Page 64 of Minus

“Sorry, Minus. I didn’t recognize the car, and wasn’t expecting you,” he said, out of breath.

“Jesus, Duke. What’s with the display of firepower?”

“We’ve got guys growing pot on our land. I’ve been finding plants in the heavily wooded areas for a while now.”

“Since when?”

“I guess it’s been around five months. It must be harvest time, because I’ve seen more people around lately. I chase ’em off whenever I do, but it ain’t helpin’. Every time I find a plant, I pull it up, but I can’t keep up with ‘em. Strange cars and trucks have been pullin’ up day and night.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Minus asked.

“Because it’s my goddamned ranch and I’ll chase those punks off myself. Plus, I didn’t want to bother you. I know you’ve got plenty of club business in town to tend to.”

“Bullshit. You, Pearl, and the ranch come first. You call me next time you have a problem. In the meantime, I’m gonna make sure this little unsanctioned grow operation is taken care of, and that you’re compensated for your trouble by these assholes.”

Duke nodded at Minus, then smiled wide at me. “Well, ain’t you the prettiest little thing! Sorry if I gave you a fright.”

“That’s okay,” I said extending my hand. “Hi, I’m Cricket.”

“Oh, we know all about you ’round here,” Duke said grinning at Minus.

“Is that so?” I asked.

“Golden boy here moped all around the ranch for six months when he first got here on account’a you.” He leaned close to me. “There’s only one kinda sick that can make a man act like that.Woman sick,” he said dramatically.

“Woman sick, huh?” I asked.

Minus grinned sheepishly. “Alright, I think that’s about enough of that,” he said.

“Yes, ma’am, and Minus here had it bad,” he continued, ignoring Minus. “All we heard about was Cricket this and Cricket that, that is when he wasn’t bitching about how much of a prick Cutter is.” He turned to Minus. “How is Cutter, by the way?”

“Yeah, about that,” Minus said sternly.

“My sweet Lord look at your knee,” Duke said, ignoring Minus.

“It’s nothing. Just a scrape. I’ll be okay,” I said, trying my best not to think about the bits of gravel that I’d have to pick out of my stinging flesh.

“We’d better get you inside so we can have Pearl take a look at that. She’ll get you patched up proper. I’ll tell you, Pearly’s gonna read me the riot act for this one.”

“I can keep a secret if you can,” I said, as we walked up the front steps.

“I can, but not from Pearl. The woman’s got a gift for sniffing out my bullshit from a mile away,” he said, smiling.

An elderly woman with rosy cheeks, and perfectly styled hair met us at the front door as soon as we reached it. She wore a beautifully tailored lemon-yellow dress, and her ensemble was complete with high heels and a string of pearls.

“I heard gunshots. Is everything okay?” she asked.

“Everything’s fine, I thought it was those damned squatters come for their wacky tobacky, but it’s worse.”

“Minus! What a surprise, it’s so nice to see you,” she sang out in delight before hugging him. “And who is this stunning young woman you’ve brought with you?”

“Pearl, I’d like to introduce you to Miss Cricket Wallace.”

Before I could react, I found myself in Pearl’s arms. Shesmelled like a freshly baked apple pie, and her hug was as warm and sweet as one.

“I’m so glad y’all are here,” she said before finally breaking the embrace, taking a step back to face me. “You are even more beautiful than Minus described you.”

Before I could react to that bit of information, Pearl squeaked, “Oh, my! You’re bleeding, dear.”

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