file. You know the complete story.”
Maybe. I think some things were missing, but I wanted her to share on her own terms. “I read what’s on record and what you shared with Ebony and Steven. I want to hear your story from your own mouth.”
“Do the details really matter? He was a shit husband. He blamed me for his failings as a husband and as a man. Then he became violent. Maybe he thought I’d take his abuse since he’d spent so many years tearing me apart and making me feel like less than a woman. Especially when he was cheating on me with every woman who opened her legs for him.”
“I’m sorry.” I needed to say something. That was a heavy load she was sharing. There was nothing I could do but let her know I was here for her.
She waved her hand to dismiss my words. “Thank you, but no need. Actually, let me take that back. I accept your sorry because many others haven’t said that. Of course, Ebony, Cole, and Steven volunteered to string him up by his balls, use razor blades on his sensitive parts, and then pour alcohol and saltwater over him.”
Laughter burst out. “Yup, that sounds like the crew.” The smile that came over her face at my words made me want to get closer to her, but I stayed where I was. Barely.
“When they first mentioned it, I thought they were joking. You know, just saying stuff to make me feel better. Then I realized they were dead serious. Like, for real.”
“Yeah, they don’t usually joke around about those types of things, especially the guys from Overwatch. My understanding is that one of the owner’s wives is a domestic abuse survivor, so they take that kind of thing personally.”
She placed one foot on the seat of the chair, wrapping her arms around her leg. “Overwatch? Is that who you work for? Are they the ones who arranged this?”
“No,” I responded, taking another sip of my drink. “Well, they have before, but this situation, your situation, wasn’t an Overwatch mission. They know about it. If I need them, they’ll be here. This is strictly Lady Guardians business. They’re connected to Overwatch as well since two of our guys are married to members.”
She nodded. “Cole’s one of them, right?”
“Yeah. That he is.” We lapsed into silence for a few more minutes.
“Is there a reason you didn’t shake my hand earlier today?”
She asked that zinger just as I was taking another sip, and that harsh liquid went down the wrong way. A fit of coughing took over as I tried to clear the liquor from my passageway. She leaned over to pat my back, but her soft hands only made the situation worse.
“I’m fine. Thanks. I’m okay.”
“You sure?” Her eyes were very expressive. Right now, I could tell she thought I was full of shit.