Breakfast went rather quickly after that. Sam had two pancakes while I topped out at three. Garret was just coming out when I was flipping his off the grill. Sam helped me in the kitchen, doing the dishes and cleaning while Garret blabbed about nothing in particular. When we were all done, I told Garret to get a pair of jeans on and to get ready to go as I walked Sam out to his car. “So what do you have planned today.” He said slipping an arm around my back and resting it along my waist. I followed his moves and did the same to him as we walked onto the elevator. The doors shut and we continued to hold each other, as if we where a couple who just couldn’t seem to get enough of one another. “I’m taking him to see the kids.” “You haven’t seen them lately, and its been a long time for him. I’m sure he’ll love it.” The doors dinged and we walked out, this time hands to our selves and a slight space between us. Sam’s Beemer sat next to my civic and he beeped the alarm off when we made it to the car. He leaned up against it, legs crossed at the ankles and arms crossed over the chest. He looked at me and smiled slightly. “You’ll miss him when’s he’s gone won’t you?” “You know me to well.” I returned the smile and leaned up against my car. “Its nice having family around.” I could tell he wanted to say more, but I left it in his hands. He finally looked up, no emotion showing, but for some reason I could tell he was hurting. He wanted the special bond that me and Garret had, and that he evidently lacked. My heart went out to him, but I didn’t let him know. The last thing I needed him thinking was that I pitied him. Instead I got up and walked over to him, wrapping my arms around his strong body and giving him one of the best hugs I could ever give. He returned it and relaxed in my arms. We held each other for a while, neither one saying anything, just finding comfort in each others arms. “You know that you have me, Sam. I would do anything for you, all you have to do is ask.” I finally said. “I know Mill. I know.” And with that he gave me a sweet, innocent kiss on the cheek and then turned and got into the Beemer, starting it up and pulling out with out even looking at me. My head told me he was fine, but my heart told me he wasn’t. I watched him pull out of the garage and disappear before I noticed the odd colored car sitting across the parking lot. I hadn’t noticed it before and just looking at it told me someone was in there. The hairs on my arms and the back of my neck prickled as I turned and walked back to the elevators. Something didn’t feel right, I thought. But then, maybe I was just shook up about Sam. I got back into the elevator and put my mind on the day that I had planned with my younger brother.
“Come on Sis, tell me where we are going.” Garret pleased as I popped in my Metallica cd. “It’s a surprise.” I pulled out onto the little country road and continued our way out of town. I started head banging to Fuel as Garret continued to try and get it out of me. If the boy had any patience he could wait 10 more minutes and know what I had planned. I chose to ignore him and finally he gave up and turned his mind to looking out the window. We arrived at a dirt road and we turned off of it and soon a huge stable came into view. I could see Garret in the corner of my eye, sitting up straight and tapping his fingers on his knee. I pulled up and parked in the designated visitors parking spot and got out. Garret looked confused, but he had a slight hope on his face. I smiled and walked over to the pasture where I knew they would be. “Do you remember the secret whistle?” I finally said. Garrets eyes got huge. “Do I ever!” It took him a bit before he was able to calm down enough to whistle. The whistle consisted of high and low notes that sounded a lot like a bird call with a hint of fairy to it.
We sat a few seconds after he was done before we heard the whinny in the distance. Soon two horses came into view running all out. One stood 16 hands and had all the elegance in the world. The black and white markings he had gave him an almost eerie presence and the white blaze that covered most of his head was almost skeletal-like, eluding him to the dark side. But his appearance on the outside didn’t compare to the love and compassion he held for me on the inside. The other, a stout Palomino, held her self as if she was the princess of the world. Nosed raised and tail held high. She had attitude, but always seemed to love Garret more than me. They soon got halfway to us and Goliath stopped and reared before taking off after Sable again. Goliath beat Sable to us and was soon whinnying like crazy. I gave him a good rub down before I attempted to pet Sable. She shied away and moved closer to Garret. He gave her the attention she wanted and I could tell that he was enjoying him self greatly. “I thought you got rid of these two.” He said as I handed him a halter that was hanging on the fence. “Well, I started leasing them out after I started the business because I didn’t have enough time for them and I felt bad that they where just sitting out here. Goliath needed to be in the ring to be happy so I lease them to a local girl who shows and keeps them both fat an sassy.” Garret got Sable haltered and in the barn before I could even attempt to get Goliath. He was prancing so much that I couldn’t get up high enough to slip the halter around his head. Finally with a lot of soft talking and stretching I managed to get it on him and he immediately relaxed. We tied them up and brushed them out. “So you comfortable riding bareback or do you wanna borrow a saddle?” I asked. I had been riding bareback most of my life and I felt it was more comfortable to do with out the extra 40 lbs of leather and such. He thought it over a bit before answering. “I’ll ride bareback.” We finished up and Garret was able to jump on Sable’s 15.2 back with it looking so easy. He turned towards me and smiled. “Its always fun to see Goliath work.” I tapped Goliaths back shoulder and told him to park out and he slowly inched the front of his body forward until he was the right level. I swung up onto his back and clicked and he very carefully returned to normal position. Sable started prancing but Goliath stood perfectly still, only a slight muscle twitch. We warmed them up in the front arena before we started down the path that led to the beach. When we got to the end I pulled back and stopped Goliath. “Wanna race?” I asked Garret who was bouncing up and down as Sable fought against the bit that was holding her back. Goliath remained still, waiting for his next command. Garret winked and kicked Sable into a full out canter. Goliaths skin jumped but he waited until I moved him forward before springing into life and quickly catching up with Sable. We rode all day, feeling the wind on our faces and the slight taste of salt in the air. It had been a long time since I had been as happy as I was spending the rest of the day with my younger brother.
“So where do you work now?” I asked over my kung fu plate at the oriental diner down from my apartment. It was rather shabby looking on the outside, not well kept and the shingles were falling off. But once you got in you where hit with lots of color and low lighting that managed to have a claming effect on you. I always liked coming here after a day of hard work because the atmosphere really helped change my bad moods. “I work at a little diner on the beachfront. I’m the lunch short order cook.” “How’s that coming for you?” I said taking a bite out of my egg roll. “Good I suppose. We cater to the older generation and the old ladies get fresh every know and then but other than that its not to shabby.” I almost started choking at the old lady part. “Define getting fresh…?” I said quixotically. I was holding back a really big smile.
“Yeah they kind’ve grab my a**. It happens ever day and if not once, more than once. It‘s kind‘ve like my grandma feeling me up.” He poked at his food and I couldn’t help it. I burst out laughing and a smile finally formed on his face. “You serious?” I finally managed to get out in between bursts of laughter. “Yeah, there grabby little ladies. I mean I’m all for it if its someone my age, but when its someone who could be your grandmother, it just kind’ve isn’t right. They are suppose to pinch your cheek. The ones on your face that is.” He puffed his up and I went back to laughing. After that we talked about nonsense and found out he wants to join a band or be a roadie to one. When we were done we headed back to the car and drove the short distance to the house. It was getting kind’ve late, the stars were poking out and the moon was making an appearance. I parked the car and didn’t notice the sleek black Bronco a couple of spaces down that would have told me Sam was here. I searched the parking lot and found the colored car in a different spot and I felt the same presence. Someone was looking out at my and I didn’t like it. Garret came running up to me and swished my hair before running away. “Tag your it.” He said as he jogged to the elevator. I rolled my eyes and continued to walk. We made it to the elevator and Mrs. Beastly was playing elevator caddy. She is a 90 year old women who I presume is falling off her rocker, but she was always here when I needed a smile on my face. “Third floor.” I told her. “Women’s hand bags and lingerie.” She pushed the button and we started moving. The doors opened and I left first looking back over my shoulder as Mrs. Beastly grabbed Garret’s butt and voiced a slight growl. Garrets eyebrows went up and I suppressed a smile until the doors closed behind him. “See what I tell you. Its like I have “I like old ladies to grab my a**” written all over me!” We continued to laugh as I opened the door and noticed the crumpled body laying on my couch. I caught the blonde hair in the moonlight and realized it was Cora. Garret did too and he took a seat at her feet and I, where her head was. “What’s up?” I asked her trying to figure out why she was on the couch when her and Ian had been sharing the bed lately. “Where’s Ian?” I said before I could stop myself. “In his bedroom.” she said dryly. I didn’t push it so I continued to sit in silence. Cora felt like a drink and Garret did to so I listened to them make drinking plans and then declined. “I think I am going to go to bed. Goodnight guys.” I stood up. I was suddenly in the mood to talk to Sam, remembering the way he looked before he last left and it got me wanting to know more. I had never know anything about him and the slight little bit I knew today had me wanting more. “I think I’ll call Sam.” I said to no one in particular. As they finished talking I picked up the phone and hit speed dial number one on my phone. I listened to it ring and realized that it didn’t sound right. I took the phone away from my ear and sure enough, it was ringing in my room. He forgot his phone I thought as I hung up and opened the door. To my surprise he was laying on my bed, my dogs head laying on his lap as he softly stroked it. “Miss me already?” He said with a smug smile on his face. I started laughing and shut the door. “What makes you think I was calling to see you?” I said as seriously as I could without showing that I actually had wanted him to come over. We had been spending almost every night together, innocently falling asleep in each others arms and I was getting use to it. Something I probably shouldn’t have gotten so a custom to but it was hard. He shrugged and looked down at Magiver continuing to pet him as the dog slept on. “So what’s up?” I asked as I took a set next to Sam on the bed. I greeted Magiver with a pat on the head that made him open his eyes and give a huge sigh before returning back to slumber. “I came over to help you get ready for take down on Mark Gilman. Where suiting up and meeting at Ten. Good thing you got here with 15 minutes to spare.” He said glancing and what looked to be a very expensive watch.
I groaned and I thought I saw Sam’s eyes darken but I dismissed it and walked over to my closet, sliding the doors all the way to the left reveling a rather large safe. I tumbler the dial. 13 to the left, 28 to the right, and a full circle to 11. It popped open and I grabbed my SIG P 228, my can of pepper spray, a small stun gun, and my very expensive bitch’in work boots. The cost me all of 300 dollars so locking them up seemed like the thing to do. I grabbed my work pants, black army pants, and my all black tee shirt finished the outfit off. I picked the clothes up and walked to the bathroom. I changed quickly, seeing how Sam didn’t give me much time to prepare. I was out of the bathroom in less that a minute, throwing my hair up and grabbing the leg holster, strapping it to my leg. Sam was already wearing the appropriate wear and gave Magiver one last scratch before getting up and stretching. I put my takedown paraphernalia through out my pants, making them easy access if needed in a jam. Last but not least, I checked to make sure my gun was in safety mode and strapped it to my leg. “You always seem to impress babe. But your forgetting one thing.” I looked down and noticed I was, but I couldn’t quite figure it out. My eyebrows came together and I heard Sam chuckle. “Hey lay off its been a while since I was invited along.” I continued to stare down at my equipment and I heard Sam coughing, causing me to raise my head and look. A pair of hand cuffs dangled from his hand. So some reason the mere though of him holding them made the room jump 20 degrees and my skin turned red. I new it was a bad thing to do but It was too late to stop it. I was hoping I could get away with him not noticing but the corners of his mouth twisted higher and his eyes darkened. I swallowed hard and reached for them. A slight tremble to my hand. ‘Get a hold of your self’ I willed my hand to stop shaking and it complied. I guess I just realized that I wanted Sam. And I wanted him bad. And I guess I did love him, or some part of me did, because the way I was acting right now put me with the other girls that always fell at Sam’s feet. I tried to reach for them and Sam pulled them away. “Got something you want to tell me?” His smile still creeping farther, if it was even humanly possible. “Not particularly.” “Liar.” I gave a huge sigh and gave up trying to reach for them. I was beat. Sam now new that a part of me wanted him, and there was no reason to try and hide it anymore. Stupid me, I was suppose to be able to hide my fears, and my emotions, but when it came to this man, I guess it was the one thing I couldn’t do. And it scared the hell out of me knowing that he knew. I was afraid that I could push him away again, and I didn’t want that happening. “If it helps, I already knew.” He said throwing the cuffs on the bed in front of me. I hesitated a bit, trying to think of how he could have known, then picking the cuffs up, I placed them in the small of my back. I took another deep breath and continued not to look at him. Ok, so I was also embarrassed. Its not everyday that you get a little worked up over your best friend holding a pair for cuffs. And its not like I am even into that kind’ve stuff, let alone with the one man that I love and am scared of at the same time. Finally, my mood swung and I went into bitch mode.
“How did you know?” I asked determined to find out. I thought I had held my emotions to my self pretty good. He kept looking at me, his eyes never leaving mine. Finally he sighed and looked down at his feet. “Remember that one night we went out with Ian and Cora and you had a little to much to drink?” I racked my brain, but all I could remember was that I had a scabbed over eyebrow and even the origins of how I acquired it where questionable. “Ok, well, that night I was playing doctor you kind’ve told me…” He stopped mid sentence but continued to look down. I wasn’t use to the shy nervous side of Sam, so obviously it was hard for him to say. I crossed my arms over my chest and waited for him to finally say what he wanted. “Well?” I said after it took him to long to spit it out. “You kind’ve told me you had the hots for me.” He kept looking at his feet, making little circles with the one that didn’t hold his body weight. “Oh.” I said, the memory of that night flooding back. So that was why he was pushing harder, making me let my emotions slip. I kind’ve felt angry for a few seconds but then a though crossed my mind. Maybe he was pushing to see if it meant anything or not. He wasn’t just messing around because he knew I’d like it. At least I was hoping that was the scenario. I sighed and finally he looked me in the eyes. We sat, just looking, showing all the emotions we currently felt. Sadness, and love crossed Sam’s and I am sure the same thing crossed mine. Both not knowing what the other was thinking, both knowing that whatever it was didn’t matter. A relationship would never work. The love between us could never be tested and we would never have a chance to see if it could work. Not in our line of work, and not in our lives. I opened my mouth to say something when Sam’s cell phone went off. “Yo.” a slight pause. “We’ll be down in 1.” He hung up and cleared his face. Blankness stared back at me and I was hurt by the fact that he could just switch like that. “Time to go babe.” With that he took off for the door and I almost stopped him before turning my self and following.
“You guys ok? You don’t seem right.” Jim asked not knowing what was going on between us. Sparkle was driving and Sam was riding shot gun. Jim was in the backseat with me and we were currently cruising towards the outer limits of town. Sparkle looked in the rear view mirror and winked at me. I didn’t think he knew what was going on, but the wink told me he did and it reassured me that everything would be fine. Sparkle knew how I felt about Sam and he knew how much it hurt me the first time he left. The first time I got to close. Well, I guess he had talked to Sam and convinced him that I didn’t like him anymore and so one day, he shows back up. Sure I was mad that he left, but I was happier to have him back, even if it meant that he didn’t love me like I loved him. And Sparkle keeps telling me that he left for other reasons, but deep down, my heart tells me he left cause I was getting to close. So I left our relationship be, just merely friends. I was happy with that. I could handle being friends with him, as long as I had him in my life. So I dated other guys, tried to tell my self that I didn’t love him, but I always did. I felt an elbow go into my side and it brought me out of my stupor. “Yeah we’re fine. I guess I’m just tired that’s all. I had a long day with the bro.” “Oh.” Jim said before giving me a smile that said, I-don’t-believe-you-but-I’ll- leave-it-at-that-and-we’ll-talk-later look. We had another 20 minutes a head of us and I put my mind on the job.
We arrived at the road that would lead us to the farm. It was secluded in the trees and allowed the owners to have their peace and quite from the bustling world. I had called Mitch on my way over and he said that we could bring the guy in since they had no idea where the place was.
We parked the Bronco at the end of the driveway and piled out, being careful to shut the door with softness and make sure and talk in hushed voices. We discussed how we were going in. Sam and I in the front and Sparkle and Jim through the back. We thought we would hit the barn first and if we came up empty we would hit the house, hoping that it wouldn’t have to go that far. We crept down the road, sticking to the brush and the trees trying to stay as much out of sit as possible. After a good half mile the barn roof crept into view and we all paused and composed ourselves before Sam gave the singles. Sam and I headed for the front of the barn as Sparkle and Jim went around to the back. We crept in, slowly opening the door and quickly ducking in and shutting the door again so that the light wouldn’t set off our man. We worked our way around the farm machinery and made our way to the stairs that led to the hay loft. I gave a look at Sam and he nodded his head yes to continue on. I took in a deep breath and started up the stairs, my gun now trained in front of me. We went slowly as to not creak the boards and when I got to the top I noticed our skip laying in the hay and from the looks of it he was sleeping. I threw my head in his direction and Sam nodded. We continued to creep across the floor and we where right on top of him. I was putting my gun away and reaching for my cuffs when a loud noise sounded underneath me. The sound of metal hitting metal rung out loud and clear and a curse word followed. Mark bolted awake and looked directly at Sam and then me. I saw the gun before Sam did and I saw it as it took aim at him. In a split second I threw my whole body weight into Sam and we both went down, but not before Mark took a shot, it grazing my upper thigh slightly. As we were going down he was up and running. We hit the ground hard and lay a bit dazed at first. “He’s coming down the stairs!” Sam finally said, turning towards me. “You…” he started to say before I cut him off. “Go, I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.” Emotions flooded his face before he closed them off and got up and ran down the stairs. I lay their a bit longer, trying to get my head back on track. Then I remembered I was shot and I brought my good arm around my body and touched my thigh. I winced at the pain the soft touch created and I brought my hand up to see blood on it. After a lot of cursing and telling my self I was fine I got up and made my way down the stairs, gun back in hand. I could hear voices as the crew communicated with each other in the dark. From the sounds of it, they hadn’t got him yet and it made me heighten my senses. But it was to late, I hadn’t heard the footsteps next to me and the arm that slipped around my neck and waist. “Go a head, scream for them.” He said tightening the arm that was around my waist causing me to gasp for air. “You don’t know who your dealing with.” I chocked out. “Yeah I do. I’m dealing with a dumb broad and her three merry men. The cops could have at least sent professionals.” “Mille?” I heard Sam say in the darkness. He sounded like he was a the wrong end of the barn. Mark was slowly dragging me backwards towards the front of the barn.
“Sam!!!” I screamed catching Mark of guard. I then began to kick things over trying to tell them where I was. Mark tightened his grip on my neck and the amount of oxygen that I needed started to diminish. Black dots started to dance in my eyes and I tried to get away but his grip tightened. My brain started to stop responding to my efforts to make me kick him and I slowly began to worry. Garret’s face flashed before my eyes and I felt tears slipping down my cheeks. And then Sam’s face showed itself. Along with everyone else I held dear to me. And when I thought my life was over I felt the grip loosen and my self falling forward. I awaited the impact of the ground but I felt strong arms catch me before my fall found the dirt floor as its finally resting stop. I felt my body gasp for air as I was being carried out of the barn and being put softly on the ground. I kept my aching eyes closed and I felt a soft hand stroking my cheek. I could hear Sam cussing at someone who I presumed was Mark and I heard Sparkle talking to someone on a cell phone. That left Jim as the guy tending to me. Finally I felt like I was getting my breath back under control and my eyes didn’t hurt as much as they did. I opened them to find Jim kneeling over me, a worried look across his face. “I thought I lost you there cupcake.” He smiled and I returned it. I tried to sit up and winced at the pain in my leg. I reached for it but that made it worse so I laid back down. Jim looked down and noticed the gun shot wound for the first time. “Shit.” he said as he tore the sleeve from his long sleeved shirt, wrapping it around the wound trying to stop it from bleeding. I closed my eyes and the next thing I felt was someone’s hand on my forehead. “Babe?” I opened my eyes to see Sam now leaning over me. The emotions from before where back and I felt a tear slip over my eye as I realized that he cared so much for me. He bent down and pressed a kiss to my forehead before he winked at me and got up. “Jim, stay with her.” I heard the sirens in the distance and that finally got the attention from the people inside. I heard a women screaming and a man threatening to call the cops and Sam telling him they already did. Soon the sirens where close and I felt Jims hand slip around mine and he squeezed it to help reassure me. I closed my eyes and the next thing I new I was laying in a stretcher inside of the ambulance and Sam was the one holding onto my hand. He was starring at the wall, totally oblivious to me being awake. I squeezed his hand and he finally looked at me and smiled. “You had me worried a bit.” He said returning the squeeze. “You can’t get rid of me that easily.” He smiled and we rode the rest of the way to the hospital in peace. I didn’t have to stay long once I got there. They stitched my leg up and told me the bruising around my neck and waist would go away with time. I was relieved. Sam took me home and we managed to beat Cora and Garret so I didn’t have to answer any questions. I dressed for bed and snuggled in when Sam returned with a glass of water, that I had requested. “Do you need anything else babe?” He looked tired and a lot older then what he really was. I patted the bed next to me and he sat down and I wrapped my arms around him again gathering him in a big hug. “Thank you.” I said. I felt him tense and I new why. “For what?” I knew he felt bad for today. He always did even when there was nothing he could do about it. “For being the best friend I could ever have.” He relaxed and the last thing I remember was scooting over and letting him in yet again. I fell asleep as we innocently held each other both getting comfort from each others touch.
So you like it??? lol its LONG JOHN!!! Whew is it long. but oh well. It should be, I had it long enough :P YAY for e-mail working. WOOT!!! Oh guess what, tomorrow I am going to the worlds largest rollarcoaster park. SWEETNESS!!!
When we were all done, I told Garret to get a pair of jeans on and to get ready to go as I walked Sam out to his car.
“So what do you have planned today.” He said slipping an arm around my back and resting it along my waist. I followed his moves and did the same to him as we walked onto the elevator. The doors shut and we continued to hold each other, as if we where a couple who just couldn’t seem to get enough of one another.
“I’m taking him to see the kids.”
“You haven’t seen them lately, and its been a long time for him. I’m sure he’ll love it.” The doors dinged and we walked out, this time hands to our selves and a slight space between us.
Sam’s Beemer sat next to my civic and he beeped the alarm off when we made it to the car. He leaned up against it, legs crossed at the ankles and arms crossed over the chest. He looked at me and smiled slightly.
“You’ll miss him when’s he’s gone won’t you?”
“You know me to well.” I returned the smile and leaned up against my car.
“Its nice having family around.” I could tell he wanted to say more, but I left it in his hands. He finally looked up, no emotion showing, but for some reason I could tell he was hurting. He wanted the special bond that me and Garret had, and that he evidently lacked. My heart went out to him, but I didn’t let him know. The last thing I needed him thinking was that I pitied him.
Instead I got up and walked over to him, wrapping my arms around his strong body and giving him one of the best hugs I could ever give. He returned it and relaxed in my arms. We held each other for a while, neither one saying anything, just finding comfort in each others arms.
“You know that you have me, Sam. I would do anything for you, all you have to do is ask.” I finally said.
“I know Mill. I know.” And with that he gave me a sweet, innocent kiss on the cheek and then turned and got into the Beemer, starting it up and pulling out with out even looking at me. My head told me he was fine, but my heart told me he wasn’t. I watched him pull out of the garage and disappear before I noticed the odd colored car sitting across the parking lot. I hadn’t noticed it before and just looking at it told me someone was in there. The hairs on my arms and the back of my neck prickled as I turned and walked back to the elevators. Something didn’t feel right, I thought. But then, maybe I was just shook up about Sam. I got back into the elevator and put my mind on the day that I had planned with my younger brother.
“Come on Sis, tell me where we are going.” Garret pleased as I popped in my Metallica cd.
“It’s a surprise.” I pulled out onto the little country road and continued our way out of town. I started head banging to Fuel as Garret continued to try and get it out of me. If the boy had any patience he could wait 10 more minutes and know what I had planned. I chose to ignore him and finally he gave up and turned his mind to looking out the window. We arrived at a dirt road and we turned off of it and soon a huge stable came into view. I could see Garret in the corner of my eye, sitting up straight and tapping his fingers on his knee.
I pulled up and parked in the designated visitors parking spot and got out. Garret looked confused, but he had a slight hope on his face. I smiled and walked over to the pasture where I knew they would be.
“Do you remember the secret whistle?” I finally said. Garrets eyes got huge.
“Do I ever!” It took him a bit before he was able to calm down enough to whistle. The whistle consisted of high and low notes that sounded a lot like a bird call with a hint of fairy to it.
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The other, a stout Palomino, held her self as if she was the princess of the world. Nosed raised and tail held high. She had attitude, but always seemed to love Garret more than me. They soon got halfway to us and Goliath stopped and reared before taking off after Sable again.
Goliath beat Sable to us and was soon whinnying like crazy. I gave him a good rub down before I attempted to pet Sable. She shied away and moved closer to Garret. He gave her the attention she wanted and I could tell that he was enjoying him self greatly.
“I thought you got rid of these two.” He said as I handed him a halter that was hanging on the fence.
“Well, I started leasing them out after I started the business because I didn’t have enough time for them and I felt bad that they where just sitting out here. Goliath needed to be in the ring to be happy so I lease them to a local girl who shows and keeps them both fat an sassy.”
Garret got Sable haltered and in the barn before I could even attempt to get Goliath. He was prancing so much that I couldn’t get up high enough to slip the halter around his head. Finally with a lot of soft talking and stretching I managed to get it on him and he immediately relaxed.
We tied them up and brushed them out.
“So you comfortable riding bareback or do you wanna borrow a saddle?” I asked. I had been riding bareback most of my life and I felt it was more comfortable to do with out the extra 40 lbs of leather and such.
He thought it over a bit before answering. “I’ll ride bareback.” We finished up and Garret was able to jump on Sable’s 15.2 back with it looking so easy.
He turned towards me and smiled. “Its always fun to see Goliath work.”
I tapped Goliaths back shoulder and told him to park out and he slowly inched the front of his body forward until he was the right level. I swung up onto his back and clicked and he very carefully returned to normal position. Sable started prancing but Goliath stood perfectly still, only a slight muscle twitch.
We warmed them up in the front arena before we started down the path that led to the beach. When we got to the end I pulled back and stopped Goliath.
“Wanna race?” I asked Garret who was bouncing up and down as Sable fought against the bit that was holding her back. Goliath remained still, waiting for his next command.
Garret winked and kicked Sable into a full out canter. Goliaths skin jumped but he waited until I moved him forward before springing into life and quickly catching up with Sable. We rode all day, feeling the wind on our faces and the slight taste of salt in the air. It had been a long time since I had been as happy as I was spending the rest of the day with my younger brother.
“So where do you work now?” I asked over my kung fu plate at the oriental diner down from my apartment. It was rather shabby looking on the outside, not well kept and the shingles were falling off. But once you got in you where hit with lots of color and low lighting that managed to have a claming effect on you. I always liked coming here after a day of hard work because the atmosphere really helped change my bad moods.
“I work at a little diner on the beachfront. I’m the lunch short order cook.”
“How’s that coming for you?” I said taking a bite out of my egg roll.
“Good I suppose. We cater to the older generation and the old ladies get fresh every know and then but other than that its not to shabby.”
I almost started choking at the old lady part. “Define getting fresh…?” I said quixotically. I was holding back a really big smile.
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“You serious?” I finally managed to get out in between bursts of laughter.
“Yeah, there grabby little ladies. I mean I’m all for it if its someone my age, but when its someone who could be your grandmother, it just kind’ve isn’t right. They are suppose to pinch your cheek. The ones on your face that is.” He puffed his up and I went back to laughing. After that we talked about nonsense and found out he wants to join a band or be a roadie to one. When we were done we headed back to the car and drove the short distance to the house. It was getting kind’ve late, the stars were poking out and the moon was making an appearance.
I parked the car and didn’t notice the sleek black Bronco a couple of spaces down that would have told me Sam was here. I searched the parking lot and found the colored car in a different spot and I felt the same presence. Someone was looking out at my and I didn’t like it. Garret came running up to me and swished my hair before running away. “Tag your it.” He said as he jogged to the elevator. I rolled my eyes and continued to walk. We made it to the elevator and Mrs. Beastly was playing elevator caddy. She is a 90 year old women who I presume is falling off her rocker, but she was always here when I needed a smile on my face.
“Third floor.” I told her.
“Women’s hand bags and lingerie.” She pushed the button and we started moving. The doors opened and I left first looking back over my shoulder as Mrs. Beastly grabbed Garret’s butt and voiced a slight growl. Garrets eyebrows went up and I suppressed a smile until the doors closed behind him.
“See what I tell you. Its like I have “I like old ladies to grab my a**” written all over me!” We continued to laugh as I opened the door and noticed the crumpled body laying on my couch. I caught the blonde hair in the moonlight and realized it was Cora. Garret did too and he took a seat at her feet and I, where her head was.
“What’s up?” I asked her trying to figure out why she was on the couch when her and Ian had been sharing the bed lately. “Where’s Ian?” I said before I could stop myself.
“In his bedroom.” she said dryly. I didn’t push it so I continued to sit in silence. Cora felt like a drink and Garret did to so I listened to them make drinking plans and then declined.
“I think I am going to go to bed. Goodnight guys.” I stood up. I was suddenly in the mood to talk to Sam, remembering the way he looked before he last left and it got me wanting to know more. I had never know anything about him and the slight little bit I knew today had me wanting more. “I think I’ll call Sam.” I said to no one in particular.
As they finished talking I picked up the phone and hit speed dial number one on my phone. I listened to it ring and realized that it didn’t sound right. I took the phone away from my ear and sure enough, it was ringing in my room.
He forgot his phone I thought as I hung up and opened the door. To my surprise he was laying on my bed, my dogs head laying on his lap as he softly stroked it.
“Miss me already?” He said with a smug smile on his face. I started laughing and shut the door.
“What makes you think I was calling to see you?” I said as seriously as I could without showing that I actually had wanted him to come over. We had been spending almost every night together, innocently falling asleep in each others arms and I was getting use to it. Something I probably shouldn’t have gotten so a custom to but it was hard.
He shrugged and looked down at Magiver continuing to pet him as the dog slept on.
“So what’s up?” I asked as I took a set next to Sam on the bed. I greeted Magiver with a pat on the head that made him open his eyes and give a huge sigh before returning back to slumber.
“I came over to help you get ready for take down on Mark Gilman. Where suiting up and meeting at Ten. Good thing you got here with 15 minutes to spare.” He said glancing and what looked to be a very expensive watch.
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I grabbed my work pants, black army pants, and my all black tee shirt finished the outfit off. I picked the clothes up and walked to the bathroom. I changed quickly, seeing how Sam didn’t give me much time to prepare. I was out of the bathroom in less that a minute, throwing my hair up and grabbing the leg holster, strapping it to my leg. Sam was already wearing the appropriate wear and gave Magiver one last scratch before getting up and stretching. I put my takedown paraphernalia through out my pants, making them easy access if needed in a jam. Last but not least, I checked to make sure my gun was in safety mode and strapped it to my leg.
“You always seem to impress babe. But your forgetting one thing.”
I looked down and noticed I was, but I couldn’t quite figure it out. My eyebrows came together and I heard Sam chuckle.
“Hey lay off its been a while since I was invited along.”
I continued to stare down at my equipment and I heard Sam coughing, causing me to raise my head and look. A pair of hand cuffs dangled from his hand. So some reason the mere though of him holding them made the room jump 20 degrees and my skin turned red. I new it was a bad thing to do but It was too late to stop it. I was hoping I could get away with him not noticing but the corners of his mouth twisted higher and his eyes darkened. I swallowed hard and reached for them. A slight tremble to my hand. ‘Get a hold of your self’ I willed my hand to stop shaking and it complied. I guess I just realized that I wanted Sam. And I wanted him bad. And I guess I did love him, or some part of me did, because the way I was acting right now put me with the other girls that always fell at Sam’s feet. I tried to reach for them and Sam pulled them away.
“Got something you want to tell me?” His smile still creeping farther, if it was even humanly possible.
“Not particularly.”
“Liar.”
I gave a huge sigh and gave up trying to reach for them. I was beat. Sam now new that a part of me wanted him, and there was no reason to try and hide it anymore. Stupid me, I was suppose to be able to hide my fears, and my emotions, but when it came to this man, I guess it was the one thing I couldn’t do. And it scared the hell out of me knowing that he knew. I was afraid that I could push him away again, and I didn’t want that happening.
“If it helps, I already knew.” He said throwing the cuffs on the bed in front of me. I hesitated a bit, trying to think of how he could have known, then picking the cuffs up, I placed them in the small of my back.
I took another deep breath and continued not to look at him. Ok, so I was also embarrassed. Its not everyday that you get a little worked up over your best friend holding a pair for cuffs. And its not like I am even into that kind’ve stuff, let alone with the one man that I love and am scared of at the same time. Finally, my mood swung and I went into bitch mode.
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He kept looking at me, his eyes never leaving mine. Finally he sighed and looked down at his feet.
“Remember that one night we went out with Ian and Cora and you had a little to much to drink?”
I racked my brain, but all I could remember was that I had a scabbed over eyebrow and even the origins of how I acquired it where questionable.
“Ok, well, that night I was playing doctor you kind’ve told me…” He stopped mid sentence but continued to look down. I wasn’t use to the shy nervous side of Sam, so obviously it was hard for him to say.
I crossed my arms over my chest and waited for him to finally say what he wanted.
“Well?” I said after it took him to long to spit it out.
“You kind’ve told me you had the hots for me.” He kept looking at his feet, making little circles with the one that didn’t hold his body weight.
“Oh.” I said, the memory of that night flooding back. So that was why he was pushing harder, making me let my emotions slip. I kind’ve felt angry for a few seconds but then a though crossed my mind. Maybe he was pushing to see if it meant anything or not. He wasn’t just messing around because he knew I’d like it. At least I was hoping that was the scenario. I sighed and finally he looked me in the eyes. We sat, just looking, showing all the emotions we currently felt. Sadness, and love crossed Sam’s and I am sure the same thing crossed mine. Both not knowing what the other was thinking, both knowing that whatever it was didn’t matter. A relationship would never work. The love between us could never be tested and we would never have a chance to see if it could work. Not in our line of work, and not in our lives.
I opened my mouth to say something when Sam’s cell phone went off.
“Yo.” a slight pause. “We’ll be down in 1.”
He hung up and cleared his face. Blankness stared back at me and I was hurt by the fact that he could just switch like that.
“Time to go babe.” With that he took off for the door and I almost stopped him before turning my self and following.
“You guys ok? You don’t seem right.” Jim asked not knowing what was going on between us. Sparkle was driving and Sam was riding shot gun. Jim was in the backseat with me and we were currently cruising towards the outer limits of town. Sparkle looked in the rear view mirror and winked at me. I didn’t think he knew what was going on, but the wink told me he did and it reassured me that everything would be fine. Sparkle knew how I felt about Sam and he knew how much it hurt me the first time he left. The first time I got to close. Well, I guess he had talked to Sam and convinced him that I didn’t like him anymore and so one day, he shows back up. Sure I was mad that he left, but I was happier to have him back, even if it meant that he didn’t love me like I loved him. And Sparkle keeps telling me that he left for other reasons, but deep down, my heart tells me he left cause I was getting to close.
So I left our relationship be, just merely friends. I was happy with that. I could handle being friends with him, as long as I had him in my life. So I dated other guys, tried to tell my self that I didn’t love him, but I always did.
I felt an elbow go into my side and it brought me out of my stupor.
“Yeah we’re fine. I guess I’m just tired that’s all. I had a long day with the bro.”
“Oh.” Jim said before giving me a smile that said, I-don’t-believe-you-but-I’ll- leave-it-at-that-and-we’ll-talk-later look.
We had another 20 minutes a head of us and I put my mind on the job.
We arrived at the road that would lead us to the farm. It was secluded in the trees and allowed the owners to have their peace and quite from the bustling world. I had called Mitch on my way over and he said that we could bring the guy in since they had no idea where the place was.
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We crept down the road, sticking to the brush and the trees trying to stay as much out of sit as possible. After a good half mile the barn roof crept into view and we all paused and composed ourselves before Sam gave the singles. Sam and I headed for the front of the barn as Sparkle and Jim went around to the back. We crept in, slowly opening the door and quickly ducking in and shutting the door again so that the light wouldn’t set off our man. We worked our way around the farm machinery and made our way to the stairs that led to the hay loft. I gave a look at Sam and he nodded his head yes to continue on. I took in a deep breath and started up the stairs, my gun now trained in front of me. We went slowly as to not creak the boards and when I got to the top I noticed our skip laying in the hay and from the looks of it he was sleeping. I threw my head in his direction and Sam nodded. We continued to creep across the floor and we where right on top of him. I was putting my gun away and reaching for my cuffs when a loud noise sounded underneath me. The sound of metal hitting metal rung out loud and clear and a curse word followed. Mark bolted awake and looked directly at Sam and then me. I saw the gun before Sam did and I saw it as it took aim at him. In a split second I threw my whole body weight into Sam and we both went down, but not before Mark took a shot, it grazing my upper thigh slightly. As we were going down he was up and running. We hit the ground hard and lay a bit dazed at first.
“He’s coming down the stairs!” Sam finally said, turning towards me.
“You…” he started to say before I cut him off.
“Go, I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.” Emotions flooded his face before he closed them off and got up and ran down the stairs. I lay their a bit longer, trying to get my head back on track. Then I remembered I was shot and I brought my good arm around my body and touched my thigh. I winced at the pain the soft touch created and I brought my hand up to see blood on it.
After a lot of cursing and telling my self I was fine I got up and made my way down the stairs, gun back in hand. I could hear voices as the crew communicated with each other in the dark. From the sounds of it, they hadn’t got him yet and it made me heighten my senses. But it was to late, I hadn’t heard the footsteps next to me and the arm that slipped around my neck and waist.
“Go a head, scream for them.” He said tightening the arm that was around my waist causing me to gasp for air.
“You don’t know who your dealing with.” I chocked out.
“Yeah I do. I’m dealing with a dumb broad and her three merry men. The cops could have at least sent professionals.”
“Mille?” I heard Sam say in the darkness. He sounded like he was a the wrong end of the barn. Mark was slowly dragging me backwards towards the front of the barn.
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“I thought I lost you there cupcake.” He smiled and I returned it. I tried to sit up and winced at the pain in my leg. I reached for it but that made it worse so I laid back down.
Jim looked down and noticed the gun shot wound for the first time.
“Shit.” he said as he tore the sleeve from his long sleeved shirt, wrapping it around the wound trying to stop it from bleeding.
I closed my eyes and the next thing I felt was someone’s hand on my forehead.
“Babe?” I opened my eyes to see Sam now leaning over me. The emotions from before where back and I felt a tear slip over my eye as I realized that he cared so much for me. He bent down and pressed a kiss to my forehead before he winked at me and got up.
“Jim, stay with her.” I heard the sirens in the distance and that finally got the attention from the people inside.
I heard a women screaming and a man threatening to call the cops and Sam telling him they already did. Soon the sirens where close and I felt Jims hand slip around mine and he squeezed it to help reassure me. I closed my eyes and the next thing I new I was laying in a stretcher inside of the ambulance and Sam was the one holding onto my hand. He was starring at the wall, totally oblivious to me being awake. I squeezed his hand and he finally looked at me and smiled.
“You had me worried a bit.” He said returning the squeeze.
“You can’t get rid of me that easily.” He smiled and we rode the rest of the way to the hospital in peace. I didn’t have to stay long once I got there. They stitched my leg up and told me the bruising around my neck and waist would go away with time. I was relieved.
Sam took me home and we managed to beat Cora and Garret so I didn’t have to answer any questions. I dressed for bed and snuggled in when Sam returned with a glass of water, that I had requested.
“Do you need anything else babe?” He looked tired and a lot older then what he really was. I patted the bed next to me and he sat down and I wrapped my arms around him again gathering him in a big hug.
“Thank you.” I said. I felt him tense and I new why.
“For what?” I knew he felt bad for today. He always did even when there was nothing he could do about it.
“For being the best friend I could ever have.” He relaxed and the last thing I remember was scooting over and letting him in yet again. I fell asleep as we innocently held each other both getting comfort from each others touch.
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-loves
Turtle
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Oh guess what, tomorrow I am going to the worlds largest rollarcoaster park. SWEETNESS!!!
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